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In-Kind Event Sponsorship
Thank you for your interest in Visit SLO CAL’s In-Kind Event Sponsorship pilot program. Your support plays a vital role in making SLO CAL an unforgettable destination. VSC appreciate 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.
Visit SLO CAL's Mission & Goals
Back to Top of ListVisit 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
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FY24/25 Submission Timeline
Back to Top of ListRound 1 Submissions
- Open: Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at 12:00 am
- Close: Monday, September 30, 2024 at 11:59 pm
- Applicants notified of acceptance/rejection on October 15, 2024
- Submission must be for events occurring between January 1, 2025 and March 31, 2025
Round 2 Submissions
- Open: Monday, December 2, 2024 at 12:00 am
- Close: Monday, December 30, 2024 at 11:59 pm
- Applicants notified of acceptance/rejection on January 21, 2025
- Submissions must be for events occurring between April 1, 2025 and June 30, 2025
The submission timeline is for our FY24/25 pilot program only.
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FY 24/25 In-Kind Sponsorship Availability
Back to Top of ListTier 1 Sponsorships
- Up to four sponsorships available
- No more than two events in the same quarter
- No more than one event in the same month
Tier 2 Sponsorships
- Up to four sponsorships available
- No more than two events in the same quarter
- No more than one event in the same month
Visit SLO CAL has a responsibility to prioritize spreading promotional opportunities across the region and will not guarantee a continuous in-kind sponsorship each year.
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In-Kind Sponsorship Benefits
Back to Top of ListTier 1 Benefits
- Instagram Grid Post and/or Ticket Giveaway Post
- Instagram Reel
- Story Post w/ Weblink
- Dedicated Blog post on slocal.com
- Banner on slocal.com Main Page
- Dedicated landing page for event on slocal.com
- Consumer Newsletter feature +inclusion in events section of newsletter
Tier 2 Benefits
- Instagram Grid Post/Reel
- Story Post w/ Weblink
- Mention of event in a blog post with related content
- Event Feature on slocal.com Events Page
- Inclusion in Consumer Newsletter event section
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In-Kind Sponsorship Criteria
Back to Top of ListThe 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 will be prioritized
- Multi-day events must be consecutive days; recurring events (weekly, monthly, quarterly) will not be considered.
- Multi-day events will be prioritized
- 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
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