My Week Down Under with TLN’s Staff Exchange Program

When asked if I’d be open to spending a week working in Sydney, Australia, it didn’t take me more than a millisecond to respond “yes!” It was an opportunity to not only travel to a country I’ve never visited but give me the chance to learn about agency life across the globe.

Zapwater is part of the global public relations network Travel Lifestyle Network (TLN), a global network of like-minded, independent agencies around the globe. In addition to collaborating on clients, TLN has also started staff exchanges and I am the first member of Zapwater’s team to participate.

I spent five days working with Anne Wild and her team at AWA and was introduced to a great mix of their impressive client roster. I helped write content for Torrens Education and Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours, researched influencers for Atkins Nutritionals, brainstormed for Cranbrook and helped prepare for and execute an Oceana Marina media event at Sydney Harbor… including incredible views of the Opera House with a cruise underneath the Harbor Bridge, might I add! It granted me the opportunity to mingle with Australian media and see the AWA team in action. The event was a tremendous success with a flood of positive emails from the media and client alike the following morning.

Anne and her team could not have been more welcoming and hospitable. I felt like a member of the team from day one and grasped a better understanding of the agency, clients and the similarities and differences between American and Australian agencies. My overall experience at AWA and in Sydney was truly fantastic. From participating in a Vegemite tasting (which I actually enjoyed!) and meeting my very first koala, to surfing at Manly Beach and spending a day at Bondi, it was an unforgettable week.

I’m excited to report my learnings and experiences back to the Zapwater team and am looking forward to a trip back to Aussieland!

Brigid Parr, Account Supervisor