2024 Q3 REPORT | JULY 2024 - SEPTEMBER 2024
A LETTER FROM THE CEO
Dear Stockton Community and Stakeholders,
As I write this final letter as CEO of Visit Stockton, I find myself reflecting on nearly two decades of service to this remarkable destination and the community that has supported us every step of the way. Since 2005, we’ve worked together to elevate Stockton as a must-visit destination, and I am filled with immense pride and gratitude as I look back on all that we have accomplished.
To My Team: None of this would have been possible without the dedication, passion, and creativity of the team at Visit Stockton. Your tireless efforts have brought countless visitors to our city and helped shape its narrative in ways we couldn’t have imagined. Together, we have overcome challenges, seized opportunities, and created moments that have left a lasting impact on our community. I have no doubt that your continued hard work will carry Visit Stockton forward, and it will always hold a special place in my heart.
To Our Board of Directors: Your unwavering support and guidance have been critical to the success of Visit Stockton. It has been an honor to work alongside such a dedicated group of individuals, committed to advancing our city’s position on the tourism
map. I especially want to recognize George and Susan, whose long-standing service on the board has been a beacon of leadership and dedication. I am grateful for your trust and shared vision for Stockton’s future.
To Our Lodging Partners: As the source of our funding, you have consistently stepped up to ensure that Stockton remains competitive in the ever-changing California landscape. You’ve been there when called upon for events and last-minute requests, and even this year, you have taken the lead in renewing the Stockton Tourism Business Improvement District. Thanks to your efforts, Visit Stockton will have the funding necessary to remain competitive and meet future challenges. We are eternally grateful.
To Our City & Community Partners: Stockton’s success as a destination reflects the strong partnerships we’ve built over the years. The support we’ve received from the City of Stockton, local businesses, and our non-profit partners has been invaluable. You are the foundation of our community, and it has been a privilege to work alongside you in promoting the best of what Stockton has to offer. I want to offer special thanks to City Manager Harry Black, Economic Development Director Carrie Wright, and Managing Director of Events and Parking Tina McCarty. The reasons are too numerous to list, but I deeply value our relationship and appreciate the trust you’ve placed in Visit Stockton.
To Our Community: At the heart of everything we do is our community. Your pride in Stockton and belief in its potential has driven our efforts to showcase this vibrant city to the world. It has been my greatest honor to serve you, and I know that with your continued support, Stockton’s brightest days are still ahead.
As I prepare to step into my new role as President and CEO of Visit Lodi, I do so with full confidence that Visit Stockton will continue to thrive and evolve under fresh leadership. This is not a goodbye, but a new chapter for all of us. I will always carry Stockton in my heart and remain an advocate for its continued growth.
Thank you for the memories, the successes, and the challenges we’ve faced and conquered together. It has been a privilege and a joy to serve as your CEO.
With deep gratitude and best wishes for the future,
Wes Rhea Chief Executive Officer
CURRENT EFFORTS Awards & Recognition
TBID Renewal
We, as well as our Civitas partners, are deep in the process of our next Stockton Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) plan bid cycle. We have distributed petitions to our hotel partners and have created detailed reports and documents showcasing the work Visit Stockton has accomplished over the last bid cycle. Updates to come soon.
Sport City Golf Tourney
A brisk fall morning is a perfect setting for hitting the links, especially for a good cause. The annual Sport City Golf Tourney returns—this time at The Reserve at Spanos Park on Friday, October 18th. This event will feature breakfast, a shotgun start, an auction and awards luncheon, and an overall fun day. There will be sponsorship activations throughout the course with a few treats to enjoy as you play through. All proceeds from the Sport City Golf Tourney support the Stockton Sports Commission.
The mission of the Stockton Sports Commission is to raise funds to attract youth, minor, and professional sporting events to our community.
Interested? Register today at visitstockton.us/SportCityGolfTickets
Stockton Lantern Festival
After a stellar premiere in 2023, the Stockton Lantern Festival makes its way back to Stockton Ballpark this holiday season! From November 22nd through January 19th, the home of the Stockton Ports will once again illuminate the night with 65,000 feet worth of lights, 82,000 feet of fabric, and over 100 tons of metal. This year, the sea will come alive with Koda’s Journey through the Magic Ocean, telling the tale of our 8-year-old protagonist’s journey through the magical sea. This 2,000-year-old Chinese art form is a stunning spectacle that demands to be experienced in person. Tickets now on sale at StocktonLanternFestival.com
Stockton Restaurant Week
Foodies, unite! Our annual Stockton Restaurant Week returns January 17 – 26! Join us in celebrating our outstanding local food spots with TEN days of delicious deals. This January tradition focuses on supporting our diverse restaurants during a slow time in the culinary world. In return, our community enjoys their exquisite cuisine while supporting our local spots. Plus, they’ll get the chance to score some fantastic prizes!
