Hospitality Forward

In this episode, Hanna Lee and Michael Anstendig of Hanna Lee Communications chat with Katie Lockhart, a freelance writer based in Brooklyn who now resides in Vietnam. Katie covers travel and food for Rachael Ray, National Geographic, CNN, Zagat, AFAR and other top media outlets. ⁣

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Tune in to hear this globetrotting reporter, who has traveled to 50 countries and all seven continents, share her thoughts on:⁣⁣⁣⁣

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1. How a three-month visit to Vietnam turned into a stay of more than a year and how the country has effectively pivoted during the pandemic. ⁣

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2. How writing a story for CNN differs from one for Rachael Ray.⁣

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3. Why her stories often go deeply into the personal aspects of her interviewees’ stories to really bring them to life.⁣

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4. How sharing behind-the-scenes content on social media is important for spurring media coverage.⁣

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5. Why Namibia will be her top destination choice once travel restrictions are lifted.⁣

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⁣Katie also answers a listener question from Pete Weiss, Marketing Manager at Town Branch Distillery in Lexington, Ky. Pete asks about the future of distillery tourism and what distilleries should do to boost their visibility to attract visitors.⁣

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⁣⁣Connect with Katie at [email protected] and on IG at @findyourhappyplate.⁣⁣⁣

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For more information on our agency, please visit www.hannaleecommunications.com.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

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⁣Connect with hosts Hanna Lee (@hannaleeny), Michael Anstendig (@michaelanstendig) and our agency (@hannaleepr) on IG.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Hanna Lee and Michael Anstendig of Hanna Lee Communications chat with Susan Kostrzewa, Editor in Chief, Wine Enthusiast. Susan has more than 20 years of experience as a reporter and editor with deep expertise in all things related to wine, beer and spirits. She has also contributed to several books on wine, food and travel.⁣

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Tune in to hear this veteran reporter share her thoughts on:⁣⁣⁣

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1. How Wine Enthusiast caters to the “cross drinker” who enjoys not only wine, but also spirits and beer as well.⁣⁣

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2. How she describes her role as Editor in Chief.⁣

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3. Why both casual and fine dining will have a place in the post-pandemic world.⁣

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4. How industry talent can earn the magazine’s coveted, annual Wine Star Awards.⁣

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5. How Wine Enthusiast is open to pitches directly from beverage industry professionals who have important stories to share.⁣

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6. Why Italy’s Amalfi Coast will be her first destination when travel resumes.⁣

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Susan also answers a listener question from Aaron Thompson and Jessica King of Sapphire in Knoxville, Tenn. They ask what consumer behaviors or culture shifts she foresees emerging from the pandemic for bars and restaurants.⁣

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⁣⁣Connect with Susan on IG and Twitter at @suskostrzewa and Wine Enthusiast’s editorial team at [email protected]. ⁣

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For more information on our agency, please visit www.hannaleecommunications.com.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

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⁣Connect with hosts Hanna Lee (@hannaleeny), Michael Anstendig (@michaelanstendig) and our agency (@hannaleepr) on IG.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Hanna Lee and Michael Anstendig of Hanna Lee Communications chat with David Kaplan, Adweek’s Performance Marketing Editor and interim Brand Marketing Editor. It is the first time the duo interviews a journalist from an advertising and marketing publication.⁣

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David’s areas of coverage include how brands drive awareness, affinity and identity, while maximizing interactivity in their campaigns.⁣

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Tune in to hear this savvy reporter share his thoughts on:⁣⁣

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1. How this 40 year old brand maintains its startup mentality DNA and stays on the cutting edge.⁣

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2. Why Adweek has increased its coverage of the hospitality and travel industry.⁣

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3. How the “mobile first” trend has accelerated due to consumers increasingly using their smartphones to help make purchasing decisions, for example, QR codes for restaurant menus.⁣

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4. Why the “spray and pray” approach to pitching stories is not effective and why a pitch to him should offer a unique insight.⁣

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5. How Adweek is open to stories about independent small businesses, not just major advertisers.⁣

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David also answers a listener question from Amanda Stackman, Marketing Director of Fever-Tree USA, who asks what beverage brands should be doing to market themselves most effectively in a post-COVID world.⁣

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⁣Connect with David at [email protected] and on IG and Twitter at @davidakaplan. ⁣

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For more information on our agency, please visit www.hannaleecommunications.com.⁣⁣⁣⁣

