Pasadena Professional Named to Leadership Team of California Destination Marketing Organization Alliance

Debbie Vail, Sales Manager at Visit Pasadena, has been selected as one of the leaders of the California DMO Alliance (CADMOA), a collaborative group of destination marketing organization representatives in California. 

The group announced their 2023-2024 leadership team as part of efforts to move the tourism industry forward in California’s meetings and events sector, which is showing positive signs of recovery.

“It all started when we gathered on zoom to discuss the future of meetings during the pandemic. We discovered that meeting planners were turning to us for guidance when hotel sales teams were furloughed,” Suzy Kay, Vice President of CADMOA, said. “We saw an opportunity to highlight the importance of collaborating with local CVBs and DMOs in a post-covid world. From there, our group has expanded to over 50 members representing over 30 California destinations.”

Membership to the California DMO Alliance is offered exclusively to California destination organizations’ sales representatives and is free to join. The organization meets virtually every month on Zoom to discuss industry trends, challenges and upcoming client events.

Vail joined the Visit Pasadena sales team in January 2019 and works to promote Pasadena as a premier destination for meeting and event planners while collaborating closely with citywide hotel partners. 

Before joining Visit Pasadena, Vail worked in Sales at two Sheraton hotels. She has a bachelor’s degree in business management and human resources from California Polytechnic University, Pomona and has over 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry. 

CADMOA said it has a strong working relationship with Visit California. In spring 2022, Visit California partnered with the organization on a “California Dreaming” activation hosted at the Langham Huntington in Pasadena. The event was part of the Prestige Partner Conference and saw participation from 17 destinations within CADMOA.

The organization held its first stand-along in-person client event on May 23 at the Porsche Experience Center Los Angeles. Sixteen California destination representatives hosted 72 meetings and events planners and clients during this event.

“As a collaborative group of destination experts, we are extremely proud of the work we’ve done to bring forth the vibrant and creative experience meeting planners experience in California,” Veronica Rivera, CADMOA President, said. “We look forward to amplifying unique experiences throughout the Golden State for our industry.”