
Thinking about dipping your toe into AI?
If you’ve been curious about AI but haven’t known where to start, or you’ve been avoiding it completely, this one is worth a watch. We talk about how AI isn’t here to replace human connection or hospitality. It is here to take the pressure off.
To hear the full conversation, watch the full 20-minute Growth Insights interview here.

Inside the Halliday Wine Companion
As a marketing consultant working with wineries, I am constantly asked the same questions about the Halliday Wine Companion. How does the tasting process really work? What do the scores mean? How are the Awards decided? And what is the difference between editorial and commercial content?
To lift the veil, I sat down with the person best placed to answer them all: Katrina Butler, Head of Tasting.
To hear the full conversation, watch the full 20-minute Growth Insights interview here.

A Glass Half Full Look at Victorian Wine – My Q&A with Dan Sims
Dan Sims has spent his career making wine fun, social and accessible. In this Growth Insights Q&A, the Chair of Wine Victoria shares why he’s optimistic about the future of Victorian wine, the opportunities for producers, and why storytelling – not spreadsheets – is what truly connects producers to people.
To hear the full conversation, watch the full 20-minute Growth Insights interview here.

Smarter Social Media for Time-Poor Venues
Running a venue is hard enough without also feeling like you need to be a full-time content creator. Between rostering, suppliers, and service, finding time for social media can feel impossible. But it doesn’t have to be. In this article, I share smart posting rhythms, high-impact content ideas, platform priorities, ad tips, and how to make it all manageable, even if you’re doing it solo.

What Visit Victoria’s 2030 Strategy Paper Means for Food and Wine Operators
While international and younger audiences represent longer-term opportunities, there are some easy wins too — like aligning with Visit Victoria’s brand pillars, improving visibility through trade partnerships, and creating experiences that feel fresh and social.

You Can’t Fake Good Hospitality: with Richard Cornish
Richard Cornish says great hospitality starts with alignment. If you’re promising finger-lickin’ chicken, you’d better have chicken—and a serviette. From fast food fails to Movida’s hand-built magic, this episode dives into the details that matter.
Because you really can’t fake good hospitality.

Stop Wasting Your Marketing Budget
Is your marketing investment just... not working?
If you're jumping into ad placements and promotions without a clear plan, you're not alone, but you are wasting budget.
This article breaks down why food, wine, and tourism businesses often feel stuck, and what the strongest operators do differently. From budget benchmarks to the marketing channels that actually convert, it’s time to cut the noise and focus on what works.
![Hospitality Collaborations with Hilary McNevin [Interview]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6707017069fa1937431474fb/1744177610780-WIJYPPS4VMENI8GQ0CO5/Screenshot+2025-04-09+at+3.46.15%E2%80%AFPM.png)
Hospitality Collaborations with Hilary McNevin [Interview]
I was thrilled to sit down with Hilary McNevin, a highly respected communications expert in the food space.
As a food writer she contributed to Broadsheet, The Age, SBS Food, and The Guardian among other publications, and, most importantly, founded her own business, Turnip Media, in 2017. Turnip Media is a PR and Comms agency working with leading food, wine, tourism and lifestyle brands on daily communications matters.
Hilary gives clear advice on what to look for when initiating a collaboration, who to collaborate with, and how to ensure its success.

Three Reasons You Need a Marketing Plan
If your business has hit the $1M+ revenue mark and you’re looking to scale, you’ve probably realised that marketing without a plan leads to wasted time, money, and effort. A clear strategy keeps you focussed, ensures consistency, and drives real growth.
In this blog, I break down the three biggest reasons why a strategic marketing plan is the key to unlocking your next stage of success.

Want More Visitors? 7 Tips to Market Your Regional Business
Inspired by my recent trip to central Victoria I’ve put together some key tourism marketing tips to help regional businesses attract more visitors. Practical, real, and results-driven. Have a read!

5 Marketing Ideas That Go Beyond Social Media
Social media is great for small businesses, but if you’re relying solely on it, you’re missing out on opportunities. Here are five cost-effective promotional ideas that don’t rely on social media to drive awareness, sales, and repeat business.

Revamp Your Brand Strategy for 2025
Your brand isn’t just a logo—it’s how customers connect with your story. Over the years, I’ve helped countless businesses uncover untapped potential through brand audits. In this guide, I’ll share my insider process for refining your brand strategy and ensuring it thrives in 2025 and beyond.

Kickstart 2025: Your Guide to a Winning Marketing Plan
Planning for 2025 might feel daunting, but it’s the perfect time to reflect, refine, and set your business up for success. In this article, I share actionable steps to review the past year, set SMART goals, and build campaigns that capture the opportunities of a new year. Ready to make 2025 your best year yet? Let’s dive in.

Small-Batch Spirits, Big Impact Launches
Launching a spirits brand? Here’s what I’ve learned from the trenches: success isn’t luck—it’s strategy.
Discover the must-dos for pricing, storytelling, and scaling your small-batch spirits to stand out in a highly competitive market.

Behind the Good Food Guide: An Interview with Roslyn Grundy
My 2018 interview with Roslyn Grundy, Editor of The Age Good Food Guide, was the most popular article on my old site, CommsClass. Much of her timeless advice for restaurateurs is still relevant today. Read on, restaurateurs.

30 Insights in 30 Days: What You’ll Discover About Your Brand
Discover the 30 insights you’ll gain in the first month of working with me. From understanding what keeps your customers coming back to finding the unique strengths that set you apart from competitors, this 30-day roadmap is designed to build a foundation for long-term success. Let’s start unlocking your brand’s potential together.

15 Tips to Boost Private Event Bookings for the Festive Season
Some of you might remember my first marketing role at Sarti (now Marameo)—the place where I also met my husband! My job was to bring in event bookings, maximising our space over the busy holiday season. Tools have changed, but the basics of getting bookings haven’t. Here are my 15 top tips to make your venue a go-to for festive celebrations.
![How to Create Iconic Winery Events [Webinar]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6707017069fa1937431474fb/1729818882483-SDVZZA23BREP3Q4SUHCY/Holly%2BFormosa_Event.jpg)
How to Create Iconic Winery Events [Webinar]
Join me for an exciting webinar in partnership with Wine Communicators Australia (WCA), where I'll share my insights on creating iconic winery events. Discover practical strategies to boost revenue, engage diverse audiences, and transform your winery into a must-visit destination. Watch now!

2025 Luxury Trends: What Experts Predict
As 2025 approaches, the luxury sector stands at a crucial crossroads, driven by shifting consumer behaviors and an increasing demand for ethically produced goods.
Experts like Brett Phillips, Joanna Reymond, and Pat Nourse emphasise that luxury brands must rethink their strategies to align with the evolving values of younger consumers. Read on to discover the exciting future of luxury.