Roundup of LHG Client Summer Events

As the weather heats up, so do our clients’ event schedules. Check out the roundup below for some of our not-to-be-missed client events happening this summer. A much-needed getaway awaits!

 

The Market at Grelen: Pick-Your-Own Season: Somerset, VA – May-September, 2019

From live music, dining and stargazing to gardening and DIY workshops, The Market at Grelen’s summer itinerary provides the perfect excuse for a family outing, day trip or weekend getaway. The Market at Grelen’s produce is fresh for picking year-round! And from late May to early November, they offer a pick-your-own opportunity allowing guests to pluck ripe blueberries, blackberries and raspberries from late May through early June, gather juicy peaches in early June and pick crisp apples and pumpkins from September through November. For more information, please visit www.themarketatgrelen.com.

 

 

PVDFest: Providence, RI – June 6-9, 2019

For the fifth year in a row, experience live music, dance, food and visual art installations in Providence, Rhode Island. During this four-day festival, art takes over the city’s public spaces, parks and outdoor stages. PVDFest is a free outdoor party that inspires the soul, fires the spirit and draws thousands dancing in the streets. Produced by the City of Providence with founding partner First Works, this Creative Capital celebration has become a signature, much-anticipated celebration for residents and visitors alike. For more information, visit www.pvdfest.com.

 

International Festival of Arts and Ideas: New Haven, CT – June 8-22, 2019

One of the region’s most anticipated cultural events, the International Festival of Arts & Ideas showcases stunning music, dance and theater performances, emerging thinkers and a diverse display of cultural and arts programs from around the world. This festival has been a long-standing tradition within the New Haven community and continues to draw an audience of thousands every year. The festival produces an astonishing lineup featuring hundreds of events, a large majority of which are presented free of charge and are family-friendly. For more information, visit www.artidea.org.

 

 

Victory Cruise Lines’ Great Lakes Grand Discovery – June 9-18; June 27-July 6; August 11-19, 20-28; August 29-September 6, 2019

With a commitment to small-ship cruising on the North American and Canadian coasts, Victory Cruise Lines is pleased to reveal its summer itineraries since joining American Queen Steamboat Company. This summer, the M/V Victory I, designed for coastal cruising, will set sail on the storied Georgian Bay for its Great Lakes Grand Discovery Cruise. Guests can admire the natural beauty of Niagara Falls and take in the breathtaking vistas of the Southern Canadian Coast. Sailings will embark or disembark in Toronto with ports of call in Port Colborne, Niagara Falls; Cleveland, OH; Detroit, MI; Sault Saint Marie, MI; Little Current, Manitoulin Island (Ontario, Canada); and Mackinac Island, MI; concluding in Chicago, IL. Fares begin at $6,385 per person, based on double occupancy. For more information and to make reservations, please visit www.victorycruiselines.com or call 888.907.2636.

 

Virginia Is For Lovers 50 Years of Love Anniversary: Virginia – June 21-August 10, 2019

Virginia Is For Lovers was established 50 years ago in 1969 and is one of the most recognized slogans in the world. This summer, the beloved slogan will be celebrated throughout the state’s wineries, breweries, festivals, hotels, restaurants and small businesses in a multitude of engaging ways. Visitors can discover even more Virginia Love by visiting over 130 public “LOVE” artworks across the state, all representing the states communities and providing special events throughout the year. Virginia Tourism Corporation will be leading the anniversary promotion throughout the summer, starting off on June 21 and ending 50 days later on August 10. For more information, visit www.vatc.org/50yearsoflove.

 

 

Mighty Mississippi Cruise onboard the American Queen Steamboat Company – June 23-July 15, 2019

Luxury riverboat operator American Queen Steamboat Company invites guests to join its annual 23-day cruise from New Orleans, LA to Red Wing, MN onboard the American Queen, exploring storybook towns and vibrant bustling cities. This voyage is packed with special events, such as live music by Memphis blues legend Joyce Cobb and her band, a solo cabaret by Glenn Springs and a homespun show by Dave Para and Cathy Barton featuring a variety of stringed instruments. Ports of call include Nottoway Plantation, LA; Natchez, MS; Vicksburg, MS; Greenville, MS; Memphis, TN; New Madrid, MO; Paducah, KY; Cape Girardeau, MO; Chester, IL; St. Louis, MO; Alton, IL; Hannibal, MO; Clinton, IA’ Dubuque, IA and La Crosse, WI. Fares begin at $5,999 per person. For more information and to make reservations, please visit www.americanqueensteamboatcompany.com or call 888.749.5280.

 

Oceanfest: Long Branch, NJ – July 4, 2019

Each year since 1990, crowds numbering in the hundreds of thousands have descended upon the city’s oceanfront promenade from places all over the Mid-Atlantic region for Oceanfest — an all-day, family-friendly festival that brings together memorable sights, sounds and sensations of the summer season. Not just a music or food festival and much more than a craft sale or street fair, Oceanfest combines the best parts of everyone’s favorite summertime memory, capping it off with the most spectacular fireworks seen along the Jersey coast. For more information, visit www.oceanfestnj.com

 

Fern Cave Tours: Redding, CA – Every Saturday from July 6-September 28, 2019

With exceptional rock art and a sensitive biotic environment, Fern Cave tours are a must-see summer excursion in the Shasta Cascade region. Experience this fascinating, ranger-led tour taking visitors on an hour-long trek through the Fern Caves of the Lava Bed National Monument. Tours are offered on Saturday’s at 2:00 p.m. and limited to only six people per tour. Reservations are required and can be made up to three weeks in advance. For more information, visit www.visitredding.com/eventdetail/3998/fern-cave-tours

 

Family Saturdays: Walk on the Wild Side with Creature Adventures: Palm Beach County, FL – July 13, 2019

In partnership with the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society, the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County is offering families a WILD time. Visitors are invited to come and meet live animal ambassadors from the Palm Bach Zoo, explore what makes these animals so special and how to protect them in the wild. The program is free and includes live animals, themed activities and a take home craft. Visitors must register in advance online. For more information, visit www.events.palmbeachculture.com/event/951255/family-saturdays-walk-on-the-wild-side-with-creature-adventures

 

Garden Yoga in July at The Market at Grelen: Somerset, VA – July 14, 21 & 28, 2019

Grelen’s Sunday morning yoga is an opportunity to pause, breathe deeply, stretch and reset in beautiful surroundings. Offered only in July, the garden yoga will be led by Ingrid Berger. Following the yoga class guests can enjoy The Market at Grelen’s leisure trails, shopping, dining and beautiful setting. For more information, please visit: www.themarketatgrelen.com

 

 

Artists of Saint Barth Art Party: Saint Barth – July 18, 2019

The Artists of Saint Barth association hosts pop-up art parties throughout the year to highlight 10 to 15 local artists. The association is made up of 55 painters, photographers, sculptors and designers and parties are hosted in stunning venues such as the Christopher Hotel and the Musee Territorial. Artists such as photographer Michael Gramm, sculptor Jean Martin and painters Chloe Chemama and Robert Danet are among those who have been featured in the past. For more information, please visit: www.artistsofstbarth.org.

