Communication Services
The Department’s communications strategies and tactics extend the reach and frequency of the overall Wisconsin tourism message. The message is communicated to the general public and niche audiences through a publicity program that includes media kits, radio and television features, press releases, fam tours, media fulfillments, promotions and contests, Internet coverage, events radio, Calendar of Events updates, multicultural media outreach and fall color and snow condition reports.
Consulting
Department of Tourism and agency of record communications professionals are available for public relations and marketing advice to the tourism industry.
Media Kits
Media kits covering statewide travel information are developed and sent to Midwest and select national media outlets (print, broadcast and electronic), trade publications, motorcoach and meeting planner publications. Seasonal media kits focus on events and activities for spring, summer, fall, holiday and winter.
Media Lists
Media lists that include travel editors, free-lance writers, syndicated columnists, travel Web sites and state radio and television outlets are developed and available to the tourism industry.
Media Only Hotline
A media-only toll-free number is available to journalists to call to receive information and photography for stories in progress or story ideas and industry contacts and spokespeople.
Travel Wisconsin News E-Newsletter
The Department of Tourism provides the latest Department and industry news information, including the Travel Tracker research feature and marketing techniques and advice to interested tourism partners.
Fam Tours
Coordination and planning of one-on-one familiarization tours for travel writers and other appropriate journalists.
Promotions/Contests
Develop and coordinate special promotions and contests that include publicity for the entire state and present the opportunity for industry members to provide contest prizes as a way to promote their travel offering.
Where in Wisconsin is Jessica Doyle?
The Department of Tourism Communication staff has teamed up with Wisconsin’s First Lady to promote travel destinations that are not only fun but educational through a weekly online game.
Television Interviews
On a regular basis, communications staff members, the Secretary and Deputy Secretary appear on local and regional television news programs to highlight and discuss Wisconsin travel opportunities.
Fall Color and Snow Report
Produce the Department’s fall color and snow reports utilizing statewide tourism industry contacts and deliver the information to the media and the general traveling public.
Weekend Events Radio Reports
Every week, the Department keeps Wisconsin and northern Illinois informed of statewide events for the upcoming weekend with taped reports on Journal Radio Network (82 affiliates) and taped or live reports on 20 Wisconsin radio stations.
Monthly Calendar of Events Updates
To supplement the Seasonal Calendar of Events publications, the Department produces and distributes monthly updates of statewide events. This ensures events that may have missed the deadline for inclusion in publications, will still made available to statewide media, chambers and convention bureaus and tourism industry associations. The updates are e-mailed two-months prior to the targeted month.
Customer E-mail Newsletter
Develop content for seasonal e-mail newsletters promoting statewide activities, events, vacation packages and promotions. E-mail newsletters are distributed to a growing list of over 175,000 subscribers.
Internet
Continually update and promote events, attractions, recreation and lodging throughout the state on the Department’s Web site, www.travelwisconsin.com.
Department Programs
Publicity for such department programs as the Wisconsin Film Office, Wisconsin Welcome Centers, the Joint Effort Marketing grant program and the Governor's Conference on Tourism is coordinated by the Department's Public Relations staff.
Contact Information:
Sarah Klavas
Marketing & Communications Director
608/266-3750
sklavas@travelwisconsin.com
Lisa Marshall
Communications
608/267-3773
lmarshall@travelwisconsin.com
Valeria Davis
Communications & Events Radio
608/266-2147
vdavis@travelwisconsin.com
