Halfway mark check-in
How are we doing in 2025?
We’re officially halfway through 2025. How is everyone doing?
This year roared in ferociously — it was the morning of January 7 when the Palisades fire started, followed by Eaton the same evening.
Professional disruptions continue to topple peace of mind around here — from AI to mass layoffs (not unrelated to each other). It’s a lot.
But! I am feeling a lot of hope in this moment — not just in spite of the disruption, but because of the innovation it’s sparking across the industry. We’re seeing new models emerge, new voices break through, and new ways to connect with audiences that feel more direct, nimble, and creative than ever. The ground is shifting, yes, but it’s also opening up to new opportunities.
Speaking of opportunities — there’s a great new one below. (I love a job listing that promises “you will rack up miles” while hosting “amazing trips!”)
Layoff news and resources
When a layoff is the first day of the rest of your life (my own layoff story)
I was laid off from my corporate job 5 years ago. Turns out, it was the best thing that could've happened to my career. (another version, in Business Insider ironically)
Do this one thing literally TODAY in response to the editorial layoffs.
Tools of the trade
You already know my own press opportunities are in this very Substack! I’m also a media member of Press Hook, where publicists can create and manage press kits and brand profiles on behalf of clients and use the AI-driven platform to connect with journalists in a streamlined way. If you’re not using Press Hook yet, you should definitely give it a try: It’s designed as a platform to connect journalists looking for story sources with brands who want to showcase their products and experts, and it’s all really built on trust and meaningful connections (it’s not spammy). It also offers a suite of helpful workflow tools. Journalists can search by product and category, and participating brands get exposure and affiliate opportunities — so it’s designed as a win-win for everyone (in the same vein as this Substack, I like to think). Give it a try — and let me know what you think.
Are you a publicist who needs help understanding the affiliate game? This course can really help: Affiliate Marketing for Publicists. (It’s from Sarah Karger, a brilliant affiliate expert who you might remember from some of my past Zoom workshops.) In this course, you’ll learn what affiliate marketing really is, why it has taken over the industry, and how to navigate the waters of all things affiliate to be successful.
Freshbooks is the bookkeeping tool I use exclusively for my invoicing, expenses, and reporting. It’s the best, IMHO, so I evangelize. Get FreshBooks here.
Open press opportunities
For The Points Guy, I’m updating this story about the best IHG hotels in the world and I’m looking for contacts at the following properties to help fact check information. If you work with any of the following properties, please send along any required updates, including starting price point in dollars and points, by June 6.
InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort
Six Senses Laamu
Voco Johannesburg Rosebank
InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa
Kimpton St Honore Paris
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
Crowne Plaza HY36 Midtown Manhattan
Regent Phu Quoc
InterContinental Hayman Island Resort
Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa
Hotel Indigo San Diego-Gaslamp Quarter
Kimpton Fitzroy London
Six Senses Shaharut
Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel
The Venetian Resort Las Vegas
Hotel X Brisbane Fortitude Vly
Crowne Plaza Lima
Hotel Indigo Galapagos
Holiday Inn Mauritius Mon Trésor
For the same story, the best IHG hotels in the world I’m also looking for contacts from the following properties I plan to add to the story:
InterContinental Indianapolis
Regent Hong Kong
Crowne Plaza Budapest
InterContinental Athenaeum Athens
Looks like I’m going to be celebrating my birthday in Las Vegas next month! What should I see/do/eat?
Also looking to connect with luxury properties in London, Amsterdam, Luxembourg, and Bruges. Please reach out if you represent a property in these areas.
Media job moves
Share your job change news with me to be included! Send to info@alicedubin.com.
Laura Bottke recently joined REM Public Relations, with clients including The Abaco Club (Marsh Harbor, Bahamas), CDA National Reserve (Coeur d’Alene, Idaho), Ibiza Gran Hotel (Ibiza, Spain. Reach her at laura@rempublicrelations.com.
