#MediaMonday – Inside the Valley Publicity Summit ’25
The 21st annual Valley Publicity Summit ’25, presented by SPJ Phoenix, brought together its largest lineup of media yet and a crowd of us public relations professionals this past weekend for one of the most significant and valuable events of the year for both of us.
In true Publicity Summit fashion, media from broadcast, print, radio, podcasts, social media and more took their spots as we made the rounds for speed pitching sessions. This gives us the chance to make new connections, catch up with some familiar faces and talk with media about the relevant and compelling stories that we have been eager to share.
Sitting down with the media at events like the Publicity Summit or similar PRSA Phoenix panels makes a real difference. Ideas flow easily, and a pitch becomes less of a pitch and more of a genuine conversation about how we can make our puzzle pieces fit together. It’s incredibly helpful to know through these experiences that you’re not pitching into the void, but actively working to provide the stories that local media is looking for.
Every journalist is different, and every outlet is different. Personalization matters and can be the difference-maker between a missed chance and a meaningful story. The Publicity Summit gives us the opportunity to ask questions, learn directly from the media and figure out how we can deliver what they need in the best way possible for a television story, magazine profile or other earned media opportunity.
Personalization isn’t just increasingly necessary to reaching the public, it’s a must for pitching newsrooms today as stories compete for limited time and attention with audiences.
In pursuit of this, the Publicity Summit is also our way of showing the value of the work we do and why it matters to the platforms that these individuals lead. It’s our job to be vocal with the media and present the thought leaders who can offer a well-prepared interview on short notice, share background from a client study that could shape an entire piece or highlight an exclusive event that is a standout story. Make your limited time together count!
The connections we make and the ideas we share turn into relationships and stories that live on. And it’s all thanks to the media who continue to show up and make it happen.
At HMA Public Relations, we’re ready to help you show up too. Let us help tell the stories that matter most for your business and your goals. Contact us today to take the first step.