 

Old Spanish Days Fiesta: Santa Barbara, CA – July 31-August 4, 2019

This summer, Santa Barbara, CA will host the highly anticipated 95^th annual Old Spanish Days Fiesta. This event draws large and loyal crowds to the Santa Barbara area in honor of their Spanish heritage and traditions. The five-day event preserves the traditions of colorful music, dance and song mixed with the spirit of hospitality and tolerance, all serving as the pillars of the Fiesta. For information, visit www.oldspanishdays-fiesta.org.

 

Scranton Jazz Festival: Lackawanna Co., PA – August 2-4, 2019

For three days every August, the historic Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel in Scranton, PA becomes a haven for jazz lovers, and this year is no different. The Scranton Jazz Festival (SJF) has consistently attracted some of the finest international, national and regional jazz, blues and world beat artists to showcase their talent. Combined with an outstanding staff of artisans, technicians, administrators and volunteers, SJF has drawn thousands over the years. For more information on the SJF’s 15^th annual jazz celebration, visit www.scrantonjazzfestival.org.

 

League of New Hampshire Craftsmen’s Fair: Newbury, NH – August 3-11, 2019

This nationally-renowned celebration of traditional and contemporary craft features inspiring exhibitions of both wearable and decorative crafts, hands-on workshops and engaging live demonstrations. Situated at the base of Mount Sunapee Resort, the fair also features live original music and a New Hampshire craft beer and wine garden showcasing the state’s great local offerings. The legacy of handmade craft has long been celebrated throughout New Hampshire’s history, and this event seeks to further educate visitors on the quality of craftmanship in the Granite State. For more information, visit www.nhcrafts.org

 

 

48 Hour Film Project: Paducah, KY – August 9-11, 2019

The 48 Hour Film Project is a wild and sleepless weekend in which teams are challenged to make a movie. All writing, shooting, editing and scoring must be completed in just 48 hours. Each film masterpiece will be shown on the big screen at Maiden Alley Cinema. The Paducah 48 Hour Film Project is part of a larger international competition including more than 120 cities where more than 60,000 people will make short films. For more information, visit www.48hourfilm.com/paducah.

 

Grand Rapids AQS QuiltWeek Show: Grand Rapids, MI – August 21-24, 2019

Over 15,000 quilters will be heading to Grand Rapids, MI for the annual American Quilter’s Society QuiltWeek Show to see some of the best quilting and textile artistry that the country has to offer. In addition to nearly 700 quilts on display, this year’s event includes workshops by renowned instructors, contests and a Merchant Mall. The show brings creativity, passion and a new definition of quilt art to Grand Rapids. For more information, visit www.quiltweek.com/locations/grand-rapids/.

 

La Festa Italiana: Lackawanna Co., PA – August 30-September 2, 2019

Scranton, PA embraces its Italian heritage with a four-day festival every Labor Day weekend on Courthouse Square. More than 80 vendors will be onsite offering authentic Italian food, in addition to live entertainment on multiple stages all weekend long. An annual mass in Italian will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Sunday in St. Peter’s Cathedral, just one block away from the festival site. For a complete schedule and more information, visit www.lafestaitaliana.org.

 

Railfest: Lackawanna Co., PA – August 31-September 1, 2019

The Steamtown National Historic Site will host the 13^th Annual Festival of Railroading, History and Industry, also known as Railfest, on Labor Day weekend. Train enthusiasts will delight in the use of steam power, diesel and electricity to power model versions of famous railroad vessels to show the impact of these locomotives on the country’s culture. For two days, the Steamtown National Historic Site and the Electric City Trolley Museum will operate on these rails. For more information, visit www.nepa.org.

 

Hometown Rising: Louisville, KY – September 14-15, 2019

A music and bourbon festival, Hometown Rising features country music heavyweights like Tim McGraw, Little Big Town, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban and more. Bourbon authority and bestselling author Fred Minnick is the festival’s spirits curator and has organized the Big Bourbon Bar, the centerpiece of the festival featuring two dozen hand-selected bourbons from top distilleries. For more information, visit www.hometownrising.com.

 

Bourbon & Beyond: Louisville, KY –  September 20-22, 2019

The ultimate Kentuckian trifecta: bourbon, music and food come together for this unforgettable music festival featuring the Foo Fighters, Zac Brown Band, ZZ Top and John Fogerty just to name a few. The Big Bourbon Bar will be a stage of its own featuring legendary bourbon such as Angel’s Envy, Elijah Craig, Old Forester and many more. For more information, visit www.bourbonandbeyond.com.

 

Laver Cup: Geneva, Switzerland – September 20-22, 2019

Geneva, Switzerland will host the 3^rd edition of the Laver Cup. New to the tennis world, the Laver Cup pits six top European players against six of their counterparts from the rest of the world. Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are some of the few participating in this year’s cup and hope to defend Team Europe’s title. Spectators relish in this unique experience as rivals become teammates and compete tirelessly over a three-day span. Geneva’s central location makes the Laver Cup accessible to many fans across Europe and provide international spectators a new landscape to explore.  For more information, visit www.lavercup.com.

 

Paducah Dragon Boat Festival: Paducah, KY – September 21, 2019

The dragons are coming back to Paducah’s riverfront for the 8th Annual Dragon Boat Festival. Gather your team or watch as the River Discovery Center hosts these races on the Ohio River. Colorful dragon boats with 16 paddlers and a creatively dressed drummer race three races each. Proceeds benefit the educational programs of the River Discovery Center. For more information, visit www.riverdiscoverycenter.org.

 

Louder than Life: Louisville, KY – September 27-29, 2019

Last year, Louder than Life featured rock groups such as Nine Inch Nails, Alice in Chains and Godsmack and specially designed guest experiences including the Maker’s Mark Southern Soul BBQ party. 2019 lineup is yet to be announced. For more information, visit www.louderthanlifefestival.com

 

The Ultimate Villa Experience for All Ages: Eden Rock – St Barths

Until Eden Rock officially reopens on Nov. 20, 2019, guests can enjoy the hotel’s renowned services through Eden Rock’s Villa Rental Program. Experience a summer stay like no other from daily breakfast delivery, beachside spa treatments and endless frosé from Eden Rock Beach’s very own Frosé Trolley. An Eden Rock Villa Rental Concierge is available 24/7, guiding guests to the best island spots and finest restaurants throughout their stay. A family-friendly summer getaway, Eden Rock Villa Rental offers an array of activities exclusively for kids, such as yoga and meditation classes, Eden Spa treatments, pastry workshops and art lessons with local St Barths artists. For more information, visit www.oetkercollection.com/hotels/eden-rock-st-barths.

