Todd O’Leary, Sonoma County Tourism’s VP of Marketing and Communications Recognized as a 2022 Top 25 Extraordinary Mind
SONOMA COUNTY, CA (February 7, 2023) Sonoma County Tourism (SCT) announced today that its marketing and communications team has been recognized for industry-leading programs and creative strategies by Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI). At the Feb. 23 HSMAI Adrian Awards Celebration in Los Angeles, the SCT team will receive:
- GOLD: PR/Communications: Reawakening the Spirit of Travel in Sonoma County “Life Opens Up”
- GOLD: Digital: “Life Opens Up” in Sonoma County
- GOLD: Integrated Campaign – B2C: “Life Opens Up” in Sonoma County
- BRONZE: PR Feature Placement: “Life Opens Up” in Sonoma County Good Morning America Travel + Leisure Spotlight
“This team has taken the Life Opens Up brand and amplified its capacity to compel travelers to consider Sonoma County during an extremely difficult timeframe,” says Claudia Vecchio, CEO, Sonoma County Tourism. “Solid strategy combined with great creativity and emotional connectivity gives these campaigns enormous appeal and makes them deserving of these awards.”
Also at the awards ceremony, Todd O’Leary, CDME, CTIS, SCT’s Vice President Marketing and Communications will be recognized as a “Top 25 Extraordinary Mind.” Selected by a panel of 25 senior industry executives, the “Top 25” is HSMAI’s annual hot list that celebrates the sales, marketing, revenue optimization and distribution leaders and innovators in the industry. Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHBA, President and CEO of HSMAI said, “Throughout the pandemic and into the recovery, these extraordinary professionals have risen to each challenge and met unprecedented circumstances with creativity, strength and ingenuity. These leaders are empowering recovery.”
“I’m absolutely honored to receive this recognition,” said Todd O’Leary, VP, Marketing & Communications, Sonoma County Tourism. “I’ve had the great privilege of working in the tourism industry for 25 years alongside many super smart, passionate people. I’m grateful to work in an industry where I can combine my own passions and skills in concert with that of my team and partners to create such meaningful and impactful work.”
About HSMAI
The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is committed to growing business for hotels and their partners, and is the industry’s leading advocate for intelligent, sustainable hotel revenue growth. The association provides hotel professionals and their partners with tools, insights, and expertise to fuel sales, inspire marketing, and optimize revenue through programs such as HSMAI Marketing Strategy Conference, Adrian Awards, and Revenue Optimization Conference. Founded in 1927, HSMAI is a membership organization comprising more than 5,000 members worldwide, with 40 chapters in the Americas Region. Connect with HSMAI at hsmai.org.
About Sonoma County Tourism
Sonoma County Tourism is the region’s destination stewardship organization. Inspiring travel to the region through a variety of sales and marketing programs aimed at consumers, meeting and event planners, the travel trade and media, the organization strives to ensure responsible tourism helps create a robust economy for the Sonoma County region. For more information visit www.sonomacounty.com.
Media Contact:
Sonoma County Tourism
Birgitt Vaughan, Director, Public Relations
