OAKLAND, Calif.
After a year of research conducted by travel industry research firm, Young Strategies, Inc., Visit Oakland has developed a new corporate brand identity, website, destination brand architecture, and targeted advertising campaign.
Business leaders from a variety of market segments participated in vision workshops and focus groups throughout the creative process. Visit Oakland’s advertising agency of record, Carol H. Williams (CHWA), then created an initial rollout campaign.
“As an Oakland-based agency, we understand the importance of embracing Oakland’s diversity,” said Carol Williams, founder of CHWA. "Our end goal was to develop a cohesive identity that not only represents Oakland’s destination appeal, but also serves as a brand umbrella for the entire city.”
The objective of Visit Oakland’s brand and accompanying advertising campaign is to provide a consistent, positive voice and brand platform for Oakland. The organization’s goal is to encourage immediate action to learn more about the destination and plan a visit.
With a $195,000 campaign budget, Visit Oakland will focus media buying on digital platforms and in target markets supported by the research.
"We are inviting visitors, local media and meeting professionals to really understand our city, and discover the unexpected," said Alison Best, president and CEO of Visit Oakland.
Redesigned Logo
The new Visit Oakland logo is designed to showcase Oakland’s diverse landscape and creativity through a multi-layered graphic. From yellows and greens of Oakland’s forests, parks and sunny skies, to urban grays and waterfront blues, the circles represent how united and connected the destination is, and the playful font is a nod to its creativity and innovation.
The new span of the Bay Bridge is used in Visit Oakland’s logo and throughout the brand as a new iconic entry point to Oakland.
Future Marketing Plans
Visit Oakland hopes to expand its budget in the next fiscal year, allowing for a broader campaign including the East Coast and international markets. The organization plans to maximize its national and international reach through media outreach, co-op marketing partnerships, leveraging larger tourism agencies such as Visit California and Brand USA, and hosting client events. With its current budget, Visit Oakland relies on strong relationships with its media and community partners rather than paid advertising opportunities.
Visit Oakland is a 501(c) (6) non-profit organization dedicated to marketing the City of Oakland as a travel destination. Visit Oakland offers a wide variety of complimentary services and materials for travelers, meeting planners and businesses. For more information, see visitoakland.org.
