MCLEAN, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

USA TODAY NETWORK, part of Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI), which comprises USA TODAY and 109 local media brands including The Arizona Republic and The Indianapolis Star, today announced a 2017 Food & Wine Experience event series scheduled in numerous U.S. markets through early December.

R Entertainment of Scottsdale, Ariz., which co-developed and produced Scottsdale-based azcentral Food & Wine Experience for The Arizona Republic, has been tapped to produce the growing series.

Food & Wine Experience capitalizes on the robust local to national reach of USA TODAY NETWORK and its more than 110 million unique monthly consumers. A robust promotional campaign with reach across the NETWORK accompanies the event series. USA TODAY NETWORK is the ideal platform for sponsors to engage with patrons at the event, online and through a number of traffic builder programs. The national event series seamlessly integrates sponsor installations, resulting in a highly interactive showcase for industry brands of nearly every category such as automotive, luxury home and appliances, culinary purveyors, retailers, fine living brands and many others.

2017 Food & Wine Experience events are currently scheduled for Detroit, Mich., Sept. 16; Lansing, Mich., Sept. 17; Ventura, Calif., Oct. 1; Indianapolis, Ind., Oct. 7; Rochester, N.Y., Oct. 7; Louisville, Kent., Oct. 21; Milwaukee, Wis., Nov. 4-5; Scottsdale, Ariz., Nov. 3-5; Naples, Fla., Dec. 2 and Green Bay, Wis. (date TBD). Each Food & Wine Experience will emphasize interactive content from participating local and regional culinary leaders, restaurants, national food celebrities and purveyors.

“Our Food & Wine Experience events allow us to bring colorful content to life, to taste, savor, explore and discover regional and national trends, local traditions and perhaps most of all the many personalities that comprise the diverse American culinary scene. It is one more way we give our consumers experiences that are unique to USA TODAY NETWORK,” said Andy Yost, Chief Marketing Officer for Gannett.

“Food & Wine Experience is the result of a proven approach in partnership with Gannett in Scottsdale. We are continuing this momentum in more USA TODAY NETWORK markets where there are deep relationships and engaged audiences,” said Kerry Dunne of R Entertainment. “The series is a rich showcase of local and regional talent, nationally renowned chefs, and even the soon to be discovered. The result is unforgettable culinary experiences for fans, partners and purveyors throughout the industry and across the nation.”

USA TODAY NETWORK’s Food & Wine Experience series follows the model of Scottsdale-based azcentral Food & Wine Experience, which began in 2015. In two years, “AZFWE” has grown to 11,000 guests and generated 164 million consumer impressions through its marketing campaign. The culinary experience has welcomed renowned chefs such as Mario Batali, Graham Elliott and Scott Conant, along with 100 wineries, craft brewers and distillers. Notably, AZFWE also mixes a striking collection of James Beard Award winners with local and regional culinary leaders, resulting in an intriguing culinary dynamic that produces a memorable guest experience.

Central to each event is the elevated platform for local chefs who exemplify the culinary twists and traditions of each region. A grand tasting of restaurant hot spots presented in highly branded booth settings is the event anchor. And, true to the experiential aspect of the Food & Wine Experience series is the opportunity to enjoy renowned chef meet-and-greets and book-signings; a schedule of lively and entertaining cooking demonstrations; imaginative beverage and tasting seminars; displays of kitchen technology and gadgetry, and in some markets chef-led small-group dining experiences.

For those interested in sponsorship or participation opportunities, please contact Mike O’Donnell, [email protected]/602-315-4892 or Craig Kaplan, [email protected]/212-715-2143.

About USA TODAY NETWORK

USA TODAY NETWORK is the largest local to national media network in the country. Powered by integrated and award-winning news organizations with deep roots in 109 local communities, plus USA TODAY, the multiplatform news network informs and engages more than 110 million people every month through its diverse portfolio of digital, mobile, and publishing products.

About R Entertainment

R Entertainment is a national experiential marketing and business development company, which produces and markets more than 200 dates each year. Events include USA TODAY NETWORK azcentral Food & Wine Experience, Kentucky Derby Fillies & Lilies Party, Final Four Sponsors Ball, National Taco Association Festival Tour, Super Bowl special events, PGA Waste Management Phoenix Open, Arizona Diamondbacks Evening on the Diamond, The Good Life Festival series by Shea Homes, among others. R Entertainment also books concert entertainment nationwide. For latest event and concert dates, visit R-Entertainment.com.

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