Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Hawkins.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Victoria. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I graduated from Georgia Southern University in 2005 with a BS in Public Relations. After graduating I interned with Underground Atlanta (Marketing Department). After my internship, I worked at CW Atlanta Television station as a Traffic Coordinator. After working there for a year, I rejoined the Underground Atlanta marketing team as Group Sales and Tourism Manager. In that position, I promoted Underground Atlanta to visitors, managed the history tour program and assisted in producing events, such as the South’s largest NYE event, PeachDrop. After working at Underground Atlanta, I started as Marketing Communications Coordinator for Explore Gwinnett. I quickly transitioned into Marketing Communications Manager within my first year. In 2013, I became Marketing Communications Director when the position became available. I oversee all of the strategic marketing projects and public relations for Explore Gwinnett.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, I wouldn’t say that it has been a “smooth road”. I always struggled in college with choosing one major that I thought I’d be interested in for the rest of my career.
Internships in college were great for helping me determine what I did not want to do. I fell into the tourism industry and I love the fact that in my current position I work on PR, social media, writing, events and travel promotion.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Explore Gwinnett – what should we know?
Explore Gwinnett is a non- profit funded by the Hotel/Motel Tax. Our organization works to bring visitors to Gwinnett for conventions, seminars, meetings, weddings, reunions, leisure travel and other events. We represent the Infinite Energy Center, 100+ hotels and dozens of smaller venues throughout the county. In the marketing department, we promote Gwinnett County as a destination through social media, digital marketing, print collateral, an annual magazine and a few events including Gwinnett Restaurant Week, Burgers + Brews Week, Artober and Korean restaurant tours.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
All of my previous and current bosses have taught me invaluable lessons. I have learned about intangible things like being accountable, having thick skin and trusting your instincts. In my current position, the Explore Gwinnett marketing team (Jessica, Susan, Sarah) is always so supportive and on top of their game. They are basically tourism rock stars. And I have to thank my parents for instilling good a work ethic in me.
Contact Info:
- Address: 6500 Sugarloaf Pkwy.
Suite 200, Duluth, GA 30097 - Website: www.exploregwinnett.org
- Phone: 7708146048
- Email: victoria@exploregwinnett.org
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/exploregwinnett
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/exploregwinnett
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/gwinnettevents
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/explore-gwinnett-gwinnett-convention-and-visitors-bureau-duluth
- Other: www.lovegwinnett.org
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