Before you hit send on that press release or pitch, ask yourself one critical question: Is what I have actually newsworthy?
If you Google this question or ask ChatGPT, you'll find answers about timeliness, impact, and relevance. While these criteria are correct, they can feel overwhelming if you're not a journalist or PR professional.
Let's keep things simple instead.
Here's what you should do: Go to the media outlet you're pitching — whether it's a legacy trade publication, local newspaper, or podcast – and take whatever "news" or story you think you have and compare it directly to what's already in that outlet.
Look at two key things. First, check if the publication actually covers stories like yours. Do you see similar stories in their recent coverage? If you're pitching a hotel opening, scan through their articles to see how they typically handle property launches. What details do they include? Do they focus on the operator and owner? The brand? The design concept? The local economic impact?
Second, study the angle and depth of coverage. Some outlets might run a brief announcement, while others want the full story behind the story — the challenges overcome, the unique partnerships, or the community connections that make it compelling.
Remember, just because your news gets picked up by one publication doesn't guarantee it'll work for another. Every outlet serves different audiences and has distinct editorial priorities. A trade publication might love your operational efficiency story, while a local newspaper might care more about job creation or community impact.
The key is matching your story to their established patterns of coverage. If you can't find similar stories in their recent content, that's your first red flag. If you can find them, but yours lacks the same level of detail or angle, that's your roadmap for improvement.
Understanding what each outlet considers newsworthy — based on what they actually publish — will help you secure more stories and waste less time on pitches that never had a chance.
Beyond Transactions: Building Strategic Partnerships That Drive Innovation
“In hospitality tech, partnerships are the strategic backbone that drives innovation. As chief partnerships officer at The Hotels Network, I’m passionate about forging collaborations that go beyond mere transactions. By integrating technology providers, distribution channels, and forward-thinking hoteliers, we co-create value that empowers properties to deliver truly personalized guest experiences and strengthen direct booking channels. It's this spirit of co-creation — with trust, transparency, and mutual ambition — that transforms partnerships from operational tactics into impactful business outcomes.
“The most meaningful alliances begin with alignment in purpose, not just profit. My approach has always been rooted in curiosity and understanding — asking ‘How do we elevate the guest journey together?’ and ‘How do we build solutions that make our industry more competitive in today's environment?’ When a partnership is built on these questions, grounded in each organization's unique strengths, it becomes more than the sum of its parts. Together, we unlock innovations — from seamless personalization to data-driven decision-making — that simply can’t be achieved in isolation."
Mercedes Blanco is a C-level executive with nearly 20 years of experience in the travel and hospitality industry. She is passionate about creating value through digital-tech solutions, as well as fighting for women empowerment.
Prior to The Hotels Network, as Chief Partnerships Officer, she worked at BCV, a Rategain Company, Microsoft, and AC Hotels by Marriott, among others.
She has two bachelor’s degrees and two master’s degrees under her belt, including Tourism Management from IE Business School and a PDP in Digital Marketing from Harvard University.
Mercedes has been a dedicated member of the travel industry at-large. She is an active member of the Sales Americas Advisory Board at HSMAI, member of Global Technology T-100 by AHLA-HTNG, and founding member of Women in Travel THRIVE. She was recognized as Top 50 Women in Travel by WINiT by GBTA and one of the Top 25 Most Extraordinary Minds by HSMAI, and most recently, Top 25 Hospitality Executives to Watch in 2025 by International Hospitality Institute.
Freeing Your Mind: Mastering Your Performance
“Freeing your mind isn't just about thinking. It's about having the energy to show up and perform great work, because the stage has already been set for you, not by you. Rather than spending your time doing all the Hows, you can use that time, and the freedom of your mind, to master your performance. When you show up, you'll be fresh. You'll be prepared. You'll have the bandwidth and focus to become 'world class' or incredible at what you do. As you become successful the demands on you will increase, and then you'll need Whos to handle as well as shield you from most of those demands, or you'll get overrun and bogged down.”
— Dan Sullivan, “Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork”
Industry News: Essex Hotel Management promotes John Kattato to COO
Essex Hotel Management LLC has promoted John Kattato to COO. He previously served as SVP, operations
In his new role, Kattato will continue to oversee the operations team while expanding his responsibilities to include all departments. His focus will include fostering company culture, assisting with strategic initiative development and providing leadership and guidance to department heads. Additionally, he will increase his visibility outside the company as he continues to develop relationships with key clients, hotel owners and other stakeholders. He will report directly to CEO Jerry Eichelberger.
“John has been integral to Essex’s growth for many years, more recently becoming a key owner of the company as we broadened ownership across the organization,” said Barbara Purvis, president, Essex Hotel Management. “He has demonstrated strong leadership capabilities, and we believe he will bring a new level of energy to Essex as COO. This promotion marks a pivotal moment as the company continues to transition to the next generation of leadership.”
Read the full article on the news on Hotel Business.
Book Corner: Homo Idioticus: Why We Are Stupid and What to Do About It
Homo Idioticus: Why We Are Stupid and What to Do About It explores the paradox of human intelligence and simultaneous irrationality. It highlights the deeply ingrained biases, institutional inertia, and cognitive limitations that lead to suboptimal decision-making. Drawing on examples ranging from military blunders to societal norms, Homo Indioticus critiques our susceptibility to misinformation and poor judgment. It delves into the roots of the idiocry, from biology and societal norms to systemic flaws, using vivid historical and modern examples to illustrate our follies. With humor, compelling anecdotes, and a clear sense of urgency, the book challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about human behavior. It also provides inspiring strategies to overcome these pitfalls, championing ideas for fighting our own stupidity.
The book is available now here.
Mark Your Calendar: Upcoming Industry Events
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