A blogger once wrote that Southwest Airlines was riding the blogosphere “like a wild horse.” Ask anyone on the Southwest Communication Team, and they’ll agree that it has been a wild ride. For more than three years, Southwest Airlines has navigated the uncharted territory of Social Media – first, with its award-winning corporate blog, Nuts About Southwest, later with tools such as Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Along the way, Southwest has experienced both highs and lows, but they keep saddling up for more. From virtual riots to an industry crisis, Southwest has learned how to leverage today’s social media tools to successfully support Company initiatives. Through real-life case studies from the past three years, Southwest will show you how they have effectively made, managed, and maintained successful online communities and share every lesson they’ve learned along the way.
Click through for more information about the upcoming luncheon on Wednesday, June 17 at 11:30 a.m.
Paula Berg – Manager of Emerging Media, Southwest Airlines
Paula Berg is the Manager of Emerging Media for Southwest Airlines, the United States’ leading low-fare air carrier and the largest U.S. domestic airline in terms of Customers carried. Over the last two years, Paula has managed and developed the Company’s corporate blog, “Nuts About Southwest.” Since its’ launch in April 2006, “Nuts” has experienced tremendous success – building a community for its loyal Customer base, serving as a virtual focus group, and influencing several business decisions. In both 2007 and 2008, “Nuts” was named Best Blog by PR News and has been recognized in major publications ranging from Wired Magazine to The Wall Street Journal. In addition to managing the Company blog, Paula was a spokesperson and Public Relations Manager for Southwest Airlines with emphasis on strategic communication, media relations, and reputation management. Paula also supervised on-location production of Airline!, Southwest’s reality series for the A&E Television Network, which filmed Southwest’s daily operations in four cities. After brief stints selling beer on a Phish tour and working for the Colorado and United States Senates, Paula woke up and smelled the jet fuel and began her career at Southwest Airlines in 2001. Paula is a graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder.
The Curtis Hotel, 1405 Curtis St., Denver, CO 80202
If you register by June 11, prices are reduced to $35 for PRSA Colorado Chapter members; $49 for Guests & $26 for Students. Luncheon Cost $45 for PRSA Colorado members, $59 for Guests and $36 for students after June 11th. Metered parking is available on Curtis St. Covered parking is available in the DCPA garage or the attached hotel garage
- NO REFUNDS AFTER June 11, 2009
Social Media 301 with Paula Berg: Wednesday, June 17, 2009; 7:30-9:00 a.m.
Visit the PRSA Colorado Web site to register for this special members-only event
-Advanced learning session with Paula Berg exclusively for PRSA Colorado Members
-7:30-9:00 a.m. on June 17 at Linhart PR, 1514 Curtis Street, Suite 200
-$30 per member
-Light breakfast and coffee/tea will be served
This was an awesome luncheon! Paula Berg gave us great information about social media with funny and entertaining case studies about what has and hasn’t worked for Southwest Airlines. I was already a fan of the airline, but her presentation gave me even more respect for them and makes me want to book my next flight through Southwest!