Savannah CVB Press Releases

African American History Month Celebrated at For Pulaski

Jan 31, 2012 -

African American History Month at Fort Pulaski

Savannah, GA – Fort Pulaski National Monument will observe African American History Month throughout the month of February. There will be programs focusing on African Americans in the Civil War offered every Sunday in February with special cultural presentations offered on the second and fourth Sundays of the month.

Every Sunday throughout the month of February, Fort Pulaski National Monument will offer a living history demonstration and talk at 1:00 PM, featuring a member of the 1st South Carolina Infantry – one of the Union's first African American regiments. The role of African Americans at Fort Pulaski and in the Civil War will be discussed and a demonstration of musket firing will be provided.

The 2012 theme for African American History Month is "Black Women in American Culture and History." To recognize women in coastal Georgia of African ancestry, there will be a poignant presentation by master griot Lillian Grant-Baptiste at 2:30 PM on Sunday, February 12. Ms.

Grant-Baptiste will use the art of storytelling to passionately retell stories of faith and freedom of the Gullah people. She will skillfully demonstrate how storytelling was used both as a tool of resistance and reconciliation. Young and old alike will be energized and mesmerized by the magic and mystic of Gullah Storytelling.

"Rice, Riddum, N' Rime" – A Journey into our History and Culture, Live and in Living Color will be offered on Sunday, February 26 at 2:30 PM. This program will feature a musical opening and storytelling by Kala Jojo, a folklorist, musician, and educator. Known as "The Tall Storyteller", Jojo offers living lessons through traditional folktales and poetry embellished with a myriad of African rhythms. The program will continue with a living history presentation by The African Spirits of Day Clean" by Jamal Touré.

Touré is a Djeli (living historian or griot), who can comment on the lives of African people at home and in the diaspora. Kala Jojo will return to provide a musical finale.

Fort Pulaski National Monument is located on U.S. Highway 80, 15 miles east of Savannah. An entrance fee of $5.00 per person is charged; ages 15 and under are free. Call the park at (912) 786-5787 for details, or visit the park's official website at www.nps.gov/fopu.

2012 Savannah Tall Ships Challenge® to feature children’s beloved TV and book character ...

Jan 30, 2012 -

2012 Savannah Tall Ships Challenge® to feature children's beloved TV and book character Theodore Too Tugboat

An expected 15 Tall Ships will also participate in the five-day festival

SAVANNAH, Ga. – The 2012 Savannah Tall Ships Challenge®, scheduled for May 3-7, will feature beloved TV and book character Theodore Too Tugboat.

Theodore Too Tugboat, who resides in Murphy's Cable Wharf in Halifax, Canada, was originally created by Andrew Cochran, who came up with his brilliant idea one afternoon while walking along the harbor front where he saw two tugboats and a container ship positioned so they appeared to be having a conversation. This prompted him to tell his son bedtime stories of the possible adventures and conversations the tugs might have in the harbor.

These bedtime stories soon became the basis for a children's television show on the CBC network. As the show grew in popularity, so did the requests for more Theodore, leading to the development of Theodore merchandise and eventually the creation of a life-sized replica of the friendly tug.

Today, Theodore Too is the official Safe Boating Ambassador for the United States and Canadian Coast Guard and spends much of his time touring the Eastern Seaboard visiting friends and fans.

The 2012 Savannah Tall Ships Challenge, is a five-day festival featuring at least 15 Tall Ships on Savannah's Historic Riverfront. Visitors will be able to view all the ships and board many during the five-day festival, which will also include performances, reenactments, sea shanties, stilt walkers, pirates and more.

The full schedule even allows visitors the opportunity to enjoy their own private sailing excursion on participating ships with the Sail-Away Excursion package or have dinner with the Captain at the Captain's Dinner to be held at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center. The 2012 Savannah Tall Ships Challenge® will culminate with the Savannah Tall Ships Challenge® Parade of Sail up the Savannah River on Monday, May 7.

Although in its first year in Savannah, The Tall Ships Challenge® is an annual event organized by the American Sail Training Association alternating in a three year cycle between the Great Lakes, the Pacific and the Atlantic coasts of North America. The event draws hundreds of thousands of people to witness beautiful Tall Ships from the age of sail and provides a unique opportunity for the participants to interact with the crews of different vessels in friendly rivalry as they race from port to port.

For more information, a schedule of events and a list of the Tall Ships scheduled to participate visit www.savannahtallshipschallenge.com.

Tickets will be available beginning Feb. ? online or at the Savannah Civic Center Box Office, 301 W. Oglethorpe Ave., Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. or by phone at 912.651.6557.

Find the Savannah Tall Ships Challenge® on Facebook at Savannah Tall Ships or follow us on Twitter at SAVTallShips.

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Savannah Stopover Confirms Initial Lineup For 2012 Festival (Savannah, GA) Savannah Stopover, ...

Jan 30, 2012 -

Savannah Stopover Confirms Initial Lineup For 2012 Festival

(Savannah, GA) Savannah Stopover, a division of MusicFile Productions, LLC is pleased to announce the first installment of forty confirmed bands for the 2012 Festival.

The festival, in its sophomore year, will take place March 7th-10th, 2012 and primarily draws on bands making their way to Austin's prestigious SXSW Music Festival, which begins March 14th.

The following bands, hailing from the U.S., Canada, Australia, Sierra Leone, Japan, Ireland, and the UK, will be making their way to the Savannah Stopover Music Festival: The War on Drugs, The Love Language, Caveman, Grimes, Prince Rama, Jukebox The Ghost, Oberhofer, The Men, Little Tybee, Zambri, Quilt, The Knocks, Royal Baths, DIVE, Born Gold, Turbo Fruits, Pond, Eternal Summers, The Big Sleep, Savoir Adore, Deleted Scenes, Secret Mountains, Delicate Steve, Grandchildren, Dinousaur Feathers, Cheyenne Marie Mize, Spanish Prisoners, Sleepy Vikings, Country Mice, Idiot Glee, Hooded Fang, Janka Nabay, Jon Lindsay, The Loom, The Minutes, The Suzan, Tops, River Whyless, Young Empires, and Christ,Lord. A second wave of bands will be announced prior to February 1st. Over Seventy bands will perform.

