Anchor Chains and Train Whistles

I am a born and raised New Yorker. Actually, a Manhattanite. I grew up on the top floor of a walk-up adjacent to the East River, and from my bedroom balcony I would watch the planes on approach into LaGuardia and identify them by their livery and logo. Names like Pan Am, Eastern and Braniff. My parents would take me to the West Side and while I was just a kid, I can remember taking pier-side tours of the SS United States, France and Queen Mary before they sailed away in a parade of confetti, streamers and balloons.

When I graduated from NYU, my friends and I went to the same piers the next day, bought a student ticket and crossed the Atlantic on the QE2. Berthed on the lowest deck in two bunk beds with a porthole that had the fine view of any washing machine, I would return to New York after 11 weeks in Europe and with less than a dollar in my pocket. It was one of the best trips of my life…it was the beginning of a grand adventure and quest for knowledge via experience that has never ended. Who knew I’d end up running one of the top public relations travel practices in the world? But just imagine, if as a kid your love of planes, trains, ships and the adventures never ended…that the toys just got a little bigger, and the games a little more complex. That your passion was your “job.” And that you were surrounded by colleagues that are some of the most eclectic, brightest and just plain nicest people in the business? And your clients said, “how do you think we should launch the world’s largest ship? Or plane? Or position a city, destination or country full of possibilities?

This year was very special on so many levels. But the moment I remember most fondly was this: on behalf of New Orleans, a city that is part of the American experience and soul, we convinced them that the icon that was the true venerable survivor was their little ole and very authentic 1920 streetcar…that somehow did survive Katrina and the flood. We arranged through hoops and permits, logistics and all sorts of odds, to load the actual streetcar named “DESIRE” onto a flatbed truck and drive it straight in to the heart of New York – Times Square – where she would become a media darling and help ignite the national story that New Orleans was still there, open for business and never giving up. The evening before the event, as I crossed the George Washington Bridge on the way home, I asked the driver to take the Upper Level…and there she was…this beautiful, historic and aged spirit of tourism and transportation sitting on the flatbed truck waiting to cross the bridge into Manhattan. It just made me smile. I first learned of the streetcars as a kid, going through my grandmothers scrapbook, where she had a post card of one and I remember her telling me, “If you ever get the chance, ride the little green streetcars and make sure you ring the bell.” Who knew? The journey continues…

Rene

Travel for Fun and Profit?

The best I can say about 2007 is that it was profound. We’re all bound to have one of those years if we live long enough and care about anything at all. I am the cynic of this group; the one most likely to point out that if George Bailey hadn’t in fact been suicidal, It’s a Wonderful Life wouldn’t have been much of a movie. But, I have to confess that I’m fascinated that the law of unintended consequences can land us just where we need to be.

Like most 12-year olds of my era I didn’t want to grow up to be like my parents. I had also never heard of public relations let alone travel public relations so never were my dreams of my current career. But, once upon a time when I was only 12 and Micato Safaris was still an upstart outfitter, my family went to Kenya for Christmas. When we arrived at their Nairobi office, we were informed that due to some rescheduling necessitated (I think) by Tanzania closing its borders to foreigners, we were to be reassigned to a different, shorter expedition. My mom loved to travel and had for years presented travelogues to clubs, schools, church groups and on two occasions, the Federal Penitentiary at Leavenworth, KS. Travelogues, for those who may not remember a time before cable TV and the National Geographic Channel, were a common and popular way for people to share their trips, experiences and a hefty amount of how-to information with a broader public just beginning to imagine international travel as possible. So, my mom, supported by my dad and probably 60 lbs. of camera equipment, explained that she intended to share the story of our safari with hundreds of people when we returned home. A driver was summoned, our itinerary amended to sacrifice not a single day on the African plains, and we enjoyed a private family safari.

So today I wonder if I should be all that surprised to find myself here. I also wonder whether there was much organic branding in my mom’s slides or my dad’s movie. I can attest that they were true to their word and referred hundreds of people to the company. Like George, I might have been headed somewhere else, but I ended up just where I needed to be.

