1.
GET MORE THAN A FREE MEAL
& A ONE NIGHT STAND.
@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017
Secrets to Building Successful Relationships
Between Bloggers & Hospitality Brands

2.
CHRISTINA THOMASLet’s #MakeSomedayHappen
Join me! @GoEpicurista
@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017
‣ Foodie on a mission to inspire you to celebrate life with friends and
“Make Someday Happen” one delicious bite, sip and trip at a time.
‣ Publisher / Editor of GoEpicurista.com
‣ Voted Best Local Blogger in “Best of Orlando 2017” by Orlando
Magazine readers.
‣ Founder of the Food Service Social Media Bootcamp, teaching
restaurants and food’preneurs about influencer marketing and
social media engagement.
‣ Freelance food and travel writer for luxury print and digital
publications incl. Orlando Sentinel’s Signature Magazine.
‣ 20+ yrs Hospitality Industry veteran.

3.
CHEERS!
THANK YOU TO OUR
SESSION SPONSOR!
@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

4.
WOO HOO!
THANK YOU TO OUR
STAGE SPONSOR!
@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

5.
GET MORE THAN A FREE MEAL & A ONE NIGHT STAND. / CHRISTINA THOMAS @GOEPICURISTA
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN TODAY.
▸RELATIONSHIP ADVICE FOR BLOGGERS & HOSPITALITY BRANDS
▸How To Get Noticed, Get a Date and Make It Last.
▸Do’s and Don’ts of Covering Restaurants and Special Events.
▸Do’s and Don’ts of Media Events.
▸More than 5 Ways to Work with Restaurants and Hotels
▸Other Ways To Leverage Your Influence
▸PLUS….Easy Tips to Entertain Like a Mixologist.
@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

6.
ENTERTAIN LIKE
A MIXOLOGIST
@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

7.
BOURBON APPLE
PIE SANGRIA
THIS IS NOT YOUR
TYPICAL SANGRIA…
@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

8.
BOURBON APPLE PIE SANGRIA BY @GOEPICURISTA
INGREDIENTS.
▸ CK Mondavi and Family Chardonnay
▸ Vanilla Bourbon
▸ Fresh Apple Cider
▸ Fresh Apples & Oranges
▸ Apple Pie Spice (Cinnamon, Nutmeg,
Cardamom, Allspice)
▸ Apple Pie Simple Syrup
▸ Bitters
▸ Club Soda
@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

9.
BOURBON APPLE PIE SANGRIA BY @GOEPICURISTA
PREPARATION.
▸ Apple Pie Spice Simple Syrup
▸ Vanilla Bourbon Soaked Apples
▸ Chardonnay, Apple Cider and Bourbon
Soaked Apples mix
▸ Apple Pie Spice Sugar Rim
▸ Bitters
▸ Club Soda
▸ Garnish
▸ GET THE RECIPE AT GOEPICURISTA.COM
@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

10.
BOURBON APPLE PIE SANGRIA BY @GOEPICURISTA
TIPS TO ENTERTAIN LIKE A MIXOLOGIST AT HOME
1. Red, White & Bubbly.
2. Keep It Fresh and High Quality.
3. Think Like a Chef: Syrups, Shrubs & Bitters.
4. Glassware.
5. Clean Ice.
6. Garnish.
@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

11.
GET MORE THAN A FREE MEAL
& A ONE NIGHT STAND.
Secrets to Building Successful Relationships
Between Bloggers & Hospitality Industry
@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

12.
LET’S LOOK AT A TWEET
THAT WENT VIRAL.
@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

13.
IT’S NOT ME, IT’S YOU.
WHAT WENT WRONG?
@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

14.
THE RESTAURANT’S
SIDE.
Who are you? Why should I give you
a free meal? I don’t need exposure.
@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

15.
THE BLOGGER’S SIDE.
Does the restaurant understand
influencer marketing?
@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

16.
THE RESTAURANT’S
SIDE.
Freebies for selfies!? Nope.
Non-bloggers don’t understand the
industry & support the restaurant’s
decision. @GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

17.
THE BLOGGER’S SIDE.
Even bloggers disagree on whether
the request was appropriate.
To Pay or Not To Pay for a meal?
@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

18.
THE RESTAURANT’S
SIDE.
Many brands believe influencers
only want free product.
@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

19.
THE BLOGGER’S SIDE.
There’s a right way and a wrong
way to pitch.
@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

20.
HOW TO DO IT THE
RIGHT WAY?
@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

21.
IT’S ALL ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS.
@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