Savannah area bands will also be showcased throughout the weekend. Local bands who wish to play the festival can submit through Jan. 27th via SonicBids. and will be notified by February 1st, 2012.

The festival takes place in Savannah's famed Historic District. All confirmed venues are conveniently located within walking distance of each other including The Jinx, Hang Fire, Congress Street Social Club, LiveWire Music Hall, Blowin' Smoke, The SpareTime, The Telfair Museum, The Jepson Center for The Arts and The Ships of the Sea Museum Garden. Additional venues may be announced.

The festival kicks off March 7th with an Opening Night art reception and concert at The Jepson Center for the Arts. The Eckberg Atrium at the Jepson Center will display posters from the Festival's Band Poster Competition with the winners announced that evening. Artists interested in participating can find more information here.

Glassnote Records rising stars Oberhofer will headline the opening night concert in adjacent Telfair Square with support from Brooklyn's Dinosaur Feathers and Perth, Australia's Pond. Tickets for the opening night event are $15 or free to Full Festival and VIP Pass Holders.

Tickets for all Festival events are currently available through ShowClix: Day passes for 3/8, 3/9 or 3/10 are $30, four-day passes which include the opening night event are $75, and VIP passes are $120, which allow festival-goers access to all events, including private after parties and special events throughout the weekend. Local Savannah ticket locations will be announced shortly.

For more information, visit:
www.savannahstopover.com
http://www.facebook.com/SavannahStopover
https://twitter.com/#!/SavStopover

Savannah Media Contact: Blake Olmstead, Dollhouse PR, blake_olmstead@yahoo.com

Festival Music Press Contact: Ashley Ayers,Tell All Your Friends PR, ashley@tellallyourfriendspr.com

Inaugural Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah Marathon Exceeds Economic Impact Projections

Jan 20, 2012 -

Inaugural Rock 'n' Roll Savannah Marathon Exceeds Economic Impact Projections

•   Study reveals Rock 'n' Roll Marathon generated over $32 million for local economy
•   2012 event to benefit American Cancer Society and will include KiDS ROCK event

Savannah, GA – January 20, 2012 – November's inaugural Rock 'n' Roll Savannah Marathon & ½ Marathon produced more than $32 million in total economic impact, including $17.9 million in direct visitor spending, according to a study conducted by the San Diego State University (SDSU) Sports MBA program.

"The Rock 'n' Roll Marathon lived up to its billing as the biggest event is Savannah's history, just as former Mayor Otis Johnson proclaimed," said Joseph Marinelli, President of Visit Savannah. "Tens of thousands of first time visitors came to our city, fell in love with its beauty and the hospitality of our people, and will come back again in the future. Our metrics were very strong for that weekend. From hotel room sales to hotel/motel tax collections, we had our strongest November on record."

The Rock 'n' Roll Savannah Marathon & ½ Marathon took place Saturday, November 5, 2011 and was an instant hit with runners from across the country, attracting participants from all 50 states and 21 countries. The SDSU report showed that the event generated 21,117 hotel room nights and more than $1.3 million in new tax revenue and other tourism-related fees collected by local municipalities.

"With more than 88% of the participants coming from out of town, the economic impact study confirms the value of this new event for Savannah and its potential to draw new visitors to the city," said Malain McCormick, Event Director. "The results of the study highlight the strong partnership that exists between the marathon and the local community. It translates into producing not only Savannah's largest sporting event, but is also a regionally significant event for local participation, tourism, national publicity and charitable fundraising."

The race attracted a sold-out field of 23,000 entrants and 30,349 total visitors from out-of-town. The positive impact was seen in a variety of areas and industries including:
•   Visiting runners alone brought over $17.9 million in direct spending from outside the region, including expenditures on food, travel, lodging and entertainment.
•   Race organizers, sponsors and visiting vendors spent $1.6m on local expenditures.
•   The $32m total includes an indirect and induced economic impact of $14.4m.
•   95.51% of participants said that the event was the reason for their trip to Savannah in November, and that it did not replace another planned trip.
•   Of the 30,349 visitors, each travel party stayed in the region for an average of 2.51 nights.

"Many area businesses saw big numbers from the Marathon participants and visitors, but others did not do as well as they expected to," added Marinelli. "The question, and the challenge, is to find creative and innovative ways to capture more market share in the future. With the event committed to our city for many years to come, the opportunities certainly are there to do so."

The 2012 Rock 'n' Roll Savannah Marathon & ½ Marathon is slated for Saturday
November 3, and will benefit the American Cancer Society as well as add a children's run, KiDS ROCK, on Friday, November 2. In 2011, more than $1.2 million was raised for a variety of local and national charities through the marathon and half-marathon.

The Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series is organized by San Diego-based Competitor Group, Inc., which also produces twenty-seven other events around the world. Registration for the 2012 Rock 'n' Roll Savannah Marathon & ½ Marathon benefiting the American Cancer Society is already underway at RunRocknRoll.com.

About Rock 'n' Roll Savannah
The second Rock 'n' Roll Savannah Marathon & ½ Marathon benefiting the American Cancer Society will take place on Saturday, November 3, 2012. Open to runners and walkers from novice to professional, live bands entertain participants along each mile of the scenic course that winds through Savannah's historic neighborhoods. Adding to the excitement, hundreds of local high school cheerleaders will be competing in the "Spirit on Course" competition by motivating athletes all the way to the finish line.

Race weekend festivities begin Thursday with a two-day Health & Fitness Expo at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center. The Health & Fitness Expo is open to the public and will feature over 80 exhibitors with the latest in endurance sports gear and nutrition products. The 2012 event will add a children's run KiDS ROCK on Friday, November 2. Event weekend concludes with a post race finish line concert. For more information, visit Competitor.com or follow us on Twitter @RunRocknRoll.

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Visit Savannah Embraces America's First-Ever Unified Consumer Brand and Identity

Nov 17, 2011 -

[SAVANNAH, Ga…] "Welcome to the United States of Awesome Possibilities," as described by Brand USA, a non-profit travel association with the mission of promotion increased international travel to the United States.

