Earned Media Coverage

PR Pitches & Relationships

• 26 total pitches in August (focus: Slugburger Festival, Contraband Camp).

• Ongoing relationships with editors at Southern Living, Modern South, StyleBlueprint, Time Out, and Local Palate.
  

Press Trips in Development

• Southern Living writer Kelsey Ogletree planning a late 2025 family visit.

• Maggie Hennessey (Food + Wine, Chicago Sun-Times) will visit Corinth Nov 6–8 for research on a feature about the Slugburger.

Industry Engagement & Insights

ESTO Conference (Phoenix, Aug 17–19)

ESTO 2025 Sessions & Key Takeaways

1. Reimagining the Destination Brand

   Small DMOs can sharpen their unique identity to stand out nationally — Corinth’s mix of food, history, and small-town charm is a natural fit.

2. Smaller DMOs, Bigger Impact (DMOs Under $5M Panel)

   Creativity and agility often beat budget size, reinforcing Corinth’s nimble marketing approach.

3. Content That Converts: Storytelling in Action

   Authentic local stories drive the strongest engagement; Corinth’s narrative assets (Slugburger, Contraband Camp, murals) are ideal for this strategy.

4. Leveraging Data & Traveler Sentiment

   Real-time visitor insights should guide campaigns; monitoring digital feedback helps Corinth adjust messaging quickly.

   Creative Partnerships for Destination Marketing

   Pairing unexpected partners (arts, food, heritage, sports) can amplify reach — aligning with Corinth’s cross-community collaborations.

   The Future of Paid + Earned Integration

   Blending advertising with PR outreach creates stronger impact; Corinth’s PR + digital ad mix is already ahead of the curve.

   Trends in Visitor Behavior & Travel Demand

   Travelers seek authentic, affordable, meaningful experiences, exactly what Corinth offers in food culture, history, and walkable charm.

Nashville Media Desksides (Sept 8–10)

Participated in 14 one-on-one media appointments in person and via Zoom with writers and editors from regional and national outlets. Conversations focused on:

• Food & Beverage Media – Strong interest in Corinth’s Slugburger heritage and unique small-town dining scene. Writers saw potential for both quirky Southern food stories and deeper culinary culture coverage (Food + Wine, Moon’s Travel Guides, Local Palate).

• Family & Lifestyle Outlets – Outlets emphasized Corinth’s affordability, walkable scale, and authentic history as key hooks for family travel features (Parenting, Modern South).

• History & Culture Writers – Heritage stories, especially around the Contraband Camp and Civil War connections, resonated as fresh angles for audiences seeking deeper meaning in small-town travel (RV publications, National Geographic).

• Seasonal & Event Planners – Interest in fall festivals, holiday experiences, and signature events positioned Corinth as a must-visit small-town destination for seasonal getaways (Memphis Magazine, Southern Living, Expedia).

📌 These deskside meetings confirmed that Corinth’s best storylines — food, family, history, and seasonal experiences — are exactly what media are seeking.