22.
“WE KNOW MOST OF THE FOLKS WE WANT TO WORK WITH IN
THE REGION. WHEN SOMEONE HAS TO INTRODUCE
THEMSELVES AND WE’VE NEVER HEARD OF THEM, WE OFTEN
PASS. A RELATIONSHIP NEEDS TO BE FORMED FIRST.”
Orlando PR Professional
GET MORE THAN A FREE MEAL & A ONE NIGHT STAND. / CHRISTINA THOMAS @GOEPICURISTA
@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

23.
SWIPE RIGHT? WHERE DO
BRANDS AND BLOGGERS
CONNECT?
@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

24.
ON SOCIAL MEDIA!@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

25.
“Love don’t cost a thing.”- J.Lo
“Don’t be so stingy with your love on social
media. Follow, Like, Comment, Share, Retweet.
Seriously. Do it!”
Christina Thomas, @GoEpicurista
@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

26.
HOW DO I GET
NOTICED?
@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

27.
GET MORE THAN A FREE MEAL & A ONE NIGHT STAND. / CHRISTINA THOMAS @GOEPICURISTA
HOW TO GET NOTICED.
▸ Identify brands you want to work with and be social. Be engaging. But
don’t be a stalker.
▸ Comments on social get you noticed. Likes get lost.
▸ Dine On Your Own Dime. Yes! You will spend your own money.
▸ Build relationships with other bloggers. Collaborate.
▸ Establish expertise in your area.
▸ Contact PR agencies and pitch.
@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

28.
HOW TO GET A DATE?
MEDIA INVITES.
@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

29.
GET MORE THAN A FREE MEAL & A ONE NIGHT STAND. / CHRISTINA THOMAS @GOEPICURISTA
HOW TO GET INVITED.
▸ Genuinely Love The Brand & Show It. Be a top customer!
▸ Check their social. How can you help them?
▸ Be a Match. Both brands must fit. Luxury vs. Value?
▸ Great Food Photos & Quality Content is important!
▸ Curate your feed.
▸ Be Professional with what you post. All eyes on you!
▸ Meet in person. If you frequent a restaurant, talk to the manager.
@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

30.
TURN ONS / TURN OFFS. WHAT
NOT TO DO DURING THE PITCH?
@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

31.
GET MORE THAN A FREE MEAL & A ONE NIGHT STAND. / CHRISTINA THOMAS @GOEPICURISTA
THE PITCH
▸Don’t pitch blind. Establish contact first. Do they have PR team? Determine needs and if
they work with bloggers.
▸Pitch the right way. Benefits not demands. It’s not what they can do for you. It’s what you
can do for them.
▸Quantify. Offer ROI. Offer a unique angle and story. A review is boring. A story is interesting.
▸Don’t rush the relationship.
▸Don’t expect /demand free product and paid work before you’ve even had a chance to get
to know each other.
▸Don’t pitch a product you never talk about unless you have a good angle.
@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

32.
DO’S AND DON’TS OF
COVERING HOSPITALITY
INDUSTRY.
YOU GOT THE DATE.
NOW WHAT?
@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

33.
DON’T BE A DIVA.
IS YOUR LAST NAME
KARDASHIAN?
No one likes a diva. Trust me.
@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

34.
BE RESPONSIBLE
WITH YOUR
INFLUENCE.
@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

35.
“There’s no need to blast a
business if you didn’t like it.
Always be honest but don’t be
mean. This may get trolls to
like you but will not get you
invited to work with brands.”
Christina Thomas, @GoEpicurista

36.
THE FIRST DATE. DO’S &
DON’TS OF MEDIA EVENTS.
@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

37.
GET MORE THAN A FREE MEAL & A ONE NIGHT STAND. / CHRISTINA THOMAS @GOEPICURISTA
DO’S & DON’TS OF MEDIA EVENTS.
▸ Show Up. Be Professional.
▸ Engage in social coverage for event. Before, during and after.
▸ Understand expectations and follow through.
▸ What’s The Brands Marketing Message? / Find Your Story.
▸ Be Proactive with Hashtag and Social Handles.
▸ Educate yourself on the menu and establishment.
▸ Be extra mindful of opening events. Not everything is perfect so don’t expect it to be.
▸ Don’t over-indulge. Be Professional.
@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

