LDPR: Laura Davidson Public Relations

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Who We Are

Who We Are

Laura Davidson
Founder and President

Leslie Cohen
Executive Vice President

Lisa Caruso
Vice President

Jennifer Sparrow Wilkes
Vice President

Executive Bios

Laura Davidson, President
Laura Davidson is the founder and president of LDPR, a leading New York-based public relations agency that specializes entirely in travel. For 18 years, LDPR has been in the vanguard of its industry, constantly expanding the traditional limits of PR, embracing new tools and adding services for its roster of top international clients. Today that roster includes destinations like Scotland and Montréal; hospitality groups like Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and RockResorts; private islands like Canouan, Mustique and Peter Island; independent luxury resorts like Curtain Bluff and Eden Rock; and tour operators like Abercrombie & Kent.

Attracted by the promise of seeing the world, Laura fell into PR straight out of college when she was hired as a secretary by the Philadelphia agency Spiro & Associates in 1983. But something clicked and, within a year, she was handling several key accounts, including the 100th anniversary program for the Princess Hotel in Bermuda. Returning to New York, her hometown, in 1985, she joined Tromson Monroe and soon became the agency’s senior vice president, running its PR division for six successful years. When Tromson closed its doors in 1991, Laura left to open her own agency.

From humble beginnings (one client, one computer and a kitchen table) LDPR has grown steadily in both size and reputation. Today the agency fills a loft-office on Madison Avenue. It's lean, smart, creative and, with 20 clients and 18 members of staff, the optimum size to mix professionalism with personal attention, enthusiasm with efficiency.

In addition to her agency work, Laura has played an active role in her industry, participating in numerous organizations including SATW (Society of American Travel Writers), CTO (Caribbean Tourism Organization), CHA (Caribbean Hotel Association) and ATME (Association of Travel Marketing Executives). Equally adamant about "giving back" to society, she involves her agency in several philanthropic initiatives—from sponsoring teachers at a primary school in Benin, West Africa to planting a community garden for the homeless in the Bronx.

But her biggest pride and joy is reserved for her two young sons, Tobey and Jake. Not many other kids have such a knowledge of geography and the seating configurations on all the major aircraft. Their ambition is the same as Laura's: to explore the world when they grow up.

Leslie Cohen, Executive Vice President
Leslie is a PR/consumer marketing specialist with a proven track record in generating awareness for travel and tourism clients and overseeing complex multi-faceted national media programs.

Since she joined LDPR in 2000, Leslie has worked alongside Laura Davidson to expand the agency’s client roster and develop their talented staff. Previously, Leslie was a senior vice president at Porter Novelli in New York, where she ran the firm's Travel Group with clients ranging from Princess Cruises and Southwest Airlines to the Bermuda Department of Tourism. Leslie led the Princess Cruises team to unprecedented back-to-back PRSA (Public Relations Society of America) Silver Anvil awards as well as the CIPRA awards (Creativity in Public Relations from Inside PR magazine) and the best of Show and Platinum awards from HSMAI (Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International).

“We always try and go “above and beyond” in each assignment and strive to exceed client expectations. On a personal note, I love to explore new places — I've been to six of the continents and am on a quest to reach all seven.”

Lisa Caruso, Vice President
When Lisa joined LDPR in 2003 she brought with her 10 years of travel, lifestyle and brand marketing experience along with a passion for promoting clients in unique and effective ways. Today she oversees accounts including Abercrombie & Kent, Tourisme Montréal, Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau and The Orlando Convention & Visitors Bureau with a special focus in lifestyle media and broadcast categories. While at LDPR, she has also led the team for the opening of Phase III at Atlantis, Paradise Island in 2006/2007, and supervised the Marriott International account and special events for VisitScotland and Tourism Australia.

