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Lee Brian Schrager has a knack for turning curiosity into groundbreaking concepts.
Because the Chief Communications Officer and Senior Vice President of Company Social Accountability at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Lee Schrager can be the founding father of the South Seashore and New York Wine & Meals Festivals (powered by The Meals Community). His newest brainchild, FoodieCon, is reshaping the meals competition expertise by integrating social media influencers and staying forward of trade tendencies.
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«I keep in mind standing at our New York competition two years in the past and simply speaking to some individuals and saying to myself, ‘Wow, what’s that lengthy line of individuals at Capital One’s tent?'» he informed Restaurant Influencers host Shawn Walchef of Cali BBQ Media. It turned out that they have been that includes just a few influencers who have been well-known within the meals area. «I stated to myself proper then and there, we actually have to do one thing with influencers. And I stated, we should always name this FoodieCon if the identify’s accessible. That was on a Saturday. By Monday, I already owned the identify.»
Regardless of the preliminary uncertainty, FoodieCon, which is part of his wine and meals festivals, has since offered out, proving the idea’s immense attraction. Within the quickly evolving panorama of social media, Schreger emphasizes the significance of listening and adapting, a mindset that has allowed his occasions to remain related and progressive, leveraging platforms like Instagram and TikTok to attach with audiences.
Increasing the Wine & Meals Pageant
Lee Shrager’s flexibility and strategic mindset have been additional highlighted when plans for a Los Angeles competition shifted focus to New York. Initially making ready to launch a competition in LA, Schrager pivoted beneath his boss’s path to prioritize the New York market, which Southern Glazer’s was coming into. This shift paid off, because the New York competition has thrived in one of many traditionally hardest markets.
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«We have been seconds away from launching in LA, so I used to be glad to type of refocus my vitality into New York, one of many hardest cities to do something,» he notes. «The New York competition simply celebrated its sixteenth yr in October.»
The current inception of FoodieCon is a testomony to Schrager’s intuitive pondering and proactive strategy.
Whereas overseeing the New York Wine and Meals Pageant, Schreger observed a vendor sponsor drawing elevated visitors by implementing notable social media figures, similar to GrossyPelosi and Brunch with Babs. Schrager rapidly realized the potential of an occasion centered round influencer engagement.
Lee Brian Schrager’s journey with the Wine and Meals Festivals and FoodieCon exemplifies his skill to rework insights into impactful initiatives. «So as to be a great communicator, you want to hearken to individuals,» he asserts. «I believe you want to be open to criticism. I believe you want to be open to options on learn how to do it in a different way. You’ll want to be open to alter. I believe change is admittedly necessary simply to remain present with the tendencies.»
By integrating influencer tradition, implementing strategic pivots, and having a deep understanding of efficient communication, Schrager continues to set new requirements of excellence and forward-thinking.
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