 

 

Wild Dunes Resort’s New Teambuilding Offerings: Charleston, SC

Charleston’s Wild Dunes Resort, a Destination Hotel, is debuting a collection of new teambuilding activities catering to corporate retreats, family reunions, girlfriend getaways and every group in between. With a collection of new and unique experiences including an Osprey Boat Charter or the SC Aquarium Beach Sweep, artists, health enthusiasts, foodies and golfers alike can enjoy quality time steeped in Lowcountry charm and tradition. For more information, visit www.wilddunes.com or call 855.264.4232.

 

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line New Bicycle Offerings

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line (BPCL), the only provider of 2-night cruises departing daily from the Port of Palm Beach to Grand Bahama Island, is highlighting its fun and convenient bike offerings: the Bike & Beach Tour and Your Bicycle, Your Bahamas. With the Bike & Beach Tour cruisers can uncover the magnificent wonders of Grand Bahama Island with a guided five-hour bicycle tour. The Your Bicycle, Your Bahamas offering allows guests to explore Grand Bahama Island with friends, a bike club or bike association, and bring their personal bicycles aboard the ship at no extra cost. Whether an avid cycler or wanting to explore Grand Bahama Island in a fresh new way, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line makes it easier than ever for guests to experience the magic of the Bahamas by bike. For more information and to book a cruise, please visit www.bahamasparadisecruise.com.

 

African American Heritage Tour: Kentucky

Kentucky Tourism just unveiled three new itineraries that highlight the state’s rich African American history and invites visitors to uncover the unforgettable stories of legendary heroes like famed boxer and activist Muhammad Ali, Civil War hero George Thomas Prosser and the first female African-American reporter in the White House foreign press corps Allison Dunnigan. The itineraries are divided by geographical region and include Louisville and surrounding areas, Lexington and surrounding areas and a statewide itinerary. Perfect for three- or five-day trips, the family friendly tours promise to enrich any summer road trip. For more information, visit: www.unforgettableky.com

 

The Bourbon Trail: Bardstown, KY

The Kentucky Distiller’s Association has just named Bardstown the official gateway to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tour. With eight Kentucky Bourbon Trail distilleries in the area including, Bardstown Bourbon Company, Heaven Hill, Lux Row Distillers, Preservation Distiller, Willett Distiller, Jim Beam, Four Roses and Markers Mark this is the perfect summer getaway for bourbon lovers. For more information, visit: www.kentuckytourism.com/bardstown

from Lou Hammond Group https://louhammond.com/2019/04/18/roundup-of-lhg-client-summer-events/
via https://louhammond.com

5 Graphic Design Tips for Non-Designers

Whether you’re a novice artist, a PR guru trying to create the perfect Instagram graphic or someone looking to pursue graphics as a career, you don’t need to be an expert to excel in the creative space. Being a left-brained creative certainly helps, but even the most black-and-white, right-brained thinkers can use the following tricks to make their next small-scale design project stand out from the rest.

Here are 5 design tips for non-designers to enhance your next project:

 

1. Color Palettes Matter

Having the right color palette can make or break a brand’s identity. While it can be challenging to nail a color palette for a new brand, it’s important to understand the full impact that colors can have on the way a brand is perceived by consumers. It’s like deciding on the type of personality you’re going to have or if you should really dye your hair that vibrant shade of pink. Your brand’s color palette says a lot about who you are before you even have the chance to speak for yourself. The right place to start is the basic 12 slice color wheel. Selecting a traditional color or two from that wheel can open your imagination to the color options that might be the right fit for your brand visually, but you should also consider their psychological meanings as well.

Depending on where you are in the world, colors can convey different meanings, like purple symbolizing royalty and orange representing enthusiasm (get the full breakdown of color psychology here). It’s crucial to have a clear understanding of where your brand is going to have a presence, how your prospective consumers think and what color schemes your competitors are using when you’re putting together a color palette of your own.

 

2. Typography Sets the Tone

Ever walk through a store and notice that every brand has its own, recognizable font? The can of Coca-Cola sitting on your desk is masked in white swirls, while the iconic Nike swoosh is often accompanied by bold, block letters. Every brand in your life has a carefully crafted typeface that, along with the color palette, sets the tone for its identity.

Typefaces will vary based on the type of product or service the brand is offering. For Coca-Cola, they might be selling you a soda pop, but their brand essence is a gateway to enjoying time with family and friends with the accompanying feeling of joy. For Nike, the brand is designed for athletes. Athletes value strength, bold moves and power. Having a simple yet bold logo with emphatic lettering is exactly what they needed to get their message across to their target market.  

If you’re designing for a presentation or a website, you may also want to consider using two typefaces that can work together to emphasize the right points of your message. These can be similar to what you use in your brand’s logo, or completely different. Whatever you choose, always make sure it’s representing the value and purpose of your brand.

 

3. Blank Space is Your Friend

A major faux-pas of non-designers is trying to fit too many elements into a design. This results in a final project that is too overwhelming to look at. Although you might think that one poster needs 62 off-white circles, a novel’s worth of copy and five shades of blue text, I can say with confidence that less is definitely more when it comes to design.

Blank spaces are the sections of the design that allow the background to shine through. Blank space is important to design because it allows other elements of the creative to be emphasized, such as a brand’s logo or slogan. While this might look empty to some, blank space is necessary to have a balanced, easy-to-comprehend piece of work. Rule of thumb: if your eye is drawn to something other than the main message of the design, there’s too much on the page.

 

4. The Rule of Thirds

This is one of my favorite rules of design because it combines logic with art. The Rule of Thirds works by first placing a 3×3 grid over your design. You then need to look for the points where the lines intersect – these are where the focal points of your design should be placed.

Focal points are the parts of the design that you want your viewers to be drawn toward. These can be anything – from a logo, to a person, to an object – but they should always be the elements that help get your overall message across to your audience. Take this LHG advertisement for example – the words align with the focal points so that the viewer’s eye is drawn to them.

 

5.  Composition is Key

A symphony orchestra is more than just one outstanding cellist – it’s the result of horns, violins, percussionists, etc. complimenting the sounds of one another to produce a tune that simultaneously surprises and delights an audience. Design works the same way.

A great design is the result of many components working together to get a message across. This can simply be great copy layered over the right color palette with some geometric shapes added for good measure, or it can be more elaborate with custom graphics, animations or special filters layered on. For a non-designer looking for a quick creative fix, my recommendation would be to keep the composition clean and balanced – no one likes when a violin is playing loud and out-of-tune.

