In unprecedented unity and commitment, industry leaders converged at The Embassy Suites by Hilton, San Luis Obispo, on October 5th, 2023, for the much-anticipated SLO CAL Summit 2023. Organized by Visit SLO CAL, San Luis Obispo County’s premier destination marketing entity, this monumental event witnessed more than 200 visionaries, innovators, and stakeholders fervently discuss the future of tourism.
Themed “The Power and Prosperity of a Tourism Brand”, the summit underlined the travel and tourism sector’s immense resilience and innovative spirit. Chuck Davison, the dynamic President and CEO of Visit SLO CAL captured the sentiments eloquently: “SLO CAL is more than a destination. It’s a symphony of breathtaking landscapes, warm-hearted locals, and unforeseen adventures. Our strength lies in the heartbeats of our closely-knit community, fuelling our vibrant energy and inspiring us to elevate the SLO CAL brand globally.”
The summit unfurled a series of enlightening segments:
- State of SLO CAL Welcome Address – Chuck Davison captivated the audience with revelations about the tourism sector’s unmatched resilience and the ascending trajectory in a world healing from the pandemic. He emphasized the galvanizing effect of rallying under the SLO CAL banner, articulating the pride in endorsing San Luis Obispo County as the heartbeat of the central coast.
- Inspirational Keynote – Michael Dominguez, the dynamic President and CEO of Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI), illuminated the hall with insights into the potency of a robust brand identity. His discourse on the marriage of data-driven strategies with branding was hailed as visionary, emphasizing its pivotal role in boosting profitability.
- Engaging Panels – Spearheaded by stalwarts like Visit SLO CAL’s CMO, Cathy Cartier, and CEO, Chuck Davison, alongside industry luminaries such as Tammy Haughey, Nick Evans, Joel Peterson, Michael Dominguez, Barb Newton, and Ryan Becker, these discussions illuminated themes ranging from sustainable tourism, digital marketing frontiers to the indispensable nature of collaboration.
- Networking Extravaganza – The summit also created a space for fostering vital industry connections. The networking segment sparkled with a SLO CAL Crafted showcase, spotlighting the region’s artisans, farmers, and craftsmen.
Highlighting the industry’s unwavering determination and innovative prowess, SLO CAL Summit 2023 underscored Visit SLO CAL’s mission to protect the region’s multifaceted communities, from the vivacious college ambience of San Luis Obispo to the wine connoisseurs in Paso Robles Wine Country and serene locales like Avila Beach.
For an in-depth look into the vibrant world of SLO CAL, the journey begins at SLOCAL.com.
Written by: Charmaine Lu
