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HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE YEAR AHEAD
City Council Update
April 19, 2022
Wes Rhea, CEO
Agenda Item 15.1
LODGING RECOVERY ‐ DEMAND
LODGING RECOVERY ‐ RATE
TRAVEL RELATED SPENDING
December 2019: $2,679,796 vs. December 2021: $3,061,640 L
ENHANCE BRAND AWARENESS
o Engaging a Marketing and PR Agency focused on destination visibility, reputation management, and local business support. Will include the development of video content focused on the diverse and interesting people of Stockton.
o Launch a positive, destination focused podcast highlighting local people, businesses, and attractions.
o Continue to grow our video presence, including on TikTok, with more “organic” content showcasing the characters and personality of Stockton and our partners.
o Increase social media presence and efficiency by working with data providers and educational platforms.
o Be an active participant in the City of Stockton’s recovery and Economic Development efforts.
o Provide support with program development, marketing, branding, and the execution of a digital or in‐person investor summit to increase awareness and investment into our economy.
o Administer the Collide Arts Festival artist workshops, sculptural, and merchant grants, as well as the Stockton Arts Week workshop grants to benefit our local creatives and the community.
o Create and execute an annual destination‐driving event as part of the City’s initiative towards downtown recovery with the support of federal funding and City support.
SUPPORT CITY INITIATIVES
o Highlight the assets and offerings of the community with a focus on cultural foods, diverse entertainment, priority for local vendors, and showcasing local organizations and creatives, in order to aid in the recovery efforts of downtown Stockton.
o Utilize a philanthropic model that supports the community and ensures future success for the festival through sponsorships and volunteer‐led support.
o Set the standard for events in Stockton, including visual appeal, elevated entertainment, economic awareness, and cleanliness.
CREATE A DESTINATION‐DRIVING
SIGNATURE EVENT FOR STOCKTON
Setting the Standard for Stockton Festivals:
• Celebrating Stockton’s diverse cultures through food
• Bringing residents and visitors to Downtown Stockton
• Signature look and feel throughout
• Family friendly and affordable
• Community Focused: 100% Non‐Profit
• Sustainable and Green
• Anchor event as part of a 10+ day downtown focus
Our goal is to create Stockton’s next big festival!
VISIBILITY
o Evaluate the results of the Stockton Resident Sentiment Survey and use it as a guideline for future campaigns, and for Visit Stockton programming and events.
o Embrace reopening by increasing Visit Stockton’s presence at community events, whether through volunteer efforts, marketing, networking, and awareness opportunities.
o Introduce new Stockton Experience Passes that elevate the evergreen offerings in the community, help support small business and the economy, and create positive awareness.