Julia Feinbloom left J/PR and recently joined Murphy O’Brien as a senior account executive and am now working across a beautiful lineup of luxury travel clients, including Auberge du Soleil (Napa Valley), Viceroy Snowmass (Colorado), The Hermitage Hotel (Nashville), Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, THesis Hotel Miami, and more. Reach her at jfeinbloom@murphyobrien.com.
Marcella Thompkins recently joined J/PR as a senior account director, likely specializing. To start, she’ll be working with Foley Family Wines, Foley Family Spirits, and California Olive Ranch.
Ruby Virchow has recently joined the af&co. team as an account supervisor! She writes: “I'm thrilled to be joining such a well-reversed team with strong roots in the Bay Area hospitality scene.”
Hanae Reith left J/PR and joined Dreamday as an account director.
Amanda Ostrove, formerly of NJF PR/MMGY, has joined REM Public Relations, representing hospitality, travel, and golf across the globe; clients include San Ysidro Ranch, Romer Waikiki, Ibiza Gran Hotel, and more. Her new email is amanda@rempublicrelations.com.
PR vet Ty Bentsen has launched P-22 Agency, with a namesake inspired by Los Angeles’ famous mountain lion. It offers “a new breed of founder-led, strategic communications for leading luxury and lifestyle travel, tourism, commercial and private aviation, and wine/spirits clients. Operating in Los Angeles and New York City, the bi-coastal agency brings big, brand-level thinking to clients at scale with an ethos that prioritizes high-touch service over ego.”
After 10 years at White Oak Communications, Annie Goldenberg is now at MMGY, where she’ll be working on travel accounts including Visit Greater Palm Springs, Visit SLO CAL, LUMA Hotels in SF and NY, and more.
Meredith Strodel has left C&R after more than 10 years at the agency. She’s currently consulting and taking on select clients under her own new PR Lab brand umbrella.
Buy an ad and reach ~6,000 engaged publicists
Do you have a coaching program, online course, service, platform, or anything else that makes sense to get in front of my highly engaged PR and media readers? Reach out to me at alice@alicedubin.com to discuss sponsorship in this newsletter.
Recently published or updated
I fell for a classic tourist scam in Greece — and I didn’t realize until it was too late (Yahoo)
I'm a Travel Writer, and This Spacious Organizational Travel Backpack Is the Best Carry-on I’ve Ever Owned (Travel + Leisure)
What is “juice jacking”? Here’s what you need to know to avoid the danger lurking at the airport (Yahoo)
I Go To the Beach Every Week, This Is Everything I Pack For Optimal Comfort and Relaxation (Travel + Leisure)
Why Is Everyone Going To Be Traveling With A Pillowcase This Summer? (Southern Living)
The best resorts in Florida for a relaxing vacation in the Sunshine State (The Points Guy)
11 Old-Fashioned Hobbies to Try If You’re in Your Granny Era (Good Housekeeping)
Marlon Brando Envisioned a Luxurious Eco Resort for His Private Island — Here’s What It’s Like to Stay at the Star-Loved Getaway Today (The Hollywood Reporter)
6 Airplane Etiquette Rules You Might Be Breaking, According To Flight Attendants (Southern Living)
The 14 best Hyatt all-inclusive resorts in the world (The Points Guy)
My Doctor Dad Urges Me to Always Pack This Life-saving Health Device ‘Just in Case’ (Travel + Leisure)
10 best affordable all-inclusive resorts for every type of traveler (The Points Guy)
The Real ID deadline has come and gone — but nobody seems to know (or care) what’s going on (Yahoo)
Last-minute Mother’s Day gift ideas for moms who love travel (no, you're not too late!) (Yahoo)
Locals in this European hotspot are telling tourists to stay home — here’s what to know (Yahoo)
It's going to be easier for LA travelers to get to European destinations this summer on Condor (The Points Guy)
I got my colors analyzed by an expert. It radically changed the way I think about getting dressed. (Insider)
