Lights, Camera, Flavor! A Media Masterclass for Restauranteurs at Girl Scouts of South Carolina – Mountains to Midlands – Columbia, SC

Welcome to Lights, Camera, Flavor! Join us for a media masterclass tailored for restauranteurs, food truck operators, and food-based small businesses on January 12, 2026 at 10:00 AM at the Girl Scouts of South Carolina – Mountains to Midlands. Get ready to learn how to showcase your culinary creations like a pro! Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your restaurant’s presence and attract more customers.

This panel discussion is designed to help local restaurateurs, chefs, and food truck owners learn how to get noticed — by the press, by influencers, and by the public. It bridges the gap between culinary creativity and media visibility, teaching attendees how to make headlines and make the most of every opportunity.

It’s no secret that the restaurant industry is going through some changes right now. This experience will give restaurant owners a firsthand account of immediate business needs when looking to be featured on the news. If you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready!

Topics:

· How to get media coverage (and what journalists look for)

· The art of the perfect food photo & pitch

· What to do when a camera crew comes to your kitchen

· How to be responsive, professional, and quotable

· Basic accessibility of restaurant business information

· Restaurant aesthetics and ambience

· How to make the best out of food demonstrations opportunities

Panelists:

• Zoe Nicholson, Editor, The Free Times Post and Courier
• Intisar Faulkner, News Anchor, WIS TV
• Meg Southern Syms, Marketing Director, Garvin Design Group
• Merrell Johnson, Former Experience Columbia Ambassador
• Khali Gallman, Public Relations and Marketing Consultant

See you there!