TRANSPORTATION INDUSTRY COMMUNICATORS FOCUS ON GETTING THE MESSAGE OUT

More than 300 communications professionals representing 180 transportation organizations came together at a national symposium on "Getting Our Message Out: Elevating Public Awareness of Transportation Issues," in December 1997 in Alexandria, Virginia. The purpose of the symposium was to provide a forum for surface transportation communicators to work together to enhance public opinion of the transportation industry. The 2-day event featured 38 speakers in all, as well as skills-building educational workshops in public affairs, public outreach, and technology deployment. Five panelists discussed what the American public thinks about surface transportation systems. During a panel discussion, reporters told attendees what they need to do a better job of covering transportation. An 18-minute video was produced featuring interviews with transportation industry communications professionals about how to manage effective communications programs. A number of speakers provided tips on running a successful public relations campaign, including the following: provide a public service, target the message for the audience, use audience research to shape your message, partner outside the transportation community, and be customer-oriented. A sidebar highlights National Transportation Week, which will be celebrated May 16-22, 1999.

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Features: Photos;
  • Pagination: p. 24-31
  • Serial:
    • AASHTO Quarterly Magazine
    • Volume: 77
    • Issue Number: 4
    • Publisher: American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)
    • ISSN: 0147-4820

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00766224
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Jul 20 1999 12:00AM