Sep 14, 2026
2026 NYS Tourism Excellence Awards Honoree: Digital Marketing Campaign
Connecting Craft Beverage with History through Digital Storytelling
Raphael Beretta, Manager of Digital Media Strategy & Content at Destination Dutchess will join us on Thursday morning in Corning at the 2026 NYS Tourism Excellence Summit to share how Destination Dutchess launched Commander in Cheers Beers in October 2025. The campaign offers craft beer lovers, history buffs and visitors the chance to raise a pint and learn more about Dutchess’ important role in the birth of our nation leading up to the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
Four craft breweries in Dutchess County released limited-edition beer cans inspired by the Revolutionary War era. Learn how we connected with new audiences through digital storytelling strategies ranging from multi-channel interviews to content collaborations.
Why You Should Attend This Session:
- Bring your history to life in ways that resonate with audiences you’ve never reached before.
- Turn one great story into a multi-channel experience.
- Find the unexpected connections that unite separate stories and compelling themes.
Key Takeaways:
- Build content with a long shelf life — ready to travel across platforms and campaigns
- In a digital space, make people the story — and let authentic voices tell it.
- Creativity has more impact than polish.
About Raphael:
Raphael Beretta is the Manager, Digital Media Strategy and Content for Destination Dutchess, the official nonprofit Destination Marketing Organization of Dutchess County, where he's worked since 2022. He manages all social media platforms, developing and executing content strategies including short-form video, boosted ads and UGC. After graduating from Marist University, Raphael served as the Digital Editor for Hudson Valley Magazine and The Valley Table, managing social media platforms for those publications. He has been published in Chronogram and New York by Rail and has worked freelance as an SEO copywriter for a variety of brands.
About Destination Dutchess:
Destination Dutchess is the officially designated destination marketing organization for Dutchess County, New York, and is accredited by the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program of Destinations International. An independent 501(c)(6) non-profit, its award-winning tourism attraction efforts bring millions of dollars in visitor spending to area businesses and major economic investment to the county, benefitting all residents.