TURNER, a part of The Shipyard Collective, is thrilled to share that two of its clients, Discover South Carolina and Travel Wisconsin, won the U.S. Travel Association’s Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations (ESTO) Awards.

Discover South Carolina won the Buzz-worthy Award in the Impact and Community category for our campaign on From Momentum to Mainstage: How South Carolina’s Culinary Story Led to Top Chef. Over the past year, through strategic media outreach, immersive experiences, and chef-driven storytelling, we generated over 100 placements, 4 billion impressions, and a 61% increase in culinary coverage. This momentum helped position South Carolina at the center of the national conversation leading into Top Chef Season 23. More importantly, it translated into real impact: driving visibility, visitation, and demand for chefs and restaurants across the state.

Travel Wisconsin won the ESTO Innovation Award in the Marketing and Communications category for our campaign on Launching Film Wisconsin — With a Cherry on Top. Facing a dual challenge of boosting winter visitation in Door County and proving the case for a new state film incentive, Travel Wisconsin didn’t wait for Hollywood to discover the state; they produced their own holiday rom-com, A Cherry Pie Christmas, showcasing Wisconsin’s communities and charm as a winter destination. The campaign generated 180+ media placements, 628M+ impressions, and a 7.24% lift in holiday lodging revenue. Beyond the numbers, it served as the proof of concept behind the 2026 launch of Film Wisconsin, a statewide film commission set to drive economic impact well beyond this one project.

ESTO Awards recognize the visionaries, trailblazers, and creative minds shaping the future of destination marketing and the bold ideas that engage communities and redefine what’s possible in the industry.

Pictured: TURNER and Discover South Carolina Team, courtesy of TURNER