 

While a background in the arts is always helpful for design projects, we know that budgets and timelines don’t always account for enlisting the help of professionals. Implementing these tips on your next project can help amplify your designs and put your best creative foot forward.

from Lou Hammond Group https://louhammond.com/2019/04/11/5-graphic-design-tips-for-non-designers/
via https://louhammond.com

Why Investing in Big Opportunities has Big Results

It was during a Monday night watch party for “The Bachelor” amongst a small group of 20-something women when I was able to witness it happening first hand. Wine glass in one hand and iPhone in the other, we all suddenly found ourselves searching for flights – just “to see” what costs look like – if we too could explore Portugal and experience the food, culture and thrills we just saw on screen.

There’s no denying big broadcast opportunities require a big paycheck to facilitate them (note: in many cases large productions are not being paid, but tourism boards and hotels are working to cover the expenses for airfare, hotel nights, meals/transportation for cast and crew, etc.) but in a world where people are constantly scrolling, swiping and flipping the page – uninterrupted TV programming may just be your best bet.

There’s no denying traveling can be complicated and involve a number of moving parts. According to Expedia, consumers, on average, visit 38 websites before booking a trip. And while seeing a destination play out as a backdrop for a romantic date, cooking segment or as the temporary set of your favorite talk show may not eliminate any of those steps for a consumer, it can certainly paint a stronger picture of how to truly “experience” a destination.

“The Bachelor Effect”

With an average of 7 million viewers per week, The Bachelor delivers a one-of-a-kind romantic journey set amongst the world’s most beautiful destinations. From Thailand and the Maldives to Bermuda and the Bahamas, The Bachelor and Bachelorette franchises travel to some of the most exotic locales and take viewers along for the ride. The captive audience sees a destination in a way that anyone would want to enjoy it: great food, amazing romance, local culture and a sense of wonder and excitement that inspires the viewer to want to be there. The stakes are even higher for destinations that showcase the finale, which typically ends in a proposal. In a recent article on Skift, Peter Scalettar, the show’s co-executive producer estimated the media value of a finale appearance between $20 million and $100 million.

No longer is the coverage limited to just an episode of the program. Outlets like People.com, Time, Betches and many others have dedicated staffers for The Bachelor beat and provide secondary coverage to the show’s travel locations. Host destinations/hotels are also able to leverage their experience on the show in creative markets, from the development of hotel packages that recreate dates seen on the show, to consumer-centric watch parties hosted by former show contestants.

Keeping Reality TV “real”

Beyond the over-the-top antics of “The Bachelor/The Bachelorette,” reality TV continues to be a dominant force of programming that incorporates travel. From the number of “Real Housewives” series on Bravo to cooking shows like “Top Chef,” the amount of broadcast exposure can come in a number of ways. Many “bravolebrities” – a term for the cast of characters that have their lives filmed and aired on the cable channel Bravo – have also established large social media followings and partner with brands on sponsored posts. Taking it one step further, these social media posts are  also turning in to content on major news sites. Take this photo for example:https://people.com/home/rhobh-cast-bikini-bodies-bahamas/

 

Scripted Programming Integrations

Away from reality TV, there are still opportunities for travel brands to reach consumers through broadcast programming. Savvy brands are working with productions to incorporate vacations into the scripts of popular shows. Rather than fast forwarding through a commercial and completely missing an ad, when the family of your favorite sitcom suddenly arrives at one of the world’s best vacation spots, the seed is planted that maybe you should take your family there as well. While this approach has been previously more popular with consumer products (ever notice how conveniently the Coca-Cola label was showing when your favorite characters took a swig?), its an area for growth for travel brands.

Taking the Morning Show on the Road

Shows like The Today Show, Good Morning America and Live with Kelly and Ryan can also provide a big impact when filming in a destination. In this scenario, the show also brings many celebrities to the destination for interviews. In 2018 Atlantis, Paradise Island welcomed Live with Kelly and Ryan to broadcast from their resort in the Bahamas. In addition to the celebrity power of Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest (which generated incredible reach on social media and amongst celebrity outlets), guests of the show also included Heather Graham, Whitney Cummings,  Taylor Kitsch and more .

 

Mid-Sized Programming

While large-scale productions like “The Bachelor” can often include a large crew, there are  several travel-centric shows on channels like PBS that can be more manageable for destinations unable to offer 100+ room nights for a production. Known from her time on the Travel Channel, Samantha Brown’s “Places to Love” on PBS travels to a new destination each episode. Over the course of half-an-hour, Samantha meets passionate locals who help showcase the special destination through their eyes. Along the way viewers are introduced to chefs, artists, and a range of local artisans. By comparison, Samantha and her crew are less than 10 people and as a result the costs are significantly less to feed, house and transport 10 instead of 100.

 

In a time when consumers can’t get enough content, broadcast continues to be one of the leading ways to reach consumers. Despite all the ways that consumers can interact with something online or take a virtual tour of a hotel room, there’s nothing that is quite the same as seeing it play out in real-life. And it certainly doesn’t hurt if your favorite celebrity…or “bravolebrity”…was recently there.

from Lou Hammond Group https://louhammond.com/2019/03/29/why-investing-in-big-opportunities-has-big-results/
via https://louhammond.com

The Beginning of a Beautiful Friendship: The Case for Working with Freelance Journalists

We’ve heard it again and again; the media landscape is changing. While in recent years that statement has been widely repeated when discussing public relations, it can be tricky to identify what this actually means when it comes to PR.  One of the more tangible ways this shift has manifested itself is in the rise of the freelancer. With publications increasingly keeping their staffs small, more and more editors have begun to rely on freelance writers for content. This opens up a world of opportunity for brands, as relationships with freelancers continue to be an excellent way to generate authentic, valuable and meaningful coverage. For public relations professionals, working with freelancers can be the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Here are some of the reasons why:

The Power of Flexibility

Though many companies and brands were once wary of the “freelance” moniker, these relationships are becoming just as valuable to cultivate as on-staff writers. While the power and prestige of the masthead isn’t going anywhere, the strength of working with freelancers can best be described in one word: flexibility. Especially in the world of travel, flexibility is key.

These days, we’ve seen that more publications are turning to freelancers who have the ability to travel more freely than staff writers to share firsthand accounts of their experiences. Freelancers are able to have a more flexible travel schedule because they aren’t tethered to one place, making travel much easier without the need to be putting in office hours or attending staff meetings. Freelancers are often also producing great #InstagramEnvy, sharing images from a sunny beach one day and an arctic tundra the next. Whereas staff writers may be limited with the days they can be out of the office and need to travel on a weekend, freelancers don’t have the same requirement. This flexibility can often lead to mid-week travel, making hotel availability easier and the great personalities within the destination to have a bit more time to interact with press.