Lisa has initiated creative publicity programs focused on news and trends, luxury and experiential travel, spa/wellness, and culinary arts. She has led the media strategy for her clients, placing stories in top press from consumer travel and trade to lifestyle and news mediums. Lisa has also spearheaded integrated marketing campaigns for clients, including multi-faceted programs for international hotel companies with partners including DreamWorks Pictures, Lifetime Television, Condé Nast Bridal Group, Lavalife, Bloomingdale’s and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Prior to joining LDPR, Lisa was the director of PR at PGA National Resort & Spa in Florida and was heavily involved with the Palm Beach County Convention & Visitors Bureau PR outreach, as well as VisitFlorida PR and promotions programs.

Paul Rakov, Vice President
Paul has more than 15 years of public relations experience in a diverse range of industries that includes travel and tourism, consumer electronics retail, software technology and e-commerce. .

Paul came to LDPR after spending nearly four years as the Public Relations and Advertising Director for the Emerson Resort & Spa, a four-star luxury property located two hours north of New York City. His time on the “client side” gives him valuable insight and a keen understanding of our clients’ business objectives.

Paul has also led national campaigns to launch new products and divisions while at Circuit City Stores, provided public and financial relations support for emerging technology companies in the high-tech sectors of the Silicon Valley and Seattle, and has worked with convention and visitors bureaus to promote destinations such as Virginia Beach and Amelia Island, Florida.

Jennifer Sparrow Wilkes, Vice President
Jennifer joined LDPR in 2006 bringing with her eight years of experience in travel and tourism public relations. Her creativity and keen eye for travel trends is matched by her enthusiasm for the clients she represents.

Jennifer has an expertise in destination marketing and leads the teams on the VisitScotland (Scotland's tourist board), Tourism Victoria (home to the city of Melbourne, Australia), and Dream Escape (Scotland) accounts. She also leads a team to promote national Tartan Day in New York annually and has been deemed an honorary Scot. Her creative flair, nimble media relations skills, and extensive experience with broadcast projects, events and promotions contribute to the extraordinary success of these accounts and the agency.

At LDPR, Jennifer also spearheads a creative development strategy to spark innovation and award-winning programs for all LDPR clients.

Prior to joining LDPR, Jennifer launched Tourism Victoria's first PR campaign in North America and worked as an account supervisor at Spring O’Brien where she promoted other travel and tourism clients, including SuperClubs and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. She also worked on PR campaigns to promote Puerto Rico Tourism Company and the Puerto Rico Convention Center.

LDPR on Location


Christina Semmel of LDPR enjoying the Parisian views at the Hotel de Crillon, part of the Concorde Hotels & Resorts collection. Insider fact – Madonna stays here when she visits!	Lisa Caruso is escorted by a local Masai for a camel trek on Kenya Safari with Abercrombie & Kent.


New York Times Columnist Harry Hurt III with Patrick Dill of The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club and Jason Coletta of LDPR at Grande Lakes Orlando.	Girls Rock! Before heading to the RockResorts Spa™, Katie Wohlschlaeger (RockResorts), Jenna Autuori (Shape), Paula Derrow (Self), Carrie Mosner (LDPR), Sara Geen (LDPR) and Heather Mikesell (American Spa) take in sweeping views during a spring hike on Vail Mountain.


LDPR's Carla Tracy on location in Jackson Hole (Snake River Lodge & Spa, A RockResort) with Peter Greenberg, in December 2008 during the official Jackson Hole Aerial Tram launch weekend.	LDPR's Carla Tracy at Raffles Canouan for the 2009 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover shoot and pictured with Dan Patrick, radio host and contributor to Sports Illustrated, for a special live remote show during the Swimsuit shoot.


Ashley MontBlanc of LDPR flying above the 12 Apostles on the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia.	Agency president Laura Davidson, actors Hugh Jackman and Olivia Newton-John, Tourism Australia’s Bob Monfrini, and Barry Brown (formerly with Travel + Leisure) at Australia Week in LA.


