The Alternative Energy and Transportation Expo
In 2006, O’Rorke was tasked with publicizing The Alternative Energy and Transportation Expo, the first automobile exhibition in the nation dedicated exclusively to alternative-fueled transportation.
To raise awareness for the event, O’Rorke pre-pitched local, state and national media highlighting the hands-on opportunities for the media and the public to test-drive the cars—especially the technologies that are rarely available to the public, such as new fuel cell, electric, hydrogen, biodiesel, petroleum and ethanol automobiles.
O’Rorke staged a media “ride-and-drive” at the Santa Monica Pier to create a “buzz” and help drive attendance. The media results were tremendous—Los Angeles’ two highest-rated TV stations each aired several segments about the Expo, and coverage ran on every major news outlet in the region. Stories about the Expo spilled over into national media as well, including articles with the Copley News Service, Christian Science Monitor, Edmunds, Yahoo! Autos and the Auto Channel.
O’Rorke’s quality of outreach and media success led to a new contract in 2007, with added responsibility for securing sponsors, event planning for an opening night reception and providing strategic guidance. Coverage included three television and two radio stations, the Los Angeles Times and dozens of regional newspapers, magazines and blogs. National television coverage by CBS News ran in 59 media markets, while a segment ran on the Fox News Channel.
