SPEAKER BIOS
Mike Testa
President and CEO, Visit Sacramento
Mike Testa is the President and CEO of Visit Sacramento, leading a talented team that’s dedicated to promoting Sacramento as an attractive travel destination while enhancing Sacramento’s image as a dynamic place to live and work. Through the impact of travel, Testa and his team strengthen Sacramento’s economic position, grow the region’s economy, and improve the quality of life for people in the community.
Through his vision, community collaboration, and consistent innovation, Sacramento’s identity has evolved from a sleepy Gold Rush town to a relevant food destination, recognized nationally as America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital. His recent introduction of Sacramento to the prestigious Michelin Guide, creation of the Tower Bridge Dinner, and oversight of events like
the Farm-to-Fork Festival & Legends of Wine, are examples of Testa’s ability to see Sacramento’s heritage and reimagine its identity as a food and agriculture leader.
Testa is a graduate of St. Mary's College and has spent his career promoting, connecting, and developing relationships to elevate organizational goals.
As the man responsible for bringing the Aftershock Music Festival to Sacramento (recognized as California’s largest rock festival), Testa is becoming widely known as a thought leader in economic development through festivals and events.
In 2008, Testa was named by Sacramento magazine as a “40 under 40” leader and in 2014 was awarded the Vibe Award from the Downtown Sacramento Partnership, which recognized "Visionary Innovators in Building Excellence.” He is active on the boards of the Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce, Sacramento Zoo, Midtown Association, and Downtown Sacramento Partnership. Testa is an educator and enjoys sharing his knowledge as a former media relations instructor for the Western Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus and the UC Davis Extension.