Delphine Chui is a Digital Editor at Hearst and creates content across all of Hearst’s brands with a particular focus on interiors. When she’s not busy writing copy and being a digital content creator for the likes of Red Magazine, Country Living and Harper’s Bazaar, she can be found finding some zen in the great outdoors. Here, Delphine answers the Sunny Bird PR questions:
1.What are the 5 words that best describe you? Sensitive, curious, playful, pensive and excitable.
2.What magazine do you love reading and why? I have constant wanderlust so I love reading lush travel magazines like BA High Life and National Geographic that give me a glimpse of another world or another perspective.
3.What is your favourite book? Garth Stein’s The Art Of Racing In The Rain is a book written from the narrative of a family dog – and it’s utterly brilliant, but full disclosure, it will pull at your heartstrings.
4.Which song makes you dance? I was a Noughties teen so I’d say something like Outkast’s Hey Ya – or of course, anything Britney.
5.What has been your best career moment? I’ve been lucky enough to travel the world with work, cover events from the BAFTAs to the Tour De France and interview some enviable A-listers and incredible people (like the first ever Saudi Arabian female film director). But if I have to choose, it would probably be taking on the task of living without any plastic for a week for a video experiment for Marie Claire because it completely changed my life and opened my eyes to a new zero-waste lifestyle that I strive towards every day.
6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? I’d say not to be afraid to try. I’ve learnt that striving for perfectionism in your work can sometimes be another form of procrastination so just do it! Go for it, and get whatever words you want out there, out there.
7. Where are you happiest? In Crystal Palace park walking my two rescue dogs – it’s just the most beautiful and diverse green space in London. In general, I’m happiest outside in nature, away from my phone or laptop (which seems counter-intuitive for a digital journalist) and since getting my National Trust membership, I’m trying to go to as many sites around the UK as possible.
8. Who would be your number one dinner guest be and why? Jane Goodall. I studied anthropology at university and I’m obsessed with animals and as she’s the leading primatologist, I’d pick her brains about all things apes and monkeys because I find them and their social structures fascinating.
9. If you could have any superpower, what power would it be and why? I’m terrible at languages so would love if I could speak every single language under the sun or how about stopping time? If there was a way to slow down perfect moments, that would also be nice in our world where we’re always rushing around and things can seem way too transient.
10. If you had to ask us one question what would it be? What’s your ultimate survival guide to hosting a successful press trip? I always feel like travel PRs take on the “holiday mum” role and I can’t imagine how tricky it can be to keep up with a group of journalists – especially after they’ve had a drink (or five...)
Good question! When it comes to surviving those all-important press trips, organisation is key. Here are the team’s top tips for hosting a seamless press trip from start to finish:
- Know Your Stuff- A good PR must always be prepared for any tricky questions that may come their way. That means knowing the hotel, restaurants, local area and of course the local customs inside and out.
- Time Management- This is crucial if you want to ensure your group arrive at each destination rested and ready. After all, no one wants a group of hungry journalists on their hands after a missed dinner reservation!
- Research Your Guests- Knowing your guests interests, allergies and writing topic is pivotal to keeping them happy and making sure you get the best out of their writing.
- Have Fun- It goes without saying that if you’re hosting anybody, you must be upbeat and entertaining. A positive attitude can be infectious.
- Have a Contingency Plan- Perhaps most important of all, always have a plan B! Countless things can go wrong in the duration of a trip, so plan for the worst and have a bank of interesting anecdotes up your sleeve.