⁣Connect with hosts Hanna Lee (@hannaleeny), Michael Anstendig (@michaelanstendig) and our agency (@hannaleepr) on IG.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Michael Anstendig and Hanna Lee of Hanna Lee Communications chat with Laura Itzkowitz, a freelance writer for Vogue, Architectural Digest, Departures, Travel + Leisure, AFAR and other top publications. Her topics of coverage include hotels, travel, arts and culture, lifestyle, design, food and wine.⁣

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Laura is based in Rome, having lived previously in New York City and Paris. She is fluent in both French and Italian.⁣

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Tune in to hear this worldly reporter share her thoughts on:⁣

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1. Why she moved to Rome and became an expert on all things Italian.⁣

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2. What it is like being one of a few American journalists in Italy during the pandemic.⁣

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3. Why first-person narratives are her favorite stories to write.⁣

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4. How she uses social media to stay current on what her sources are up to.⁣

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5. Why sustainable travel is a topic that fascinates her.⁣

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6. How travelers will make fewer trips, but stay longer at their destinations.⁣

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7. Why the Island of Procida, recent winner of Italy’s Center of Culture 2022, is a must-visit travel destination.⁣

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Laura answers a listener question from Tim and Natasha Drisdelle, who are opening a new hotel, Lord & Liberty, in Nashville, Tenn. They ask how the design of hotels, restaurants and bars will adapt to the “new normal.” ⁣

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⁣Connect with Laura on www.lauraitzkowitz.com and follow her at @lauraitzkowitz on IG and Twitter.⁣

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For more information on our agency, please visit www.hannaleecommunications.com.⁣⁣⁣

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⁣Connect with hosts Hanna Lee (@hannaleeny), Michael Anstendig (@michaelanstendig) and our agency (@hannaleepr) on IG.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Michael Anstendig and Hanna Lee chat with Sandrae Lawrence and Gary Sharpen, founders of The Cocktail Lovers magazine in the U.K. ⁣We are delighted to interview our first international media guests who bring unique perspectives on the global bar scene.⁣⁣

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Tune in to hear this exuberant and loving couple share their thoughts on:⁣⁣

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1. How they are keeping the publication upbeat and positive, despite the challenges of the pandemic.⁣⁣

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2. What the rewards are of being a working couple.⁣⁣

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3. How The Cocktail Lovers came about to share the couple’s passion for cocktail culture and celebrate the bar industry.⁣⁣

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4. Why low and no-alcohol cocktails are here to stay.⁣⁣

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5. What are the three questions listeners should answer prior to pitching their story ideas.⁣⁣

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6. Why they want to hear from bar community members all over the world.⁣⁣

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7. Why providing a safe environment will be paramount for bars as lockdowns lift.⁣⁣

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Sandrae and Gary also answer a listener question from Noah Yongjin Kwon, co-founder and bartender at ZEST Seoul, a new craft cocktail bar in Korea’s dynamic capital.⁣⁣

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⁣Connect with Sandrae and Gary: www.thecocktaillovers.com, @thecocktaillovers (IG) and @meet.thecocktaillovers (FB). ⁣⁣

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For more information on our agency, please visit www.hannaleecommunications.com.⁣⁣

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Connect with hosts Hanna Lee (@hannaleeny), Michael Anstendig (@michaelanstendig) and our agency (@hannaleepr) on IG.⁣⁣⁣⁣

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Season 2 of the “Hospitality Forward” Podcast by Hanna Lee Communications!⁣

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In our season’s first episode, Michael Anstendig and Hanna Lee chat with Leslie Sbrocco, a wine and food writer, award-winning television show host, author and global wine and spirits competition judge. Leslie is a regular guest on NBC's “Today Show” on all things wine-related and the author of two acclaimed wine books. She is also the host of two PBS shows, “Check, Please! Bay Area” and “100 Days, Drinks, Dishes, and Destinations.” ⁣

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⁣⁣Tune in to hear this sunny and engaging wine expert share her thoughts on:⁣

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1. Why she misses the “discovery” aspect of travel⁣.

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2. How she’s staying on top of the wine scene during the pandemic.⁣

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3. Why it is important to grab her attention in the first paragraph of a pitch and to be persistent.⁣

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4. How the growing popularity of smaller formats, like half bottles, is emerging from the current lockdowns.⁣

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5. Why she created “Leslie Live” on social media⁣.

