SIGN THE SONOMA COUNTY PLEDGE

October 31, 2023

As we head into our intent marketing time period (Nov – April), SCT is working to drive business to the destination through components that meet consumer demand and amplify awareness of the bountiful offerings found throughout the county. Interactions and opportunities offered to guests are often the “experiential merit badges” that connect with visitors and turn them into brand champions. Note the elevated “More Than a Stay” extended stay program outlined below. This is a great way to get your property “front of mind” of travelers.

When lodging properties and other entities such as wineries, breweries, distillers, attractions and restaurants partner to offer packages, the outcomes can be exponentially higher than when individual properties offer a special or experience. Research clearly shows the impact of experiences on shaping consumer perception of a destination. We’ll be offering tools for enhancing experiences in the coming months! 

Thank You, Edward Roe

We are incredibly grateful to Edward Roe, former General Manager of the Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa, for his service as Chair of the SCT Board of Directors. Edward guided the board and team through much of COVID and its recovery and into a record-breaking 2022.  

Brian Marchi, General Manager, DoubleTree by Hilton will now serve as Board Chair. We’ll provide additional information about the Board of Directors officers in the next newsletter. 

For now, great thanks to Edward Roe for his exceptional leadership during a continued challenging time for our industry. We wish him much success in his new role at the Claremont Club & Spa, a Fairmont Hotel in Berkeley, CA.

More Than A Stay Promotion

Our annual extended stay promotion – now called ‘More Than A Stay’ – is getting a major upgrade! In addition to our lodging partners, we are opening this promotion to partners who offer high-touch experiences that will help inspire those extended stays. We encourage partners to work together to create a special package that includes both lodging and an experience! A dedicated landing page on sonomacounty.com will feature each participating partner with a picture, brief copy, and link to your preferred booking site. This promotion is a cornerstone of our off-peak consumer marketing campaign, and SCT is devoting a significant amount of resources to drive awareness of it. This includes social media, consumer e-newsletters, public relations, the Sonoma County app, and paid advertising.  

Our lodging partners can construct your own terms and conditions, including blackout dates, restrictions, and how you want to structure the deal. We will link over to your preferred booking site to drive direct, non-commission bookings. For both lodging and experience partners, SCT will work with you to make the experience as seamless as possible. Sign up today to take advantage of this FREE opportunity! 

LinkedIn Training for Meetings Sales Professionals    

Last Chance to Register!

On November 1, SCT’s talented Destination Sales Manager and expert LinkedIn trainer, Kurt Shaver, is offering the industry the chance to learn about this growing social platform. LinkedIn has evolved into an effective prospecting tool to reach meeting planners.

Tomorrow, you will get the chance to learn more about how to leverage this tool to win more business. We welcome venues, meetings sellers at hotels, wineries, and related businesses to join this virtual training program. To register and learn more details about this education opportunity click here. Space is limited! 

For questions contact Kurt Shaver at kshaver@sonomacounty.com. 

Destination Sales Attends IMEX America 

Last week Sonoma County Tourism exhibited at IMEX America alongside five of our industry partners in Las Vegas Nevada, October 16-19.

IMEX America is the largest trade show in the US for global meetings, events, and the incentive travel industry. This year drew a record-breaking attendance of over 18,000 meeting planners and suppliers.

SCT recreated the Sonoma County vibe in a large booth that welcomed over 200 1:1 client appointments! The team attended events hosted by SITE Global and MPI as well as hosting a client reception and a partner dinner. Sonoma County shined and we expect a lot of business from this event. 

To learn more about traveling with Sonoma County Tourism, please email sales@sonomacounty.com. 

Arnold Drive Road Cleanup  

Sonoma County Tourism is holding a roadside cleanup on Arnold Drive in beautiful Glen Ellen, on November 16 from 9 - 11 AM, and we invite you to join us! We’ll be enjoying a morning of fresh air and exercise while we do our part to help keep Sonoma County pristine for visitors and residents. 

Cleanup supplies will be provided by Sonoma County Tourism and Sonoma County Transportation and Public Works. We hope to see you there! 

To register for this cleanup, please email Devin McConnell at dmcconnell@sonomacounty.com. 

SCT Special Event Sponsorships

Jan - June Applications Due Today!

SCT is now accepting event sponsorship applications for the current fiscal year! 

Given our goal of generating overnight stays, special event investment applications are evaluated on their ability to generate lodging revenue; generate incremental promotional opportunities; and build awareness of Sonoma County amongst key audiences that align with ours. 

Applications are reviewed twice per year and should follow the guidelines listed here on our website. Events requesting $5,000 or more must follow the outlined criteria and submit before one of the following deadlines.  

Application Deadlines:  



• Submission Deadline: October 31, 2023 (for events taking place January-June 2024)
• Submission Deadline: April 30, 2024 (for events taking place July-December 2024) 

Publicity Alert | Holiday Season in Sonoma County

With the holiday time of year rapidly approaching, our public relations team is looking for information about the holiday season to pitch to their worldwide network of journalists. 

• Does your restaurant offer vegan or vegetarian-friendly dishes for Thanksgiving or the December holidays? Tell us more about what you offer. 

• Does your bar or restaurant offer special non-alcoholic mocktails for the holiday season? If so, send us a description. Photos of your creations are also encouraged. 

• Does your Sonoma County business go all out decorating for the December holidays? If so, let us know what you do to display and celebrate the holiday spirit. 

Send your submissions to publicrelations@sonomacounty.com. 

From Our Partners

Public Safety Power Shutoff Study

San Diego State University research student, Akshita Nimmala, is working to develop a study regarding Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) and their effects on business and the economy.

Akshita would love to speak with business owners about their experience in the 2019 PSPS, the Kincade Fire, and other PSPS events.

This type of data is important for understanding impact, and working toward meaningful change in practices. If you or someone from your organization has a moment to speak with her please contact animmala@sdsu.edu.