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Destination On The Left

Destination On The Left is a podcast focused on the travel and tourism industry that explores successful collaborations, creative marketing ideas and best practices. Interviews are a mix of Destination Marketers, Industry Leaders, Consultants and businesses in the industry. We explore consumer marketing programs and travel trade marketing programs. This podcast provides an opportunity for professionals in the travel & tourism industry to share what they have learned and successes that they have achieved.
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Now displaying: January, 2017
Jan 18, 2017

In this episode, you will learn about using partnerships to maximize effect from Kelly Rapone.

Kelly has been Tourism Marketing Director at the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce in the Buffalo Niagara region of NYS for the past 13 years, and a part of the Chamber’s Tourism program for 18 years. In her role, Kelly manages implementation and development of the overall tourism marketing program for Genesee County. In addition to her work at the county level, Kelly has been instrumental in several regional and statewide tourism marketing initiatives including the roles of regional administrator for Greater Niagara Region, project manager for Country Byways of the Greater Niagara Region, and project coordinator for the War of 1812 Honorary Peace Garden Trail brochure.

Kelly is also the founder and administrator of the Haunted History Trail of New York State. The Haunted History Trail of New York State began in 2013 and features attractions from almost every region of New York State including haunted dining, tours, attractions, events and accommodations, with many of the attractions tying back to New York’s local history. In 2015 the Haunted History Trail of NYS was recognized with an Excellence in Tourism Marketing Award Statewide by the New York State Tourism Industry Association. It is the only state-wide paranormal tourism trail in the country.

What you’ll learn about in this episode:

  • Kelly’s background and how she became the Tourism Marketing Director at the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce
  • How to identify and focus on niche markets
  • The challenges Genesee County has faced standing out against much bigger destinations
  • How Genesee County has collaborated with other destinations
  • A newly renovated visitor center, a redesigned website, and other projects that Kelly is working on right now
  • Some of Genesee County’s very unique assets and how she founded the Haunted History Trail
  • Making the time to form relationships that lead into great partnerships

Ways to contact Kelly:

Jan 11, 2017

In this episode, you will learn the skills that transfer from working client side to agency side and traits every PR professional should have, from Colleen Knopeck, Associate Consultant at Break The Ice Media.

Colleen uses her passion for writing and storytelling as an Associate Consultant at Break The Ice Media. She brings with her demonstrated success in proactive media relations and brand marketing communications for B2B, B2C, and B2E audiences. Colleen holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication: Journalism/Media Studies from SUNY Geneseo and a Master’s Degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from St. Bonaventure University. Her enthusiasm, attention to detail, and commitment to exceeding expectations are reflected in her work, and in the results she drives for her clients.

What you’ll learn about in this episode:

  • What Colleen does at Break The Ice Media
  • How Colleen uses the experience she brings from the client side
  • What clients want from agencies
  • Key qualities in a PR professional
  • Passion and persuasion and why these traits are important in PR
  • Why a love of organized chaos is beneficial in PR
  • How Colleen ties it all together in an ongoing campaign

Resources:

Jan 4, 2017

In this episode, you will learn about using hashtags over a variety of social media channels and how to use Instagram effectively from Jessica Reilly, Associate Consultant, at Break The Ice Media.

Jessica is a graduate of SUNY Plattsburgh with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and Political Science. She started at Break The Ice Media in 2016 and brings with her a duality of knowledge, combining her classical PR training with marketing skills. She has a passion for social media and analytics. Her personal strengths include a love of research, and a strong sense of curiosity. She brings a fresh perspective and attention to detail to all the client projects she works on.

What you’ll learn about in this episode:

  • What Jessica does at Break The Ice Media
  • Why travel hashtags are important
  • Three main challenges with hashtags
  • What makes hashtags on Instagram different than other platforms
  • What you need to know about creating your own hashtag
  • Travel hashtags that you need to know about
  • Why Instagram is a tremendous platform for the travel/tourism industry
  • Instagram takeovers: why having someone else take over your Instagram account can be a great idea
  • Ways to find great Instagram content to share

Resources:

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