Savannah, like many popular destinations in the U.S., recognizes that boosting international tourism is a lever for creating jobs, growing exports and driving economic growth. Brand USA Inc. will serve as the first nationally coordinated program governed with marketing the U.S. abroad.

"I am very excited about the new Brand USA campaign and efforts to attract more international visitors to our country," said Joe Marinelli, president of Visit Savannah. "In today's world, there simply are too many vacation destinations for people to consider traveling to and the United States has lagged in its tourism marketing efforts globally. I am optimistic that this new effort will help to make us competitive again."

For proof that Savannah is getting noticed globally, in 2010, international travel to the United States supported 1.8 million jobs. The average overseas visitors spent more than $4,000 per trip in destinations across the country.

Brand USA hopes to rekindle the world's love affair with America the Place, America the Spirit, and America the Dream. Though creative marketing efforts and brand reinforcement, Brand USA plans to remind the world that this country is filled with boundless possibilities and awesome experiences.

In 2011, Savannah made its debut on Travel + Leisure Magazine's World's Best list keeping company with Bangkok, San Francisco and Rome.

"International visitors are finding Savannah more than ever before," said Marinelli. "From the impact of SCAD and the Georgia Ports, to the overall popularity of our city as a Top 10 place to visit, Savannah's appeal as a U.S. destination is catching on quickly. That is why Visit Savannah continues to increase its sales and marketing efforts in Europe, the Pacific Rim and hopefully soon in South America."

For more information on Brand USA, log on to www.TheBrandUSA.com or contact Erica Backus at 912.644.6405 or EBackus@VisitSavannah.com.

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Visit Savannah serves as the official destination marketing organization for the Savannah area tourism industry and is committed to driving economic prosperity in the greater Savannah community through increased overall visitation and related spending while continuing to build upon Savannah's image as a world-class destination. (Visit Savannah is the largest business unit of the Savannah Chamber.)

Visit Savannah Launches New Mobile Website

Oct 31, 2011 -

Visit Savannah has launched a new mobile website that will offer Savannah's more than 11 million tourists a year easy access to information on VisitSavannah.com via smart phone technology.

When a user goes to www.VisitSavannah.com from a mobile device, the website detects how it is being accessed and re-directs users to the new mobile website.

"The timing for our mobile site launch could not be more perfect," said Joe Marinelli, president of Visit Savannah. "With more than 23,000 runners and their families in town this week for the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon, our site is poised to bring both the trip planning and tour guide experience to the finger tips of our visitors."

"Our new mobile site will provide information on our partner restaurants, tours, shopping and entertainment options as well as accommodations." Marinelli went on to say that smart phone users want easy-to-navigate links, suggested itineraries and interactive maps while exploring new destinations. That is the goal of the new VisitSavannah.com mobile site.

Highlights of the new site include:
•   Options for those planning a visit verses visitors that are already here
•   A mobile itinerary builder called "My Savannah"
•   Interactive directional maps
•   Full color images of Savannah's historic icons

According to a 2010 study conducted by Pew Research, 65 percent of adults access the Internet on their mobile devices. Analysts predict that cell phone Internet browsing will surpass computer web browsing before 2015.

For more information on Visit Savannah's new mobile website, contact Erica Backus at EBackus@VisitSavannah.com or 912.644.6405.

Tybee Island Announces Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Shuttle, Accommodations Still Available for Race ...

Oct 25, 2011 -

TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. – Tybee Island, an island paradise located just 20 minutes east of historic Savannah, will feature a convenient shuttle to and from the Rock 'n' Roll Savannah Marathon & Half-Marathon, which will take place in downtown Savannah on Saturday, November 5.

The Rock 'n' Roll Marathon shuttle will depart from 4th Street between Jones Avenue and Butler Avenue and from Butler Avenue between 15th Street and 14th Street on Tybee Island at 5:30 a.m. and 6 a.m. on November 5. The return shuttle will make continuous pick-ups from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the finish line at Forsyth Park in Savannah.

Tybee shuttle tickets are $22 for a one-way ticket and $25 for a round-trip ticket. Until October 31, shuttle tickets can be purchased online at http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/savannah

Tickets will not be sold on-site on race day.

"We're delighted that the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon is providing a convenient shuttle for runners who would like to stay on Tybee Island and enjoy the best of both worlds , combining the fun of the marathon in Savannah with the relaxed beach atmosphere of Tybee Island," said Lindsay Fruchtl, marketing director for the Tybee Island Tourism Council. "The marathon is going to be a great event. We invite race participants to explore the wide range of accommodations on Tybee Island, which offers easy access to the marathon in downtown Savannah and the best of the beach."

Although many Savannah hotels are already sold out for the race weekend of November 5-6, Tybee Island still has availability at select hotels, B&B's and vacation rental companies. For more information about accommodations on Tybee Island, please visit www.TybeeVisit.com.

ABOUT TYBEE ISLAND:
Tybee Island, Georgia, an island paradise located just 20 minutes east of historic downtown Savannah, is an ideal year-round coastal destination for couples, families, meetings and more. Steeped in tradition and history, Tybee Island is home to several notable forts, informative museums, a historic lighthouse complex and miles of pristine beaches. Rich in relaxed style, Tybee Island also features a blend of eclectic art galleries, charming shops and exceptional restaurants. For more information about Tybee Island, please visit www.TybeeVisit.com online or call 912.786.5444.

ABOUT THE ROCK 'N' ROLL SAVANNAH MARATHON & HALF MARATHON:
The Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series is growing its Southern roots with a running tour of one the country's most scenic cities at the inaugural Rock 'n' Roll Savannah Marathon & Half Marathon on Saturday, November 5. Savannah's charm and rich history will be highlighted to more than 15,000 participants from across the country. The sold-out event will offer participants a unique race experience with musical entertainment along both courses. Local bands, cheerleaders and thousands of spectators will create a party-like atmosphere and provide motivation for both runners and walkers.

