Jeff Davis

Current

Principal at FoodSmart Communications
Founder and Producer at Food Fête

Past

Independent PR Consultant/Copywriter at
Founder, President at Davis Communications
Senior Consultant at Alexander Communications (now Ogilvy PR)

3 more...

Education

University of North Texas

Recommended

2 people have recommended Jeff

Connections

283 connections

Industry

Public Relations and Communications

Websites

My Twitter Page

Jeff Davis’s Summary

I run two companies related to food public relations:

FoodSmart Communications: FoodSmart is a boutique PR consultancy born out of the relationships built through my Food Fete events. What differentiates my approach is that the media relations strategy is 100% permission-based. Only editors and bloggers who opt-in to receive client information will be pitched. At launch, more than 160 food writers and bloggers have opted-in. Visit www.foodsmartpr.com for more information.

Food Fete: After spending two decades as a public relations professional, including running my own full-service PR agency, I combined my personal passions and professional know-how to launch a sponsored media events business that showcases new food, beverage and kitchenware products to the press.

The first event, Food Fête (www.foodfete.com), debuted in Jan.' 05 and creates a platform for food, beverage and housewares companies to show new products and build relationships with specialty food, beverage and lifestyle journalists.

In just a few years, Food Fête has built a reputation for delivering new food and beverage products to the press, as well as attracting top media to our events. More than 100 media attended the Summer '08 Food Fête in New York City.

We are always looking for companies with new products for our events, as well as PR agencies and consumer brands that want to participate as exhibitors or sponsors.

Jeff Davis’s Specialties:

public relations, PR, PR events, media events, food PR, lifestyle marketing, brand marketing, communications consulting, event marketing, food marketing, food public relations, gourmet food, spirits, beverages, alcoholic beverages, fancy food, cocktails, permission-based, opt-in

Jeff Davis’s Experience

Principal

FoodSmart Communications

(Public Relations and Communications industry)

February 2009 — Present (10 months)

FoodSmart Communications is a boutique PR consultancy for food and beverage companies that is100% permission-based. Only food writers and bloggers who opt-in to receive client information will be pitched. At launch, more than 160 writers and bloggers have opted-in.

FoodSmart will focus primarily on new product introductions, social media and product tasting events.
Founder and Producer

Food Fête

(Privately Held; 1-10 employees; Public Relations and Communications industry)

June 2004 — Present (5 years 6 months)

Food Fete produces sponsored press events that showcase new gourmet food, beverage and kitchenware products to the food press.

Having worked in PR for far too many years (not to mention being a foodie), I saw a need and personal desire for helping smaller, entrepreneurial food companies get in front of the press. The sponsored press event model appeared to be the best way to make that happen, which is continually affirmed by the results that our exhibitors receive.

Our upscale, intimate format is more like a cocktail party than a mini-trade show. Companies show off their new products on tabletops, giving the food press a chance to sample and get to know the food marketers.

Our martini & wine bars plus yummy passed hors d'oeuvres also add to the festivities.

I am always open to hearing about new ideas and partnerships that expand the model, so if you have something in mind, drop me a line.