New York Travel Writers Association President and freelance travel writer Kelsey Chauvin, who spends hundreds of days a year on the road, also acknowledges the power of flexibility. “Freelancing is fantastic for its flexibility, since as a travel writer I need to be able to take off weekdays, sometimes at the last minute. But every day that I’m traveling is a day not writing, and therefore not earning; so, it’s vital to be discerning about which trips to take. For financial sustainability, I aim to write at least three articles for every press trip I take; though sometimes it may take a year or more to get them all published.”  Despite the many conveniences of flexibility, it also means being able to adjust on the fly and being able to push yourself to work irregular hours. Travel and lifestyle writer Allison Tibaldi notes, “Being a freelance travel writer is a true privilege. Not only do I explore new destinations, I have fantastic access to the people and places of that destination. While it is a wonderful job, it is a job. I think the biggest misconception is that it’s all fun and games. It is a job I love, but we keep a full, tight schedule while on location, with early mornings, full days and often late nights.”

Travel by nature is incredibly experiential and publications still place value on storytellers who are able to paint a picture for readers based on their own personal understanding of a place. Publications are always looking for contributors with the latest off-the-radar experience, and PR pros are always looking to get their client in front of new eyes. Therefore, a symbiosis of sorts is formed – a relationship mutually beneficial to both parties involved. Since both freelance writers and PR professionals understand the value of the pitch, this type of relationship makes sense.

Getting Creative

Another component of freelancing is creativity. Freelancing lends itself to creativity and requires a little bit of out-of-the-box thinking. This can come from finding unusual workspaces (ever finished a story from the floor of a busy train station while trying to submit and not get stepped on at the same time?) to the creativity needed to find a compelling angle to a tried and true destination.

Just like the PR pros, freelancers are trying to catch an editor’s attention. When working together, we can double the efforts, angles and creative hooks to try and find a platform to tell our story. Since freelancers aren’t necessarily bound to one publication, numerous articles across outlets can result from a single trip, meeting or experience. If an experience captures a freelancer’s heart, odds are they’ll remember it as they continue to pitch. Investing in the right freelancers can be a creative way to stretch a client’s budget. Introduce a freelance writer to your brand or product, and odds are they might help you see things in a new light, too. Freelancers are not only seasoned storytellers, but they also know the importance of building and staying true to a brand, as so many are also experts at cultivating their own personal brand.

The Importance of Connections

Perhaps the most important thing of all that PR professionals and freelancers have in common is understanding the importance of building a strong network of personal connections. Freelancing is contingent on the relationships built with editors, agencies and brands. You need to be seen as a trusted source by all parties. In an industry where reputation is everything, building your network with strong, savvy colleagues is essential.  This is beneficial both when working together on the next big story and for building personal relationships. When speaking with Jillian Dara, a globe-trotting freelance journalist who contributes to numerous publications, she summed up her favorite part of the freelance experience as follows, “Having worked both in-house and now freelance, I love that as a freelancer my relationship with many publicists evolves from strictly professional communications to a personal friendship. When you’re in-house, I think there is a certain barrier that exists as a result of representing a company—but as a freelancer, you are the company! So, I’ve really enjoyed being able to grow these relationships which makes work feel even less like work.” In a business so focused on people-to-people relationships working with those who understand the worth of and seek out personal relationships is incredibly valuable and can lead to more authentic story telling.

While the value of working with publications and their staff will always be held in high regard, the modern freelancer is a valuable connection to have. Gone are the days when publications or brands looked at freelancing with a wary eye. Today, having an expanded network of freelance writers only increases the avenues down which stories can be told.

 

from Lou Hammond Group https://louhammond.com/2019/03/19/the-beginning-of-a-beautiful-friendship-the-case-for-working-with-freelance-journalists/
via https://louhammond.com

Tips and Takeaways from Media Training 101

In the past decade – even in the past couple of years – we’ve seen quite a few changes in the media landscape. Newspaper and magazine staffs are smaller and mightier, influencers are ever on the rise and consumers are absorbing content in a variety of mediums. From print to broadcast, editor-in-chief to Instagrammer, luxury hotel to non-profit – these are a few tips to ensure you connect with the right media, reach your target journalists and deliver impactful messaging for your brand.

 

1. Adapt to a changing media landscape

Gone are the days where PR is limited to media relations and crisis communication. With today’s shifting landscape, getting a message across involves leveraging a variety of tools – influencer relations, content development, social media strategy, event planning, marketing partnerships and more. While maybe not as straightforward, this opens the door for more content, delivered on multiple platforms.

 

2. Embrace the rise of the freelancer

As the number of on-staff editors decreases, media outlets rely more on freelancers, non-traditional journalists (such as novelists, photographers, designers, and industry insiders), as well as social influencers and bloggers for content. Freelancers come with several benefits: they produce multiple stories for multiple outlets, they welcome new ideas and content and they have the flexibility to travel. Engage in a symbiotic relationship where you’re supplying their need for newsworthy happenings and creative angles to help them land their story (and your message).

 

3. Do your homework and respect what the media want

Become an expert in who is writing what, what they’ve already covered and what their top interests are. Read, read, read. Introduce yourself knowing exactly who you’re reaching and stay relevant to their interests with news – updates, trends, partnerships, significant events, data and profiles. New is news.

 

4. Build your pitch and know that timing is everything

With the media-to-PR personnel ratio ever widening, journalists are receiving more and more pitches. Make yours stand out and work hard. Start with data and facts, build your case why this is newsworthy, illustrate your case eliciting emotion and don’t forget the power of a great subject line.  In today’s world, being concise yet effective is an art worth mastering.

The delivery of the pitch is just as important as its content – timing is everything. Reach inboxes before 2:00 PM. For long-lead magazines, think “Christmas in July.” Respect schedules and send trip invitations three months in advance. Don’t be afraid to leverage national holidays to entice travel.

 

5. Recognize that seeing is believing

Nothing illustrates value like personal experience. Telling a journalist about a hotel only goes so far; hosting them to experience it themselves creates trust and an emotional connection. Align on expectations and deliverables between journalist and brand, clearly outline an itinerary that reflects the desired message yet respects personal time and preferences and host the journalist with sincere hospitality and individualized touches.

 

6. Be gracious and maximize coverage

A thank you note and feedback form go a long way. Acknowledge the journalist took his/her time to experience your particular property or product and note that you value their feedback. Once coverage is published, make sure to spread it far and wide – employees, partners, and supporters for social sharing, website and sales presentations, and social channels and newsletters. You’ll spread your message further and recognize the journalist’s work as well.

