Social media marketing, content creation and video strategy were just some of the topics covered in a special seminar for a group of students from the Cruise Career Springboard on Tuesday (12 May)

Real Response Media (RRM), the parent company of Cruise Trade News and sister magazine World of Cruising, hosted the educational event for students in London, offering an insight into the workings of the B2B and B2C cruise publications.

The class was led by RRM head of customer success Adele Knowles, digital marketing executive Gabriela Hruskova and senior creative content executive Shelby Woods, as well as the organisation’s founders, Edwina and Matthew Lonsdale, and mentors Jo Rzymowska and Graham Sadler.

The Cruise Career Springboard, formerly known as The Compass Project, was set up in late 2022 by Edwina and Matthew to teach sixth-form students about working in the cruise industry.

Hruskova shared insight on how to understand target audiences and different types of posts, as well as trends and platform best practices and tips for measuring engagement and campaign success. Woods, meanwhile, discussed how to create compelling short-form video content, shared tips for filming, editing and audience engagement and the impact of AI.

Students were then tasked to create a video content plan for a sponsored cruise trip. In groups, they created two unique video content ideas, discussed concepts tailored to a cruise-focused audience and outlined content that aligns with a brand partnership.

Knowles said: “We are so grateful to be asked to host this immersive sessions and discuss everything we do at Real Response Media. The session was very well received and the students were very engaged, with one team even creating a video.

“The tutors and teachers from the various colleges were incredibly supportive, and it was great to be a part of an incredible programme which inspires the next generation of cruise professionals.”

Edwina Lonsdale added: “A huge thank you to the Real Response Media team for yesterday’s event. Adele, Gabi and Shelby were all amazing, and the students really rose to the challenge. Sessions like these are incredibly important in inspiring groups of young people.”