John Wayne Airport (JWA) is pleased to have received a 2019 Excellence in Public Information & Communications (EPIC) Award of Distinction for our “Helping Hands” program launch event from the California Association of Public Information Officials (CAPIO). The EPIC Awards are presented annually by CAPIO to honor outstanding public agency information and communications programs.
The primary goal of the launch event was to create excitement and interest for the Airport’s new Helping Hands program by implementing an event that would generate awareness and educate the general public and special needs public about the assistance offered to travelers with hidden disabilities.
The more than 70 guests at the event included representatives from UC Irvine Autism, Creative Solutions for Hope, Senator Lou Correa’s office, JWA airlines and tenants, OC Alzheimer’s Association and Airport families and friends with children on the autism spectrum. Attendees had the opportunity to take photos with OC Autism mascot “Austin” and visit informational tables hosted by airlines serving JWA, various community organizations and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
The event garnered three media articles, and we received 8,733 Twitter impressions, reached 4,292 Facebook followers, and received 59 likes on Instagram. Since the launch in November 2018, the Airport has provided assistance to 30 families or individuals, and we have received numerous positive comments and feedback.
The Award of Distinction is presented for projects that exceed industry standards in quality and achievement. According to one of the EPIC judges, the Helping Hands Launch Event “was well researched, and had strong goals, objectives and tactics. The planning and implementation was well thought out, and the results and evaluation were realistic and thorough.” The California Association of Public Information Officials is a membership organization serving more than 600 professionals throughout the public sector who engage communities through honest and transparent communication.
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