Hotel Promo Videos
As part of a series shining a light on our respective hotels, we visited spots like Studio 6 Downtown and the University Plaza Waterfront Hotel to highlight each spot’s locations, rooms, and amenities.
Destinations International Annual Conference 2024
Wes Rhea, CDME Destination Organization Leadership Award
Wesley Sosa, PDM 30 Under 30 Class of 2024
Stockton Civic Theatre
Willie Awards 2023 - 2024
The Dora Belle Howard Award
International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA) Pinnacle Awards Stockton Lantern Festival
Gold: Best New Festival, ASM Global Stockton
Gold: Best Single Digital Ad, Best Digital Ad Series, Best Promotional Photograph, Best
Printed Materials (Single Page)
Silver: Best Instagram Site
Bronze: Best Promotional Poster
SUMMARY OF EFFORTS
Feast at the Fox
“Oh, what a night!” This year’s Feast at the Fox benefited not only from the change of date but also from the heaps of praise we received during it. Taking place Friday, September 6th instead of its previous May dates, this annual tradition seated over 200 guests, with the proceeds benefitting the Child Abuse Prevention Council of San Joaquin County.
With The Kitchen @ StoneBrier’s cooking expertise on display this time, guests enjoyed a mouth-watering four-course meal that left them in awe. Combined with live music, tasty appetizers, and delicious drink options, this year’s Feast was one for the ages. A BIG shout out to the Visit Stockton Events Team for making this magical night possible.
Stockton Summer Pass with Explore Seeker
This past summer, Visit Stockton teamed up with Seeker to create the Stockton Summer Pass. Users were encouraged to visit ELEVEN historic Stockton landmarks—like the Wat Dhammararam Buddhist Temple and the Haggin Museum—and check in on the Seeker app. After a few check-ins, users would score prizes like Visit Stockton merch and swag.
Best of California Travel Getaways with Patt Pattinson
Stockton had the honor of being featured on the series Best of California with Pat Pattison over the summer. Our CEO Wes Rhea showed Pat the sights and what Stockton has to offer, including special spots like Pixie Woods, the Children’s Museum of Stockton, and the Downtown Waterfront.
SPORTS AND DEVELOPMENT
Stockton Kings
TEAMS 2024 Convention
In September, Visit Stockton participated in the annual TEAMS Conference and Expo in Anaheim. As part of the Cali Valley Vibes booth, we collaborated with Explore Elk Grove, Visit Bakersfield, and Visit Rancho Cordova to showcase our sports facility offerings and attract new events to our region.
During this year’s event, our four destinations engaged in over 60 appointments with sports planners from both the U.S. and international markets.
After the conclusion of the 2023-24 Stockton Kings season, the Kings organization hosted a Theme Night Jersey Auction and proudly named the Stockton Sports Commission as one of its local beneficiaries. In August, Visit Stockton received a generous contribution of $1,200 to support the Stockton Sports Commission and its mission to promote sports tourism in our community. This collaboration underscores the strong partnership between the Kings organization and Visit Stockton in advancing our shared goals.
Upcoming Sports Events
Later this month, Visit Stockton will sponsor the Pacific Golf Invitational, hosted by the University of the Pacific Golf program. Scheduled for October 14-16 at Stockton Golf and Country Club, this year’s event will feature 15 visiting Division I men’s golf teams from seven states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, and Washington.
National Night Out August 6th, Stockton Ballpark
Eleanor by Women United Breakfast August 29th, Brookside Country Club
LAZ Parking Day September 13th, Bob Hope Theatre
Friends of the Fox September 22nd, Bob Hope Theatre
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SOCIAL PROFILE PERFORMANCE
As we experience leadership transitions within our organization, we are currently in the process of revisiting our
and
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Source: Youtube Studio
WELCOME TO THE TEAM!
Nico Belasco, Social Media Manager
Nico Belasco joined the Visit Stockton team in late August 2024. He graduated as an Innovative Creative Enterprise Scholar in September of 2021 from Thames International Business School with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Cum Laude honors. After years of moving back and forth from the Philippines to the United States, he and his family decided to return to their roots and move back to Stockton, California in June of 2022. At the age of 12, he started his career as a photographer and has since evolved to include writer, creative director, and social media manager in his resume. Throughout his professional career, he has collaborated with companies and individuals in fashion, entertainment, government, sports, and corporate, locally and internationally, to elevate their digital presence and amplify their voices through quality content. Nico is excited to contribute his expertise and play a role in changing the narrative of Stockton to highlight the beautiful city that it is.