 

And viola – you’re a media pro. Now get pitching!

from Lou Hammond Group https://louhammond.com/2019/02/28/tips-and-takeaways-from-media-training-101/
via https://louhammond.com

8 PR Buzzwords and What They Really Mean

In the PR world we tend to speak in our own language. After a while, this jargon becomes so second nature that we forget not everyone uses our language on a daily basis. We’ve all accidentally slipped a frequently-used “PR word” into a conversation outside the office and been met with confusion from one of our friends.  Even new hires can be intimidated when they first enter the PR industry where these terms are used on a regular basis.

With the rapidly evolving media landscape and a quickly adapting PR industry, these buzzwords are ever changing – especially in travel PR where the ways that clients market themselves is always evolving, too. To help decode some of these terms, we’re letting you in on 8 commonly overheard PR buzzwords and breaking down what we really mean when we say them:

Influencer:

This is a word that most people had never even heard of until 5 years ago. The rise of social media has allowed users with a strong following on platforms like Instagram to become more powerful than ever. This “power” we’re talking about is the influencer’s ability to persuade their audience due to their credibility in a certain industry, like fashion or travel. For a more concise definition: an influencer is anyone with a large, devoted social media following and a connection to their audience’s interests.

Thought leader:

A common objective in the PR world is to position an individual with your client’s company as a “thought leader” in their field. In many ways a thought leader is like an influencer (if you take out the social media component).  Thought leaders are trusted sources within a particular field or industry whose views and opinions are considered influential or authoritative. Given this standing, thought leaders are particularly desirable sources for the media and thus, this status would be seen as advantageous for your client.

Experience:

This is a commonly used word in travel PR, typically seen in pitches or press invites. As travel marketing has trended towards experiential travel (particularly with travelers in their 20s and 30s) people have been more inclined not just to visit a destination, but to experience it. Experiential travel consists of being exposed to a destination by meaningfully engaging with a location’s food, history, culture and community.

Byline:

Many trade publications and magazines publish externally-contributed articles called bylines from experts or thought leaders in specific fields. A byline can be crucial for a PR strategy if a client is looking to establish one of their leaders as a credible source. The beauty of this strategy is that a client can use this as an opportunity to both promote and differentiate themselves from their competition. A bylined article can be a great opportunity to promote your client if the outlet has the right audience and niche.  

Deskside:

This is a term we use for an appointment with an editor, usually at their own office or desk. Desksides are incredibly useful meetings that allow you and/or your client to have face time with writers and pitch story ideas. These meetings allow you to make authentic connections with editors and forge relationships that may not be possible over email or phone. Because of the effectiveness of these meetings, clients will often arrange deskside tours in major media markets like New York and Los Angeles.

Boilerplate:

This is term that is heard across a variety of PR fields. Boilerplate is simply referring to text that can be used over and over again without being changed. In PR, we most often see this at the bottom of a press release. When you work with a new client, you will want to quickly develop a boilerplate to save you time moving forward. The term “boilerplate” actually originated in the 1890s – but back then it was cast in metal, ready for the printing press and distributed to newspaper firms around the US. The PR industry has come a long way since then!

Deliverables:

To put it simply, a deliverable is something produced or provided for a project. Deliverables are the quantifiable results of a project that can be delivered to a client. For example, if you have a call with a client, your deliverables are the tangible items that you owe them to meet their needs. Both the client and agency must be on the same page about goals, expectations and objectives to easily define the deliverables.

Pay-for-play:

In the past, this phrase would have been seen as being purely negative, but with so much content now available in the digital world, PR agencies would be naïve to not present their client with paid media opportunities to augment their earned media as well. Pay-for-play can mean any editorial or advertorial opportunity that comes with a contract or a payment. The benefit of a pay-for-play opportunity is that your client has the ability to control what is published and more closely measure the return on the investment.

There you have it: 8 of the most commonly used words in PR. It’s not our entire vocabulary by any means, but it’s a good glimpse into what goes on behind the scenes of our busy lives.

from Lou Hammond Group https://louhammond.com/2019/02/21/8-pr-buzzwords-and-what-they-really-mean/
via https://louhammond.com

Roundup of LHG Client Spring Events

Pack away your winter gear and plan a spring getaway! Check out the roundup below of some of our not-to-be-missed client events this spring.

Scranton St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Lackawanna County, PA – March 9, 2019

100,000 spectators line the streets of Downtown Scranton in Lackawanna County, PA each March to take part in one of the city’s greatest traditions, the Scranton St. Patrick’s Day Parade. This parade is the second largest in the country with over 12,000 participants including bagpipers, Irish step dancers, high school bands, local organizations and other Irish groups. Since 1962 the St. Patrick’s Parade Day Association of Lackawanna County has conducted this nationally acclaimed parade the weekend before the Feast of St. Patrick. With such camaraderie it is a nearly impossible not to catch a severe case of “Irish Spirit.” For more information, visit  www.visitnepa.org.

Sacred Sisterhood Retreat: Red Mountain Resort – March 14-18 & May 16-20, 2019

Led by shamanic earthing guide Betina Lindsey, the Sacred Sisterhood Retreat inspires guests to discover a greater self-awareness and how best to achieve happiness well beyond their stay with daily acts of self-care. Offered twice this spring, the four-night Sacred Sisterhood Retreat features the all-inclusive benefits of the Essential Retreat, in addition to special programming like earth bundling, guided and walking meditations, fire ceremonies and more. For more information, visit www.redmountainresort.com.

St. Barts Bucket Regatta – March 21-24, 2019

This prestigious event attracts 40 of the most beautiful sailboats and yachts for three days of races around the island. The regatta maintains its original spirit focusing on camaraderie and offers an international meeting place for owners, designers and boat builders. For guests of the island, the regatta provides a rare opportunity to admire the magnificent vessels anchored in the harbor and to attend one of the many social events.  For more information, please visit www.bucketregatta.com.

UNwineD: Panama City Beach, FL – March 22-23, 2019

This award-winning event returns to Aaron Bessant Park for the third year and features craft beer, spirits and wine from around the world, culinary creations by the region’s leading chefs and a Southern garden party presented by Southern Living. Guests can raise a glass at the Friday Night Kickoff Party, a time to mix and mingle with some of the South’s most elite chefs, mixologists and tastemakers. The celebration continues on Saturday with the Grand Afternoon Tasting & Cocktail Competition followed by a live concert and picnic in the park. For more information, visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/unwined.