LDPR promoted Australia Week—“G’Day NY”—with a Wiggles concert. Pictured here with the colorful Wiggles are Laura Davidson and her son, Tobey	Straight-shot Ashley MontBlanc and Elle Canada journalist, Lara Ceroni, try their hands at clay shooting at The Resort at Paws Up.


Girls love shoes! LDPR ladies Leslie Cohen, Sara Geen and Lorianne Lacey snowshoeing in Keystone, Colorado.	LDPR’s Lisa Caruso and the Orlando Convention & Visitor Bureau’s Denise Spiegel pose with the popular Winnie the Pooh at Disney World.


A proud LDPR family celebrates with agency president, Laura Davidson, as she is honored by the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International on January 28, 2008, with the Winthrop W. Grice Award for public relations excellence.	LDPR’s Leslie Cohen and Elizabeth Bishop take in the ultimate “room with a view” at Hotel Lutetia, a Concorde Hotel in Paris.

Accolades

Accolades

Laura Davidson Honored for Public Relations Excellence
Agency President Laura Davidson was recognized by the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) with the Winthrop Grice Lifetime Achievement Award. The award acknowledges individuals who have made significant contributions and lasting impressions on the hospitality and travel industry. Davidson was honored during the 51st Annual Awards gala on Monday, January 28, 2008, presented before a crowd of 1,000 attendees.

click on photo to enlarge

LDPR measures its success in a number of ways. There are our long-standing relationships with clients (we’ve worked with Mustique for 10 years; Curtain Bluff, eight years; VisitScotland, six years; The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, four years). There is the willingness of key members of the media to act as our references, the loyalty of the our staff and, of course, our remarkable results — clip-books with print, broadcast and Internet placements.

Industry Honors
Other industry-recognized measurements of success are those awards for excellence earned from prestigious organizations like Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) and Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).

HSMAI Platinum Awards
The Resort at Paws Up, Montana
VisitScotland
The Cotton House & the Villas of Mustique
Jake’s, Jamaica
Hotel Sofitel North America

HSMAI Gold Awards
The Resort at Paws Up, Montana
Raffles Canouan, The Grenadines
Cambridge Beaches, Bermuda
Marriott International
The Regency, A Loews Hotel
The Mustique Company
VisitScotland
Tourism Australia
Accor Lodging North America
Tauck World Discovery
Island Outpost
The Cotton House & the Villas of Mustique
Jake’s, Jamaica
Hotel Sofitel North America

HSMAI Silver Awards
Raffles Canouan, The Grenadines
The Landings St. Lucia, A RockResort
Orlando/Orange County CVB
Tourisme Montréal
Grande Lakes Orlando
The Mustique Company
La Posada de Santa Fe, New Mexico
VisitScotland
Marriott International
Peter Island Resort & Spa
Tourism Australia
The Equinox Resort & Spa, Vermont
designhotels
Curtain Bluff, Antigua
The Australian Tourist Commission
The Cotton House & the Villas of Mustique
American Classic Voyages Company
Hotel Sofitel Philadelphia
Accor North America
American Classic Voyages
Hotel Sofitel North America
Coco Palm, St. Lucia

HSMAI Bronze Awards
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
The Arrabelle at Vail Square, A RockResort
RockResorts
Peter Island Resort & Spa
Turtle Island, Fiji
Snake River Lodge, Wyoming
Curtain Bluff, Antigua
American Classic Voyages
Sundance
Tauck World Discovery
Marriott & Renaissance Offshore Resorts
The Island of Mustique in the Caribbean
Tourism Australia

PRSA Big Apple Award
VisitScotland

Cushman Awards
Tourisme Montrèal
The Arrabelle at Vail Square, A RockResort
The Resort at Paws Up, Montana
VisitScotland

LDPR Gives Back

LDPR Gives Back

Ever since LDPR was formed in 1991, the company has had an active philanthropic program. It's a part of who we are and we take it seriously. Our staff members put forward deserving causes; they are vetted by an internal committee and supported with time, talent and contributions.

