Challenge
With Atlanta’s best hotels vying for business in an extremely competitive market, the Westin Peachtree Plaza, Atlanta’s 73-story iconic landmark, could not coast on its reputation. Hotel management charged Cookerly to sharpen its edge and image as a premier meeting venue and leisure travel destination – especially during sweeping renovations.
Breakthrough Solutions
Not only did Cookerly develop a creative communications plan to showcase renovation results including the revolving rooftop Sun Dial restaurant, we also designed themed programs/events for business and leisure guests, the community and internal teammates.
- Tactics during renovations combined hard hat tours, FAM trips and sneak preview parties to keep meeting planners and business/leisure travelers excited about progress. Hospitality/food reporters joined Chef on tours of local farms and sampled delectable new menu selections.
- Innovative team building activities for meeting attendees like “Climb the Peach,” the interactive “Green Tour” and BikeWESTON redefined industry offerings and boosted business.
Results
Cookerly’s ongoing drip campaign of sustained news and innovative special events attract thousands of attendees and keep the “redefined” landmark top of mind as Atlanta’s premier hotel and restaurant of choice.
- Robust media relations have secured more than 500 placements in outlets like USA Today, The New York Times, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Smart Meetings, Meetings & Conventions, showcasing the hotel, restaurant and unique programming.
- Increased visibility and credibility helped the hotel achieve AAA Four Diamond status, significantly higher meeting planner scores and year-over-year growth.
As a senior vice president at Cookerly, Matt helps organizations protect and advance their reputations and bottom lines through strategic communications programs. Using creativity, planning and flawless execution, he works with a team to deliver compelling public relations campaigns that produce results and support clients’ business objectives.
As senior vice president at Cookerly, Mike Rieman specializes in building and maintaining relationships with the media and has an excellent track record of landing significant placements in print and broadcast media including USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg and Money Magazine.
As vice president of Cookerly, Sheryl Sellaway uses her extensive corporate communications background to lead consumer PR efforts, deliver strategy for marketing programs and share expertise about community initiatives.