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Leslie also answers a listener question from Jeany Cronk of Mirabeau Wine.⁣

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⁣Connect with Leslie at [email protected] or [email protected]. ⁣

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⁣Follow “Hospitality Forward” Podcast hosts Hanna Lee at @hannaleeny, Michael Anstendig at @michaelanstendig and our agency at @hannaleepr on IG.⁣⁣⁣

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to “Hospitality Forward” Podcast’s Season 2! ⁣⁣

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⁣Hosted by Hanna Lee Communications' Founder Hanna Lee and Editor in Chief Michael Anstendig, our new trailer is out. ⁣⁣⁣

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As journalists and PR professionals ourselves, we understand the power of media coverage and its impact on someone's career and business. That's why we launched our podcast to help our hospitality & travel industry rebuild and rebound by interviewing top journalists who share their insights and tips for gaining the media's attention.⁣⁣⁣

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We thank our Season 1 media guests who enchanted listeners in 39 countries. And we also thank our audience for tuning in and giving us 5-star reviews. ⁣⁣⁣

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In Season 2 starting next week, we are expanding our focus to interview journalists from around the world, as well as digital experts and social media mavens.⁣⁣⁣

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Join us as we move hospitality forward together!⁣⁣

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In Episode #21, the Season 1 finale, Michael Anstendig and Hanna Lee chat with Jonah Flicker, a freelance writer for Esquire, CNN, Robb Report, Departures, USA Today and other top media outlets. Jonah covers spirits, travel, food and lifestyle.⁣

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⁣⁣Tune in to hear this worldly journalist share his thoughts on:⁣⁣⁣

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⁣1) How he started his career as a documentary filmmaker, and later, a music writer, when a trip to Scotland captured his imagination and reshaped his career.⁣⁣

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⁣2) How Esquire encourages its writers to use their voices and express a point of view, and how CNN is more news-driven, requiring timely information.⁣⁣

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⁣3) How he approaches “best of” roundup stories and curates the bottles he features, with an upcoming piece on Japanese whisky.⁣⁣

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⁣4) Why small spirits brands should pitch him and why spirits samples are an indispensable part of his writing process.⁣⁣

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⁣5) How he monitors Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date on product launches, bar and restaurant openings and new hotel initiatives.⁣⁣

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⁣6) Why he is dreaming of visiting France post-pandemic for its excellent whiskies.⁣⁣

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⁣Jonah also answers a listener question from Anthony Baker, Cocktail Professor at Momentum Mixology in New York City. He asked what under-the-radar spirits categories consumers will discover in 2021. ⁣⁣

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⁣Connect with Jonah at [email protected] and on Twitter and Instagram at @gustatoryonline.⁣⁣

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⁣Follow “Hospitality Forward” Podcast hosts Hanna Lee at @hannaleeny, Michael Anstendig at @michaelanstendig and our agency at @hannaleepr on IG.⁣⁣⁣

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⁣In this week’s “HLC Innovation Report,” we feature:⁣⁣⁣⁣

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⁣#1: What We Are Reading This Week - “⁣Drinking French: The Iconic Cocktails, Apéritifs, and Café Traditions of France, with 160 Recipes” by David Lebovitz. Our agency celebrates book authors we admire through our #AskTheAuthor series. Check out @hlcbookmedia on Instagram for our full interview on how David and Ten Speed Press brought his spirited book to life (https://www.instagram.com/hlcbookmedia/). ⁣⁣⁣⁣

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⁣#2: Who We Are Honoring This Week - Chef Esther Choi, the owner of two Korean restaurants, mökbar and Ms. Yoo, in New York City. She is also the host of the “Get Down with K-Town” podcast. Chef Esther’s inspiring quote is, “Don’t be discouraged by failure. Think of it as a door and with every door you close, there are several more to open." We celebrate pioneering women via our digital channels, so check out our website (https://www.hannaleecommunications.com/inspiring-women).⁣⁣

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⁣#3: What We Are Celebrating This Week - Town Branch Distillery, our client in Lexington, Ky., which is known for its award-winning Bourbon, rye and single malt whiskeys and was the first distillery to open in that city since Prohibition (https://www.lexingtonbrewingco.com/).⁣⁣

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⁣#4: What Podcast We Are Listening to This Week - “This Is Working with Daniel Roth.” Daniel, LinkedIn’s Editor in Chief, recently interviewed Chef David Chang, founder of Momofuku Group. They discussed his new book, “Eat a Peach,” the plight of small restaurants, the quest for innovative revenue streams, Chef David’s struggles with depression and destigmatizing mental illness. Give it a listen (https://apple.co/3nMbVB6).⁣⁣

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⁣#5: Who Is Inspiring Us This Week - Summerlong Supper Club, a 100% charitable dinner subscription service to help restaurants survive. In partnership with ROAR NY, it provides invaluable support to the industry and access to dishes from top New York City restaurants across 14 cuisines. Please support by visiting (https://summerlongsupperclub.com/) or (https://www.roarnewyork.org/).

