California Destinations Inspire Key Media Outlets at Pacific Northwest Event

Visit California's latest media mission occurred Nov. 10 in the Pacific Northwest, connecting California destinations with influential travel and lifestyle media members to inspire domestic coverage and visitation from this valuable drive market. Attending the event were Fodor’s, HGTV, Men’s Journal, Backpacker Magazine, Chicago Tribune, Seattle Magazine, and more.

Guests were treated to experiential elements throughout the event, beginning with an interactive mocktail lesson inspired by the sober-curious trend currently sweeping the Golden State. Attendees also received a statewide update including information about the new Visit Native California program. 

A round of one-on-one speed dating appointments gave the California delegates an opportunity to present themed vignettes inspired by their destination. The media pitching continued at a more relaxed California Craft Happy Hour featuring California craft beer. While enjoying libations, media members created macrame wine glass charms and stamped leather crafts for a lasting impression of the Golden State.  

The event closed with a curated Diversity in Wine dinner hosted by Master Sommelier Vincent Morrow – wine director at PRESS Restaurant in Napa Valley. The dinner featured five different wineries across the state, showcasing the stories of the individual wineries and winemakers, as well as California’s diverse wine regions.

During dinner, two trips were raffled off by destination partners to give media participants another opportunity to discover California: a “Beaches to Desert SoCal Adventure” featuring Oxnard and Greater Palm Springs and a wine country getaway to Sonoma County.

Media and partner feedback from the event has been very positive, with media members grateful to receive story inspiration from so many destinations in one wall-to-wall event.

"Thank you so much for including me with the Visit California event. I met so many wonderful people, and also got so many great story ideas. You guys crushed it!" said freelance journalist Nancy Bouchard. 

"That was such a great event. don't think I've ever met with that many destinations in one day," said journalist Deanne Revel.

The California Pavilion at IMM USA in New York is right around the corner in January 2023, followed by a Los Angeles media event in spring 2023. For more information about upcoming Visit California media events, contact Domestic Public Relations Manager Kristen Bonilla.