CALIFORNIA Connections TOOLKIT
The California Connections Series offers insights from guest speakers and the opportunity to have valuable conversations that will help advance and shape the future of California’s tourism industry. View recordings and presentation decks from past webinars below.
WEBINAR RECORDINGS
SB 1524 - A RESTAURANT ADVOCACY SUCCESS STORY
July 26, 2024
Restaurant service fees are now commonplace. As of 2023, the National Restaurant Association estimates that 15% of restaurants are using some form of additional charges, which are frequently used to replace tips and more evenly distribute pay between front and back of house workers. California restaurant owners became outraged when they realized that a new California law banning "junk fees"—known as SB 478—would apply to restaurant surcharges.
RETAIL THEFT ADVOCACY BRIEFING
June 25, 2024
The political stakes are high as a coalition of California prosecutors and lawyers have teamed up to qualify a ballot initiative that would reform Prop 47, which has reduced sentences for non-violent offenses and is often blamed for the rise in retail theft. Rachel Michelin, President and CEO of California Retailers Association, briefs CalTravel members on Prop 47 ballot measure and bill package negotiations.
NEUROINCLUSION IN EVENTS & HOSPITALITY
April 23, 2024
An estimated 20% of the global population—1.5 billion people—is neurodivergent, representing 1 in 5 individuals at events and within teams. The Neu Project is a diverse, global community working together to make the world more welcoming and productive for neurodivergent communities. The project aims to enhance existing practices while championing innovative approaches to inclusion.
Neu Project Guide >>
Neu Project Neuroinclusive Planning Checklist >>
FIX PAGA BRIEFING
February 27, 2024
Enacted in 2004, California’s Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) was intended to be a more effective way to help workers resolve labor disputes. But this lawsuit-first approach is flawed. A broad coalition of businesses is now calling on the State Legislature to fix PAGA, creating a better and fairer system. The coalition’s spokepersons discuss their proposal to streamline resolution, minimize the need for lawsuits, and help ensure swift and fair recovery for workers.
A CASE STUDY ON SPORTS TOURISM
January 24, 2024
Sports events have been a pillar of the tourism industry in San Diego for decades, and the city has hosted some of the largest events and most iconic brands in the world. Colleen Anderson, Executive Director of the San Diego Tourism Marketing District, and Mark Neville, CEO of Sports San Diego, discuss how San Diego's sports commission was funded and established; the revenue it's generated since it began operating; and how this model can be replicated across the state.
View SDTMD Presentation >>
View Sports San Diego Presentation >>
I RESPECTFULLY DISAGREE: HOW TO HAVE DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS IN A DIVIDED WORLD
October 24, 2023
Divisions are on the rise around the world, and sometimes it seems people are losing the ability to disagree without demonizing. Justin Jones-Fosu, Founder & CEO of Work Meaningful, returns to discuss how to have honest and enlightening conversations despite deep and fundamental disagreements. He’ll share how respectfully disagreeing can help us build bridges instead of barriers—in the workplace, the classroom, and even at the dinner table.
MILITARY TO MUSEUM: A FRESH PERSPECTIVE ON TOURISM
July 25, 2023
One of the biggest benefits of changing careers is the ability to bring new knowledge and expertise to an organization. Rear Admiral Terry Kraft (ret), President & CEO of USS Midway Museum, discusses his transition from serving in the military to leading one of San Diego’s most popular attractions. He shares how his unique background has given him a fresh perspective on tourism, as well as his plans for guiding the museum into its next chapter.
AGRICULTURE’S ROLE IN SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
June 27, 2023
In recent years, there’s been a global awakening on the climate crisis, and travelers are showing increased interest in traveling responsibly. As more travelers seek sustainable travel options, California's tourism industry must evolve to meet those needs and remain a competitive destination. Crystal Hilsley, co-founder of Crystal Clear Nutrition Group, discusses how agriculture can play a pivotal role in sustainable tourism.
HOW TO MAKE TRAVEL MORE ACCESSIBLE
April 25, 2023
The Golden State attracts visitors from all across the world, from all backgrounds, and with all abilities—and we must be ready to create great experiences for all of them. Josh Loebner, PhD, a prominent inclusive design conultant who is also blind, helps us develop a better understanding of the travel challenges and needs of disabled persons so we can ensure California is truly welcoming to all visitors.
WILL GETTING LOST SOON BE A THING OF THE PAST?
March 28, 2023
In a digital world with technology accessible everywhere, we are still using the same address system that was designed 300 years ago to deliver mail on horseback. Marcus Taylor, U.S. Partnerships at what3words, discusses a fascinating-yet-simple innovation to make it easier for people to find precise locations anywhere in the world.
PROTECTING CALIFORNIA’S BEAUTIFUL OUTDOORS
February 28, 2023
California’s tourism industry must champion sustainability and stewardship practices to protect our Golden State and ensure it remains a viable place to visit, live, and work. Andrew Leary, Director of Sustainable Tourism & Partnerships at Leave No Trace, discusses the important work they’re doing to protect the outdoors to create a more sustainable future for tourism.
THE EVOLUTION OF CALIFORNIA CITIES
November 22, 2022
California’s gateway cities have been the slowest to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Rick Cole, Executive Director of the Congress for the New Urbanism and one of the nation's most thoughtful and experienced thinkers on urban centers, discusses homelessness, workforce housing, and the evolution of our cities.
COMBATING THE SMASH-AND-GRAB EPIDEMIC
May 24, 2022
Many California destinations have been facing a smash-and-grab epidemic. Sharky Laguana, CEO of Bandago Van Rentals, President of American Car Rental Association, and President of San Francisco Small Business Commission, discusses a successful sting operation targeting criminals who profit from smash-and-grab car thefts in San Francisco.
A CRASH COURSE ON GEN Z
April 26, 2022
It’s no secret that California’s tourism industry has been struggling to attract new talent, partly because the next generation of leaders has a very different view on the ideal workplace environment. Olivia Frary, Senior Director of Marketing at JUV Consulting, discusses the Gen Z perspective on politics, work, and life—offering insight on how we can attract them to careers in tourism.