Valerie

My Favorite Moments of 2007

As I only recently started working as an Account Coordinator here at Weber Shandwick, it might seem that I would be at a loss for a favorite memory this year. However this is not the case. I loved being introduced to the travel team, getting brought in on each one of my accounts, and I especially loved the feeling that I was finally making a personal contribution to the team. With all of these milestones aside, I have to say that my favorite moment here was meeting with Kelly, our client from the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau. This was my first real client interaction, so I was very proud to attend her lecture at the Cision conference, and listen to her coverage on all of the progress the city of New Orleans has made, with the help of Weber Shandwick, since Hurricane Katrina. At this moment, I really understood the depth and reach that our work achieved, and how our unique focus and effort really helped improve the quality of life for residents of New Orleans. After her speech at the conference, we went to lunch and discussed everything from southern Creole cooking to our 2008 goals for the city. I really felt like I was connecting with our client and that I was finally a fully accountable member of the team. I felt proud to be part of the PR effort that had created such dramatic results for the hurricane ravaged city, and I felt like my job was more important than just the day-to-day tasks, but that our work really made an impact and improved the quality of life for many thousands of people.

Katharine

Notes from a Weary Warrior

Between business travel and leisure trips I find myself on a plane at least once a month if not more so I'm always on the lookout for ways to make traveling easier and more comfortable without having to carry a lot of extra accoutrements. The recent Times Topic in The New York Times (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/a/air_travel/index.html) touches on how far the current state of air travel has fallen from the bygone days when people actually dressed up to board a plane. I used to cringe at the sight of frumpy sweat-suit wearing pillow carriers boarding a three-hour domestic flight looking as if they were on the all night red-eye but now that most airlines have done away with pillows and the quality of flights is growing more and more akin to that of a bus trip, who can blame them for wanting to provide a modicum of comfort? Here are a few of my favorite hard-won tips for making the dreary world of present-day air travel more tolerable:

- Never check your bags. Though obviously I'm not the only one who has passed on this advice, I am hesitant to repeat it for fear that even more people will carry on luggage and make it even harder to fit my regulation size rollerboard suitcase in the ever-shrinking overhead compartments, but this really is a must-do. I know some of you may be reticent to deal with the 3.0 ounce containers and plastic Ziploc bag but trust me, it’s less hassle than losing your luggage, even if the loss is only temporary.

- As tempting as it may be to wear a pajama-like outfit on a plane, I recommend dressing smart-casual or business casual on flights for one simple reason: it tends to be much easier to resolve issues with ticketing agents if you look like you are on a business trip.

- I pack a pair of clean socks in the outer pocket of my carry-on because I like something a little more durable than my thin trouser socks to come between my bare feet and the grungy floor of the security aisle.

- Business card-sized bags of pretzels or peanuts (if your airline even still provides gratis snacks) are neither savory nor satisfying so I bring my own snack or travel with smaller bills so I can buy something to eat on board. It can be difficult to purchase onboard food via credit card and flight attendants don’t always have change.

- A light sweater or wrap and ear plugs, for obvious reasons.

- Make ‘em throw in the whole can for God’s sake. The cups are much smaller than they used to be (are you kidding me with that graduated bottom??) and you don’t automatically get the whole beverage can but in-flight beverage service has not gone away. Typically flight attendants do not leave you with the rest of the can once they’ve poured your drink but if you ask for it they will.

- I have last minute flight or gate changes texted to my cell phone via a free service provided by airlines. These can be especially helpful when running late--you don't even have to stop and stare at the monitors!

- There are a few airlines giving out complementary headphones but most are now requiring payment for the cheap disposable headphones they hand out for in-flight entertainment. For environmental reasons and for quality reasons, I always make sure I bring my own headphones.

