Kory Aversa is the CEO/President of Aversa PR and has been a PPRA member for five years.

Twitter: @koryaversa

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/koryaversa/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aversapr/

Kory is an award-winning, seasoned public relations pro, event planner and social media guru with 20+ years experience in the nonprofit and small business sector. He hails from Utica and Albany, New York, and graduated from Utica College of Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations (minor Political Science). He represents over 50 top neighborhoods, main streets, tourism attractions, street festivals, restaurants, beer gardens, small businesses, non-profits, theaters, arts organizations, and boutiques. Through working in the neighborhoods, and through work with Philly’s biggest festival, Kory has the privilege and honor of working every single year with hundreds of business owners and artists from Bucks County to Baltimore, from Ardmore to King of Prussia, from University City to Old City, from Midtown Village to South Philadelphia.

After fast expansion in recent years, big-name clients include Parx Casino, Philadelphia Zoo, Sofitel Philadelphia, Christmas Village, South Street, East Passyunk, Ardmore Initiative, Old City District, Piazza Pod Park, Post Brothers, Craft Concepts Group, FCM Hospitality, Philadelphia Theatre Company, Philadelphia School of Circus Arts, The Bercy, Cry Baby Pasta, Evil Genius Beer Company, Philly Loves Beer, Philly Theatre Week, and many others.  

PPRA: Who are your clients and what projects are you working on right now?

KA: Holidays are huge for Aversa PR! We are busy launching all the biggest and best holiday tourist attractions in the city from the new LumiNature experience at Philadelphia Zoo, to Christmas Village at Love Park, to Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market at Dilworth Plaza, to new holiday surprises at Piazza Pod Park, to Holiday Tea Service at Sofitel Philadelphia, to tree lightings on South Street, East Passyunk, Old City City, Ardmore, Craft Hall, Evil Genius. If there’s a tree, twinkling lights, and a Santa, I will probably be there! I am already growing out my beard so me and Santa can match on those cold days. 

PPRA: What is your favorite part of your job?

KA: I love waking up in the morning and knowing that I am helping transform neighborhoods, showcasing our world-class city and helping clients achieve their dreams. PR is so much more than sending press releases, networking and the details – I love the big picture of making a difference in my community! 

PPRA: What was your latest and greatest accomplishment at your job?

KA: It has been a banner year – and every year is bigger than the last. I am so thankful and honored. In particular, I am especially proud to represent five neighborhoods – and represent some of the largest institutions in the region like Philadelphia Zoo, Parx Casino, Christmas Village, Sofitel Philadelphia and Post Brothers. Of particular note this year, I am proud to be the PR for the city’s largest festivals, from Philly Beer Week, Philadelphia Honey Festival, South Street Spring Festival, Philly Theatre Week and more. It’s been an amazing and fun whirlwind and I always step back and say thanks for coverage and our team’s accomplishments big and small. 

PPRA: What one piece of advice would you give to your fellow PR pros?

KA: Always remember why you are in this business – and what you want to accomplish. Know yourself and what gets you out of bed in the morning. Know what motivates you and what is a match for clients and future business – and stay true to that even though outside pressures can come up. If you keep those in mind, you can handle the long days, the pressure, the deadlines and the fast pace. You should be in it because you love it and have something you want to accomplish.  

PPRA: What book or movie could you read or watch again and again?

KA: I wish I had time for movies or books – I work 16 hours a day sometimes, and if it isn’t Law and Order or Modern Family in front of me by Midnight, then I don’t know how I would get by for that downtime they offer me and a second to get out of my head and my work. 

PPRA: What’s your favorite spot in Philly?

KA: I love walking around Philadelphia Zoo – especially on an off-peak time like during the week. It is a great escape and it’s not only fun but so relaxing. I find I can lose myself there and get a mental break from everything else in the world. 

PPRA: Favorite Philly Food?

KA: Being in food PR I couldn’t even begin to name them all – for me it’s about what is my favorite food today and this week.  From staples like a soft pretzel and a Wawa hoagie to amazing global cuisine on South Street, to dim sum at Dim Sum House in University City – I am eating my way around the city every day, all day. At home, when by myself, there’s a lot of pizza that happens. A lot. I have no time to cook.