This week we hosted our second digital conference, this time on the topic of ‘Media Relations Best Practices During Coronavirus.' Knowing how integral the media is to many of our members’ work, we wanted to hear direct from leaders in the space, about the new rules of engaging the media.

We were honored to have editors-in-chief and directors from Travel & Leisure, Goop, Business of Home, Real Simple, PureWow and Modern Luxury join as panelists and over 300 members from around the country and beyond participated, making it by far the biggest meeting we’ve hosted. There were so many interesting takeaways, which we recap below:

• Editors still want pitches! Publications are moving forward with plans in place, and pivoting when/if they need to
• Magazines and digital content platforms are still considering themselves an escape for their readers
• Print magazines have long lead time, so send your ideas now so they can be slotted in for summer and fall issues
• Personalized pitches go such a long way right now; if you don’t hear back to a personal pitch, a follow up note is appreciated as editors are inundated 
• Maybe some old tech is new again: We were avoiding phone calls, but now conference calls are crucial

Thriving themes and topics:

• Human interest stories and feel-good content: If you and/or your client are helping the community, tell this story; thought leadership from companies that have taken decisive action and want to talk about the strategy behind making it happen
• Wellbeing: Recipes, immunity and health tips, mental health content around anxiety and social distancing, exercise, work-from-home hacks, etc. 
• Escape: Binge-worthy lists (books, shows, movies); virtual tours of homes, properties, museums, etc.
• First-person essays are a great way to connect with a reader right now, and if you can connect a product, even better

The PR Net will continue with digital meet-ups during the next few weeks, with upcoming themes including 'Events & Experiential Industry Spotlight.' We welcome your programming ideas and invite speakers to join in on these digital meetings.