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Members of PCMA’s 20 in Their Twenties class of 2020 already have proven to be leaders, putting their own mark on the business events industry. Rebecca Doser, media relations manager for trade at Destination DC in Washington, D.C., shares her thoughts about the industry.
What do you like most about your job?
Nothing beats promoting the nation’s capital with a team who is just as excited as I am about the city’s thriving culinary experiences, exciting sports scene, and emerging arts and culture hubs. I’m grateful to have two years under my belt in a new position for Destination DC focused on trade media relations that really hones in on two of my passions — public relations and writing. With a major in English creative writing from St. Lawrence University, I love having the opportunity to create new web content for the meetings portion of our website, washington.org, to entice more groups to meet in Washington, D.C. At the same time, I am utilizing the skills I developed in my two-year career at Ketchum, a global public relations firm, to focus on the company’s trade public relations across meetings-focused and travel trade publications, as well as on the road at trade shows throughout the year.
What’s the best advice you’ve gotten from someone in the industry?
Love what you do and who you work with because you spend more time at your job and with your colleagues than with your own family on a daily basis.
What’s one — or more — event trends you have your eye on?
Sustainability is a key attribute that meeting planners look for in their potential host venues and cities, and it is more than just eliminating the use of plastic straws. Hotels and venues are boasting advanced eco-friendly features, integrating new technologies, and recognizing the importance of providing a planner with the carbon footprint of a particular meeting. There is a true sustainable renaissance occurring as more planners and attendees alike are looking at environmental sustainability concerns across issues of cost, budget, and on-site experiences. I’m thrilled to play a part in this as I work to share new content on D.C.’s sustainable practices, including shuttle alternatives for attendees while in the city and more.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I am grateful to work in an organization that supports and exemplifies strong female leadership in the travel industry — with one female senior vice president, three female vice presidents, and five female directors out of a senior team of 12 individuals. These innovative and vibrant women are all amazing examples of where I’d like this journey to take me as I develop into a young female leader myself.
Members of PCMA’s 20 in Their Twenties class of 2020 will be recognized on stage at PCMA Convening Leaders 2020, Jan. 5-8, at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. Check out the complete program and register for Convening Leaders today.