Nice points, Jake.
I have editorialized this subject a gazillion times. Lots of fleets/whatever try to promote their event and then after it is over.., total radio silence.
No word of any kind. In most cases I have to beg for a story, pix, results.., anything. I would think getting a story out to the media is as important as getting out pre-event promotion. people like to see themselves in print, pix, name even if last place in the results.

I know event organizers are usually burnt out afterwards, but it is so important to get those sailors back next year.

After the events here in Key Largo, on Monday I send out a story with a few selected pix to all the newspaper, Southwinds, or whoever. Takes a few minutes and community gets to see some action besides high school basketball.