The 10 Best AirTag Accessories of 2025 (Travel + Leisure)
I Easily Walked 20,000+ Steps in Las Vegas Pain-free in These Birkenstock Sandals (Travel + Leisure)
With Tariffs Teed Up, Here’s What to Buy Now — and What Not to Panic-Purchase (The Hollywood Reporter)
Review: Flying British Airways Business Class from Los Angeles to London (Business Traveler USA)
The best all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana for every type of traveler (The Points Guy)
I’m a Frequent Flier, and This Sleek, TSA-friendly Toiletry Solution Frees Up So Much Space in My Carry-on (Travel + Leisure)
I was laid off from my corporate job 5 years ago. Turns out, it was the best thing that could've happened to my career. (Business Insider)
I Spent the Day With a European Personal Shopper — Here Are 11 Spring Styles She Said My Wardrobe Was Missing (Travel + Leisure)
First Look: Virgin Atlantic Opens its Latest Clubhouse in Los Angeles (Business Traveler USA)
The Best Drink for Dehydration in 2025, Tested and Reviewed (Yahoo)
The 9 Best Products for Sleeping on a Plane, Tested and Reviewed (Travel + Leisure)
15 April Baby Names for Spring's Newest Bundles (Good Houskeeping)
My Doctor Dad Tells Me to Always Have These 10 Items in My Carry-on While Traveling 'Just in Case' (Travel + Leisure)
7 Purim Traditions to Celebrate the Joyful Spring Holiday (Good Housekeeping)
These 12 Luxury Luggage Pieces Make It Look Like You’re Sitting in First Class — Even if You’re in Coach (Travel + Leisure)
23 best Hyatt hotels in the world (The Points Guy)
The Best Luxury Bathrobes of 2025, Tested and Reviewed (Travel + Leisure)
21 Surprising Celebrity Oscars Hosts Through the Years (Good Housekeeping)
I've traveled to Las Vegas dozens of times over 25 years. Here are 5 things I love to do when I'm in town by myself. (Business Insider)
5-4-3-2-1 Is The Simple Packing Method That Will Keep You Organized On Your Next Trip (Southern Living)
I've Been Traveling to Las Vegas for 25 Years — These Are 12 Things I Never Forget to Pack, From $13 (Travel + Leisure)
I wanted to spoil my sister for her 50th birthday with an indulgent trip. She never treats herself. (Business Insider)
Traveling Can Be Risky — but These 8 Items Can Keep You Safe Anywhere, According to a Security Expert (Travel + Leisure)
How To Pack Clothes For Travel So They Don't Wrinkle (Southern Living)
15 Charming Names for Babies Born in March (Good Housekeeping)
I let my 10-year-old twins roam free with no supervision on vacation. The week had a huge effect on them. (Business Insider)
In-flight Theft Happens More Than You Think — but These 10 Items Can Help Keep Your Stuff Safe, From $7 (Travel + Leisure)
I Just Went to a Celeb-loved Tropical Island — These Are the 15 Resort-inspired Styles I'm Adding to My Closet (Travel + Leisure)
Need to Sweeten the Deal? Here’s How Seller Concessions Work in Real Estate (HomeLight)
The Real Star of ‘The White Lotus’ Is the Four Seasons: These Are the Five-Star Hotels to Book Before Season 3 Inspires a Reservation Rush (The Hollywood Reporter)
I planned a fabulous girls' weekend in Las Vegas. Our perfect 48-hour itinerary checked all the boxes. (Business Insider)
What Is It Like to Fly Through the PS Private Terminal at LAX (Business Traveler USA)
The 9 Best Swimsuit Cover-ups, Tested and Reviewed (Travel + Leisure)
21 Songs From the 1990s That Feel Like They Came Out Yesterday (Good Housekeeping)
I hated feeling like I had nothing to wear, so I hired a personal stylist. I got a whole new look without buying anything new. (Business Insider)
My sister and I have wildly different vacation styles. Dragging her family on my kind of trip was eye-opening. (Business Insider)
As a Frequent Flier, a Stylish Matching Set Is My Travel Day Secret — Shop My 14 Favorites From $33 (Travel + Leisure)
Open jobs
Job posts in this newsletter are now a free perk for paying subscribers. Do you have an open opportunity you want me to promote? First, upgrade here if you need to. Then email me at info@alicedubin.com.