For more information about the event, please visit

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Savannah College of Art and Design to open contemporary art and design museum Saturday, Oct. 29

Oct 24, 2011 -

Savannah College of Art and Design to open contemporary art and design museum Saturday, Oct. 29

Opening day admission free to the public to mark occasion

WHAT: In the heart of historic downtown Savannah, Ga.—named by Travel + Leisure as one of "America's Favorite Cities" for 2011—the Savannah College of Art and Design is opening the expanded and newly re-envisioned SCAD Museum of Art.

This contemporary art and design museum joins past and present by uniting the ruins of the Central of Georgia Railroad 1853 depot, a National Historic Landmark and the only surviving antebellum railroad complex in the country, with 65,000 square feet of new space.

The SCAD Museum of Art will feature inaugural exhibitions by several of the nation's top artists:

•       Bill Viola, "The Crossing"
Co-commissioned by SCAD in 1996, "The Crossing" premiered in Savannah and has since been exhibited around the world. Rich in metaphor and grounded in shared spiritual beliefs of East and west, this canonical video art celebrates Viola's signature ability to convey complex themes with scale and sound.

•       Liza Lou, "Let the Light In"
As meticulous as it is magnetic, Liza Lou's work never fails to draw a crowd. In "Let the Light In," Lou creates sculptures and reliefs that reference common objects such as ropes, book pages and fencing that, when layered or made into multiples and then cloaked in brilliant glass beads, evoke themes of containment, labor and repetition.

•       Kendall Buster, "New Growth: Stratum Field"
Commissioned by SCAD for the debut of the SCAD Museum of Art, "New Growth: Stratum Field" is a site-specific sculptural installation designed and constructed to converse with the resonant features of the museum's 290-foot south-facing gallery. Recalling Buster's most iconic structural forms, this work explores biological architecture in all its many incarnations.

•       Kehinde Wiley: Selected Works
The monumental and life-size portrait paintings of acclaimed artist Kehinde Wiley transpose elements of contemporary culture onto Baroque and Renaissance decorative backdrops.

The SCAD Museum of Art also will feature selections from the Evans Collection of African American Art, one of the largest and most significant collections of African American art in the United States, and the André Leon Talley Gallery, which celebrates style and design in its myriad forms.

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 29, 12 noon-5:00 p.m.

WHERE: SCAD Museum of Art, 601 Turner Blvd., Savannah, Ga. 31401

COST: To mark the occasion of the opening, SCAD is offering free admission to the museum for one day only, Saturday, Oct. 29. After opening day, the museum will charge an admission fee.

For additional information, visit the SCAD Museum of Art web site at www.scadmoa.org or call 912.525.7191. Media inquiries, including image and interview requests, may be directed to Sunny Nelson at 912.525.5225 or 912.713.4275.
SCAD: The University for Creative Careers

The Savannah College of Art and Design is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution conferring bachelor's and master's degrees in distinctive locations and online to prepare talented students for professional careers. SCAD offers degrees in more than 40 majors. Visit scad.edu.

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Savannah the No. 5 American Downtown

Oct 11, 2011 -

Savannah the No. 5 American downtown

Atlanta Business Chronicle

Date: Tuesday, October 11, 2011, 2:07pm EDT

Enlarge Image

Forsyth Park, Savannah

Savannah, Ga., has one of the best downtowns in America, according to the editors of Livability.com.

In its ranking of the top 10 U.S. downtowns, Savannah is lauded for its current most-famous resident chef and its history.

"Southern charm aside, Savannah has something that people crave: Paula Deen," Livability.com said. "And if her comfort food and world-famous restaurant alone don't entice you, the city's downtown has much more in store. It's gorgeous, steeped in history, buffered by the beautiful Forsyth Park and perfectly placed by the Savannah River. River Street is a popular downtown destination, lined with restaurants, galleries and boutiques."

TRIPADVISOR PRESENTS 2011 TRAVELERS' CHOICE FOOD AND WINE DESTINATIONS AWARDS

Oct 06, 2011 -

Savannah Listed Among U.S. Best

NEWTON, Mass. – October 4, 2011 – TripAdvisor®, the world's largest travel site*, today announced the winners of its 2011 Travelers' Choice® Food and Wine Destinations awards. Seventy outstanding destinations across the globe have been honored in the inaugural awards, with Top 10 lists named for the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, Central and South America, South Pacific, and India.

TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice winners are based on the millions of real and unbiased reviews and opinions from travelers around the world. The Travelers' Choice Food and Wine Destinations award winners were determined based on the most highly rated food and wine destinations by travelers in TripAdvisor reviews.

"TripAdvisor's community of millions have helped us determine award-winning destinations for a topic near and dear to travelers' hearts and stomachs," said Barbara Messing, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor. "The Travelers' Choice Food and Wine award winners are remarkable spots around the world that satisfy all tastes."

"The culinary and cuisine experience of Savannah is finally being recognized for what it is, one of the best food cities in America," said Joe Marinelli, president of Visit Savannah. "From our favorite home-town celebrity TV family to the talented and dedicated emerging new chef's and restaurant owners to Savannah's classic perennial favorites, we have a destination that people are interested in traveling to for dining out. Once again, when you look at Trip Advisor's top ten lists, our city is again in the highest echelon of U.S. places to visit that are famous for their unique and special culinary experience."

2011 Travelers' Choice Food and Wine U.S. Destinations:
1. New Orleans, Louisiana
2. Napa, California
3. Chicago, Illinois
4. Charleston, South Carolina
5. San Francisco, California
6. New York City, New York
7. Savannah, Georgia
8. Santa Fe, New Mexico
9. Las Vegas, Nevada
10. Asheville, North Carolina

For more information, contact Erica Backus at 912.644.6405 or EBackus@VisitSavannah.com

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Visit Savannah is the destination sales and marketing organization for Savannah area. Formerly the Savannah Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, Visit Savannah works to create a competitive distinction for Savannah in the visitor marketplace, attracting leisure visitors, conventions and meetings.