38.
OK WITH BLOGGERS.
NOT WITH GUESTS
AROUND.
GET THE PHOTO!
@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

39.
GET MORE THAN A FREE MEAL & A ONE NIGHT STAND. / CHRISTINA THOMAS @GOEPICURISTA
DO’S & DON’TS WHEN DINING OUT ON YOUR OWN.
▸ Be respectful of other guests when taking photos.
▸ Don’t complain of cold food.
▸ Don’t pretend to be a critic. Don’t blast the negative.
▸ Food is subjective. Be honest. Aggregate opinions from the table.
▸ Not everything is “ahhhh-mazing!” Respect your followers. Would you drive out of
your way for it? Then yes, it’s amazing!
▸ Ask permission to shoot photos and video, especially in hotels.
▸ Visit more than once. Gain objective perspective.
@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

40.
FALLING IN LOVE. SECRETS TO
LASTING RELATIONSHIP? LET’S
TALK ENGAGEMENT.
@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

41.
GET MORE THAN A FREE MEAL & A ONE NIGHT STAND. / CHRISTINA THOMAS @GOEPICURISTA
RELATIONSHIP BUILDING
▸Maintain contact. Reach out to say hello. Meet socially. Avoid
the one night stand!
▸Extend the life of your content. Photos and posts can be used/
shared throughout the year(s).
▸Social Media Engagement.
▸Email brand links to your posts. Both sides should be sharing it.
#FLBlogCon 2017@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

42.
LET’S TALK ABSTINENCE.
SAYING NO IS OK.
@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

43.
“WHY BUY THE COW
WHEN YOU CAN GET
THE MILK FOR FREE?”
Grandmothers everywhere.
@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

44.
KNOW YOUR VALUE.
DON’T ACCEPT EVERY INVITE.
DON’T TAKE EVERY FREE PRODUCT.
@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

45.
PHOTOGRAPHER
WRITER
EDITOR
PUBLISHER
SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETER
PUBLICITY
WEB DESIGNER
BLOGGER
=
@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

46.
CONSIDER THE TIME & MONEY SPENT.
▸ Time spent in location attending event is work. Fun but work.
▸ Bloggers spend on average 20 hours per blog post (varies but must take into
account time of visit, research, writing, photography, photo editing, web
formatting, social promotion).
▸ Bloggers spend on average $1,000-$5,000 per year in technology and
equipment. Photography equipment alone can be $3,000+
▸ Bloggers spend time and money in education as this field is constantly
evolving. Online courses, webinars, conferences, etc.
#FLBlogCon 2017@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

47.
IT’S UP TO YOU TO DECIDE YOUR WORTH. YOU
DECIDE WHAT COMPENSATION IS RIGHT FOR
YOU. EXPOSURE VS. CASH? THEY BOTH WORK.
Christina Thomas
GET MORE THAN A FREE MEAL & A ONE NIGHT STAND. / CHRISTINA THOMAS @GOEPICURISTA
@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

48.
INFLUENCER MARKETING
WILL GROW TO REACH
$5-$10B IN NEXT 5 YEARS.
@PETERHORST
@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

49.
LET’S TALK COMMITMENT.
DIFFERENT WAYS TO WORK WITH
BRANDS FOR A LASTING RELATIONSHIP?
@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

50.
GET MORE THAN A FREE MEAL & A ONE NIGHT STAND. / CHRISTINA THOMAS @GOEPICURISTA
9 WAYS TO WORK TOGETHER.
1. Sponsored social media posts.
2. Sponsored blog posts and reviews.
3. Giveaways
4. Host Events, meet ups, new menu tastings, etc.
5. Advertising
6. Menu Development and Recipes
7. Writing content for website.
8. Professional photography and video services.
9. Social media management.
@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

51.
USE IT. HOW TO LEVERAGE
YOUR INFLUENCE?
@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

52.
FREELANCE WRITING.
My interview with Iron Chef Morimoto, a 4 page feature in
Orlando Signature Magazine!

53.
TV & MEDIA.Appearance on Fox35 “Good Day Orlando” with David Martin
speaking about Epcot International Food & Wine Festival 2017

54.
GET MORE THAN A FREE MEAL & A ONE NIGHT STAND. / CHRISTINA THOMAS @GOEPICURISTA
HOW CAN YOU LEVERAGE YOUR INFLUENCE?
▸ Guest posts on other websites.
▸ Ghost-writing.
▸ Professional Services (photography, video, content development, social media,
web development, consulting, etc.)
▸ These opportunities all come up because of one thing…
▸GREAT RELATIONSHIPS.
#FLBlogCon 2017@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

55.
GO.
#MAKESOMEDAYHAPPEN
@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

56.
Q&A
REACH OUT TO ME @GOEPICURISTA
WITH ANY QUESTIONS.
@GoEpicurista #FLBlogCon 2017

57.
WE WILL NEED MORE COFFEE TO COVER
EVERYTHING.

58.
OR COCKTAILS.