MMGY is hiring for a senior account executive based in the Los Angeles office. The role would entail storytelling via pitch and press release writing, creative development of packages, promotions, events and partnerships, arranging interviews and landing thought leadership pieces, coordinating and hosting amazing press trips (“you will rack up miles!”) and more. Candidates should have a BA/BS college degree in communications or journalism and 3-5+ years PR; related experience with direct travel and lifestyle client background preferred. MMGY Global provides a comprehensive PTO + benefits package that includes a hybrid telework policy. Full information, including how to apply, is available on LinkedIn or the MMGY website.
Modern Currency PR’s Digital Studio is currently seeking a Digital Marketing Director with 4-5 years of direct experience in social media strategy & management. The ideal candidate has a passion for hospitality (food, travel, etc.), excellent managerial and organizational skills, strategic campaign development and execution experience, and a strong handle on social media. “They must enjoy managing but also executing strategy, and enjoy wearing multiple hats, including securing notable influencer, tastemaker, and Social Media Editor results, developing compelling content creation that builds client following/engagement, as well as unique & innovative digital partnerships/collaborations, on a daily basis.” MCPR offers generous benefits, including a work-from-anywhere program, 401k matching, comprehensive healthcare benefits (medical, dental, vision, life), generous PTO, summer Fridays, annual holiday office closures, PR travel perks, incredible mentorship, training, and more. While this is a remote position, candidates must be based in Los Angeles to ensure on-site presence at select meetings, client venues, and events as needed. Interested candidates can drop us a line with resume at contact@moderncurrencypr.com.
Modern Currency PR is also hiring a highly skilled, scrappy, and strategic public relations account supervisor with 3-4 years of public relations agency experience within the hospitality, culinary, travel, tourism, restaurant and/or consumer lifestyle arenas. MCPR offers generous benefits, including a work-from-anywhere program, 401k matching, comprehensive healthcare benefits (medical, dental, vision, life), generous PTO, summer Fridays, annual holiday office closures, PR travel perks, incredible mentorship, training, and more. “Those who enjoy a small-company feel and who are drawn to a service-based and hospitality-driven culture should apply. While this is a remote position, candidates must be based in Los Angeles to ensure on-site presence at select meetings, client venues, and events as needed. Interested candidates can drop us a line with resume at contact@moderncurrencypr.com.”
Work with me
I am available for project-based consulting. Please reach out to discuss your needs: info@alicedubin.com.
Feedback from a recent agency after a consulting session: “That was amazing!!! Thank you SO much, you really gave us so many valuable insights to think about, and I could tell what you were saying was really resonating with the team. Really appreciate your thoughtful answers to all our questions and feedback on our pitches.”
Here’s how to pitch: Simply respond to this email with a new subject line or pitch me at pitch@alicedubin.com.
Are you a writer hoping to reach my engaged audience of publicists? A publicist hoping to connect with brands? A digital media type with a product or service for the industry? Maybe you’d like to sponsor this newsletter with a featured ad. I’m also open to well-matched affiliate partnerships. Let’s chat: info@alicedubin.com.
How to help
Donate to the International Committee of the Red Cross and Save the Children.
Donate to the Anti-Defamation League to support the fight against hate.
Donate to Moms Demand Action and Everytown for Gun Safety.
Donate to Planned Parenthood.
Donate to Pasadena Humane Society
So true, Alice! "The ground is shifting, yes, but it’s also opening up to new opportunities." Here's to riding the wave.