This workshop will focus on using Meltwater Insight Reports to conduct meaningful competitive analysis—moving beyond surface-level metrics like total mentions or top outlets and toward insights that actually inform strategy.
In this session, I’ll walk through how I use Insight Reports in a real-world public affairs and media relations environment to understand where we stand in the market, how we compare to peers, and where to prioritize next.
What this workshop will cover
1. Building the report (the foundation):
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How to structure effective search terms for your organization and competitors
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Tips for minimizing noise and aligning reports to your strategic goals
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How to build reports that remain consistent and usable over time
2. Interpreting insights (the “so what”):
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Understanding competitive position, share of conversation, and coverage quality
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Identifying strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities within your media landscape
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Translating insight data into an executive-ready narrative
3. Turning insights into action:
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Setting benchmarks and measurable goals
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Using insights to prioritize outreach, refine messaging, and focus on high-impact outlets
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Creating a repeatable reporting cadence that supports long-term strategy
Real-world application
I’ll share a practical example from higher education, where we manage media strategy across three distinct entities—New York City, Westchester, and a law school—each with different audiences and competitive landscapes. This multi-market approach offers a transferable framework for brands managing multiple regions, business lines, or audience segments.
What attendees will walk away with
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A clear framework for building Insight Reports for competitive analysis
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A practical approach to interpreting media data beyond vanity metrics
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A repeatable method for setting benchmarks and tracking progress over time
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Tools to turn reporting into strategic decision-making
About Me
I’m Madia Bestman, Manager of Media Relations & Public Affairs at Pace University, where I focus on elevating institutional awareness and reputation through expert commentary, thought leadership, success stories, and government relations. My work spans Pace’s New York City campus, Westchester campus, and the Elisabeth Haub School of Law.
Data is central to my role. I work extensively with Meltwater reporting, particularly Insight Reports and competitive comparisons, to turn media data into actionable strategy that informs leadership decisions. Meltwater has identified Pace as a top user of Insight Reports, and I’ve built reporting frameworks that go beyond tracking coverage to clearly show where we’re winning, where we’re not, and what to do next.
I’m a Pace alumna, graduating in 2020 with a BBA in Advertising & Integrated Marketing. I began my career as a Marketing Specialist at ISO Student Health Insurance before returning to Pace as a Public Affairs Coordinator, serving as a Fellow, and now as Manager. I’ve spent the past four years growing within the Public Affairs team and bring a hands-on, practitioner’s perspective focused on what actually works.
I’d love to bring a practical, insight-driven workshop to Meltwater Summit to help other teams unlock deeper value from their reporting and insights.