TGIF! + tons of new stories.
Wow, what a week. I have newly minted elementary school graduates (!) and school’s out for summer. I took a few days semi-off work for all the culmination celebrations — the ceremony at school, three backyard house parties, the 5th grade class beach day, and so much more. (If you’re keeping score at home — yes, I did all of this in Los Angeles without seeing a single sign of chaos, because the city is definitely not burning, despite falsehoods to the contrary.)
Then, when I returned to reality, I had to churn out tons of copy to get back up to speed at work. I am thrilled we have just about made it to the end of the week. Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend and Father’s Day if you observe!
Lots of new stuff below, including new pitch calls, tons of newly published stories, job change announcements, and a cool new open job.
Layoff news and resources
In Touch, Life & Style, Closer and First for Women Magazines Shutter, Lay Off Entire Staffs
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.
Open press opportunities
For Yahoo, I’m working on a first-person story about the best kid-friendly afternoon tea in London. (Arranging visits next month.)
For Southern Living, I’m working on a story about the best seat on the plane, according to flight attendants. I welcome all flight attendant feedback/opinions with reasoning on this topic!
Also for Southern Living, I’m working on a story about why you might not want to order a coffee or tea on a plane, according to flight attendants. (Is the water tank dependably hygienic? Or are rumors to the contrary just that?) Seeking comments from flight attendants for this one as well, please.
Media job moves
Share your job change news with me to be included! Send to info@alicedubin.com.
Carla Tomillo has left Purple PR and joined PRC as associate director, fashion/culture. “In this role, I'll be working on brand strategy, PR and communications for adidas Originals, GapStudio, and Banana Republic.”
I'm really looking forward to continuing to collaborate with all of you in this new chapter,” she says.
Element Brand Group has officially been acquired by The Lede Company. (WWD announcement: The Lede Company Acquires Element Brand Group.) Email addresses have changed to the format firstname.lastname@ledecompany.com, but Element emails are still active.
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
Best travel gifts for graduates in 2025: luggage, tech and essentials they’ll actually use (Yahoo)
6 Tips For Sleeping Better On A Plane, According To Flight Attendants (Southern Living)
20 Vintage Items You May Want to Borrow From Grandma (Good Housekeeping)
I fell for a classic tourist scam in Greece — and I didn’t realize until it was too late (Yahoo)
See inside the $25,000-per-night cruise suite set to become the new largest at sea (Yahoo)
I'm a Travel Writer, and This Spacious Organizational Travel Backpack Is the Best Carry-on I’ve Ever Owned (Travel + Leisure)
5 surprising things that can get you kicked out of Disney parks (Yahoo)
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.
Modern Currency PR is currently seeking a dynamic, media-savvy PR account executive with a deep passion for luxury travel and hospitality. “We’re looking for a true media relations powerhouse with someone with 2-3 years of hands-on experience, strong media relations, and a proven track record of securing results. The ideal candidate brings a sharp strategic mind, fresh creative thinking, and an unwavering work ethic to the table each day. If you're energized by luxury travel, storytelling, and thrive in a collaborative, high-performance environment, we’d love to hear from you.” This position is fully remote but must be based in Los Angeles with the ability to be mobile for on-site client meetings/shoots/influencer tours and meet-ups, etc. Interested candidates can send resumes directly to meghan@moderncurrencypr.com and jordan@moderncurrencypr.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.
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
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Donate to Pasadena Humane Society
This is the best seat: The survivor of the Air India Flight 171 crash Thursday revealed he miraculously survived by escaping through a broken emergency exit. More: NBC News