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In Episode #20, Michael Anstendig and Hanna Lee chat with John McCarthy, a freelance writer for Men’s Health, Forbes, Gear Patrol and other top media outlets. ⁣

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John is also the author of two books, “The Modern Gentleman” and the upcoming “Whiskey Rebels,” and is co-founder of the John Barleycorn Awards, a spirits taste and marketing competition, and serves as its Director of Judging.⁣

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Tune in to hear this spirited journalist share his thoughts on:⁣

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1) Why a story for Men’s Health is all about practical advice, whereas one for Forbes is business-focused and often driven by statistics.⁣

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2) Why the idea of “terroir” in spirits intrigues him, with impassioned distillers on both sides of the issue.⁣

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3) How the water source used to make whiskey has an enormous influence on the spirit’s ultimate flavor.⁣

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4) How he helped to create the John Barleycorn Awards and what sets them apart from other spirits competitions.⁣

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5) Why Islay in Scotland would be the first place he travels to once pandemic restrictions are lifted for its legendary, peated malt whiskies and rugged natural beauty.⁣

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6) How he managed to write his upcoming book, “Whiskey Rebels,” while in-person visits to distilleries were largely curtailed.⁣

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7) How his first book, “The Modern Gentleman,” is a breezy beginner’s guide that provides a deeper understanding of food and drink that are enjoyed every day. ⁣

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John also answers a listener question from Harrison Kahn, VP of Marketing at Caledonia Spirits, which produces Barr Hill Gin in Vermont. He asked what it will take for American gin to earn a leadership position in the global spirits landscape.⁣

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Connect with John at @john_just_roams on IG and via email at [email protected].⁣

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Follow “Hospitality Forward” Podcast hosts Hanna Lee at @hannaleeny, Michael Anstendig at @michaelanstendig and our agency at @hannaleepr on IG.⁣

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In this week’s “HLC Innovation Report,” we feature:⁣

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#1: What We Are Reading This Week - "Spirits of Latin America: A Celebration of Culture & Cocktails, with 100 Recipes” by Ivy Mix. Our agency celebrates book authors we admire through our #AskTheAuthor series. Check out @hlcbookmedia on Instagram for our full interview on how Ivy and Ten Speed Press brought her spirited book to life (https://www.instagram.com/hlcbookmedia/). ⁣

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#2: Who We Are Honoring This Week - Kara Newman, a freelance writer and editor for Wine Enthusiast, Bloomberg and PUNCH and also the author of many beloved cocktail books, including “Cocktails with a Twist,” “Nightcap” and more. Kara’s inspiring quote is "If it was easy, everyone would do it." We celebrate pioneering women via our digital channels, so check out hannaleecommunications.com for more than 270 women’s words of wisdom (https://www.hannaleecommunications.com/inspiring-women).⁣⁣ ⁣

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#3: What We Are Celebrating This Week - Canned Cocktail Company. Kelly Levison, a 20-year industry expert, has helped over 100 bars in NYC and beyond by offering a cocktail canning service during these challenging times. Popular canned cocktails include Gin & Tonics, Negronis, Old-Fashioneds, Margaritas and more. Now drinks enthusiasts can enjoy these craft cocktails from their favorite bars at home (http://bit.ly/2LRP74U). ⁣

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#4: What Podcast We Are Listening to This Week - “The Speakeasy.” Hosted by Sother Teague, Damon Boelte and Greg Benson, they recently interviewed Jordis Unga, the multi-talented General Manager of Katana Kitten in New York City. They talked about her Grammy Award-winning music career, how she caught the hospitality bug early on from her family and later pivoted from one kind of performing to another. Be sure to give it a listen to hear about her colorful career journey (http://bit.ly/3h9QNCt).⁣

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#5: Who Is Inspiring Us This Week - Miracle Manning. This beautiful little girl held a sign saying “Save My Daddy’s Business” at a recent rally in Times Square where she accompanied her dad, Chris Manning. Organized by the New York City Hospitality⁣