Marco Island Seafood and Music Festival: Florida’s Paradise Coast – Naples, Marco Island, Everglades – March 22-24, 2019

The 2019 Marco Island Seafood and Music Festival offers a full weekend of fun. In addition to great music, seafood specialties, including fresh fish, grouper, crab cakes, stone crab, shrimp, crawdads and chowder will be available, with a huge assortment of traditional landlubber favorites too. Over 60 arts and crafts vendors will open along with a kid’s zone with bounce house, slide, rock climbing wall, trampoline and more. For more information, visit www.paradisecoast.com.

California Artisan Cheese Festival: Sonoma County, CA – March 23-24, 2019

Cheese lovers have the chance to meet celebrated cheese makers and enjoy artisan samples at this tasty festival, held at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds. Going into its 13^th year, the California Artisan Cheese Festival aims to educate people who want to learn more about artisan cheese, support the artisan cheesemaking community and its sustainability and celebrate the creations of this unique community. Through its educational offerings, the festival also helps consumers better understand artisan cheeses and their advantages over non-artisan cheeses. The festival’s marketplace event on Sunday gives the cheesemakers an excellent opportunity to showcase and sell their cheeses. Seminars and farm tours are also available. For more information, visit www.sonomacounty.com/sonoma-events/california-artisan-cheese-festival.

Mayor’s Mountain Bike Challenge: Redding, CA – March 29-May 31, 2019

Redding’s third annual Mountain Bike Challenge unites current and new bicyclists in a friendly self-competition highlighting its diverse trail system. Participants can pick up a passport at local bike shops or download one from the event website. Anyone who completes all rides in their category (beginner, intermediate or advanced) and turns in their passport by the end of the challenge, will receive an official Mayor’s Mountain Bike Challenge hat. Participants will also be entered in the challenge raffle of their category for a gift certificate to a local bike shop.  For more information visit www.mayorsmtbchallenge.org.

Annual Battle of the Brews: Sonoma County, CA – April 6, 2019

The 21st Annual Battle of the Brews, set for Saturday, April 6, 2019 in Grace Pavilion at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, offers samples of dozens of beers for the Craft Brew Cup Best of Show. Visitors will also be able to indulge in the Sonoma County Sandwich Showdown, while grooving to live jazz performances. For more information, visit www.sonomacounty.com/sonoma-events/battle-brews.

Bridge the Gap for Art: Elkton and Standardsville, VA – April 6-7, 2019

Two craft galleries, one on each side of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Shenandoah National Park, are joining together to strengthen the shared ties of art and community. SoLace Studios Fine Handcrafts, in Elkton and Noon Whistle Pottery in Stanardsville, Virginia are hosting Bridge the Gap for Art featuring local artists, musicians, wineries and vacation cottages to bridge the gap between Rockingham and Greene counties. SoLace studios represents the fine handcrafts of over 250 regional and national craftsmen, while Noon Whistle Pottery is a fine art and craft gallery representing over 200 American artists in a 1930’s Chevy dealership building. Premiering April 6 and 7, from 10-5 pm, both galleries will feature small bites by local farm-to-table venues, wineries and musicians from their respective counties. Following the launch party weekend, Bridge the Gap for Art continues through May 31, offering a map for visitors to enjoy the many offerings provided by other participating partners. For more information, visit www.bridgethegapforart.com.

Art of Design Presented by The Gibbes Museum of Art: Charleston, SC – April 12, 2019

The Art of Design, presented by the Gibbes Museum of Art’s Women’s Council, will feature Eva Chen, the head of fashion partnerships for the social media platform Instagram. Chen has been dubbed the Anna Wintour of the Digital Age, and through Instagram she has helped transform how industry influencers engage with communities. Previously the editor in chief of Lucky, Chen has also written for Elle, Vogue, Teen Vogue, Vogue China, the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. Tickets go on sale February 26^th and will be available at http://www.gibbesmuseum.org/.

Sebastopol Apple Blossom Festival and Parade: Sonoma County, CA – April 13-14, 2019

The 73rd annual Apple Blossom Festival begins with a parade on Saturday, followed by live music, food, crafts, children’s games, an art show, wine and more. The fun continues on Sunday with the Blues Music Explosion, featuring headliner Joe Louis Walker and bands from nearby and around the country. Guests have the opportunity to check out the Apple Blossom Festival Art Show and Reception next door in the Sebastopol Center for the Arts. For more information, visit www.sonomacounty.com/sonoma-events/sebastopol-apple-blossom-festival-and-parade.

Les Voiles de St. Barth – April 14-20, 2019

Les Voiles de St. Barth draws over 1,000 sailors and at least 80 boats, including some of the top names from around the world, to participate in a week-long regatta. The event, now in its tenth year, features racing, concerts and activities on the beach. Les Voiles de St Barth combines the spirit of sailing with the legendary lifestyle of St. Barthélemy. For more information, please visit lesvoilesdesaintbarth.com.

Spring AQS QuiltWeek – Paducah: Paducah, KY – April 24-27, 2019

Paducah, KY will host the 35^th annual Spring AQS QuiltWeek this April. Experience hundreds of AQS contest quilts, diverse special exhibitions, merchant malls, workshops, lectures and special events with world-class instructors in Quilt City USA®. Quilters will vie for $125,000 in cash awards, with the Janome Best of Show receiving $20,000. View A 50 State Salute, an exhibit featuring quilts made in patriotic designs by quilters of all ages. After being displayed at AQS QuiltWeek events throughout 2019, the quilts will be awarded to veterans and military in Paducah, Kentucky. For more information, visit www.paducah.travel.

Seabreeze Jazz Festival: Panama City Beach, FL – April 24-28, 2019

Named a “Top 10 Jazz Festival in the USA” by JazzIZ Magazine and recently nominated as “Best Jazz Festival” at the Oasis Smooth Jazz Awards, the Seabreeze Jazz Festival combines top national smooth jazz artists for a full weekend of fun, sun, great beaches and good times. The 21^st annual event is held in the Pier Park Amphitheater, featuring internationally recognized acts as well as local performers. For more information, visit www.seabreezejazzfestival.com.

SandJam Music Festival: Panama City Beach, FL – April 26-28, 2019

Panama City Beach’s second annual alternative rock music festival will set its stages on the beautiful sugar white sand beaches of Panama City Beach, providing the most beautiful backdrop for this spring’s biggest festivals. Music lovers of all ages are invited to make long lasting memories at SandJam presented by Pepsi. Stay tuned for 2019 headliners! For more information, visit https://www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/events/sandjam-fest/.

30^th Annual Passport to Dry Creek Valley: Sonoma County, CA – April 27-28, 2019

At 40+ participating wineries throughout Dry Creek Valley, guests will enjoy elaborate themed parties with remarkable and memorable food and wine pairings. Guests can meet Sonoma County’s most renowned chefs, savoring their inspired culinary creations alongside newly released and limited-edition wines. Enjoy sweet treats at Pop-Up Parties by local favorite Amy’s Wicked Slush. Take part in grape to glass experiences in the vineyards and choose from a limited series of intimate winemaker and vineyard lunches. The event will be held at the new Ranch at Lake Sonoma with sweeping views of the lake and breathtaking sunset views. For more information, visit www.sonomacounty.com/sonoma-events/passport-dry-creek-valley.

