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DISCOVER SAN RAMON
Event Innovator Competition
Pictured: Raghu Shivaram, CEO of Spritz, City Council Member Richard Adler, City Council Member Robert Jweinat, Winners – Samhita & Akshita Chikoti, Winners – Dhyan Shetty, Pranav Raghunath & Sohan Babu, Winner – Shiven Balaji, Mayor Mark Armstrong, Vice Mayor – Sridhar Verose, Discover San Ramon Board Member Candiece Estell, Director of Marketing at the Sonesta Select San Ramon
Discover San Ramon
Event Innovator Competition
Empowering High School Students to Shape San Ramon’s Event Scene
Discover San Ramon, the city’s official destination marketing organization, proudly presents the Event Innovator Competition—an annual initiative that empowers local high school students to contribute to the city’s vibrant event calendar. This competition challenges students to develop creative, tourism-friendly event concepts that highlight why “Everyone Loves It Here” in San Ramon.
Pictured: Winners – Dhyan Shetty, Pranav Raghunath & Sohan Babu, Discover San Ramon Board Member Candiece Estell, Director of Marketing at the Sonesta Select San Ramon, Winner – Shiven Balaji, Winners – Samhita & Akshita Chikoti
In September 2025, Discover San Ramon presented the three winning teams with $5,000 checks at the City Council meeting. Read more in the press release and official coverage from India West Journal.
2025 WINNERS
Congratulations to Our 2025 Winners!
Shiven Balaji,
Dougherty Valley High School
Lantern and Drones Festival: San Ramon Festival of the Lights
San Ramon’s Festival of Lights is a two-day event designed to celebrate both culture and technology in a fun, meaningful, and memorable way. This event will take place in the San Ramon Central Park and is meant to bring families, community members, and visitors together to enjoy performances, food, creative activities, and light-based attractions. The theme of the event focuses on light; with glowing water lanterns and colorful drone shows lighting up the city.
Samhita & Akshita Chikoti,
Dougherty Valley High School
San Ramon Summer Olympiad
The San Ramon Summer Olympiad is a lively two day mini Olympics style community event designed to celebrate San Ramon’s vibrant outdoor lifestyle and strong sense of community. Set across the city’s beautiful parks and local schools, the event will accommodate a wide range of sports and activities, making use of the open space San Ramon has to offer.
Dhyan Shetty, Pranav Raghunath & Sohan Babu,
Dougherty Valley High School
San Ramon Scavenger Stroll
The San Ramon Scavenger Stroll is an immersive, community-centered event that combines the joy of exploration with the thrill of competition. Designed as a walking scavenger hunt that winds through the city’s most iconic spaces, the Stroll invites residents and visitors alike to rediscover the beauty and culture of San Ramon through a playful and engaging format.
The Spirit of the Event Innovator Competition
“Participating in this competition was an inspiring way to connect with my community and design an event that everyone can enjoy,” — Sohan Babu, 2025 Winner
Empowering High School Students to Shape San Ramon’s Event Scene
Discover San Ramon, the city’s official destination marketing organization, is excited to launch the Event Innovator Competition, for its second year—an annual initiative that empowers local high school students to contribute to the city’s vibrant event calendar. The competition challenges students to develop creative, tourism-friendly event concepts that showcase why “Everyone Loves It Here” in San Ramon.
Three winning event concepts will each receive a $5,000 prize in recognition of their innovative ideas!
San Ramon’s events attract visitors, support local businesses, and create unforgettable experiences for both residents and tourists. By participating, students have the opportunity to showcase their creativity, leadership, and passion for community-building.
TIMELINE
Application Opens
Monday, March 9
Submission Deadline
Extended to Sunday, May 3
Judging & Review Period
May 4 – May 8
Winners Announced
Week of May 11
Prizes
$15,000 in total prizes
(three $5,000 awards for winning event proposals)
press coverage, and social media
The chance to see your event concept considered
for future implementation
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Discover San Ramon Event Innovator Competition, students must meet the following requirements:
• Applicants must currently live in San Ramon or actively attend a high school in San Ramon.
• 9th – 11th grade students (in grades 10-12 for the 2026-27 school year)
• Individual or Team Submissions
Students may apply individually or as part of a team (max 3 members per team). Each of the (3) $5k prize money awards, will be awarded to one submission (individual or team submission).
All team members must meet the eligibility criteria.
• Event Concept Requirements
The proposed event must align with Discover San Ramon’s mission to promote tourism, community engagement, and economic growth.
The event should have the potential to attract visitors and celebrate the city’s unique character under the theme “Everyone Loves It Here.”
2025 WINNERS
In September 2025, Discover San Ramon presented the three winning teams with $5,000 checks at the City Council meeting. Read more in the press release.
Dhyan Shetty, Pranav Raghunath, Sohan Babu
Dougherty Valley High School
San Ramon Scavenger Stroll
Shiven Balaji
Dougherty Valley High School
Lantern and Drones Festival: San Ramon Festival of the Lights
Samhita & Akshita Chikoti
Dougherty Valley High School
San Ramon Summer Olympiad