Alliance (https://www.thenycalliance.org/) and the New York State Latino Restaurant, Bar & Lounge Association (https://nysrbla.org/), the rally was a plea for Congress to pass the RESTAURANTS Act. We are keeping our fingers crossed.⁣

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In Episode #19, Michael Anstendig and Hanna Lee chat with Devorah Lev-Tov, a freelance writer for the New York Times, National Geographic, Vogue, Saveur, Eater, Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, Thrillist and other top outlets.⁣ Devorah covers food, drink and travel.⁣

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Devorah has visited 50 countries and 41 U.S. states. Her adventures include crossing salt flats in Bolivia, skiing down the Swiss Alps, climbing a Himalayan peak in northern India, tasting dried reindeer in Arctic Sweden and walking along the Great Wall of China.⁣⁣

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Tune in to hear this worldly journalist share her thoughts on:⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

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1) How perseverance in the face of rejection is essential for a freelance writer and why sometimes she has to pitch a story numerous times to different publications before it finds a home.⁣⁣

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2) Why she loves hearing pitches from new and diverse voices because she wants to provide people with a platform.⁣⁣

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3) How simply introducing yourself via email can be a great way to build a new relationship with her.⁣⁣

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4) How she leverages Instagram to find potential stories, including breaking the news on Oishii strawberries in Eater.⁣⁣

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5) Why pitches should convince her why she should care about a particular story and want to write about it right now.⁣⁣

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6) Why hospitality & travel professionals who want to break into writing on these topics have a competitive advantage because of their real life experience and expertise.⁣⁣

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7) How she misses being exposed to different cultures due to travel restrictions.⁣⁣

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8) Why making guests feel safe and protected is the number one order of business in the COVID-19 era.⁣⁣

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⁣Devorah also answers a listener question from Lindsey Johnson, co-owner of Expo, a cocktail bar in Louisville, Kentucky, and founder of Portland Cocktail Week and Camp Runamok. She asked what bartenders should do to stay relevant and visible to the media during mandated shutdowns.⁣⁣

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⁣Connect with Devorah at @devoltv on IG and via email at [email protected].⁣⁣

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⁣Follow “Hospitality Forward” Podcast hosts Hanna Lee at @hannaleeny, Michael Anstendig at @michaelanstendig and our agency at @hannaleepr on IG.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

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In this week’s “HLC Innovation Report,” we feature:⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

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#1: What We Are Reading This Week - “Drunk in China: Baijiu and the World’s Oldest Drinking Culture” by Derek Sandhaus. Our agency celebrates book authors we admire through our #AskTheAuthor series. Check out @hlcbookmedia on Instagram for our full interview on how Derek and Potomac Books brought his book to life (https://www.instagram.com/hlcbookmedia/).⁣⁣

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#2: Who We Are Honoring This Week - Doris Sun, Tastehunter for The World’s 50 Best Bars & The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Her inspiring motto: “Know what it means to grind, but also know when to pause and have a cocktail.” We regularly toast pioneering women via our digital channels, so check out hannaleecommunications.com for over 270 women’s words of wisdom (https://www.hannaleecommunications.com/inspiring-women).⁣⁣

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⁣#3: What We Are Celebrating This Week - The New York Institute of Technology. Starting in January 2021, this progressive university’s Debra Vogel Student Advancement Program is adding our “Hospitality Forward” podcast to their curriculums on their U.S. and Canadian campuses. We thank Dr. Robert Koenig for recognizing the importance of the podcast medium as a critical part of educating the next generation (https://www.nyit.edu/). ⁣⁣

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#4: What Podcast We Are Listening to This Week - “The Tim Ferriss Show.” Tim recently interviewed Daniel Ek, the visionary CEO of Spotify, who went deeply into the art of seeing around corners, how his job as a CEO has been reimagined multiple times, the importance of balancing tasks that give energy and take energy, as well as his favorite books, like “The Alchemist” (https://bit.ly/33PAXHy). ⁣⁣

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⁣#5: Who Is Inspiring Us This Week - Chris Patino, spirits expert and brand strategist. Chris is a partner at Raised by Wolves, an award-winning craft cocktail bar in San Diego and co-founder of Bartender’s Weekend. He is also the co-creator of Simple Serve, a trade marketing agency. Chris is currently battling stage 4 cancer with humor and resilience. He is such a true inspiration for all of us. Please support his fundraising initiative by visiting https://thistshirtfightscancer.com/pages/about.

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