Visit Savannah Wins Gold Service Award for Seventh Consecutive Year

Oct 06, 2011 -

[SAVANNAH, Ga …] Visit Savannah has been awarded Meetings & Conventions Magazine's 2011 Gold Service Award. This marks the seventh consecutive year this honor has been bestowed on the Visit Savannah and the hospitality community.

The Gold Service Award honors destination marketing organizations from around the country that excel in professionalism and dedication in their service to meeting professionals.

The Visit Savannah was awarded the honor based on a survey of the more than 80,000 readers of Meetings and Conventions Magazine who made their selections based on professionalism of staff; support of hotels and site inspections; assistance with ground transportation planning; guidance on local attractions and liaison with local members and services.

"Our staff is honored to have again been selected for this prestigious award for the seventh consecutive year," said Joe Marinelli, president of Visit Savannah. "When this type of recognition comes from your customers and the professionals in your industry, it confirms to us that our team is doing what it takes to be the best that we can be. We are also extremely fortunate to have a special place like Savannah to do what we do."

"To continually provide quality service to clients sets these superior bureaus apart. All our Gold Service winning CVBs know the value of creating a lasting impression can never be understated," said Kirk Lewis, Meetings & Conventions' Publisher. "The 2011 Gold Service winners continually excel in many valuable areas of service, impressing not only their clients but also the demanding readers of M&C."

"Visit Savannah and our community of hospitality partners are honored to once again be recognized for this award by the meeting planners we serve, said Jeff Hewitt, vice-president of new business for Visit Savannah. "It speaks to the level of service and the genuine spirit of 'southern hospitality' that our destination extends to all our visitors."

For more information please contact Erica Backus at 912.644.6405 or EBackus@VisitSavannah.com.

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Visit Savannah Wins the Georgia Holiday Smackdown Contest

Sep 15, 2011 -

Savannah, Ga. – In a competition created by the Georgia Department of Economic Development called the Georgia Holiday Smackdown, Georgia regions and Destination Marketing Organizations were encouraged to submit holiday marketing plans. The winning campaign was submitted by Visit Savannah, a social media campaign that uses an online holiday character to promote Georgia's tourism products during the holiday season.

Izo, the Georgia snowman campaign, will be used during the 2011 holiday season by the Georgia Department of Economic Development Tourism office. Visit Savannah presented the concept, with support from Leopold's Ice Cream, at the Governor's Conference on Monday, September 12. Visit Savannah competed as a Wild Card team (an independent organization) against two other Georgia regions, The Classic South and the Georgia Mountains. Visit Savannah was announced as the winner of the Georgia Holiday Smackdown Campaign by Governor Nathan Deal today in Macon and will receive $50,000 in Georgia Grant Advertising.

The "Izo Explores Georgia" campaign included building on the concept of popular characters in social media like the Travelocity Gnome and the Bronx Zoo Cobra. This concept proposes a holiday character that can creatively promote the regions of Georgia through interactions with fans, contests, give-a-ways and events throughout the state using Social Media, like Facebook, Twitter and a blog.

The Georgia Holiday Smackdown was created as Georgia Tourism set aside $50,000 for a Georgia Holiday Promotion. Georgia tourism professionals were encouraged to assemble teams to work together on a creative proposal to drive holiday visits to Georgia, the more creative the better.

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Visit Savannah is the destination sales and marketing organization for Savannah area. Formerly the Savannah Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, Visit Savannah works to create a competitive distinction for Savannah in the visitor marketplace, attracting leisure visitors, conventions and meetings.

Attached File

Visit Savannah Wins the Georgia Holiday Smackdown Contest

Sep 15, 2011 -

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2011 Savannah Craft Brew Fest Tickets Available for Purchase Now

Sep 15, 2011 -

For Immediate Release

April 19, 2011

Contact: Erica Backus

Phone: 912.644.6405

Email: EBackus@VisitSavannah.com

2011 Savannah Craft Brew Fest Tickets Available for Purchase Now

Savannah, Ga. – Visit Savannah announces that tickets for the Savannah Craft Brew Fest are now on sale! Tickets can be purchased at www.SavannahCraftBrewFest.com, at the Savannah Civic Center Box Office Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. or by phone at 912.651.6557 from now until the event.

The Savannah Civic Center Box Office is located at 301 West Oglethorpe Avenue. Tickets will also be available for purchase on September 2 at the International Trade and Convention Center for the Savannah Craft Brew Fest and Cuisine Pairing Dinner and on September 3 at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center for the Savannah Craft Brew Fest.

On Friday, September 2, the Beer and Food Pairing Dinner will be held at on the Esplanade at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center starting at 6 p.m. Tickets are $50 in advance and $75 the day of the event.

The Grand Tasting Event will take place on Saturday, September 3 on the Esplanade at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center from Noon until 5 p.m. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 the day of the event. Tickets are also available in advance for $33 each for a group of 20 or more and $10 for a designated driver, which includes two non-alcoholic drink tickets. Tickets are $30 with a military discount. Appropriate service fees will apply.

For more information on the Savannah Craft Brew Fest, please contact Laura Simpson at 912.644.6452 or LSimpson@VisitSavannah.com or visit www.SavannahCraftBrewFest.com.

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New Sunday Events Announced for Savannah Craft Brew Fest Weekend

Sep 15, 2011 -

For Immediate Release

June 15, 2011

Contact: Megan White

Phone: 912.644.6429

Email: MWhite@VisitSavannah.com

New Sunday Events Announced for Savannah Craft Brew Fest Weekend

Savannah, Ga. – The Savannah Craft Brew Fest, hosted by Visit Savannah, is expanding with two new events on Sunday, September 4, The International Craft Brew Tasting and the Beer vs. Wine Dinner.

The International Craft Brew Tasting will take place from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. at the Westin Savannah Harbor Resort and Spa. Tickets are $50 each and will go on sale online at SavannahCraftBrewFest.com and at the Savannah Civic Center on Monday, June 20.

"The International Tasting recognizes the Old World and other international brewers who are, in many cases, continuing the centuries-old brewer's art," said Tim Rutherford, Chairman, Savannah Craft Brew Fest. "These beers are the forerunners of the American craft beer industry and continue to set the bar for quality, imagination and great-tasting beers."

