Last week, Violet PR’s Dan Gunderman joined the Greater Sacramento Economic Council (GSEC) for a three-day, in-market press tour that gave national reporters a firsthand look at one of America’s fastest-growing tech and innovation hubs. The visit, held Oct. 20-22, 2025, brought journalists – from Nikkei Asia, Fierce Electronics and Investment Monitor – face-to-face with leading executives, public officials and educators powering the region’s semiconductor and advanced manufacturing growth. 

Over three tightly curated days, attendees toured anchor employers like Micron, Solidigm, and the Defense Microelectronics Activity (DMEA), and conducted interviews with mayors, higher-ed partners and GSEC leadership. The result: a rich, tangible experience that no Zoom briefing or press release could replicate. 

Even Tech Stories Can Be Tangible 

The itinerary was designed to spotlight Greater Sacramento’s evolving tech corridor – from the research-driven environment in Folsom and Rancho Cordova to the growing innovation ecosystem anchored by major employers and defense facilities. 

The group press visit began with a welcome dinner where top regional CEOs and civic leaders, including Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty and GSEC President and CEO Barry Broome, provided a candid overview of the region’s momentum. The following morning, journalists sat down with Broome for breakfast, inquiring about the city’s growth and industry strengths, before heading to Micron’s Folsom campus, a key stop that showcased the company’s semiconductor innovation and its role in national data infrastructure. 

From there, the group toured nearby tech campuses and met with leaders at Solidigm, a pioneer in solid-state storage solutions. A dinner conversation with Blaize capped off the day, offering insights into edge AI computing and how Greater Sacramento’s business ecosystem supports next-generation tech companies. 

The final morning focused on the Defense Microelectronics Activity (DMEA) at McClellan Park, where journalists received an exclusive look inside a secure War Department R&D facility working at the intersection of national security and semiconductor innovation. Some of our attendees also got a tour of Sierra College in Rocklin, a prominent local institution helping to build the talent pipeline for Sacramento-area tech leaders. 

The trip then concluded with a driving tour of Roseville, including a glimpse of the future Bosch chip manufacturing site, set to drive incredible regional economic growth. 

Building Relationships Beyond the Press Release 

For Violet PR, on-the-ground experiences exemplify the kind of long-term relationships we hope to deliver for our clients. They do more than just generate stories; they build relationships that will positively influence earned media coverage for years to come. By spending three days together, journalists gain access to a cross-section of regional sources, forming authentic connections that often translate into deeper, more nuanced coverage for the market. 

These interactions also allow economic development organizations (EDOs) like GSEC to demonstrate what makes their regions unique – not through talking points, but through lived, memorable experiences. Seeing advanced manufacturing facilities in action, meeting city leaders in person, and dining at local mainstays all help bring the region to life. 

Reporters leave not only informed, but inspired, and ready to tell stories that reflect the region’s real texture and most memorable characteristics. 

Why In-Market Press Events Work 

In today’s hybrid media landscape, where inboxes overflow and virtual meetings dominate, the in-person press tour remains one of the most impactful tools in place marketing. These events: 

• Foster stronger journalist relationships. Reporters appreciate opportunities to connect directly with decision-makers and experience a region beyond the headlines. 

• Differentiate regions. Experiencing a city’s culture, food and high-impact local leaders first-hand helps media understand what truly sets a community apart. 

• Generate sustained media value. A well-organized visit often sparks follow-up stories, speaking opportunities and ongoing coverage far beyond the initial trip. 

For Violet PR, this Greater Sacramento group press trip underscores the power of storytelling through immersion. It’s one thing to talk about semiconductor growth in a press release; it’s another to walk through a cleanroom, speak with an AI innovator, or share a meal with the mayor shaping economic policy for the next decade of industry development. 

A Blueprint for Future Place Branding 

Our team works with clients nationwide to design experiences like this – from Newark, N.J., to North Carolina and California, and beyond – helping economic development organizations translate complex local strengths into compelling narratives. 

This Greater Sacramento trip is a case study in how strategic storytelling, when combined with local access and thoughtful planning, transforms perceptions of places. When reporters can see, feel and connect with a place, they don’t just write about it, they become advocates for it. 

At Violet PR, that’s the goal: to create meaningful moments that move markets, spark headlines and deepen understanding of what makes every region extraordinary. 

Interested in learning more about hosting a group press trip in your market? Reach out today at hello@violetpr.com! 

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