San Diego County Regional Airport Authority

Airport Site Selection Program

Disciplines: Public Relations, Event Management

Objectives:

  • Communicate the need to address San Diego’s long-term air transportation needs.
  • Educate and inform the public and stakeholders about the Airport Site Selection Program.

Strategies:

  • Created “Fly into the Future” family event to introduce airport expansion concept to the public.
  • Took the “show on the road” to dozens of communities throughout the region.
  • Organized an aggressive Speakers Bureau.
  • Exhibited at the 15 largest community festivals and street fairs in the region.
  • Launched innovative Web dialogues.
  • Established a Public Working Group.
  • Established an Advisory Committee for environmental, ground transportation
    and air space issues.
  • Developed a Town Hall program to reach the 19 cities comprising San Diego County.

Results:

  • Obtained media coverage with more than 330 million impressions in print and broadcast.
  • More than 3,500 attended the “Fly into the Future” event (goal was 1,500).
  • More than 735 people participated in Web dialogues.
  • Speakers Bureau generated more than 100 speaking opportunities.
  • Awareness of ballot initiative increased by 75% according to an independent survey.
  • The effort was awarded a Bronze Anvil by the Public Relations Society of America, its highest honor.