SLO CAL Summit 

The SLO CAL Summit is Visit SLO CAL's annual celebration of the tourism industry. This event brings together multiple sectors throughout SLO CAL including lodging investors, tourism-facing businesses, elected officials and DMO partners for an afternoon of education, updates from SLO CAL’s President & CEO and networking. 

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2024 Highlights 

Radical Collaboration

On September 25th, 2024, Visit SLO CAL hosted it's annual Summit. The sold-out travel & tourism event brought together over 200 industry leaders, innovators, visionaries and stakeholders from across the tourism spectrum. This annual event served as a dynamic platform for insightful discussions, including a destination update from Cathy Cartier, Visit SLO CAL’s President and CEO, networking opportunities and a celebration of the enduring spirit of the travel and tourism sector. 

State of SLO CAL Welcome Address

Cathy Cartier, President and CEO of Visit SLO CAL presented a welcome address, sharing insights about the industry’s upcoming growth and how Visit SLO CAL's commitment to collaboration put us in a unique position to face the challenges and find solutions together. 

Keynote Speakers

Geoff Freeman, President & CEO of U.S. Travel Association 

Following the welcome address, Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of U.S. Travel Association, delivered an inspiring speech on “Shaping The Industry's Next Chapter,” discussing opportunities across the travel & tourism industry, approaching pivotal issues as an industry and how the next decade in travel will be determined in the next year. 

Dr. Eric Solomon, PHD, CEO of The Human OS      

Dr. Eric Solomon, Founder of the Human OS, delivered a thoughtful talk titled "From More to Better: What it Means to be Human Right Now," touching on overcoming the digital distraction, embracing authenticity in life and work and storytelling as a tool for expression.

Panel Discussions

• How Sustainability Impacts Your Bottom Line & Brand: Led by Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance's Executive Director Joel Peterson explored sustainable practices in the wine industry with Hilary Graves, Booker Vineyard and Andy Niner, Niner Wine Estates. 
• Radical Collaboration: Moderated by Tammy Haughey, Managing Partner, The Shipyard, this discussion focused on the ways Visit SLO CAL fosters working with diverse minds to transcend traditional boundaries and create region-wide solutions for mutual benefit. Panelist included Stacie Jacob, Executive Director, Travel Paso; Jack Penning, Managing Partner, Volaire Aviation; and Karen Tilman, CalPoly Economic Development

Networking Reception 

Attendees enjoyed extensive networking opportunities, fostering meaningful connections and partnerships vital for the industry’s growth. The event featured a SLO CAL Crafted pop-up with eight vendors showcasing local artisanal goods and products from farmers, crafters and artisans. 

SLO CAL Summit 2024 Event Photos