MEET APRIL, BPR’S ACCOUNT DIRECTOR

Give a big BPR welcome to our Account Director, April! Living by the phrase, “traveling leaves you speechless and then turns you into a storyteller,” April has spent her career helping her clients tell their stories. With 10 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry, April has strong understanding of her clients’ business needs and how to develop results-driven PR strategies which support them.

A graduate of the Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University with focus on Public Relations, April began her career at Destination Cleveland. After working for nearly five years in-house, April pursued a lifelong goal of moving to Denver. Here, she has worked for national agencies where she’s led international, national and regional media, as well as integrated marketing accounts.

Over the course of her career, April has utilized her skills in media relations, influencer relations, strategic planning and account management for a variety of destinations and hotel clients. She has a breath of expertise working with clients including international hotel chains in Mexico and the Caribbean, state DMOs, urban cities and charming mountain towns. April employs targeted PR strategies and media outreach tactics to deliver results, having secured national placements in The New York Times, The L.A. Times, Conde Nast Traveler, Travel & Leisure, SHAPE, Men’s Journal, and many more.

A Midwesterner at heart, April enjoys exploring each of Colorado’s four beautiful seasons either in the mountains or soaking up the sun on a brewery patio. When she’s not busy exploring new destinations, April loves to keep active so you’ll probably find her in a Crossfit gym, snowshoeing or hiking with her sweet labradoodle, Barley. Learn more about her in the Q&A below!

What are a few can’t miss spots you’d put on a Denver itinerary?

The best part about not being from Colorado originally is the fact that I get to host a lot of out of town guests. Of course, we head to Red Rocks, grab brunch on Tennyson (hello Denver Biscuit Company!), and do a brewery tour or two in RiNo. I could also spend hours browsing the shelves of Tattered Corner Bookstore just around the corner from Union Station.

What’s your favorite part of working in tourism?

I’m a big believer that travelling expands our horizons by connecting us with other cultures while also bringing a better understanding of ourselves. By working in tourism, I’m able to support communities that are working hard to be discovered and truly care about sharing their stories with destination visitors. From local bus drivers and visitor center volunteers to the mountain guides and attraction leadership teams, we’re all united by bringing deeper meaning to the lives of those who experience the destination. I’m honored to be a part of the 2020 class of the Colorado Leadership Journey program and look forward to connecting with other partners in the tourism community to grow together even further than before.

Because of my career in tourism, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to see and do things I would have never tried on my own – like hiking through an underwater river in Mexico, riding in a hot air balloon during the Snowmass Balloon Festival, and scuba diving in the Atlantic Ocean. The “I can’t believe I’m doing this” moments make every long day worthwhile. 

What grammar rule do you always find yourself correcting?

I despise when people say “first annual.” That’s not possible because something has to happen once before it can be “annual.” “Inaugural” is the way to go. Also, it will always be “more than” to me.

Any secret talents we should know about?

I’m not sure if it’s a talent, per se, but I love to quilt. But, I tend to fall more in the “modern” quilter camp, with bright fabrics and simple patterns. Basically, give me any kind of craft and I’m down.

What is at the top of your bucket list?

Visiting (and actually spending time in) each of the National Parks. I’ve been fortunate that my career has taken me to some incredible ones, such as Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park, but it’s also helped me discover and appreciate the lesser known parks such as Congaree National Park in South Carolina and Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio.

What is the one travel item that you never forget?

My Kindle! I love to read, and I’m one of those people who actually enjoys getting to the airport super early just so I can find a spot and dive into a good book.

What is the most spontaneous thing you have ever done?

Truthfully, I’m too much of a planner to really do anything spontaneous. But, some would say picking up my life and moving to Denver would feel spontaneous to some. I made the decision to make the move sometime during the coming year on New Year’s Eve and moved to Denver just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. It was a dream in the making, though, as I always wanted to live close to the mountains and in the beautiful state of Colorado. 

If you could only have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Pizza. Hands down. It’s a well-balanced meal if you choose the right toppings.