Sarah

Reel Triumph

In a recent issue of Esquire, comedienne Joan Rivers declared, "Don't expect praise without envy – unless you're dead." This makes me recall my recent bonefishing press trip to Grand Bahama Island, where I reeled in what could be considered a massive fish – at least by (bonefishing) industry standards. This was a triumph, not only because the fish was massive – did I mention the fish was massive because it was massive? – but because I led an all-male group of journalists to a charming, private fishing lodge nestled on a small cay just off Grand Bahama Island. This was a trip like no other, mainly because there were no locks on the doors, no phones in-room and the only way to locate my cabin at night was with a flashlight. Oh, and most of the lodge's guests said they worked in "wealth management." I think that's a low-key way of saying hedge funds.

Most of the journalists averaged between 5-8 bonefish on the first day, which is a great catch considering we were stalking the elusive bonefish. I caught about 11. This was not only one of my best memories of 2007, but one of my best press groups ever. With their egos intact, the guys cheered me on and treated me like a sister (respectfully).

Judith

Another Day in the Office

Breathe in, breathe out. Breathe in, breathe out. My controlled respiration was all I heard as I hovered just above the sand 50 feet below the surface of the sea. Air bubbles from my nose and mouth temporarily obstructed my vision, lingering in front of my mask before bursting upward toward Brendal’s boat. As I inhaled once more through my regulator, a glimmer of silver in the seemingly solid wall of azure caught my eye.

I ceased breathing for an instant as a seven-foot reef shark materialized out of the endless velvety blue curtain of water. With the steadiness of a metronome, the shark’s pointed tail effortlessly propelled it through the water - in my general direction. I wondered if it saw me there below, wide-eyed and paralyzed with awe. Slowly and purposefully, the shark made its way toward the reef. Were we in danger? I wasn’t scared.

I turned back toward the reef to signal the journalists on my Learn to Dive press trip of the shark’s presence. I placed my open palm on top of my head to imitate a dorsal fin and indicated with my arms spread wide that the shark was “this big.” One journalist excitedly turned his gaze toward the shark, but as swiftly as it emerged, the shark had disappeared back behind the curtain.

Angelene

Katharine

Born and raised just outside of Chicago, Katharine has always enjoyed traveling and going on adventures around the world. From a very young age she accompanied her family on a number of trips that spanned Tokyo to Santiago, Chile. She has always loved exploring new areas and learning the local history, so it seemed a natural fit when she finally majored in history and economics at Emory University in May 2007. She is the newest addition to Weber Shandwick’s Travel team, but she feels at ease in the new environment and loves working her accounts!

Sara

From taking in the bright lights of big cities like London, Singapore or Paris to discovering the most remote corners of the globe in Lagos, Portugal or Penang, Malaysia, Sara simply loves to explore other cultures and learn about life through travel. She grew up in New Jersey, attended J School at the University of Maryland College Park, and then worked as an associate producer for MSNBC before building a career in public relations. Joining Weber Shandwick was a perfect match combining her love of news and pr with a variety of travel clients.

Angelene

The daughter of an always on-the-road Southern rock musician and granddaughter of a nomadic Navy wife, Angelene is a twentysomething wanderer. Her difficulty sitting still has progressed into a full-fledged obsession with traveling the world.

As a part of the Weber Shandwick travel team, Angelene has learned to scuba dive in the Bahamas, has cavorted with swimming pigs and has fed giant stingrays with her toes. During her free time, Angelene enjoys shark cage diving, mission trips, long walks on the beach and getting caught in the rain. A writer at heart, Angelene blogs about her adventures in New York City and beyond.

Jennifer

With relatives located across the U.S., it’s no surprise that Jennifer developed a love for traveling at an early age. Jennifer’s affinity for new places and experiences was instilled by her family and friends, as she has traveled with them both near and far for the past 25 years. Her goal is to one day visit all continents (except Antarctica, as the frostbite might not be so attractive), particularly Europe and Asia. A native of New York, Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Communications degree with a concentration in communications. Jennifer looks forward to traveling to Vienna in the Spring 2008 to visit her brother while he studies abroad.

