Join us for Meet the Media, a networking opportunity designed to connect Visit Canton tourism partners with local and Northeast Ohio journalists, radio personalities, influencers, and media professionals. This event will offer a platform for tourism partners to share their unique stories, gain potential media exposure, and learn best practices for engaging with the press.

Event Highlights:

• PR Educational Session – A hands-on education session, "Press, Publicity, Purpose: How PR Can Amplify Your Mission," presented by Innis Maggiore.
• Meet the Media Panel Discussion – Industry experts share insights on travel trends, storytelling techniques, and best practices for attracting media attention
• Media Pitches – Showcase your attractions, unique experiences, and new offerings directly to the attending media.
• Networking Opportunities – Connect with media professionals and build relationships to enhance your tourism outreach.

This workshop is FREE for Visit Canton partners to attend. If you need to cancel, please notify us immediately to avoid a cancellation fee. Have an additional question about the day? Please reach out to [email protected]. 

Meet the Media: PR Education & Media Connect Schedule: 

8:30 AM | Registration, Continental Breakfast, & Networking

9:00 AM | Educational Session: “Press, Publicity, Purpose: How PR Can Amplify Your Mission”

Presented by: Merce Brown and Jeff McMahan, Innis Maggiore

PR has the power to amplify your organization’s mission. In this session, we’ll cover the principles behind PR strategy, help you identify your target audiences, outline today's tactics and trends, and provide best practices for engaging the media. 

We’ll also cover examples of how real-life nonprofits deploy various PR efforts that keep their audiences aware and engaged.

10:00 AM | Meet the Media Panel Discussion

Industry experts and media professionals discuss emerging travel trends, storytelling techniques, and how destinations effectively engage with the media.

Confirmed Participating Media Partners:

• Bev Shaffer, Food & Drink Reporter - Canton Repository
• Kelly Byer, Staff Writer - Canton Repository
• Jordan Miller, Reporter - Jordan Miller News
• Pam Cook, Morning On Air Personality - WHBC 1480 
• Matt Fantone, Morning On Air Personality - WHBC 94.1
• Jim Vickers, Editor - Ohio Magazine
• Nikolina, Mid Day On Air Personality - Q92
• 330 To Go Network

10:45 AM | Media Pitches

Your organization will have the opportunity to showcase your attractions, unique experiences, and new offerings to the media.

11:45 AM | Final Questions & Networking with Media Partners