The Gong Blog

When we celebrate wins at Hodges, we bang the gong. Our blog is home to wins and winning advice for our clients and friends.

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Episode 28: Knowing Your Audience with Melanin Monroe

In episode 28 of Teaming Up, Michaela Mishoe is joined by Melanin Monroe, drag entertainer and event host, to discuss similarities between drag performance and PR. Our Pride Month episode delves into commonalities in our work and echoes a point we’ve made time and time again about authenticity. This is an episode you won’t want to miss.   Episode Highlights: Reading the Room — You can’t just expect to deliver the same message, the same way, every time and have it land the same way….

How to Write an Award-Winning PR Entry

If you’re reading this post and you work in the Richmond region, chances are you are highly familiar with the annual “PR Prom,” otherwise known as the Virginia PR Awards hosted by PRSA Richmond. This annual event has been around for decades, and it celebrates a wide swath of work – from independent practitioners to large agencies. Hodges was honored to take away 10 awards this year across our account teams, but we were even more thrilled to be celebrating our friends and peers who…

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