Judith

A 20-something, first generation Jamerican (Jamaican-American), Judith Wint-Hosang was born and raised in Orlando, Fla. She's braved the world of travel & lifestyle public relations for five years, promoting clients in the destination, hotel and online booking arena. Her travel wish-list includes Paris, Shanghai, Tokyo, Amsterdam and Savannah, Ga.

Lauren

A born and raised New Yorker, Lauren has been a world traveler since she was just 4 years old. Living in London, England and visiting the surrounding countries, Lauren’s passion for learning new cultures and adventure began at an early age. Back in the U.S. while attending the University of Michigan (GO BLUE!), she returned to Europe and spent a semester studying in Florence, Italy. Lauren is eager to continue her travels and see as much of world as she can.

Lisa

Having grown up in Connecticut, Vermont, California, Indianapolis and Chicago, it was only a matter of time for Lisa to bring that love for travel into her career. After graduating from NorthwesternUniversity, Lisa began her career with Weber Shandwick in their Chicago office. In 2006, Lisa transferred to the New York office and joined the Travel and Lifestyle Practice. Continuing her passion for travel Lisa is currently planning her upcoming nuptials in Bermuda.

Meredith

Meredith Phares embraced her love of travel at an early age. As the daughter (and granddaughter and great-granddaughter) of two artists, she grew up visiting art museums across the U.S. and Europe. After discovering that she preferred a pen over a paintbrush, she studied magazine journalism and Spanish at Syracuse University, and then left the tundra of upstate New York to pursue a career in public relations.

Renata

Renata had an eventful upbringing in sunny Rio de Janeiro and California. A native Brazilian, as a 10-year-old she mastered English in six months after immigrating with her family to Orange County. As fate would have it, she moved east in the mid nineties and attended Boston College. She fell in love with Autumn (and her Bostonian husband) and never looked back to So Cal’s picture perfect weather. Renata lives in Connecticut with her husband Kris and their dogs, Bailey and Piper. Renata has always admired her dad’s appetite for world culture and envied his opportunities for world travel. She hopes to follow in his footsteps.

Sarah

Sarah’s fondness for travel and exploration was instilled at an early age as acquiring a new state or tourist attraction was a celebrated occasion in the Kissko household. Her current travel stats total 39 states, 11 countries, 12 Major League Baseball parks and 15 "floaty" pens purchased during recent trips. An Indiana native, Sarah graduated from Miami University with a Bachelor of Communications degree and a concentration in public relations. She took her first plane ride at six weeks old and has been a frequent traveler ever since.

Valerie

Valerie grew up in Kansas City when TWA still flew high and the metro area was a company town. Her parents both worked for the airline; her mom Melva was TWA's first female mechanic and her father Tom could fix anything inside the cockpit of a 747. Valerie is not mechanically inclined and thus studied political science at Barnard College, Columbia University. Her first trip by plane was to visit Disneyland where she refused to be photographed with Mickey Mouse, a trend toward anonymity that continues to this day.

Alice

Alice is a real Native New Yorker but with wings. As soon as she realized that there was an ever bigger world beyond the Big Apple and Met's stadium, she started planning her life of travel. It just so happened that her Marketing degree from St. John's University helped her to combine her passion with a paying career. Now she gets to launch the world's newest and greatest travel experiences and hopes to one day travel the States on a Harley.

René

I am a born and raised New Yorker. Actually, a Manhattanite. I grew up on the top floor of a walk-up adjacent to the East River, and from my bedroom balcony I would watch the planes on approach into LaGuardia and identify them by their livery and logo. Names like Pan Am, Eastern and Braniff. My parents would take me to the West Side and while I was just a kid, I can remember taking pier-side tours of the SS United States, France and Queen Mary before they sailed away in a parade of confetti, streamers and balloons. When I graduated from NYU, I crossed the Atlantic on the QE2 for an 11 week ramble through Europemaking it home with less than a dollar in my pocket. Now I run one of the top public relations travel practices in the world.