Mallory McEligot guests on the show this week, fresh back from a brief vacation and, like many, juggling duties of work and parenting simultaneously while Zooming! As co-host Lisa Adams Walter put it: “Mallory McEligot is a real go-getter!” Not only is our guest Director of Membership & Events at Silver Trident Winery, but she’s also a busy influencer on Facebook and Instagram, social media consultant and founder and executive director of BANG Napa Valley.
BANG Napa Valley (By Appointment Networking Group) has a mission is to work in partnership with like-minded, highly-selective by-appointment wineries and other comparable businesses (including concierge, chauffeurs, and caterers), allowing them to provide elevated services to their clientele.
It was founded in April 2014 by Mallory, with the objective to create a network of individuals who solely work at by-appointment wineries. Over time, membership has expanded to include local drivers, concierge, and caterers who have expressed interest in participating in our specific and targeted networking events.
The By-Appointment Networking Group hosts private events at wineries, hotels, and restaurants. They invite a selection of businesses to showcase their offerings to a focused group of industry professionals. This model has proved successful in fostering inter-winery relationships, as well as lasting connections with trade partners. Their vast network works together to generate new business and revenue for all participating members by referring qualified clientele.
On the show, Mallory discussed how wineries are shifting their hospitality to virtual wine tastings, whether that be with Facebook or Instagram Lives, private Zoom tastings or other virtual meeting methods. As a result, members of BANG have been learning what is and isn’t working with visitors: On the show we discuss the ideal length of time for an online tasting appointment; when or if to send wine samples to attendees; and the magic of including order forms, winery logo’d pens and corkscrews with virtual tastings.
Most importantly, Mallory and her members have learned how invaluable developing deep connections with other wineries’ staff members is to providing top-notch service to winery guests – virtually or in-person.
Tune in to learn how this Sonoma State University graduate (with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications Studies, PR, Marketing & Branding) found her career path in hospitality and wine, and her advice for women working in the wine industry.
Podcast (ww): Play in new window | Download (Duration: 51:45 — 48.1MB)
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