Travel PR Meeting

by Mia Bonfiglio

On April 2, PRSSA was joined by two women from Lou Hammond Group, a travel PR agency. Julie Hong is an account supervisor and has worked in PR for six years, ranging from corporate to small, and now travel. Jordan McManus is an account coordinator who graduated from UGA last May. 

What does day to day life look like at Lou Hammond Group?

Jordan focuses on account organization and many of the more mundane aspects of PR, including pitches, press releases and media relations. She states that these mundane things can be more exciting to get the basis of an account to grow eventually. Julie is the primary day to day contact for many clients and accounts and works with her team to answer questions and review content. She also facilitates trips and events for clients and emphasizes that no day looks the same as there is always something new to learn and tackle.

What is your favorite project you’ve worked on?

Jordan McManus (left) and Julie Hong (right) present about Lou Hammond Group.

Jordan’s favorite was a recent project with Alaska Airlines’ inaugural flight to Nassau, Bahamas. She planned and escorted a press trip where she planned an itinerary. Julie’s favorite project was working with Jekyll Island, Georgia, in a collaboration with a girl who is paralyzed and a sea turtle that is also paralyzed. They gained national placements and traction from the heartfelt story.

How do you advocate for yourself as a young professional and female?

Jordan emphasizes believing in yourself and surrounding yourself with a strong support system. By having people in your corner to advocate for you, you will be lifted up. Additionally, Julie has found someone to talk things through to move up the ladder. She stressed the importance of setting up meetings with your boss to show off your accomplishments to advocate for yourself.

Best advice to stand out as a young professional?

Both Julie and Jordan encouraged students to ask questions upon starting their first job. No one is expecting you to know it all and value curiosity and willingness to learn. It is important to show your personality and develop relationships so that you stand out when going to them for opinions or pitching ideas.

Please join us April 10 for our meeting with Ron DeFeo, head of marketing and communications for American Airlines!