I create moments people want to be part of.
Landmark venue openings. Ship christenings with celebrity godmothers. Inaugural sailings, launch events and press trips around the world. The concept, the talent, the run of show and the coverage that follows.
Producer, publicist and host. Often all three at once.
CHRISTENINGS & CELEBRITY HOSTING
Champagne, a new ship and a few famous godmothers.
I produced christenings and inaugural sailings for new Avalon Waterways Suite Ships, then secured and hosted the godmothers who made them headline-worthy, alongside top-tier journalists, partners and executives. I also created and launched Avalon’s Storyteller Series, bringing icons of literature and entertainment aboard to sail with guests.
SHIP GODMOTHERS
Meredith Vieira · Elizabeth Gilbert · Diana Gabaldon · Cheri Oteri · Jill Ellis
STORYTELLER SERIES GUESTS
Candace Bushnell · Cheryl Strayed · Graham McTavish
ICONIC VENUES
Opening nights are my kind of night.
LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Led publicity in the years before opening, walking media and donors through a hard-hat construction site and turning a building in progress into a story Los Angeles couldn’t wait to see finished. When the doors finally opened, the team brought me back to help.
HILL & KNOWLTON
Bellagio Las Vegas
Global opening team for a resort that redefined the Strip, securing worldwide coverage that made it an icon of hospitality and entertainment.
LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC
The Hollywood Bowl
Publicist for countless concerts at America’s most famous outdoor stage, from the season announcement to the final encore.
WHAT A COMMUNICATOR BRINGS TO THE ROOM
Every great event is a story with a guest list.
END TO END
Concept to coverage.
Concept, talent, run of show, hosting and follow-up, built around the moments people will photograph and the stories they’ll repeat.
VIP & GUEST EXPERIENCE
Guests leave as ambassadors.
Media, donors, celebrities, executives and premium guests, each hosted with care. Plus spokespeople trained to deliver key messages naturally, read the room and handle tough questions.
CALM WHEN IT COUNTS
The plan behind the drama.
Years of crisis communications mean that when weather, logistics or headlines turn, the focus stays on protecting the guest experience.
PORTUGAL, MARCH 2024 · THE DEBUT OF AVALON ALEGRIA
“Bumps don’t seem to exist in any event, itinerary or other happening when Melanie is on the job … I think she even willed the rain away in time for the fireworks finale.”
Nicole Edenado · Former Tour & Cruise Editor, Travel Weekly
“I work with a lot of PR professionals, and without hesitation I would put Melanie at the top of any list.”
Ken Shapiro · Editor-in-Chief & Editorial Director, TravelAge West and TravelPulse
“A seasoned, visionary communications executive who delivers meaningful results and builds lasting relationships.”
Helene Sula · Founder, Helene in Between
LET’S TALK
Opening something? Let’s make it unforgettable.
Open to full-time leadership roles, fractional engagements and consulting projects. Based in Nashville, happy to work remote and always ready to pack a bag.
Nashville, Tennessee · Remote-friendly
847.420.8808
