OpenTourEurope opens its doors, investing in the press

International communications agency founds and finances press trips for select journalists

Calgary, June 10th 2009 - Open2Europe, communications and media relations agency and the European headquarters of Open2America, today announced the launch of the OpenTourEurope, an innovative program designed to bring journalists to events, when budget constraints would otherwise restrict their travel. Created to support international journalists, OpenTourEurope will also serve as a platform to initiate forums and workshops, underlining the cross-Atlantic media group commitment to industry enrichment.

With budget cuts affecting the international media, travel is limited for journalists all over the world. While trade show attendance provides an unparalleled opportunity to connect with companies and discover industry trends, many journalists are not able to attend events relevant to their specialty.

Recognizing both the budget constraints imposed on the media and the important role face-to-face interaction plays, Open2Europe has taken a milestone step with the creation of OpenTourEurope. By funding travel and accommodation expenses, OpenTourEurope will offer journalists the opportunity to participate in key trade shows they otherwise would not be able to attend.

MedPi, a European tradeshow in Monaco last week, served as the launch pad for OpenTourEurope, with the new program sponsoring four journalists. Freelance writers and national reporters were able to take part in the international technology show and cover the cutting-edge event, thanks to OpenTourEurope.

Sandra Fernandes, project manager OpenTourEurope, understands the world of press relations is evolving. “With OpenTourEurope we have the opportunity to enhance our clients and our journalists. Most importantly, we get to give back to our industry, which is one way to ensure the quality of the media remains strong, despite cutbacks across the board,” Fernandes explains.

“OpenTourEurope is an exciting initiative,” begins Pascal Boulard, chief editor of the New Technologies Forum of the French national newspaper La Tribune, and participant in the OpenTourEurope trip to MedPi. “Thanks to this program, I was able to discover emerging companies and report on ground-breaking trends, sharing this information with the general public”.

“OpenTourEurope adds a unique edge to our agency,” adds Jerome Mauduit, CEO Open2Europe and Open2America. “Now, more than ever, it is important to stay competitive, and we are confident this initiative will keep us at the top of our game, while allowing us to invest in our industry as a whole,” he finishes.

Already committed to bringing journalists to international events, OpenTourEurope plans to extend their media enhancement by hosting forums and workshops, as well.

About Open2America

Open2America is a results-oriented communications and media relations agency. Skilled at implementing customized programs, Open2America caters to companies focusing on the USA or Canada. As the North American affiliate office of Open2Europe, Open2America is also a gateway to Europe. Open2Europe centralizes over 60 communications professionals from over 25 European countries in one Paris office. Open2America drives experienced European consultants to localize international communication plans. For additional information please visit www.open2america.com.

About Open2Europe

Open2Europe is a European communications and media relations agency. With over 60 communications professionals from over 25 nationalities, Open2Europe is skilled at localizing international press relations. Specialized in unique and successful initiatives, Open2Europe has pioneered both SpeedShopping and Them-a-tic, offering clients and journalists with exciting new ways to connect. The value added Open2Europe approach has been providing a wide portfolio of clients with lucrative press relations programs for over eight years. For additional information please visit www.open2europe.com

Tanya Otis
Open2America
1.403.452.6506
t.otis@open2america.com

This release was published on openPR.