In preparation for Hurricane Ian, we are postponing our professional development program, "How "Unbelievably Real" Became a Reality", scheduled for Thursday. Please note the new date is Monday, October 24. Location and start time remains the same.
If you are unable to attend the program due to the date change, please contact Sarah Kelliher at skelliher@thestrategicfirm.com to begin the refund process. We appreciate your patience. Please stay safe.
Visit Orlando, The Official Tourism Association® for Orlando, and Orlando Economic Partnership, the economic and community development organization for the region, recently launched one singular, comprehensive and consistent brand to promote the destination and region. The new “Unbelievably Real” brand platform is the product of a first-of-its-kind partnership between the two organizations and was developed to speak to all audiences — leisure visitors, meeting planners, meeting attendees, travel professionals, site selectors, business relocation stakeholders and talent. Based on research and tested with a variety of audiences, the Unbelievably Real global brand’s goal is to highlight the region in a new way that tells a complete Orlando story. Learn how the campaign became a reality.
After the program, attendees will have the opportunity to do a self-guided tour of the new offices of Orlando Economic Partnership in Downtown Orlando.
Parking Instructions (not included in event ticket price): Attendees can park at the parking garage connected to the Orlando Economic Partnership office at: 200 South Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801 Street parking is also available nearby.
About the Speakers:
Laureen Martinez, APR / Vice President, Marketing and Brand Management – Orlando Economic Partnership
As Vice President of Marketing and Branding Laureen is responsible for the Orlando Economic Partnership’s overall strategy that positions the region as a national leader in advancing Broad-based Prosperity. She also manages the regional business brand, “Orlando. Unbelievably Real” a new initiative, in partnership with Visit Orlando, aimed at building Orlando’s reputation as a premier destination from a quality of life, business and leisure perspective.
Laureen has more than 20 years of experience in journalism and communications and holds her accreditation of public relations (APR), which signifies a high level of professional experience, competence and ethical standards.
Prior to joining the Partnership, she helped develop and implement strategic internal and external communications campaigns for Orange County Government as the Assistant Manager of Communications. While there, she oversaw media relations, social media engagement, led the County’s emergency communications team and supervised the production of internal and external publications including the award-winning Orange County website.
Laureen has also worked as the Chief Public Relations Officer for the American Red Cross Mid-Florida Region. She served as the main spokesperson of four chapters within Central Florida and covered a territory of 13 counties. Laureen managed government and community outreach, oversaw the creation of the Spanish language website and introduced social media planning as part of the overall communications strategy for the region. In 2009, Laureen was selected to be a member of the American Red Cross Advanced Public Affairs Team, which deploys to disasters across the country. In 2011, she earned recognition for her work in crisis communication during the relief effort that brought thousands of survivors of the Haiti earthquake to Orlando and Sanford when she was awarded the Florida Public Relations Association Image Award by the Orlando Area Chapter of FPRA.
Laureen began her career as a television reporter and covered stories such as the Beltway Sniper shootings in the Greater Washington, D.C. area, the attacks of 9/11, the aftermath of the Virginia Tech massacre, and she has interviewed personalities of note including President Jimmy Carter. She’s been recognized with top honors for her coverage of breaking news by the Virginia Associated Press and was part of a team that received an Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence.
Danielle Saba Hollander, APR/ Chief Marketing Officer - Visit Orlando
Danielle Hollander joined Visit Orlando in February 1995. As Chief Marketing Officer, she develops the brand strategy and leads a global marketing team that creates domestic and international multi-channel leisure and meetings marketing programs, social media, content, email marketing, websites and other digital properties. She also is responsible corporate communications and community relations. Previously, she was the vice president of an advertising and public relations agency that specialized in travel and tourism. She has served in multiple volunteer positions nationally with Brand USA, Public Relations Society of America, Society of American Travel Writers, Destinations International and the United States Travel Association. She serves on the United Arts Board of Directors, OEP Branding Committee, Association of National Advertisers Global CMO Growth Council and Steering Committee of Women United. Her work has been recognized by numerous industry awards and she has been named one of HSMAI’s Top 25 Minds in Hospitality & Travel Sales Marketing. She earned the Accredited Public Relations designation and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations from Auburn University and Masters of Science degree in Marketing Communications from Florida State University.