Pure Michigan Brings Home Gold and Silver at HSMAI Adrian Awards

Release Date

February 24, 2015

LANSING – The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) has recognized Pure Michigan’s successful marketing and public relations efforts in the past year, awarding the campaign with both a gold and silver medal at last night’s Adrian Awards.

“Our PR efforts are very focused on increasing the national awareness of Michigan as a travel destination while showcasing the unique destinations and experiences we have to offer,” said David West, Vice President of Travel Michigan, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “Our goal is to inspire travelers with the stories that can be found all across Michigan, and it is an honor to have these efforts recognized by our peers in the industry.

The HSMAI Adrian Awards are open to all travel-related industries with categories in advertising, digital marketing and public relations. HSMAI received more than 1,200 entries for 2014.

This year, Pure Michigan took home a gold medal for Hemingway’s Pure Michigan in the Feature Placement – Print category. The six-page feature ran in AAA Midwest Traveler May/June 2014 issue and featured the Petoskey area and Michigan Hemingway country, providing Hemingway haunts, outdoor activity and dining suggestions in the area and hospitality offerings. In addition to the feature story, Michigan was selected as the cover photo for the issue.

Pure Michigan also took home a silver medal for Feature Placement – Television for its collaboration with the Weather Channel at the Tulip Time Festival in Holland. Weather Channel meteorologist Kait Parker took viewers on a journey through Holland’s festivities during four segments and multiple program teasers that aired on May 7, 2014. The segments featured Windmill Island Gardens, town criers, Dutch dancers, dogs in Dutch costumes, an interview with Governor Rick Snyder.

The Pure Michigan brand was created by the Birmingham, Michigan office of McCannErickson.

Pure Michigan also works with Weber Shandwick’s Birmingham office and Travel & Lifestyle practice to help build the Pure Michigan brand through web, media, public relations and digital marketing.

Pure Michigan is a brand representing business, talent and tourism initiatives across Michigan. These efforts are driven by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which serves as the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business growth, jobs and opportunity with a focus on helping grow Michigan’s economy.

For more on the MEDC and its initiatives, visit: michiganbusiness.org. For Michigan travel news, updates and information, visit michigan.org.

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