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How to Rock the 2016 PRSA Travel and Tourism Conference

Angela Berardino : May 19, 2016

The 2016 PRSA (Public Relations Society of America) Travel and Tourism Conference kicks off this Sunday in Houston, Texas – and there’s no better way to get a 360-degree view of the current state of the industry than by attending (or at least following the action online). The conference is an essential tool for navigating the PR industry's unique opportunities and challenges, providing valuable insight from thought leaders that you can take straight to the marketplace. Here are our tips for making the most of your PRSA 2016 experience.

Get Social (Online)

Whether you’re in Houston in person or following the action virtually, the PRSA’s official Twitter account and the #prsatravel hashtag are both good starting points, delivering fast-paced real-time updates throughout the conference. Be sure to add your own voice to the stimulating chatter. TURNER will be well represented in the social sphere – follow Angela Berardino ( Twitter / Instagram) and Laura Pettitt ( Twitter / Instagram) for our own observations and insights – not to mention some choice pics of the cuisine and cocktails we encounter while exploring Houston. Want even more PRSA in your feed? Follow Keynote speaker Brian Unger, the host of the Travel Channel’s Time Traveling with Brian Unger ( Twitter / Instagram), speaker Scott McCrary, the Emmy-winning freelance producer of CBS This Morning ( Twitter), and speaker Andrew Nelson, National Geographic Travel writer ( Twitter).

Get Social (In Real Life)

With attendees including agency public relations practitioners, media, and communicators for travel and hospitality organizations, PRSA conferences are networking nirvana. So don’t miss the chance to mix, mingle and build relationships at the more “social” PRSA Houston events. The Opening Reception on May 22 at The Grove (Houston’s definitive see-and-be-seen culinary hotspot) is a great way to get to know your fellow attendees. The Media Mixer at the chic Astorian (inspired by NYC’s Grand Central Station) on May 24 will showcase the flavors of Houston in a fun, cocktail party-style atmosphere. Have no fear, wallflowers! This is the friendliest crowd you will ever meet. Challenge yourself to introduce yourself to at least three new people at each event. You won’t regret it.

Get Physical

It’s not all about sitting in conference rooms at #prsatravel. Early birds can take advantage of yoga classes, taking place on the gorgeous rooftop of the Four Seasons Houston on May 23 and May 24. No previous experience required! You’ll feel refreshed, rejuvenated and ready for the day ahead.

Get Trendy

Finding it hard to narrow down your PRSA program options? Here are a few events covering new trends we’re not going to miss.

Blurred Lines: Is It Bought or Is It Earned? (May 23, 1:45–2:45 p.m) – This break-out session will break down the increasing collaboration between marketing, advertising and public relations maximizes the return on effort between disciplines, and increases the efficiency of spend for each.
Check In, Check Out: Evolving PR Roles in Hotels (May 23, 3–4 p.m.) – Curated by TURNER’s own Angela Berardino, this forward-looking session offers front-line observations from industry leaders on where hotel PR is headed.
“Going Platinum: Tapping Into Luxury Travel” (May 24, 2-3 p.m.) – Three luxury travel media luminaries break into the mindset and motivation of the luxury travel consumer, highlighting the key experiences that matter most + how to think ahead of the competitive set to garner coverage and bookings.
“Dig Deep Into Digital” (May 24, 2-3 p.m.) - Editors from the trendsetting sites Thrillist, GoNomad and com discuss the differing content needs in the digital media realm – what types of videos work best, images and first-person experiences dos (and don’ts), and how to attract higher reader interaction.

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