Connections to hold first winter edition of California Luxury Forum

B2B events specialist Connections will hold its first winter edition of the California Luxury Forum in Lake Tahoe, in partnership with Visit California and Lake Tahoe Travel.

 

Hosted at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, next month’s event (March 22-25) will bring together 35 leading California luxury suppliers and 35 international luxury travel designers for a programme of one-to-one meetings, networking and immersive destination experiences.

 

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This winter edition introduces an alpine setting to the California Luxury Forum format, showcasing Lake Tahoe’s resorts, outdoor experiences and year-round appeal to high-end travellers.

 

With a backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains, the event will highlight the destination’s position as a premier luxury winter escape.

 

The three-day programme will combine pre-scheduled business meetings with hosted experiences, designed to foster “meaningful connections and long-term commercial partnerships”.

 

Alongside the core business programme, delegates will take part in winter sports activities including skiing, snowboarding and après-ski experiences.

 

Following the forum in Lake Tahoe, attending travel designers will extend their stay on a post-event fam trip to Yosemite National Park.

 

Hosted at Firefall Ranch at Yosemite, the fam programme will allow agencies to experience a contrasting side of California, showcasing the state’s natural landscapes and luxury outdoor travel experiences.

 

Sam Blunsdon, commercial director of Connections – part of the international portfolio of Travel Weekly owner Jacobs Media – said: “This will be the ninth edition of California Luxury Forum, and it reflects how the event has evolved alongside our long-standing relationship with Visit California.

 

“Bringing this winter edition to Lake Tahoe allows us to highlight a different side of the destination, while continuing to prioritise high-quality meetings and lasting commercial relationships.

 

“With The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe as host venue and the extension into Yosemite, the programme reflects the strength of California’s luxury proposition.”

 

Caroline Beteta, president and chief executive of Visit California, said: “We’re proud to be working closely with our partners at Lake Tahoe Travel and Connections to bring our first winter edition of California Luxury Forum to life.

 

“With its breathtaking alpine setting and world-class winter experiences, Lake Tahoe, and the greater High Sierra Region, offer a unique perspective on the state’s luxury offerings, making it the perfect host for this year’s forum.”

 

Bart Peterson, sales director at Lake Tahoe Travel, added: “This winter edition of California Luxury Forum comes at an exciting time for us, following the launch of our new Lake Tahoe Travel brand identity.

 

“Winter is one of Lake Tahoe’s strongest seasons, and working closely with Visit California, Connections and our local partners, including The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, gives us an excellent platform to showcase the destination first-hand to the international luxury travel trade.”

 

The event will welcome agency owners, product managers and independent travel designers from key international source markets, alongside luxury hotels, resorts, destination partners and experience providers from across California.

 

For more information, click here or contact enquiries@weareconnections.com