Each month, we spotlight an inspiring PR professional from the TravMedia community, and this month we're proud to feature Jacob Annesley, Head of Public Relations & Content at Gate 7. Jacob brings strategic communications expertise and creative storytelling to one of the industry's most dynamic agencies, helping shape compelling narratives that connect travellers with extraordinary destinations and experiences...
1) How long have you been in your current role?
I joined Gate 7 as Head of PR & Content 2 years ago.
2) How long have you been in the travel industry?
I've worked in PR for around 15 years, but this is my first step into tourism. Before that I spent time in the music industry, video games, and global tech and entertainment brands. Travel has always been in my blood though. I left home right after high school (which was some time ago just quietly) and lived in the United States, then the UK and Europe. Since then, I've travelled at every opportunity, so landing in travel PR felt like a very natural evolution.
3) In your past professional life, you were …
I spent five months as a care worker for adults with disabilities, which gave me huge perspective and a deep appreciation for the people who do that work every day, helpful to remember during late-night deadlines. I was also a pretty decent bartender and barista, but my cocktails are probably better than my lattes.
4) What is something you love about working with travel media?
Their curiosity. On a famil, I love hearing their questions and seeing how invested they are in understanding a place. And the people in destination, the chefs, tour guides, bartenders and small business owners, are always so excited to host Australian and New Zealand media. They are proud of what they do and where they are from and the opportunity to share that. It makes a real difference having journalists who are genuinely engaged and want to dig deeper. I end up learning just as much by osmosis.
Media is so fast-paced I think it can be easy to lose sight of the big picture, but what we do genuinely matters. The stories that journalists tell help Australians and New Zealanders decide what places to explore and which businesses to support and this ultimately impacts the local economy of a destination. I have seen firsthand how meaningful that can be for people on the ground. It is a great reminder that earned media has real-world value and that our industry has a ripple effect far beyond the trip itself.
5) What are your professional pet peeves?
The opposite of the above. When people take for granted how lucky we are to go to the places we do and the resources, time and effort that go into hosting us, and are either disengaged or less than gracious. Very rare though.
6) What has been your most memorable press trip?
I recently went to Louisiana for Halloween, which was pretty special. We marched in New Orleans' Krewe of Boo! parade, which felt like stepping into the most colourful, surreal fever dream in the best possible way. I love spooky stuff and this definitely ticked that box.
We explored more of the state too, including St Francisville and Baton Rouge. St Francisville is a beautiful heritage town where life slows down just enough. We visited an incredible regenerative farm run solely by the very impressive Sarah, and the locals even invited us over for cocktails. In Baton Rouge I got my first taste of the full American college experience at LSU, went to a Halloween costume gala, and survived 13th Gate, a haunted house with 130 actors and film-level set design. It was wild. Every day delivered and the media walked away blown away.
7) What is your favourite place to travel?
We work with so many great destinations and I would never play favourites, so instead I will say what my favourite things to do whilst travelling are. Always sit at the bar at a restaurant or bar, especially if travelling solo. If you are in a city, bike everywhere, and if you are not, go hiking. Find the best sandwich. Eat too many pastries. Get a second gelato. See live music. Sit at hotel breakfast for way too long. Have a drink on the front porch of where you are staying. Get a villa with 20 friends for a week then immediately spend a week somewhere solo. Find a playlist of music in the style of the place you are visiting or artists from that area and play it whilst you walk aimlessly for so long you almost throw your back out. People-watch in the park. Pat every dog and, if you are in a non-English speaking country, think about how they technically speak another language. Take a million photos with a proper camera and then leave it at the hotel the next day and take none. Try to be the favourite at a cellar door host's tasting.
Life is really just a bunch of moments strung together, and travel gives you some of the best ones.
