So, thus far in my social media career (for lack of a better definition), I’ve managed to travel on a few overseas visits. Mostly, they were for specific properties, and once for a speaking engagement in Jordan. I’ve also had my share of trips fall through. I’ve pitched, been pitched by friends, but had still never booked something I specifically considered an official press trip. Thus, you can imagine my excitement when I was invited on (what I thought) was exactly that to Korea. While the dates were initially set for late August, ultimately, the trip fell through, and I thought I would no longer be able to go, as my September/October was already quite busy. When the trip came back online, I was delighted — finally, the opportunity I had been waiting so long for!
Now, for the record, I’m not going to mention who the trip was for, or how it was coordinated. Ultimately, the decision to go was mine, and I accept full responsibility for not asking more questions, and really, based on below, refusing to go or being more forceful in changing the itinerary once we arrived.
So, let’s break down why I shouldn’t have accepted:
- As fun as it is to go abroad on someone else’s dime, up until I went to the airport, I had received:
- No brief (i.e. no specific deliverables for what the trip was supposed to accomplish, or who specifically the trip was meant to promote).
- No itinerary (in review, this is clearly the most significant indicator I was setting myself up for failure).
- Basically, nothing more than a ticket.
- Requests for the above went nowhere, as did my asks for dining at specific locations (this goes along with another property I went to recently — however much I asked, I couldn’t get details at exactly where I would be going. I’m not sure what’s going on with marketing people these days).
On arrival (after a red-eye flight, departing at 3:45 AM, local time) is when the fun really started…
- We were met with a full camera crew in arrivals and expected to immediately go on film. Take a minute to appreciate what you look like/feel like after an 8+ hour flight with two hours of sleep. Yes, you’re not at your best, are you?
- Neither I, nor the person I was traveling with, had ANY IDEA this would be happening. I had heard the term ‘camera crew’ mentioned once, in passing, during discussions of the trip, but didn’t realize our entire trip was essentially a three-day filming session around Seoul. With no hair or makeup, or an idea of where we were going, or what we were supposed to be speaking about. Had we known this was to be the main reason for our visit, you better believe I would’ve asked for more money, as well as at least some sort of beauty person around.
- Re: above, I’m still not entirely sure where exactly the video(s) will be used (and should probably be a bit more worried about that fact).
- Re: also above, as I never signed a non-disclosure/release agreement for my likeness to appear on camera, if I wanted to be a complete and total bitch, I could make things very difficult for the company. I’m still waiting to see what the finished project is, and how it looks before I play this card.
- My travel partner and I were both an awkward fit for what the team was looking for, and for many of the places we went. She, as a Muslim, who strictly observes halal food/dining options, and me, as someone who concentrates on fine dining. Our first day we didn’t get any coverage. When traveling so far, wasting an entire day on visits that yield no content are especially frustrating.
- My travel partner was departing a day earlier (I had no idea), and nothing (!) was scheduled for the last day, leaving me completely on my own with no agenda or any reason for being in the country. I tried my best to make lemonade out of the lemons, but really, I lost an entire day at home (when I have a ton going on). Some simple communication would have cleared this up, or, plans for me to do something on the last day would’ve been, y’know, ideal.
- When we asked our liaison to make changes to the itinerary, which, at this point was sketched out on paper by our translator, nothing really changed. We were able to force some extra time at places, but really, we seemed to drive from one location to another without any real direction.
- So. Much. Downtime. And not the good kind! In my dreams of being on a press trip, I understand (of course), it’s necessary to have an hour or two to yourself (preferably in the hotel). However, an hour with nothing to do while you’re in a random city, having done no research because you don’t know where you’re going to be is just a waste of time.
- An overall sense of unprofessionalism. Look, as I’m still not sure what the final video(s) will look like, I do know that there was no worry about lighting, sound, or details I’ve observed on other sets. Furthermore, every time we arrived at a new place, it was more or less like we rocked up and happened just to start filming.
So, going forward, as excited as I am, I’m not leaving Dubai unless…
- Everything is in writing.
- There is payment. Now, don’t think I did this current trip for free, but really, I should have pushed harder for more (along with specific deliverables). Furthermore, when I realized we would be on camera so much, I definitely should’ve asked for more money.
- I can quantifiably understand why and how my career/immediate goals are being addressed.
The silver lining.
- Our host/translator was simply lovely — truly an asset to the country and her role.
- Similarly, I had no issue with the production team, who were also a lot of fun. I just think we were the wrong people to be on camera. However, being on camera is always good practice, and I’ll take anything I can get.
- I got to visit Poopoo Land.
- I was able to have a meal at a top rated restaurant, Mingles, which I’ll be reviewing shortly.
Yes, the optics on this trip were good, and I did end up getting some content for my feed, but really, at what cost? The opportunity cost of the trip was other events I could’ve gone to, a book that needs editing, and time away from my husband. Will something good from the trip? Only time will tell. I will remain optimistic, but really…
How about you, dear reader, do you have any other lessons from press trips you’ve been on, good or bad?
