Hospitality Association believes in a community that excels at word of mouth

Author: Hilton Head Area Hospitality Association

The Hilton Head Area Hospitality Association (HHAHA) believes in a community that excels at word of mouth advertising. That invaluable medium for distributing information to guests and visitors translates into a cost savings for anyone planning to attend one of the Association’s destination events this year.

Survey data collected over the last several years by students enrolled in the Hospitality Management curriculum at the University of South Carolina Beaufort revealed that one of the top sources for creating awareness and knowledge about the association’s events was the community in which the local trade association resides. “Over 30% of our festival survey audience indicated they first learned about the event through family and friends,” says Ann-Marie Adams-Arrington, executive director for the HHAHA. “That speaks volumes about the capacity of the island community to draw visitors and guests from various regions inside and outside the United States to the island through personal invitations to attend these events.”

“The HHAHA Board of Directors has implemented a locals discount for several venues associated with its food and beverage related events for 2008 and 2009, because it is the right thing to do,” says Tony Fazzini HHAHA board president. “Our local community is the source of the many committed volunteers without whom these events could never become a reality. Our ability to deliver quality programs that attract residents as well as countless visitors to the island is based primarily on the support we receive from our members and the many businesses and civic organizations that see the value our destination events bring to our local economy.”

Currently, Hilton Head Island residents, businesses and hospitality related venues can purchase advance admission tickets at $5 per person through August 30, 2008 for the public beer tastings scheduled for Saturday, September 13, 2008, 12 noon – 4 p.m. as part of the Seafood Jazz & Brew on the Harbour (tickets cost $10 per person). As well, they can purchase advance admission at $30 per person through February 4, 2008 ( a $40 value) for the public wine tastings scheduled for Saturday, March 14, 2009, 12 noon – 5 p.m. as part of the Hilton Head Island Wine and Food Festival.

For more information or to order tickets, call 843.686.4944.

Friday, September 12, 2008

• Seafood Jazz & Brew at the Park
• Shelter Cove Community Park
• Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Host Sponsor: The Lowrey Group
Musical Entertainment: Bob Masteller and the Terry Grant Trio
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Cost to Attend: $250 includes 10× 10 tented space for a table of 6; $50 per person for individual seats
Attire: Coastal Casual and appropriate for the weather
Admission: Event Transpires Rain or Shine. Requires Reservation and Payment in Advance

This event sold out in advance last year when it was established as a pilot event to introduce Seafood Jazz and Brew. Relax and relish the sounds of jazz and indulge in the best seafood the Lowcountry has to offer! Seafood petite plates will be served by The Old Fort Pub, Ocean Grille, Antonios, CQ’s, The Boathouse II, and Celebration Events Catering. Guests are encouraged to create, design, and decorate their individual tented areas for the occasion. Prizes will be awarded for the top four most creative dining environments. A cash bar is also available.

Seafood Petite Plates
Black & Blue Carolina Crab Dip, Grilled Baguette
Wild Atlantic Shrimp Anson Mills corn grits, Peach Salsa, Shrimp Bisque
California Olive Oil Poached Sea Scallops, Anson Mills Polenta with sauce Piperade
Spicy Tuna Tartare tossed with Mango Soy Glaze and Petite Vegetable Salad
Prince Edward Island Mussels Pasilla Pepper Cream, Shallots, Tarragon
Grouper Tacos with Avocado and Tropical Fruit Salsa

Saturday, September 13, 2008

• Seafood Jazz & Brew on the Harbour
• Shelter Cove Harbour
• Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Host: Sponsor: Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort and Shelter Cove Harbour Merchants Association
Musical Entertainment: Chris Chandler and Southern Charm and Swing Orchestra
Time: 8a-12noon Home Brew Competition (not open to the public) 12 noon – 4p Public Beer Tastings
Attire: Casual and appropriate for the weather
Admission: Events Transpires Rain or Shine. Requires admission purchase to participate in public tastings

• 8a – 12noon Home Brew Competition (Not Open to the Public): The Competition is sponsored by the Hilton Head Island Hospitality Association and is an AHA Sanctioned Competition run in accordance with AHA/BJCP 2008 guidelines. Entry fee is $5.00 per entry, with the proceeds to benefit Operation R&R and Hilton Head Heroes. Entrants must be over 21 years of age. Judges and stewards can pre-register their entries and bring them the day of the competition. Pre-registration payment is required to compete and must be received prior to Sept 8, 2008. Best of Show winner will receive a paid 3 day/2 night weekend at a HIlton Head Island Resort and over $100 in food / attraction vouchers. First Place winners will receive 2 free tickets to next years Seafood, Jazz, & Brews Festival. Second Place winners will receive 1 free ticket.

• 12 noon – 4:00 p.m. Public Beer Tastings: One four hour session will be offered from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. Tasting attendees will pay a one-time fee which will get them a wrist band (indicating that they are 21 years of age or older and have paid) and a tasting glass and 4 tasting tokens. Cost to attend $10 per person day of festival+ 4 tasting tokens for the public beer tastings, additional tasting tokens can be purchased @ $1 for 2 tokens. Designated Drivers admit for $3

There will also be live entertainment, a designated driver program, merchandise, and of course, plenty of food.