Ward’s strategic planning and media relations expertise played a critical role in the public relations/marketing efforts for the new JW Marriott Houston Downtown. Through their efforts we were able to position the hotel as ‘the place to be’ even before our grand opening. They are great to work with, built excitement and anticipation among our target audiences in advance of our opening and firmly established our luxury identity in a highly competitive hotel market.
Natalie Wiseman , Director of Sales and Marketing
JW Marriott Houston Downtown
Strategy
Pearl Hospitality Corp. purchased Houston’s historic Samuel F. Carter Building – the city’s first skyscraper – in 2009 with plans to restore the building to its former glory in a new form – a luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown Houston. The press launch was the first glimpse Houstonians had of the new hotel plans. PEARL CONTRACTED WARD to develop and execute an 18-month public relations plan from announcement to grand opening. The press conference was the first piece of the overall strategy and:
- Formally unveiled the hotel plans
- Laid the groundwork for future announcements
Results
Significant, positive local print, trade and online coverage
including the Houston Business Journal, CultureMap, and
BisNow Real Estate
¡ Article with photos and renderings published in the
Houston Chronicle online edition immediately after event
¡ Front-page Houston Chronicle business section coverage
the day following the press conference
¡ Post-event release generated coverage in key meeting, travel and
tourism and real estate media outlets including Frequent Business
Traveler, Travel Weekly, BestHotelsInUSA.com, Hotel News
Resource, Meetings Focus and Meetings & Conventions