LDPRFounder Laura Davidson’s award-winning agency has long been representing clients across the travel space, garnering over 150 industry accolades. The agency has shifted with the changing PR landscape to provide clients with more relevant services, including expanding their digital and social expertise to address clients’ needs for creative, integrated communications. In addition to their on-staff Digital Media Director, the agency partnered with Florida-based digital powerhouse, Gather + Grow Media, to enhance clients' online audience. The agency has also grown their West Coast presence with senior staff in both Los Angeles and San Francisco, as well as their long-standing Chicago-based leader. LDPR has also been focusing on strategic partnerships to bring value to their hospitality clients, and recently worked with Serena & Lily, Veuve Clicquot, Vineyard Vines and Sports Illustrated to great results.
Notable long-term clients
Abercrombie & Kent; Aman; Ocean House and Weekapaug Inn, Rhode Island; The Resort at Paws Up, Montana; Chatham Bars Inn, Cape Cod; Andaz Maui, Hawaii; Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach, Florida; VisitScotland; Travel Portland
Recent client wins
Aman New York; One11 Hotel New Orleans; The Boca Raton, Florida; Ritz Paris; The Ritz-Carlton Bacara Santa Barbara; Hotel Viking, Newport, Rhode Island; Hyatt Centric Downtown Nashville; O2 Beach Club & Spa, Barbados; Tierra Hotels Chile; Tahiti Tourisme
What are you most proud of as a leader?
I’m most proud of the culture my senior team and I have created, modified and maintained to see our staff through this pandemic. Many agencies were negatively impacted because of COVID 19. Since LDPR’s client roster is 100% in the travel and tourism sector, we were hit especially hard by the global lockdown. I knew that eventually things would improve (or in this instance ebb and flow) and that clients would return. But when? My immediate focus was on my 20-person staff and how to guide them forward in a very scary situation. We were in constant touch as a team – embracing Zoom and providing weekly and, sometimes daily, updates so everyone knew what was going on. We created a new mantra called Positive Path Forward and used this as a lens to guide us in all decisions including which clients to pursue and what priorities come first.
We also wanted to address everyone’s well-being, beyond the day to day client work. We conducted guided meditations, virtual yoga class, virtual happy hours and wine tastings, surprise “the office misses you” gifts and other thoughtful outreaches. When it was safe to do so, we met outside for lunches in small groups, our own version of mini reunions. Our communication style needed to be more flexible, acknowledging that everyone was going through something different and needed a personal connection. We implemented town hall style meetings, frequent surveys, personal goal settings and increased our time with our firm’s executive coach and outside facilitator. We celebrate our work successes and our personal successes, including promotions, client growth, new business wins, baby showers, pet adoptions and new homes.
I am most proud that my team has stayed together. And that we care about each other as much as the work we do. We went from “surviving” in 2020 to “thriving” in 2021 and we know that 2022 will be even better thanks to the strength and commitment of the entire LDPR team.
No. 29 CommunicationsGiven their focus on sustainability and impact, the past year has been a busy one for No. 29 co-founders Melody Serafino and Erin Allweiss. As brands realize the importance of doing better, new clients have tapped No. 29 to help them authentically approach impact PR. Last year, the duo launched Enough. (enough.media), a media platform that highlights the people and brands who are solving environmental problems and providing alternative models to runaway capitalism. They describe it as a platform "for those who are fed up but aren't giving up." Enough. consists of a newsletter and storytelling platform edited by journalist Esha Chhabra and a podcast produced by Pineapple Street Studios. Serafino and Allweiss are regular panelists on topics related to sustainability PR and storytelling and have spoken at conferences and at events around the city and the world.
Notable long-term clients
VEJA, TED, Happiest Baby/SNOO, Oliver Jeffers, ReFED, Aqua-Spark
Recent client wins
Ephemeral, Moxie, Happy Family Organics
Is there a big industry trend you’re backing in terms of your agency offering, and why do you think this area will continue to grow and influence the PR practice?
When No. 29 launched in 2013, the words “sustainability” and “impact” were not the buzzwords they are today. Long before it was “cool” to talk about these topics, we identified an opportunity to tell meaningful stories about the brands and organizations that were doing better for people and the planet. Over the past year, No. 29 has grown nearly two-fold as more brands are seeking true partners that understand how to do impact-focused PR authentically. Never has there been more urgency around sustainability and impact, particularly on the heels of this week's IPCC climate report. We can no longer wait. Not thinking about sustainability and your impact on the world is outdated. As brands recognize the importance of doing better, our work has become even more critical in cutting through the greenwashing and partnering with people who are advancing change in the world in thoughtful ways.
