Join us for Visit Santa Barbara’s Annual General Meeting & Luncheon on Wednesday, May 27 at The Rosewood Miramar Beach as we celebrate the power of tourism and the people who bring it to life. Powered by Tourism: Supporting Our Community highlights the individuals and businesses who strengthen our economy, support our workforce, and enhance quality of life across the Santa Barbara South Coast.
In celebration of National Travel & Tourism Week, this year’s program blends recognition, storytelling, and industry perspective. It reinforces tourism’s role as both an economic engine and a driver of community vitality, benefiting businesses, neighborhoods, and community members across sectors.
The program will feature a panel discussion, Innovators Shaping the Visitor Experience, with local leaders helping define what’s next for our destination.
We will also recognize outstanding individuals and businesses through our Tourism Champions Awards. Before and after the program, enjoy a pop-up farmers market experience featuring local produce, fresh flowers and artisan goods. This Community Connection Showcase highlights the ripple effect of tourism, demonstrating how our visitor economy supports a wide range of local industries, from agriculture to small-batch makers, that enrich our community.
For the event schedule and to purchase tickets, click here.
speakers & Panelists
Kathy Janega-Dykes (Speaker) CEO, Visit Santa Barbara
Kathy Janega-Dykes is the President & CEO of Visit Santa Barbara, where she has led the organization for over two decades. A recognized leader in destination marketing and tourism advocacy, Kathy serves on numerous state and national boards, championing economic vitality and community impact through travel and hospitality.
Bradley Cance (Moderator) General Manager, Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
Bradley Cance has built a 38-year career in luxury hospitality, including leadership roles with Four Seasons and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. He served as General Manager at multiple Ritz-Carlton properties, as well as serving as the GM/COO of the Bethesda Country Club and The Cavalier Hotel. Most recently, he led The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City and The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C., overseeing its post-pandemic reopening. In 2024, he relocated to California to become General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Bacara. Known for achieving top industry honors, Bradley is recognized for his balanced leadership style and strong focus on team, guest, and owner engagement.
Charles Hopper (Panelist) President & CEO, Santa Barbara Zoo
Charles Hopper is the President & CEO of the Santa Barbara Zoo, a results-driven change agent and visionary leader with a proven record of organizational transformation. His experience combines a deep commitment to conservation with a strong focus on education and community engagement. Previously, Charles served as COO at Birch Aquarium, where he led a significant financial turnaround and advanced a long-term master plan. Earlier, he held leadership roles at the Seattle Aquarium, driving revenue growth and strategic initiatives. Charles also serves on the Board of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums and mentors emerging leaders in the field.
Sherry Villanueva (Panelist) Managing Partner, Acme Hospitality
Sherry is the leader and creative force behind Acme Hospitality. She is a serial entrepreneur and along with her partner Brian Kelly, is often credited as catalysts for the renaissance of Santa Barbara’s burgeoning arts and entertainment district, affectionately called The Funk Zone. Sherry’s previous career spanned 25 years in marketing, most recently as partner and co-founder of Twist Worldwide, a boutique trend research agency under contract exclusively with Target Corporation. Sherry has received numerous awards including Executive of the Year, South Coast Business & Technology Awards, Top Women in Business and 50 Most Influential People, Pacific Coast Business Times, Woman of the Year for 21st Senate District/Santa Barbara County, and the Culinary Institute of America’s Society of Follows.
Kelly Barsky (Panelist) Director of Athletics, University of California Santa Barbara Athletics
Kelly Barsky is Director of Athletics at UC Santa Barbara Athletics, where she leads with a student-centered, community-focused approach and is the first woman to hold the role in department history. Previously, she served as Deputy Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator, overseeing internal operations and enhancing the student-athlete experience. A former Division I student-athlete and coach, Barsky has guided the Gauchos to competitive and academic success, including conference championships, national recognition, and record graduation rates. She is active nationally as chair of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Oversight Committee and a former member of the Division I Council.
