Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Inc. (AIBF) recently welcomed Stephanie Kitts as its new Communications Manager.
Kitts has more than 15 years of experience in communications and marketing, including eight years in the aviation industry. Kitts managed strategic communication, social media, and digital advertising for the Albuquerque International Sunport, developing and honing a consistent brand voice and providing on-camera interviews for local and national media.
At AIBF, she will be managing social media, website, and internal communications, and working in tandem with the Media Relations Team, hosting and managing media during Balloon Fiesta. Since the Communications position is new for the organization, she envisions the role evolving over time and looks forward to bringing consistency to the brand voice and image.
In this month’s Inside the Basket, Stephanie Kitts shares more about what she is most looking forward to stepping into her role with Balloon Fiesta, how communication about Balloon Fiesta is different from other events she’s worked with, and more!
1. What are you most looking forward to as you step into your role with Balloon Fiesta?
As a native New Mexican, the Balloon Fiesta holds an incredibly special place in my heart. I grew up chasing balloons with my dad, running around the field as a young adult, and attending as a member of the media for the past 10 years. Joining AIBF in this role is as close to a dream come true as I could imagine, but managing and engaging as the voice of Balloon Fiesta on social media is definitely top of my list.
2. Is there a moment or tradition you’re excited to experience for the first time?
I’ve been contemplating learning to fly for several years, so joining AIBF and being surrounded by balloonists 24/7 certainly feels like a great excuse to make that happen!
3. What makes communicating about the Balloon Fiesta different from other events or organizations you’ve worked with?
Balloon Fiesta is truly an international event, welcoming balloonists and spectators from all over the world every single year. Our year-round online presence reaches hundreds of thousands of people of all backgrounds, which is both intimidating and thrilling as the individual behind the handles. I’m looking forward to engaging with our followers, getting to know our audience, and meeting all of our amazing pilots.
4. And of course, of the many balloons at Balloon Fiesta, which is your favorite?
I’m certain this is an impossible question! As a dog lover, I tend to gravitate to all the dog balloons. In my heart, I’m a bit of a traditionalist and love seeing all the vibrant round balloons fill the sky. How’s that for a non-answer? 🙃