Crafting a Media Familiarization (FAM) Trip

Frances RoyMay 27, 2019
SHARE

Throughout the year, our team coordinates multiple media familiarization (FAM) trips for destination marketing clients. A FAM trip is designed to educate travel writers and influencers on a destination so they can properly promote it through their media channels. Here are a few critical steps we take in order to plan a seamless trip for writers and influencers that result in optimum coverage and additional content for our client.

1. Communicate with your partners.
FAM trips take a village and absolutely depend on a strong relationship with destination hotels, attractions, restaurants and more. Strong partnerships are essential when planning trips because the host destination marketing organization (DMO) requires accommodations, meals and things to do for the visiting writers. If the destination partners are very aware of what they will be giving and receiving with the FAM trip, this will make the decision for them to participate a simple one. For example, if an accommodations partner donates a hotel room stay, in exchange, the writer will include detailed information about the accommodations in her/her blog posts and media profiles. Communicating early and often with partners is essential for creating mutually beneficial, trusting relationships. 

2. Have a plan.
A detailed plan for the entire trip is important for all involved. All journalists in attendance should have a copy of their itinerary that is tailored to them specifically. In addition, all partners involved should be given a copy of the all of the travelers’ itineraries. Having a plan ensures that everyone is aware of where they should be and when, making the trip as smooth as possible. This detailed plan should include times, locations, contacts and directions (if the writers are using their own means of transportation) with appropriate time built it for breaks, commuting and unexpected occurrences.

3. Stay flexible.
While a plan is crucial for a FAM trip, it is even more important to expect things to not go as planned. If and when the itinerary doesn’t go as expected, it is important to communicate with all who will be affected (travel writers, partners, etc.) Remaining flexible allows for a stress-free experience for the journalists, resulting in a better experience for them and positive coverage for the destination.

4. Stay true to your brand.
A DMO’s goal should always be for the participants on the FAM trip to spread the brand’s message. In order to ensure this happens, the itinerary created for the travel writers has to reflect the brand. Highlight your unique points of difference and “stay in your lane”. It’s okay to not have something for everyone. Understand what your destination does well and build an itinerary around the highlights.

Pro tip: Recruit travel writers and influencers that are a good fit for your destination, hotel, restaurant, etc. If you are a yoga retreat, it may be best to steer clear from “adventure” writers or travel writing families.

What are your FAM trip tips? Let us know in the comments!

Photo: Double Duty Mommy on a FAM trip in Navarre Beach 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Posts

March 25, 2024
Must-Not-Miss Spring Events

April showers bring May flowers and an exciting array of upcoming events to look forward to in the second quarter of 2024! Dive into dynamic networking sessions, sway to the rhythm of outdoor concerts, and support local nonprofits through exciting events this spring. April Concerts in the Village: Post Modern Jukebox Greater Fort Walton Beach […]

Read More
March 25, 2024
Take Back Your Time

This week on the Hello Frances Podcast, our host, Shantelle Dedicke, reflects on the importance of making time for meaningful work. In a world where it’s all too easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle, she emphasizes the significance of carving out time and delegating tasks that align with others’ skills, offering actionable […]

Read More
March 19, 2024
R.W.L. (Read, Watch, Listen)

At Frances Roy, we seek motivation and inspiration through books, movies, podcasts, music, magazines, blogs, and more. Creativity presents itself in many forms, and we harness that creativity through these exposures. By sharing our team RWLs with you, we hope to extend this inspiration and offer it as a platform for contagious creativity. As we […]

Read More
SAY HELLO.
850.684.2045
[email protected]
VISIT.
155 S John Sims PKWY
Valparaiso, FL 32580
CONNECT.
HELLO FRANCES NEWSLETTER
Sign up to receive and check your
email inbox for delivery.
 © 2022 Frances Roy Agency 
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram