Each year, one of America’s top fishing and recreational boat manufacturers launches a new line of boats and yachts. Industry and specialty media were the largest influencers, yet the only way to judge a boat is to experience it. Our charge was to create an annual event for media to allow them to test and experience the boats, build relationships and drive fishing experiences on the water.

For multiple years, we developed and managed the 3-4 day fishing and boating media tour for all of the key specialty writers, magazines, opinion leaders, and radio sport fishing media. The company’s private resort and testing facility in Florida was the prime location. Each year, different brands took the lead. Average attendance was 25writers, all experiencing various elements of the boats and yachts on the water, both individually and as groups. These trips were also major bonding opportunities as media and management enjoyed dinners, poker nights and other special event evenings.

The result was consistent top-level media reviews in all of the boating/fishing industry and consumer magazines and online outlets. Merchandising these media reviews became a key component of the client’s sales and marketing materials, both in-store and online. An added bonus was that company spokespersons were invited to appear on a variety of fishing and boating sportscasts on syndicated radio and online/blogger programming.