Posted on March 24, 2026
Solterra Strategies and Sensorio Win Visit California Poppy Award for Best Public Relations Campaign
Paso Robles-based PR firm also announces promotion of Diana Parker to Communications Director and actively recruits to grow the team
Launch of FOSO (Fiber Optic Symphonic Orchestra) at Sensorio recognized as best in California
PASO ROBLES, Calif. (March 24, 2026) — Solterra Strategies, the boutique PR and brand strategy firm serving wine, food, and tourism clients throughout California’s Central Coast, was honored with a Visit California Poppy Award for Best Public Relations Campaign at a ceremony held March 11 at the Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center in Chula Vista. The firm’s campaign for client Sensorio — the launch of FOSO (Fiber Optic Symphonic Orchestra) — was recognized as the best in its category. Solterra also announces a team member promotion and an active search for new talent to fuel agency growth.
Solterra Strategies and Sensorio Win Visit California Poppy Award
Visit California’s biennial Poppy Awards recognize destinations and attractions across the state for excellence in tourism marketing and destination stewardship. A panel of industry marketing experts reviewed more than 170 submissions for the 2026 awards and selected winners across eight categories. This year’s finalists represented standout achievements in marketing, storytelling, and destination stewardship.
Solterra Strategies and Sensorio were named winner in the Best Public Relations Campaign category for the launch of FOSO (Fiber Optic Symphonic Orchestra) at Sensorio. The Poppy Awards ceremony was held during Visit California’s annual Outlook Forum industry conference, which took place March 10–12 and was attended by more than 800 tourism industry leaders. See the full list of finalists and winners here.
“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 & 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 CEO 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.”
Diana Parker Promoted to Communications Director
Solterra Strategies is pleased to announce the promotion of Diana Parker to Communications Director. Following a standout first year with the firm, Parker has demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic instincts, and a deep commitment to client service.
In her expanded role, Parker will lead communications strategy across key client accounts, guide storytelling and media relations efforts, and help shape the agency’s voice and approach. Her promotion reflects both her individual contributions and Solterra’s investment in growing talented team members from within.
“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.”
Solterra Strategies Actively Recruiting to Expand Team
As the agency continues to grow its client roster and deepen its service offerings, Solterra Strategies is actively recruiting for three key positions:
• Communications Specialist
• Account Manager
• Digital Media Manager
Solterra seeks individuals who share the firm’s commitment to excellence, creativity, and the wine, food, and tourism industries it proudly serves. Open positions and application details are available at solterrastrategies.com/careers.
About Solterra Strategies
Founded in 2011, Solterra Strategies is a boutique PR and brand strategy firm based in Paso Robles, California, specializing in wine, food, and tourism. The agency partners with destinations, wineries, hospitality brands, and agricultural organizations to build meaningful brands and drive results through strategic communications, media relations, and marketing. Solterra serves as agency of record for Travel Paso and works with a diverse portfolio of clients across California’s Central Coast.
About the Poppy Awards
Crafted by California artisan Nicholson Blown Glass in Auburn, Poppy Awards are bestowed every two years to acknowledge the best of California’s tourism promotion. Programs started Jan. 1, 2024 or after were eligible for the 2026 Poppy Awards. Submissions were reviewed by Visit California staff, then blind judged by California travel industry experts.
About Visit California
Visit California is a nonprofit organization with a mission to develop and maintain marketing programs — in partnership with the state’s travel industry — that keep California top-of-mind as a premier travel destination. For more information about Visit California and for a free California Official State Visitor’s Guide, go to visitcalifornia.com. For story ideas, media information, downloadable images, video and more, go to media.visitcalifornia.com.
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