PR's Top Pros Talk

Sophie Merven, Head of Communications, IHG Hotels & Resorts, shares her outlook for travel post-COVID from a global perspective. She also discusses how the organization was forced to rethink themselves and make significant changes as a result of the pandemic. Sophie also emphasizes the increased role of PR and earned media in the current environment.

Gina Judge, Senior Director of Communications, PepsiCo, discusses navigating communications for the company’s foodservice business, which encompasses “away from home” channels that were greatly impacted by the pandemic. She sheds light on how PepsiCo worked with employees, customers and consumers to make a positive impact in struggling communities and tackle social injustice. Gina also shares key principles she believes are important to advance your career as well as build strong communications programs.

Julissa Marenco, CMO & Assistant Secretary for Communications and External Affairs, The Smithsonian, discusses the challenges of aligned messaging for different museums under the Institution’s umbrella brand. She emphasizes the importance of soft skills and soft influence in building effective relationships within the decentralized enviornment of the Institution. Julissa also dives into the organization’s creative initiatives to reach people across the nation through digital means.

Linda Rutherford, SVP & CCO, Southwest Airlines, shares her predictions for the comeback of travel. She emphasizes the increased importance of integrating communications with marketing. Linda also discusses lessons learned from the pandemic that will continue to be relevant moving forward.

Chris Foster, President, North America, BCW Group, shares insights on how the expectations on how to communicate have changed for organization leaders. He discusses the increased importance of DE&I and his own journey of becoming a Black agency leader. Chris also dives into the rising trend of CEOs being more engaged in the communications strategy.

Christine Barney, CEO, RBB Communications, emphasizes that what you stand for as a business is more important than ever. She shares insights on the future of the workplace, and how her team was prepared for the remote environment. Christine also dives into the agency’s initiatives in the ESG space.

Why are satellite media tours growing in importance as a must use public relations tool? What are best practices? Host Doug Simon interviewed Doug Simon, Founder & CEO, D S Simon Media. They discussed the significant rise in demand for satellite media tours and the increased importance for organizations to communicate with their stakeholders through the media. He offers insights from Nielsen and local TV producers on recent viewership trends. Doug and Doug also shared the benefits of conducting satellite media tours remotely, making them more efficient and authentic.

Kristen Vigrass, President, The Brandman Agency, shares insights on the challenges of travel communications during COVID and transitioning into a post-pandemic environment. She breaks down how to navigate messaging for different organizations in the industry. Kristen also dives into the Brandman Agency Partner Program that her team developed to provide opportunities for experienced PR professionals to join the Agency’s network.

Ali Lundberg, President, J Public Relations, shares best practices for maintaining culture in the workplace while being remote and spread out. She offers advice on how to gradually revive the travel and hospitality space that has been severely impacted by the pandemic. Ali anticipates a strong return for aspirational travel stories as we transition into a post-COVID environment.

Ashley Miles, Founder & CEO, Franklyn West, and President, New York Women in Communications, breaks down some of the challenges faced by women and women of color in the workforce as a result of the pandemic. She offers advice for organizations to tackle these issues with a focus on retaining and growing existing talent while reengaging those women who exited the workforce. Ashley also shares tips for women looking to advance in their careers in the current environment.