Breweries from the following countries will be represented at the new Sunday tasting: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Holland, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand and Scotland.

On Sunday evening, the Beer vs. Wine dinner will explore which one pairs best with selected food and will take place at 6:30 p.m. at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. The challenge is on between 2010 Savannah Craft Brew Fest Pioneer Award winner Oscar Wong, founder of Highland Brewing Co., and Brew Fest Chairman and Wine Columnist Tim Rutherford. Wong will pair a beer and Rutherford a wine with each of the five courses, and attendees will then decide which pairs best. Attendance is by reservation only, and tickets are $75 per person. For reservations, contact Ruth's Chris at 912.721.4800.

For more information on the Savannah Craft Brew Fest, please contact Laura Simpson at 912.644.6452 or LSimpson@VisitSavannah.com or visit www.SavannahCraftBrewFest.com for a full schedule of the weekend's events.

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Professional Brewers Competition at the Savannah Craft Brew Fest Weekend

Sep 15, 2011 -

For Immediate Release

June 15, 2011

Contact: Megan White

Phone: 912.644.6429

Email: MWhite@VisitSavannah.com

Professional Brewers Competition at the Savannah Craft Brew Fest Weekend

Savannah, Ga. – The Savannah Craft Brew Fest, hosted by Visit Savannah, is pleased to recognize the skills of participating breweries with a Professional Brewers Competition for the second year in a row. Participating brewers may submit up to four samples of beers they will be featuring at the Brew Fest. Applications must be submitted by Friday, August 19, 2011. These beers will be judged by a panel of certified beer judges, celebrity judges and beer journalists.

"It is always fun to taste the entries in the professional brewers' category, which puts all brewers, large or small, on a level playing field. Without their dedication to the continuation of brewing, the American Craft Brew Industry would not be seeing the success it is realizing now," says Tim Rutherford, Chairman of the Savannah Craft Brew Fest.

The winners of this competition will be announced at the Savannah Craft Brew fest. In addition, at the Grand Tasting Event on Saturday, September 3, attendees will vote for their favorite beers via text and a People's Choice Award will be chosen and announced at the end of the event with the results. For more information on the contest, visit www.SavannahCraftBrew.com/contest.

For more information on the Savannah Craft Brew Fest, please contact Laura Simpson at 912.644.6452 or LSimpson@VisitSavannah.com or visit SavannahCraftBrewFest.com for a full schedule of the weekend's events.

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Visit Savannah Wins the Georgia Holiday Smackdown Contest

Sep 15, 2011 -

Savannah, Ga. – In a competition created by the Georgia Department of Economic Development called the Georgia Holiday Smackdown, Georgia regions and Destination Marketing Organizations were encouraged to submit holiday marketing plans. This year's winning campaign was submitted by the marketing and communications team of Visit Savannah.

Using a creative social media campaign that uses an online holiday character to promote Georgia's tourism products during the holiday season, Visit Savannah presented their winning "Izo- Georgia's Exploring Snowman" to more than 250 Georgia tourism representatives in Macon on Monday. Attendees were treated to ice cream from Leopold's Ice Cream shop, who supported Visit Savannah's presentation by bringing their signature flavor Frozen Hot Cocoa.

"I'm extremely proud of our marketing and communications team for their creativity, innovation and enthusiasm in winning this competition," said Joe Marinelli, president of Visit Savannah. "Our group has truly established themselves in the highest echelon of tourism marketing professionals around the country and this year's current record-breaking numbers are yet another example of their efforts and results."

Visit Savannah competed as a Wild Card team (an independent organization) against two Georgia regions, The Classic South and the Northeast Georgia Mountains. Visit Savannah was announced as the winner of the Georgia Holiday Smackdown Campaign by Governor Nathan Deal in Macon.

"My compliments to the State's Office of Tourism for engaging tourism marketing professionals from around Georgia in creating new ideas for driving more visitors to our state," said Marinelli. "The team at Visit Savannah was pleased to be among the three finalists in the contest and to ultimately have our concept be chosen as the winner."
Thanks to Visit Savannah's win, our community will receive $15,000 in Georgia Grant Advertising credits to use to promote Savannah during the holiday season.

"Our goal with Smackdown was to foster innovation and creativity among the Georgia tourism industry," said Kevin Langston, Deputy Commissioner for Tourism at Georgia Department of Economic Development. "We succeeded in spades. There were terrific proposals that included components of social media, smartphone apps, innovative events and all sorts of other possibilities. I heard several people at the conference talking about ways they could incorporate some of the elements of the programs into their own marketing in the coming year. That's exactly what we hoped would happen. The industry really stepped up to the plate and showed what they are made of -- and it was pretty darn great."

The "Izo Explores Georgia" campaign included building on the concept of popular characters in social media like the Travelocity Gnome and the Bronx Zoo Cobra. This concept proposes a holiday character that can creatively promote the regions of Georgia through interactions with fans, contests, give-a-ways and events throughout the state using Social Media, like Facebook, Twitter and a blog.

"Savannah put together a terrific concept built around using a traditional holiday icon - the snowman - in unusual ways and generating viral attention through social media," said Langston. "They hit a home run not only with their idea but also in their presentation of it, incorporating Leopold's ice cream. You can't lose with ice cream!"

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Visit Savannah is the destination sales and marketing organization for Savannah area. Formerly the Savannah Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, Visit Savannah works to create a competitive distinction for Savannah in the visitor marketplace, attracting leisure visitors, conventions and meetings.

SAVANNAH MUSIC FESTIVAL (SMF) ANNOUNCES PROGRAM EXPANSIONS FOR 2011/2012 SEASON RENOWNED ...

Sep 08, 2011 -

SAVANNAH MUSIC FESTIVAL (SMF) ANNOUNCES PROGRAM EXPANSIONS FOR 2011/2012 SEASON RENOWNED FESTIVAL LAUNCHES NEW CONCERT SERIES, INCREASED NATIONAL RADIO DISTRIBUTION, AND YEAR-ROUND MUSIC EDUCATION PROGRAMS

SAVANNAH, GA – The Savannah Music Festival (SMF) announces new programming that includes a year-round concert series – SMF LIVE – featuring some of the music world's most acclaimed performers, increased distribution of its concert recordings to public and satellite radio, and music education programs that span the entire year. The complete program for the 2012 Savannah Music Festival, which takes place March 22 through April 7, will be announced in early November (with highlights previewed below).