 

MOSAIC: Palm Beach County, FL – May 2019

Experience more culture for less during the Month of Shows, Art, Ideas & Culture (MOSAIC) in The Palm Beaches. Presented by the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County, MOSAIC is a month-long celebration of inspiration and discovery. Visitors can explore multiple unique art destinations for the duration of May. MOSAIC Culture Coupons, available at participating hotels or any Visitor Center, allow visitors to enjoy over a dozen experiences filled with performances, museums, galleries, gardens and more. For more information, visit www.palmbeachculture.com/mosaic.

Thunder Beach Spring Motorcycle Rally: Panama City Beach, FL – May 1-5, 2019

The most biker-friendly rally in the country, the free four-day Thunder Beach Spring Motorcycle Rally will feature 200 vendors and exhibitors, a bike parade, beauty pageants, poker runs, live music, motorcycle stunt shows, tattoo contests, bike shows with category judging and much more. Event happenings will take place at multiple venues throughout the Panama City Beach area. For more information, visit www.thunderbeachproductions.com.

Kentucky Derby, May 3-4, 2019

Returning to Churchill Downs this May, the 2019 Kentucky Derby will offer visitors and locals a spectacular celebration of horse racing and Southern culture. Dating back to 1875, the Kentucky Derby offers more than just rich traditions – from mint juleps, extravagant hats and singing “My Old Kentucky Home” with over 100,000 fellow spectators, the “fastest two minutes in sports” is a true icon of Americana. For more information on the Kentucky Derby, please visit www.kentuckyderby.com.

Annual Bodega Bay Fisherman’s Festival: Sonoma County, CA – May 4-5, 2019

Join Bodega Bay in celebrating the local fishermen and kicking off salmon season with a blessing of the fleet at the 46th Annual Fisherman’s Festival. Entertainment for the whole family includes live music, great food, craft booths and the wooden boat challenge, where participating teams build a vessel and compete in a boat race. For more information, visit www.sonomacounty.com/sonoma-events/annual-bodega-bay-fishermans-festival.

Jeep Beach Jam: Panama City Beach, FL – May 14-19, 2019

Thousands of Jeep owners and enthusiasts will gather in Panama City Beach for the fourth annual Jeep Beach Jam. This five-day family event, organized by the JBJ Productions, Inc. team, will be filled with many fun-in-the-sun activities including concerts, scavenger hunts, off-road excursions, bonfires and more. Events will take place at many locations throughout the beach. For more information, visit www.jeepbeachjam.com.

Spring Wine Festival & Sunset Tour: Alexandria, VA – May 17-19, 2019

Travelers can celebrate the history of wine in Virginia with exclusive evening tours of the Mansion and cellar, and appearances by George and Martha Washington. Guests can bring a blanket, relax on the east lawn overlooking the scenic Potomac River and sample wines made in Virginia while enjoying live music. During tours of the Mansion, the cellar where Washington stored his wine is open to visitors to learn about the successes and failures of our founding fathers’ endeavors with wine. To accompany the wine tasting, fruit and cheese boxes are available by advance purchase. A variety of hot and cold food and desserts including baguettes, gourmet sandwiches and specialty sweets will be available on site from the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant. For more information, visit www.visitalexandriava.com/event/spring-wine-festival-%26-sunset-tour/9438/.

PVDFest: Providence, RI – June 6-9, 2019

For the fourth year in a row, experience live music, dance, food and visual art installations as they transform Providence, Rhode Island into a four-day festival of multi-arts takeover of public spaces, parks and outdoor stages. PVDFest is a free outdoor party that inspires the soul, fires the spirit and has thousands dancing in the streets. Produced by the City of Providence with founding partner First Works, this Creative Capital celebration has become a signature, much-anticipated celebration for residents and visitors alike. For more information, visit www.pvdfest.com.

Country Summer Music Festival: Sonoma County, CA – June 14-16, 2019

Northern California’s biggest country music festival features three epic days and top country artists. Country Summer is also a destination country celebration with Western-themed attractions, a food court with country-inspired delights and an array of libations to please every palate. Country music superstar Tim McGraw will headline the event. For more information, visit www.sonomacounty.com/sonoma-events/country-summer.

Rodeo de Santa Fe: Santa Fe, NM – June 19-22, 2019

From barrel racing to bareback and bull riding, this rodeo has it all and has been roping the hearts of cowboys and rodeo fans since 1949. Bull fighters Luke Kraut and Clifford Maxwell will bring excitement during each performance. Fans can experience heart-pounding, dirt-slinging, action-packed performances of top PRCA rodeo athletes and entertainment. Big time rodeo, with a small town feeling. For more information, visit rodeodesantafe.org.

80th Annual Sonoma-Marin Fair: Sonoma County, CA – June 19-23, 2019

The 80th Annual Sonoma-Marin Fair has fun for everyone with concerts, livestock shows, exhibits, a carnival, the North of the Gate Wine Competition and the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest. At the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds, attendees can enjoy reflecting on the local farming throughout the decades. For more info, visit www.sonomacounty.com/sonoma-events/sonoma-marin-fair.

Oetker Collection’s Masterpiece Estates’ Fourth Estate Now Available: Cowdray House – Midhurst, England

Nestled between the rolling green hills of the South Downs National Park, an enchanting new estate, part of Oetker Collection’s Masterpiece Estates, awaits guests with a lavish, yet charming, touch. The estate is renowned for being the home of British polo, boasting the world’s original polo field. History buffs can enjoy a stroll around the ruins of the original Tudor mansion, which was partially destroyed by a fire in 1793. The house includes 22 suite-styled bedrooms, an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, bowling alley, tennis court, billiards room and a helicopter landing pad. Stays at the Cowdray house are priced from $16,711 per night during the property’s low season and $29,341 per night during high season. Fine dining and drink options, arranged by the property’s preferred suppliers, are available for purchase. Additionally, an array of activities, such as polo lessons at the Cowdray Polo Academy, golfing at Cowdray Golf Club and even guided wildlife tours, are offered for an additional price. For more information, visit www.oetkercollection.com/estates-villas/masterpiece-estates/the-estates/cowdray-house/.

The post Roundup of LHG Client Spring Events appeared first on Lou Hammond Group.

from Lou Hammond Group https://louhammond.com/2019/01/29/roundup-of-lhg-client-spring-events/
via https://louhammond.com