In-Kind Event Sponsorship

Thank you for your interest in Visit SLO CAL’s In-Kind Event Sponsorship program. Your support plays a vital role in making SLO CAL an unforgettable destination. VSC appreciates your commitment to the community's thriving tourism industry!

The In-Kind Sponsorship program by Visit SLO CAL is a collaborative initiative designed to enhance the promotion of regional events and the overall visibility of the San Luis Obispo County area. Under this program, Visit SLO CAL leverages its marketing resources — such as digital advertising, social media, email campaigns and website features — to promote regional events. In exchange, the participating event organizers utilize their resources, including event platforms, marketing channels and attendee communications, to highlight and promote the SLO CAL region. This mutual exchange aims to boost tourism, increase event attendance and foster a stronger sense of community engagement.

About Visit SLO CAL

Visit SLO CAL is a non-profit countywide destination marketing and management organization dedicated to inspiring travel and fostering unique experiences that create lifelong ambassadors and drive economic growth for San Luis Obispo County, California. The mission is to promote SLO CAL as a premier travel destination, enhancing its reputation as a vibrant, dynamic place to live and work.

Visit SLO CAL aims to supporting events that align with the following goals: 

• Attract both new and repeat visitors
• Strengthen the destination’s brand
• Encourage multi-day stays, particularly during mid-week and off-season periods
• Incorporate two or more communities within the county
• Maintain tourism as a key economic driver in the region

FY 27 Submission Timeline

Visit SLO CAL accepts In-Kind Sponsorship submissions on a rolling basis throughout FY 27. Applications may be submitted at any time during the fiscal year.

To allow adequate lead time for the development of marketing content, the event date must be a minimum of 90 days from the date of submission. Submissions that do not meet the 90-day lead time requirement will not be considered.

In-Kind Sponsorship Benefits

The In-Kind Sponsorship program offers a variety of marketing benefits that can be tailored to support the unique needs and goals of each sponsored event. 

Sponsorships can include:

• Social media support, including Instagram Reels, Stories, Grid Posts, or collaborations
• Event promotion on SLOCAL.com, including event listings, homepage features, or dedicated landing pages
• Inclusion in Visit SLO CAL’s blog content
• Features in Visit SLO CAL’s consumer email newsletter
• Ticket giveaway promotions hosted on Visit SLO CAL channels

In-Kind Sponsorship Criteria

The criteria below provides an overview of how events will be prioritized. Applicants who meet all of the criteria will be highest priority. 

Multi-Day Event

• Multi-day events must be consecutive days; recurring events (weekly, monthly, quarterly) will not be considered

Event Attendance Data 

• Event organizers who can provide concrete and accurate event attendance data through ticket sales or other metrics will be prioritized 

Attendee Mix 

• Priority will be given to events that bring in higher numbers of out-of-county event attendees

Attendance Rate 

• Events with 1,500 attendees or more will be prioritized 

SLO CAL Based Event 

• The event must be specific to SLO CAL, not a traveling event (i.e. Circus, Broadway Show)

Marketing Budget 

• Priority will be given to events that have a dedicated marketing budget with existing social channels, newsletter, and website that have high engagement rates 

Established Event 

• Priority will be given to annual events that have occurred in the past