Testimonials

Thanks again for taking the time to learn more about my story and contemplate how we might work together! Here’s what others have said about my work over the years.

My work at Visit Buffalo Niagara prompted The Buffalo News, Buffalo’s daily newspaper, to profile me in this 2018 article that appeared on the front page of the Sunday edition, “National Media Are Feeling the Buffalove, and It’s Thanks to One Man.” (View as PDF)

The Northwest Pennsylvania chapter of the Public Relations Society of America invited me to Erie to present on lessons that city could learn from Buffalo to re-define its narrative. Local media outlets covered the presentation. I also received Destination International’s “30 Under 30” award, highlighting 30 destination marketing professionals across the United States under 30 years old that were excelling in their careers.

Below are a few other testimonials about my work from media and tourism industry colleagues:

Testimonials from the Media

“To succeed in PR, you have to both be passionate about what you're representing, and also know which people can best share your passion. No one I've met in this industry does this better than Brian Hayden, who took his genuine love for Buffalo and found journalists like myself who he knew would love it just as much. Thanks to him and his acute awareness of how this city fit with me and Thrillist's demographic, we not only put out one of our best destination features of the year but also turned me into an unofficial ambassador for the city. Brian is truly one of the best in the business, and if he can take an under-appreciated place like Buffalo and make fans of anyone who visits, I know he can do the same for anything else.”

“ I'm not prone to hyperbole or praise, but Brian Hayden was the best destination PR I've ever dealt with in the travel realm. He "gets" journalists — what they want and what they need — and goes all out to help bring stories to life. Brian's passion for Buffalo Niagara is astounding, but I bet he channels that passion into everything he does.” – Travel Writer Jennifer Bain, contributor to Canada.com and former travel and food editor of the Toronto Star.

"The first time I met Brian, I was on a rollercoaster trip through New York State with a back-breaking schedule. By the time I got to Buffalo I was so drained I would have turned away from the Mona Lisa, but within an hour Brian had turned all that around. His background as a journalist means he reads people fast, and his encyclopaedic knowledge of Buffalo means he can instantly work out what best you'll be drawn to. I've always been bowled over by his dedication to his work - the time he puts into scouting out new things and thinking about new angles. Too often I find dealing with PRs a necessary evil, and rarely do I get any leads from them that make it into the final article; Brian, on the other hand is a delight. Each time we've worked together he's worked out what will make me tick, given me suggestions and let me get on with it. In over a decade as an editor, I've only found one other PR I trust as much. His ability to get it is why Buffalo's reputation as a travel destination has transformed."

"The invisible hand behind the recent surge in the city's media coverage."

Testimonials from Travel Industry Colleagues

"Brian Hayden is an industrious, resourceful, self-motivated go-getter who served as Visit Buffalo Niagara's Communications Manager for six years. In that time, Brian's talent as a writer, spokesperson and on-camera talent helped bring Buffalo and our organization to unprecedented levels of recognition and acclaim. His energy, enthusiasm, drive and attention to detail made him a top performing public relations practitioner and one of the rising stars of the hospitality industry. Bottom line, Brian gets results, will not be out-worked and he's a genuine pleasure to work with."

“Brian is an absolute dream to work with. He is collaborative, insightful and quick-footed, making him an ideal partner. As the PR agency liaison for I LOVE NY, I worked with Brian to source and secure information and opportunities for media across a variety of sectors. Brian truly understood the media landscape and the facets of his product that would appeal to journalists based on current trends in the marketplace. Brian has an impressive Rolodex of media contacts and always came prepared with high-value action items and suggestions. Both a critical thinker and a nose-to-the-grindstone hustler, Brian can be largely credited with shaping Buffalo's media persona, and as a result there have been countless articles, accolades and most importantly, interest in the city increasing year over year. I would work with Brian again in a heartbeat!”

"As a marketing professional, Brian was able to consistently generate earned media for our attraction. From social media influencers to travel writers and national columnists, he consistently won the attention of opinion makers and contributed to the rise of Buffalo as a destination market. His skills, professionalism, enthusiasm and genuine love for what he does make him a dream to work with."