In this episode of Aqua Talks, Larry Aldrich and Mady Dudley break down how modern destination marketing is evolving—especially through influencer strategy and targeted audience growth. They highlight how travelers now rely heavily on social platforms for inspiration, making influencers a key driver of awareness and visitation rather than just a branding tactic.

Using Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach (PGEB) as a case study, the conversation explores how Aqua strategically partners with influencers from specific feeder markets (like Chicago) to drive measurable travel demand. The episode also touches on broader trends like wellness travel and food-driven tourism, and how campaigns like “Pure Florida Flavor Coast” help position PGEB as a unique, experience-focused destination.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• 00:06 - Introduction to Aqua Talks
• 01:13 - Exploring Wellness Trends in PR
• 04:32 - Exploring Wellness Retreats
• 08:58 - The Importance of Influencer Marketing in Destination Promotion
• 14:03 - Exploring the Hidden Gems of Punta Gorda and Englewood Beach
• 17:15 - Celebrating Culinary Excellence

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• This podcast episode delves into the innovative marketing strategies employed for Punta Gorda and Englewood Beach, demonstrating the importance of destination promotion.
• Listeners will learn about the role of influencers in enhancing destination visibility and attracting diverse visitor demographics.
• The hosts share insights on the Pure Florida Flavor Coast campaign, which highlights local culinary experiences and unique small businesses.
• The discussion emphasizes the significance of outdoor activities and natural beauty in promoting Punta Gorda and Englewood Beach as a travel destination.
• The episode explores the value of integrated marketing approaches in public relations, particularly in tourism marketing.
• The hosts reflect on their experiences and successes in destination marketing, providing practical insights for marketers and PR professionals.

In this episode, Larry and Mady sit down with Dr. Mimi Perreault, Assistant Professor of Public Relations and Mass Communications at the University of South Florida, for a wide-ranging conversation about crisis communication — and what we keep getting wrong.

Mimi draws on her background as a former journalist and PR pro to make the case for getting back to basics: face-to-face connection, authentic messaging, and knowing your audience well before a crisis ever hits. She talks through the real challenges of information fatigue, why social media is a niche tool — not a mass communication one — and how local journalism still plays an irreplaceable role when things go sideways.

The conversation covers long-term recovery storytelling, a sharp look at when brands cross the line from helpful to opportunistic after a disaster, and hard-won lessons from the pandemic. Mimi also shares a standout case study about a North Carolina sheriff who called out misinformation head-on after Hurricane Helene — and why it worked.

Oh, and Larry admits he'd be the first one running if aliens landed.

If you work in marketing, PR, or communications — especially with destinations, airports, or community-facing brands — this one's packed with practical insight.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• 00:07 - Introduction to Aqua Talks
• 02:39 - The Importance of Personal Connections in Public Relations
• 10:41 - Disaster Preparedness and Communication
• 17:37 - Crisis Communication and Preparedness
• 35:19 - Crisis Communication and Community Resilience
• 40:54 - The Impact of Empathy in Crisis Communication
• 46:11 - Communicating with Aliens: A New Era of Crisis Management
• 53:31 - The Role of Influencers in Crisis Communication

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The discussion highlights the transformative power of marketing in establishing meaningful connections with audiences.
• Emphasis was placed on the importance of returning to fundamental communication practices post-pandemic, particularly face-to-face interactions.
• Public relations professionals are increasingly recognizing the necessity of balancing technology use with personal engagement to foster relationships.
• The episode underscores the significance of disaster preparedness communication and the necessity for individuals to be informed about risks in their environments.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Dr. Mimi Perreault (LinkedIn)

Dr. Mimi Perreault is an Assistant Professor of Media and Communications with a focus on public relations, journalism, and communications research and teaching. She brings a well-rounded background to the classroom and beyond, with hands-on experience as a writer, editor, and layout designer across print, broadcast, and digital platforms. Whether she's behind a camera, coordinating a team, or managing an event, Dr. Perreault combines academic depth with real-world communications versatility.

This podcast episode speaks to the intricate dynamics of marketing strategies, particularly as they pertain to the Veterans Experience Office (VEO) and its outreach initiatives. Co-hosts Mady Dudley and Larry Aldrich delve into the significance of effective communication in bridging the gap between veterans and the myriad services offered by the VA. We explore the evolution of our collaborative efforts in enhancing public trust and the pivotal role of data visualization in decision-making processes. Through our discussion, we seek to illuminate the importance of scalable creative infrastructure within the context of federal marketing endeavors. Join us as we unpack these profound insights and share actionable strategies aimed at fostering meaningful connections with our audience.

IN THIS EPISODE

1. 00:06 - Introduction to Aqua Talks
2. 01:29 - Exploring Sauna Tourism and Fitness Trends
3. 06:53 - Transitioning to Veteran Outreach
4. 17:42 - Building Trust in Long-Term Contracts
5. 22:28 - Impactful Outreach: Helping Veterans