Tourism & Economic Development Podcast Wins Big at Georgia Tourism Awards

Roswell Brew Talks, the podcast initiative developed by sister organizations Roswell Inc. and Visit Roswell, has won the Al Burrus Award for Creative Expression (Budget Category under $1 million) through the Georgia Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus. The award was presented at its annual conference Georgia Tourism Awards dinner on February 4, 2025, at the Gas South Convention Center in Duluth.

The Al Burruss Award for Creative Expression recognizes an individual or entity that develops a creative community public relations initiative. The award was named after Representative Al Burruss of Marietta who was the majority leader and a huge tourism advocate. He was instrumental in using his creativity and energy to obtain for the Tourism Division its first major appropriation in 1985 of $2.5 million, which was a drastic increase from the $300,000 allocated in prior years.

Roswell Brew Talks began as a casual, mobile phone-recorded conversation over coffee and has since turned into an elevated, meaningful way to highlight businesses and leaders in the Roswell community. There have been over 50 podcast episodes produced, which are offered in both short and long formats. The podcast is shared weekly through Visit Roswell’s and Roswell Inc.’s social channels, which include YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. Launched in 2024, guest interviews have included Mayor Kurt Wilson, Roswell Junction, RO Hospitality, Brewable, Sunshine on a Ranney Day/Artisan Design Studio, BEY Mediterranean, Georgia Hotel & Lodging Association, Naylor Hall, Select Fulton, and more. Full-length episodes can be found on Roswell Inc.’s YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@roswellinc.

Since its inception, Roswell Brew Talks has generated over 100,000 views and continues to grow in audience members and interview requests. The podcast is filmed inside the Roswell Visitor Center, which also serves as the podcast studio. Filming utilizes multiple RODE microphones and stands, an audio switchboard and Canon Rebel cameras. Filming and post-production is executed with the assistance of local companies Mike Thomas Group and Tran Bui Productions.

“We are certainly thrilled to have won this statewide award. As a team, we are most proud of the fact that we bridge tourism and economic development with each interview. Roswell Brew Talks gives us an engaging platform to highlight local businesses, non-profits, and community leaders. We are also proud to announce that Wellstar Health System – North Fulton Hospital, is our official sponsor. We greatly appreciate the support from Jon-Paul Croom and everyone at the hospital, and we look forward to seeing this grow,” said Andy Williams, President & CEO of Visit Roswell.