Laurie Rowe
President
Laurie Rowe is the president of Laurie Rowe & Company, a boutique agency specializing in public relations and media outreach for tourism destinations primarily in the Southeastern United States. The agency focuses on earned media—stories published by objective, third-party outlets like magazines, newspapers, and blogs. Early in her career, Laurie recognized the significance of spotlighting lesser-known, off-the-beaten-path destinations. Her work elevates these unique locales and equips journalists with the inspiration and information they need to craft compelling narratives, ultimately offering travelers insights into meaningful experiences.
Laurie’s unique combination of sales experience in the private sector and her background as a destination marketer provides a fresh perspective in the tourism public relations space. In 2006, Laurie founded Laurie Rowe Communications, Inc. (LRC) to leverage her skills and extensive network for tourism organizations of all sizes. Since the agency’s founding, Laurie has expanded LRC’s client list to represent more than 60 diverse destinations and festivals across the Southeast, starting with a handful of Georgia locations. In 2015, she launched the Travel Media Press Room, a 24/7 online resource that connects destinations and journalists. This platform has become a trusted and valuable resource for travel and lifestyle media, ultimately benefiting LRC’s clients.
Laurie has served on the board of directors for numerous industry associations and was honored at the 2013 Georgia Governor’s Tourism Conference with the Larry Allen Tourism Leadership Award, recognizing an individual who demonstrates excellence in leadership skills and abilities. A1998 graduate herself, she later served on the Southeast Tourism Society Marketing College Board of Trustees and as an instructor at the annual college, sharing her knowledge of travel media press visits, FAM trips and the fundamentals of tourism PR.
Laurie has organically grown a team of savvy, remarkable women, fostering a culture that respects personal priorities while promoting professional excellence. Her commitment to education and mentorship extends beyond her team; she actively supports destination marketers, clients, and colleagues in the tourism industry. Laurie believes in nurturing the next generation of tourism leaders, sharing her knowledge and insights to empower others in their professional journeys.