Establishing the “Davos” of Defense and National Security

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, dedicated to preserving the legacy of the 40th President of the United States, approached Pinkston with an ambitious goal: to create a world-class defense and national security forum that would stand alongside Davos in terms of global significance. The challenge was steep—how to turn a new event into a must-attend gathering for the country’s defense and security leaders, while also drawing substantial media coverage to the West Coast during a weekend.

Recognizing the need for a powerful media ally, Pinkston strategically partnered with Fox News to secure exclusive broadcast coverage that would not only draw high-profile participants but also ensure the event’s discussions resonated far beyond the room. This partnership was the cornerstone of a broader strategy that included targeted media outreach to national and trade outlets, a robust thought leadership campaign, and comprehensive logistical, branding, and communication support.

In just five years, Pinkston achieved a tenfold increase in media attendance compared to the previous firm, drawing prestigious outlets like The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, C-SPAN, CNBC, and CNN. Pinkston’s relationship-building efforts with the media resulted in hundreds of broadcast, print, and digital pieces that reinforced the prestige and global impact of the event.

Over the course of Pinkston’s engagement, RNDF evolved from a modestly attended event to a premier gathering that attracts the Secretary of Defense, members of Congress and influencers like Jeff Bezos and Peter Thiel. Today, RNDF is widely recognized as the preeminent national convening for the defense industry, serving as a critical venue for shaping the future of national and international security—much like Davos shapes the global economy.

“Pinkston’s support was instrumental in making RNDF a great success for the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation. They did this while always ensuring our brand — Ronald Reagan — was upheld in ways to preserve, promote and sustain the legacy and principles of President Reagan.”

    — Melissa Giller, Chief Marketing Officer