Domestic press events held in key media markets allow the opportunity for CTTC and travel industry partners to network with journalists under the California umbrella. At the press events, delegates are given a small tabletop area to display their destination product/materials. Media guests can collect press information, enjoy California-themed food and wine, and establish relationships with CTTC staff and industry partners. These events occur in the evening and usually include participation of approximately 45-65 industry partners, depending on the market.

CTTC also utilizes domestic press events to host familiarization tours of in-state areas, and to conduct deskside visits out-of-state. In 2009-2010, CTTC will host media receptions in San Francisco in September 2009, and New York in January 2010. The Los Angeles and San Francisco receptions take place every 18 months to avoid saturating the market.

The 2009 New York Media Reception drew top-tier journalists from New York and the surrounding areas, as well as higher than expected delegate participation given the recessionary climate. More than 70 key consumer, lifestyle and travel media based in the New York area attended, while 43 delegates showcased their California product.

For 2009-2010, CTTC will explore inviting media from additional feeder markets beyond San Francisco and Canada to the receptions, as well as offering media the opportunity to participate in group or individual fams.

• To offer the media and travel industry delegates an efficient way to establish relationships and share information among a large group of media.
• Judged by the number and quality of mainstream and lifestyle media who attend the event, as well as by delegate participation and satisfaction.
• For the CTTC to establish relationships with key media and be viewed as the first point of contact for any California media needs, determined by long-term relationships, inquiries, information requested, etc., by media who attended the event.
• Contribute to a higher overall ROI.