3 minute read
Digital Content Manager A Timely Appointment
from Hotel SA June 2024
by Boylen
From the CEO
Watch Video When I was appointed as CEO of the AHA|SA, I promised “evolution not revolution”.
We are conscious of the need to move with the times in all areas of operations, including our communications. This is why in recent years we have experimented with podcasts and social media platforms to tell our stories.
And now, we have appointed an experienced communications professional, Josh Bevan, to be our first Digital Content Manager.
This is a strategic move to respond to the growing influence of social media and the consumption of digital content.
New Member Service
Josh will drive our communication with members, partners and other target audiences and stakeholders –but he will also be available to assist members and Corporate Partners.
He has hit the ground running and has already provided advice to member hotels on how to implement strategies, especially those who don't have a comms or marketing person on their team.
We are keen to ensure that our regional members have equal access to this service.
Josh will attend all of the regional meetings and be out and about across the state. Please seek him out and have a chat with him to see how he can assist you.
In addition to his strong social media skills, Josh has years of experience with video production – a medium that is of increasing importance in the marketing of venues and messaging on behalf of industry.
His experience includes being employed as a producer for ABC radio for five years, sound engineering and working as a communications professional for both employee associations and private enterprise.
Josh will help shape the AHA|SA’s narrative and provide a voice for our members. He will give the community a better understanding of “pub land” and address some of the long-standing myths about the industry.
Skills Shortage Link
We are particularly keen to use social media and video to address the ongoing skills crisis that members confront on a daily basis. The association will use Josh’s skills to promote our sector offering exciting, progressive and long term career pathways. Not just jobs to get you someone through university or a gap year, but a career that offers lifetime opportunities, opens the door to travel, provides jobs for all age groups and embraces diversity.
By tapping the power of social media to tell our stories, we can make a difference to how people perceive our industry.
Why Social Media?
Many hotels already use social media to promote themselves and their offerings. It is now the ‘Go To’ tool across society to communicate immediately and effectively across a broad audience.
It is vital that our association masters this space.
Social media particularly targets younger demographics. More than half of Gen Z say that social media is their main source of news. This would have been unthinkable in years gone by - but the world is changing rapidly and we need to keep pace with that change if we are to remain relevant.
Our ability to be a communication leader on social platforms and with our digital content will be increasingly important into the future.
I would urge you to watch the video on this page. In it, I turn the tables and ‘interview the interviewer’, allowing Josh to explain his focus in his own words.
