Hello from fabulous Las Vegas!
+ new open press opps
If you know me, and/or you know my work, you know I love Las Vegas. So I feel fortunate to be here this week checking out the latest and greatest. (So much changes here so quickly, it’s ideal for me to visit at least quarterly to maintain my authority as a destination expert.)
I’m staying in the new Fontainebleau this time, officially opened in December — after starting construction in 2007. (The Great Recession had other plans back then.)
I also flew in via JSX, which means I was checking into the hotel a scant three hours after my wakeup alarm went off in L.A. — and on marathon Sunday no less! Brilliant.
Hope all who celebrated had a happy St. Patrick’s Day yesterday and have access to copious coffee this morning.
ICYMI
HARO alternatives
HARO once cornered the market on connecting writers and PR pros; now Cision is in the process of rebranding the platform as Connectively. But there’s widespread confusion about where that transition stands — and opportunities are being lost in the gap.
At the same time, various other existing and emerging platforms aim to grab market share by facilitating the same sort of connections effectively, including Qwoted, PressHook, PressPulse.AI, Rolli, and Substack.
You already know my own press opportunities are in this very Substack! I’m also a partner for Press Loft, officially launching in the coming weeks in the US. The platform connects journalists with brands and PR agencies — primarily, but not exclusively, in the interior, home decor, and gifting categories. (It’s already among the top resources in the UK.) It offers some cool features like image-enhancing tools that use AI to turn low-res images into high-res ones. And you can upload product images and information to specific image libraries that journalists can access 24/7. Check it out with a free trial — I’d love to hear your feedback.
I’m also an affiliate partner for 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. You can give it a try with a 14-day free trial — and if you use it, let me know what you think.
Tools of the Trade
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.
Are you a publicist who needs help understanding the affiliate game? This course, Affiliate Marketing for Publicists, can help.
I’m obsessed with the game-changing platform Otter.ai. I use it to both record interviews and also to transcribe them in real time. You can also use it to record/transcribe any type of meeting — so anyone who missed it can easily access the Cliff’s Notes version. There’s a pro plan for agencies/companies with a ton of neat features. Check out Otter.ai here.
Open press opportunities
For The Points Guy, I’m working on a story rounding up where celebrities are going in summer 2024. Please pitch me destination ideas with supporting information about why this is a celeb draw right now. Inbox is open.
For the travel industry trade magazine The Compass, I’m working on a feature story about women leading the way in adventure tourism. I’m open to quotes/commentary from avid travelers, travel advisors, and/or brands/tour operators seeing this growth.
Also for The Compass, I’m working on a feature story about destinations that are prioritizing conservation. Specifically, I’m still looking for comments from a representative of and/or a travel advisor who has traveled/planned trips within Slovenia (thanks to everyone who already pitched for the other areas I was seeking).
Still open: For Esquire, I’m working on a story rounding up great things to do in Las Vegas under $50. Hit me with your pitches and please include people-free photos as well as your explicit written permission that Esquire, “along with other Hearst brands and licensees, have your irrevocable permission to use” the imagery.
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Work with me
I am always available for project-based consulting. Please reach out to discuss your needs: info@alicedubin.com.
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. 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 Hawaii Community Foundation’s Maui Strong fund and the Maui Humane Society.
Donate to the Anti-Defamation League to support the fight against hate.
Donate to Moms Demand Action and Everytown.
Donate to Planned Parenthood.