THE KAKANITCHOÉ PRIMARY SCHOOL IN BENIN, WEST AFRICA
It all started back in 2000 when Beth Walsh, then a VP at LDPR, decided to leave the PR world and follow her heart. It led her first into the Peace Corps and then to Benin in West Africa. In the course of her work, she met Pascal Gbenou, a Beninese farmer, who had the dream of building a primary school in his remote village, Kakanitchoé-Whenusu (if you think it's hard to pronounce, try finding it on the map).

There was a real need. The nearest school was four miles away in Adjohoun, but there is no school transportation in this small West African country and, especially for the youngest elementary school students, the distance was just too great.

So Pascal built his primary school in Kakanitchoé and staffed it with help from LDPR. Now it's in its eighth year and more than a hundred students have passed through its grades and gone on to middle school. LDPR pays the salaries of three of the school's four teachers. For more information, please contact Beth Walsh at walshbenin@yahoo.com.

OLD ROAD FUND
While many resorts make a big show of their corporate responsibility, Curtain Bluff in Antigua is the exception to the rule. Since the resort opened in 1974, this luxurious all-inclusive has been quietly, determinedly and effectively raising the fortunes of hundreds of people in the nearby village of Old Road.

In the last 10 years alone, the fund has provided scholarships, paid additional college expenses for local students, and sent more than 50 children to tennis camp in the US. Others have gone as camp counselors. It has given medical and emergency relief to those in need, computers to Old Road's primary school, and new uniforms and sporting equipment to the village football (soccer) and cricket teams. Additionally, Miami Dade Community College (MDCC) and Florida International University (FIU) are helping the fund to offer scholarships for degrees in tourism and hospitality.

LDPR supports the efforts of the Old Road Fund by making yearly donations on behalf of its employees. For more information, please visit http://www.curtainbluff.com/oldroad.htm.

LDPR'S CARBON OFFSETTING PROGRAM
In January 2008, LDPR partnered with www.carbonfund.org to offset the tons of carbon emissions that are generated by staff and journalists as they travel on behalf of the agency's clients. These emissions are offset through the production of renewable energy sources -- including wind, solar and geothermal.

According to the Travel Industry Association of America, travel and tourism is a $1.3 trillion industry in the United States. There is no question that this behemoth of an industry brings considerable benefits (local employment, conservation, cultural awareness, etc.) but it's equally clear that it's detrimental to the environment. LDPR is serious in its efforts to mitigate this downside.

DRESS FOR SUCCESS
In October 2008, LDPR organized a clothing drive to support Dress for Success, a non-profit organization that provides interview suits, professional business attire and career development to low-income women in over 75 cities worldwide. The LDPR team collected over 50 items that women will be able to use as tools to enter the business world. The goal of Dress for Success is for each woman who is pre-screened to be job-ready to leave with a complete outfit and training that will help her feel confident in her interview and land a job. She can then return to Dress for Success for employment suiting once she is hired. For more information on Dress for Success or to donate items, please visit dressforsuccess.org.

About LDPR

The travel industry is changing. Fast. Increased competition and rewards, technological advances, and shifting socio- and demographic trends have transformed it into a business with new rules and accountability.

Nobody understands these rules better than LDPR — a leader of a new breed of PR agency.

Lean, fast and smart, we have spent the last 18 years perfecting an approach we call "media marketing" — a mix of marketing skills and traditional PR practices. First we strategize with our clients and prioritize goals. Then we translate those goals into words the media can understand and wants to hear. Strategic partnerships, media outreach, brand promotions, guerrilla marketing and news-generating events are all part of the agency's creative mix.

The results speak for themselves: extraordinary coverage in magazines, newspapers, broadcast and online outlets…return on investment as high as 200:1...a wide network of media friends…a dedicated and talented staff…and a family of satisfied clients who value our commitment, expertise and enthusiasm.