SIGN THE SONOMA COUNTY PLEDGE

November 14, 2023

As we enjoy a spectacular autumn season, for SCT it's also the launch of our intent marketing time period. We know visitor-facing businesses continue to experience lackluster performance and SCT is most definitely working to turn the tables to generate robust performance. 

Those of you interested in the individual leisure traveler, please do attend the information and programs offered during the partner session on Nov. 30. This will provide insights and opportunities for businesses to drive business during winter/early spring. We also invite you to review the Key Messages for this campaign. If some (or all) resonate with you, we invite you to integrate these into your own messaging. This consistency will help connect with potential customers and create a more complete value proposition.

For group business, both the destination sales and travel trade teams are spending significant time talking with meeting planners and participating in trade shows that highlight Sonoma County as a group destination. And, 24/7 you can access monthly performance reports via this link. SCT has integrated new research tools that not only let us see previous performance, but also monitor future booking. Thank you for your continued great partnership!  

Free Partner Education Session “Discover Your &” Campaign

Sonoma County Tourism invites you to attend a partner education session on November 30th from 9-10:30am (offered in-person and virtually) focusing on SCT’s off-peak consumer marketing campaign. During the session, SCT will:

• Provide review of SCT’s off-peak consumer marketing campaign - “Discover Your &”
• Review SCT’s no-cost promotional opportunities including our “More Than a Stay” promotion, deals/offers, events, story ideas, and more 

Attendance is free, but advanced registration is required. The deadline to register is 11/29 at 5pm.

For those attending in person, the session will take place at Sonoma County Tourism, located at 400 Aviation Blvd, Suite 500, Santa Rosa, CA 95403. Zoom information will be emailed to registrants the morning before the event.

Destination Sales Manager Kurt Shaver Named PCMA Member of the Year  

SCT Destination Sales Manager, Kurt Shaver, was recently selected as Member of the Year by the Northern California Chapter of the Professional Conference Management Association (PCMA).  

For the past year, Kurt served as the PCMA Director of Communications, leading a team responsible for email, social, and newsletter communications. He also helped coordinate chapter board meetings at SCT partner hotels including the Vintners Resort and Stavrand Russian River Valley.  



Kurt plans to continue his involvement in 2024. If you’re interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities within the Bay Area Meetings community, contact Kurt at kshaver@sonomacounty.com. 

Business Development Takes on New York City  

Personal Hygiene Products Drive   

Sonoma County Tourism is pleased to partner with several local chambers of commerce, visitor centers, and libraries, on its third annual Personal Hygiene Products Donation Drive. Sonoma County is home to thousands of unhoused residents. For many, access to personal hygiene products is a continuous struggle, with procurement coming at the expense of other essential needs.  

Razors, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss, pads, tampons, depends, combs, brushes, hair ties, liquid soap, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, lip balm, and alcohol-free mouthwash are all items of particular need. Small bottles or travel sizes are especially welcome as full-size bottles can be heavy to pack around on a daily basis.  

Throughout the remainder of the year, we are encouraging our partners to drop off unused hygiene products to any of the locations below to aid Sonoma County's most vulnerable residents. At the end of the year, the products will be donated to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Santa Rosa for distribution to those in need.  

Any assistance you can provide, from donating items, to helping promote this effort, is very much appreciated. Questions can be directed to communityengagement@sonomacounty.com.  

Public Relations Publicity Alert   

As the legal landscape surrounding cannabis evolves, the relationship between cannabis, tourism, and hospitality continues to expand. For those interested in cannabis tourism, it can be exciting and educational for those interested in cannabis culture and its myriad of uses. To that end, our PR team would like to hear from our Sonoma County partners about:   

• Cannabis-friendly accommodations: tell us what you offer.  
• Your cannabis-focused events and activities: do you offer cannabis-themed dinners, cooking classes, or guided tours of cannabis farms and dispensaries? What else?  
• Room amenities: amenities related to cannabis, such as vaporizers, edibles, or information on local dispensaries. Tell us more.  

Please send information to publicrelations@sonomacounty.com. 

Visitors Center Quarterly Meeting

Thank you to Stay Healdsburg for hosting the Sonoma County Visitors Centers for their quarterly meeting at The Matheson’s ROOF 106.

The countywide collaboration included sharing best practices, brainstorming on shared challenges and reviewing the results of a countywide Visitor Center Study that was funded by Sonoma County Tourism.