The SMF LIVE Concert Series - a new initiative that reflects the quality and breadth of festival programming -presents renowned artists in jazz, classical, Americana and world music from October through April. "After nine years of continual growth," says Executive & Artistic Director Rob Gibson, "this expansion addresses our community's need for first-rate live music and supplemental music education, while also enhancing Savannah's profile as a premier cultural tourism destination." The new series includes the following performances:

TERRANCE SIMIEN & THE ZYDECO EXPERIENCE
Saturday, October 22 at American Legion Post 135 Family Zydeco at 3 pm, $20 ($5 for kids under 12), Zydeco Dance Party at 8 pm, $30

AUDRA MCDONALD
Wednesday, November 9 - Trustees Theater at 6:30 pm, $25, 40, 57, 72

LEIF OVE ANDSNES, piano
Monday, February 13 - Wesley Monumental UMC at 6:30 pm, $55

JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER ORCHESTRA WITH WYNTON MARSALIS Thursday, March 1 - Trustees Theater at 6:30 pm, $28, 47, 64, 80

SANDRINE PIAU, soprano
Monday, April 23 - Wesley Monumental UMC at 6:30 pm, $45

Savannah Music Festival LIVE Radio is an ongoing series of 59-minute shows that air twice weekly on the statewide Georgia Public Broadcasting radio network. Now with a catalog of 122 programs featuring highlights from previous festivals, SMF LIVE Radio has been distributed through 120 licenses by public radio networks across the country. The Festival also provides content to American Public Media's Performance Today, Sirius XM "Real Jazz", and NPR Music (whose Classical station recently featured five separate programs from SMF 2011).

SMF Year-Round Educational Programming includes:

Swing Central Jazz- which has been called the Pro Bowl of high school jazz band competitions - continues to bring twelve of the nation's most talented high school big bands to Savannah for a three-day workshop and competition led by pianist/composer/educator Marcus Roberts. SMF is also enhancing its web-based learning center at www.swingcentraljazz.org<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?SavannahMusicFestiva/2e31edcda9/e4469d46f3/9fb118c94d>, offering free video lessons to aspiring jazz musicians.

Acoustic Music Seminar- a new program that brings together mandolinist/composer/educator Mike Marshall and an exceptional team of professional American instrumentalists including Tony Trischka, Chris Thile, Julian Lage, Bruce Molsky and Edgar Meyer. Over the course of a week, this team of teachers will provide free instruction for 15-20 of the best acoustic musicians in the country.

Residencies include Roger Day, Terrance Simien & Zydeco Experience, and Billy Jonas, each of whom SMF will bring into a total of 30 schools, Boys & Girls Clubs and YMCAs in five surrounding counties in coastal Georgia and South Carolina.

In all, SMF music education programming will reach more than 20,000 students in the 2011/2012 season.

2012 SAVANNAH MUSIC FESTIVAL
From March 22 through April 7, the Festival features more than 100 productions in intimate venues throughout Savannah's historic district, including appearances by artists such as Afrocubism, the Takacs Quartet with Menahem Pressler, Bela Fleck & the Original Flecktones, Joshua Redman/Brad Mehldau Duo, Daniel Hope, Paco de Lucia, and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra led by guest conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya with pianist Yefim Bronfman. The complete schedule will be announced in early November.

TICKETS FOR SMF LIVE CONCERT SERIES:
Tickets go on sale on Thursday, September 8, 2011 at 10 AM Eastern, and are available online at www.savannahmusicfestival.org<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?SavannahMusicFestiva/2e31edcda9/e4469d46f3/ef9c7d5f7c/utm_content=abrock%40visitsavannah.com&utm_source=VerticalResponse&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=www%2Esavannahmusicfestival%2Eorg&utm_campaign=SMF%20Launches%20New%20Off-Season%20Concert%20Series>, in-person at 216 E. Broughton St. or by phone at 912-525-5050.

PRESS CONTACT
Ryan McMaken, 912.234.3378 ext. 104, ryan@savannahmusicfestival.org<mailto:ryan@savannahmusicfestival.org>

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SAVANNAH OCEAN EXCHANGE LAUNCHES PUBLIC EXCHANGE

Aug 23, 2011 -

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SAVANNAH OCEAN EXCHANGE LAUNCHES PUBLIC EXCHANGE WITH OVER 30 EVENTS CELEBRATING OUR CONNECTION WITH THE OCEAN & COASTS

SAVANNAH, GEORGIA, AUGUST 14, 2011: Savannah Ocean Exchange will launch its inaugural Public Exchanges in September 2011 with a month long celebration of our connection with the Ocean and Coasts. Four Public Exchanges will focus on Culture & Cuisine, Vessels & Viewing, Presentations & Performances, and Events & Excursions. Through these four Exchanges, internationally acclaimed speakers, authors, artists and scientists will join local businesses, ocean leaders, arts organizations, educational institutions and community groups, to host public events throughout the Savannah area.

The Culture & Cuisine Exchange will include Taste of Savannah: Connecting with Coastal Cuisine, "Oh Say Can You Sea Savannah" showcasing children's art, art classes & music at the Tybee Post Theater, a Plein Air art event in Telfair Square, photography at the Jepson Center, and special sustainable seafood and coastal cuisine served up all month long for Southern Foodies by our restaurant partners (to be listed on the Savannah Ocean Exchange web site).

Presentations & Performances Exchange highlights include the Pirates of the Low Country Gala, Gray's Reef Ocean Film Festival, a model yacht workshop and pond regatta for children, the McIntosh County Shouters, a sea shanty singer, National Geographic children's films on Tybee Island, and boat building for adults and children. A series of lectures will share perspectives on the influence of Tybee Island on General George Marshall, the Status and Conservation of North Atlantic Right Whales, Sea Level rise and Shoreline Change, and 500 Years of Challenge and Innovation on Southern Waterways. Films by National Geographic, a partner of the Exchange, will be shown throughout the month in various venues.

