The Gong Blog

Bring Your Kid to Work Day with The Hodgettes

In this special bonus episode, we’ve compiled some of the soundbites from our interview sessions with the kids of Hodgers during our inaugural Bring Your Kid to Work Day. You’ll hear from kiddos between the ages of 2 and 16 talking about their favorite things and taking guesses about what exactly it is their parents do.   Episode Highlights You’ll find out Ben Ryan’s favorite snack Harper Ryan’s dream super power will melt your heart Owen Surber wins the prize for most accurate guess of…

Read More

To jump or not to jump on social media trend bandwagons

Have you been asking your Gen Z coworker, “What the heck is ‘Demure Fall?’” or why the Democratic presidential nominee is embracing a “Brat Summer?” You’re not the only one. While TikTok trends have been getting grandparents to dance to the newest Doja Cat song since 2020, we’re seeing just how influential microtrends are becoming and how they’re redefining marketing for brands of every size and industry. But, does your organization need to hop on every social media trend?  Why it matters It’s not new for…

Read More

RVA Industry Events Calendar: September 2024

Each month, we curate networking and educational events happening across the Richmond region. We welcome fall with many September events from AMA Richmond, PRSA Richmond, ChamberRVA and more. With many networking options, all young professionals can make amazing connections regardless of experience. Connect with Congress 2024: Rep. Jennifer McClellan Session Hosted by ChamberRVA Wednesday, Sept. 4 from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. McGuire Woods Gateway Plaza, Richmond Learn more and register for this event September Meet & Greet Breakfast! Hosted by GRACRE Thursday, Sept. 5 from…

Read More

Sometimes an Award is Just the Icing on the Cake

Most people don’t start a project with the intention of winning an award. You come to work, do your job, and, if you’re lucky, enjoy what you do and make a positive impact. When all the pieces come together and your work is acknowledged outside of your client team, it’s like the icing on an already scrumptious cake. Last year, The Hodges Partnership assembled a team to launch the Virginia Spirits Board Marketing office, tasked with developing and executing an integrated marketing and branding program…

Read More

Episode 30: Email Marketing with Megan Wilson

In this episode of Teaming Up, Amanda Christian is joined by Megan Wilson, creative director of Sweet Talk Strategy, to talk about the evolution of email marketing and why it’s a critical channel for communicators. The episode highlights the affordability of email marketing and positions it as a safer channel for marketing compared to social media (both in trust and reachability).   Episode Highlights The evolution and business of email marketing Work smarter, not harder by leveraging automated workflows Email marketing can be as simple…

Read More

Meet a Hodger: Madelyn Balser

Madelyn Blaser is a social media whiz, thrifting queen, charcuterie board aficionado, and now the latest addition to our growing roster of former interns-turned-Hodgers. Madelyn graduated from VCU in 2023 and began her public relations career as the social media manager for a local consignment shop. Soon after, she joined Hodges as an intern for the Virginia Spirits team, where her standout work and unwavering ambition made it a no-brainer to bring her on board as an account coordinator. Without further ado, please meet Madelyn…

Read More

RVA Industry Events Calendar: August 2024

Each month, we curate networking and educational events happening across the Richmond region. Events in August include networking opportunities for young professionals and an exciting kickoff to Richmond race weekend featuring NASCAR’s Chief Branding Officer and Chief Marketing Officer, among many more. See you at an August event soon! August AMA Coffee Chat  Hosted by AMA Richmond  Friday, August 16 from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. at Market Street Coffee, Petersburg Learn more and register for this event.  [Signature Breakfast Series] NASCAR’s Surprising Marketing Evolution  Hosted…

Read More

Don’t forget these three tools to strengthen media relations outreach 

I recently presented with colleagues during a Center for Nonprofit Excellence workshop in Charlottesville on communications strategies designed to help organizations connect with stakeholders and gain attention.   Before I share a few tips from that presentation, first a shoutout to the attendees: I’m very thankful for the talented nonprofit public relations professionals in Virginia. While we often mention how people in the communications industry “wear a lot of hats,” our brethren in the nonprofit sector no doubt don the most striking and versatile collection. You’re…

Read More

Episode 29: The Intersection of Digital Marketing and PR with Brian Forrester

In this episode of Teaming Up, Casey Prentice sits down with Brian Forrester, CEO and co-founder of Workshop Digital, to explore the evolving landscape of digital marketing and its connection to public relations. The episode highlights the importance of integrating brand storytelling, strategic execution and data analysis to create successful digital marketing campaigns that resonate with target audiences and drive measurable result. Episode Highlights: What is digital marketing, and how does that vary based on your organization? How do you balance brand language with digital…

Read More

Why PR is an essential part of any tourism marketing plan

Tourism is big business. According to the US Travel Association, in 2023, travelers in the United States had a $2.8 trillion economic impact and supported more than 15 million American jobs. Whether it’s for leisure travel, a business meeting or sports event, we’re always on the move. For destinations vying for a share of those tourism dollars, an ongoing comprehensive destination marketing effort is essential. While owned and paid media plans are important pieces of the marketing pie, be sure to save a slice for…

Read More
LMR Class Photo

RVA Industry Events Calendar: July 2024

Each month, we curate networking and educational events happening across the Richmond region. From opportunities to connect with industry professionals to learning more about existing organizations, July is jam-packed with events hosted by ChamberRVA, the Greater Richmond Association for Commercial Real Estate and others. See you at a July event soon! Young Professionals July Mentor Event  Hosted by GRACRE  Tuesday, July 9 from 8 a.m. – 9 a.m. at the Hourigan Office  Learn more and register here.  HYPE Cups of Connection  Hosted by ChamberRVA  Wednesday, July…

Read More

Sign up to receive our blog posts by email