SLO County public relations firm wins Visit California award
The Visit California Poppy Awards in Chula Vista, California on March 11, 2026.
Award presented during March event in Chula Vista
– Solterra Strategies and Sensorio received a Visit California Poppy Award for Best Public Relations Campaign for the launch of the Fiber Optic Symphonic Orchestra at Sensorio.
Visit California presented the award March 11 at the Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center in Chula Vista. The recognition was part of the organization’s biennial Poppy Awards, which honor destinations and attractions across the state for tourism marketing and destination stewardship.
A panel of marketing professionals reviewed more than 170 submissions for the awards and selected winners across eight categories. The awards ceremony took place during Visit California’s Outlook Forum, held March 10–12, which drew more than 800 tourism industry leaders.
Solterra Strategies and Sensorio received the award in the Best Public Relations Campaign category for the launch of the Fiber Optic Symphonic Orchestra installation at the Paso Robles venue.
“This recognition is a true reflection of what’s possible when a client and agency team are deeply aligned in vision and execution,” said Stacie Jacob, founder and chief strategist of Solterra Strategies. “We’re proud of what we built together with Sensorio, and honored to be recognized among California’s best.”
“California’s tourism industry continues to set the standard for creativity and excellence,” said Caroline Beteta, president and chief executive officer of Visit California. “This year’s Poppy Award winners have demonstrated exceptional innovation in their campaigns, showcasing the incredible diversity and vitality that makes California the nation’s top travel destination. We’re honored to recognize their outstanding contributions to our industry.”
Solterra Strategies also announced the promotion of Diana Parker to communications director. In her new role, Parker will lead communications strategy across client accounts, oversee storytelling and media relations efforts, and contribute to the agency’s overall approach.
“Diana has quickly become a cornerstone of this team,” said Jacob. “Her ability to think strategically, tell compelling stories, and genuinely care for the clients she serves makes her an invaluable part of everything we do. This promotion is well earned.”
The firm also announced it is recruiting for three positions: communications specialist, account manager, and digital media manager. The company said it seeks candidates to support its work with clients in the wine, food, and tourism industries.
Solterra Strategies, founded in 2011, is a public relations and brand strategy firm based in Paso Robles. The firm works with destinations, wineries, hospitality brands, and agricultural organizations throughout California’s Central Coast.
The Poppy Awards are presented every two years to recognize tourism promotion efforts in California. Programs launched on or after Jan. 1 were eligible for the latest awards cycle. Visit California, a nonprofit organization, oversees the awards and promotes travel to the state through marketing programs in partnership with the tourism industry.