The Vessels & Viewing Exchange will host the first Sailabrate the Sea, Savannah Ocean Exchange

Boat Parade from Wilmington Island to Thunderbolt, along with the Savannah Ocean Exchange

Family Ocean Experience at Lazaretto Creek. Georgia Ports Authority will host The State of the Ports annual luncheon.

Events & Excursions Exchange will support the Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup on Tybee Island. Excursion partners will also offer a variety of trips for exploring the salt marsh ecosystem, guided beach walks, in-shore and off-shore fishing trips, kayak trips to barrier islands, and a shrimp boat experience.

The Public Exchanges will follow the Solutions Exchange, where business, technology and ocean leaders from around the world will gather to work with the creators of cutting edge solutions that will Shape the Future of our Coasts around the globe. Gulfstream, worldwide sponsor of the Savannah Ocean Exchange, has donated the $100,000 Navigator Award 2011 to be awarded for the best of the Solutions Inspiring Action.

The top ten solution creators and the winner of the Gulfstream Navigator Award 2011 will share their presentations with the public on September 9th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center. Admission is free. Video iSee interviews with the top solution creators will be on posted on the website, www.SavannahOceanExchange.org, starting the week of August 22nd.
Many of the Savannah Ocean Exchange events are Free Admission, though some require reservations and ticket purchase.

Ticketing and pricing details are available on the Savannah Ocean Exchange web site. Be sure to check the updated online event calendar, as the Exchange will be finalizing events, times and places during the month of August. www.SavannahOceanExchange.org.

Join us on Facebook (Savannah Ocean Exchange) and follow us on Twitter @savoceanex.

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About the Savannah Ocean Exchange
Founded in 2010, Savannah Ocean Exchange unites international organizations across multiple disciplines and boundaries to distribute and adopt solutions that positively impact our Ocean, which drives our global economies, environments and health. The Board of Governors includes 29 thought-leaders from around the world who represent diverse backgrounds and expertise and share a commitment to innovation and to the protection of our ocean. Each year the Board selects a new Ocean based theme. The theme for the 2011 Savannah Ocean Exchange is "Shaping the Future of Our Coasts."

Worldwide Sponsor is Gulfstream.
About Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE:GD), designs, develops, manufactures, markets, services and supports the world's most technologically advanced business-jet aircraft. Gulfstream has produced more than 1,900 aircraft for customers around the world since 1958. The company employs more than 9,000 people at seven major locations. www.gulfstream.com.
Additional Sponsors
Founding Sponsors: City of Savannah, Georgia Power, Mary Lane Morrison Foundation, John & Cort Atkinson.
Leadership Sponsors: The Coca-Cola Company, Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics, Sapelo Foundation. Savannah Sponsors: CSX.

Media Contact:
Mari Carswell
mari@mcarswellconsulting.com
912.414.0240

Rock 'n' Roll Savannah Marathon Approaching Capacity

Aug 08, 2011 -

PRESS RELEASE

Contact:
Dan Cruz, 858-768-642
dcruz@competitorgroup.com
Erica Backus, 912-644-6405
Ebackus@VisitSavannah.com

Rock 'n' Roll Savannah Marathon Approaching Capacity
Nearly 20,000 runners registered, event to cap participants at 23,000

Savannah, GA – August 8, 2011 – It's the hottest ticket on the fall tour with almost 20,000 registered participants, the Rock 'n' Roll Savannah Marathon & ½ Marathon will officially become the largest marathon and half-marathon in Georgia history. The inaugural race will be capped at 23,000 participants and prospective runners are encouraged to register now before the race reaches capacity.

"We couldn't be more delighted with the response, Savannah has proven to be an attractive destination for runners from around the world," said Malain McCormick, Event Director. "We want to ensure each and every participant has a great event experience and enjoy all that Savannah has to offer. If you haven't signed up yet, now is the time because this race is going to sell out."

The inaugural race will feature ideal running weather, as well as live bands, local high school cheer squads and themed water stations providing entertainment along the route. The course will start downtown at historic City Hall, winding through west Savannah and back downtown before touring the beautiful homes of Gordonston. Marathon runners will loop through the majestic oak trees in Daffin Park, past William Grayson Stadium and Savannah State University. Both courses will finish alongside the Forsythe Park with views of the iconic fountain and near several of downtown's famous "jewel box" squares.

"The success of this event has exceeded our wildest expectations," said Joe Marinelli, President of Visit Savannah. "When we started planning this event, we estimated a field of 15,000 runners and a year later we have to cap the event at 23,000 participants. This speaks highly of Savannah as a destination as well as the international reputation of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon series."

Hotel discounts are available for race participants traveling from out of town. Hotels are filling up fast, but a number of great locations are still available. Visit the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon's travel page runrocknroll.competitor.com/travel for hotel listings and travel information.

For more information about the event, or to register online, visit Competitor.com.

About Rock 'n' Roll Savannah

The first ever Rock 'n' Roll Savannah Marathon & ½ Marathon will celebrates its inaugural running on Saturday, November 5, 2011. Open to runners and walkers from novice to professional, live bands will entertain participants along each mile of the scenic course that winds through Savannah's historic neighborhoods. Adding to the excitement, hundreds of local high school cheerleaders will be competing in the "Spirit on Course" competition by motivating athletes all the way to the finish line.

Festivities begin with a two-day Health & Fitness Expo at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center on Thursday, November 3 and Friday, November 4. The Health & Fitness Expo is open to the public and will feature over 80 exhibitors with the latest in endurance sports gear and nutrition products. Event weekend conclude with a post race finish line concert. For more information, visit Competitor.com or follow us on Twitter @RunRocknRoll.

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Visit Savannah is the destination sales and marketing organization for Savannah area. Formerly the Savannah Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, Visit Savannah works to create a competitive distinction for Savannah in the visitor marketplace, attracting leisure visitors, conventions and meetings.