Media Relations- press trips and tours, influencer relations, reporter engagement and 10 more items

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services awarded a contract to The Hodges Partnership Inc. on August 11, 2026, with a cumulative value of $999,340.00. The contract encompasses comprehensive marketing and promotional services focused on Virginia's spirits and wine industry, with deliverables directed to market news outlets. Services include media relations activities such as press trips, tours, and influencer engagement; research, discovery, and community outreach initiatives; marketing and advertising across multiple channels including digital, print, radio, television, and billboards; and operational support including shipping, mailing, and compliance functions.

Additional contract deliverables encompass dedicated office space and creative services on a retainer basis, travel support, sponsorships and memberships for trade and consumer relations events, and participation in international marketing initiatives. Specific activities include the First Landing Cup event ($75,000), trade show and conference participation ($100,000), and international marketing services for two events: Bar Convent Berlin (October 12-14, 2026) and Vinexpo Wine Paris (February 15-17, 2027) ($100,000). The contract also includes a Spirits Library component for product procurement used in content creation and sampling activities ($5,000).