Insights from Disneyworld’s Vice President of Communications: A session Recap

By Kylee Coles

At ICON 2024, I attended a session by Suzi Brown, vice president of communications at Disneyland Resort, about navigating brand image. Brown explained that at Disneyland, they have seven teams within this branch of their brand. Those teams are government relations, public relations, internal communications, external communications, public affairs, corporate social responsibility and executive communications. Each team plays a different role in upholding Disneyland’s brand image. For example, the government relations team tracks legislation and works with teams to ensure they are abiding by the laws, the public relations team pitches and crafts stories to attract customers and the media relations team handles crisis communications and high-profile announcements to protect the resort’s image. After learning this, I realized the importance of different roles team members take on. 

Brown also shared her story and knowledge about securing her executive position at Disneyland Resort. She explained that she got an internship at Disney right out of college, but unfortunately at the time, they didn’t have any permanent positions available. She went on to work other jobs and 20 years later, her connections at Disney landed her a job. This taught me the importance of building and maintaining connections in the industry. 
In conclusion, Brown provided me with valuable information about making and maintaining connections, utilizing resources and sharing different routes students can take as communications or public relations professionals. After attending ICON, I am happy I got the opportunity to go. It taught me about the professional world of public relations more than I would have ever learned on my own.