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When a destination suddenly finds itself in the global spotlight, meeting planners start paying attention. But how does that visibility turn into real opportunities for conventions and events?
In this episode of Smart Start Radio, host Eming Piansay talks with Peter Gamez, president and CEO of Visit Oakland, about how recent cultural moments, including Olympic figure skater Alysa Liu, filmmaker Ryan Coogler and Grammy-winning artist Kehlani, are bringing new attention to Oakland, California, and why that matters for the meetings industry.
They discuss how positive storytelling shapes perception, how curiosity from planners turns into bookings, and why destinations that lean into their culture, food scene and local experiences are creating stronger meetings and events.
