Regional Activities

Top 10 reasons to host a regional activity

Each spring regional activities take place across the country. Planned, staffed and hosted by local chapters, these activities contain a great variety of events that will allow you to improve your networks, skills and abilities. Whether you are planning or attending a regional activity, you can be sure you are tapping a valuable resource.

PRSSA's regional activities program is designed to be flexible. Activities can last one day or last over a weekend. A regional activity's programs are only limited by creativity. You can participate in award or case study competitions, professional and chapter development workshops, regional career fairs, chapter leadership round tables and PRSA/PRSSA socials. Because regional activities will bring together local chapters, you will also enjoy getting to know PRSSA members throughout your area.

You don't need to limit your participation to attendance - your chapter can host an official PRSSA Regional Activity. Planning an activity will provide the members of your chapter real- life experience in event planning - one of PR's growing fields. If you're not sure if hosting an activity is right for your chapter, contact the Vice President of Regional Activities.

Resources

• 2008 Regional Activity Bid Form (PDF File)

• Regional Activity Handbook (PDF File)

• Regional Activity Proposal Form: PDF | DOC

Upcoming Activities

Past Events

February 10, 2007
Find Your Fit: Exploring Different Careers in Public Relations
University of South Florida
Tampa, Florida
Coordinator: Ashley Macaluso

The University of South Florida is pleased to host its first Regional Activity, "Find Your Fit: Exploring Different Careers in Public Relations," on Feb. 10, 2007. It's single jam-packed day that will include guest speakers, focus groups and a keynote speaker.

This Regional Activity presents to students and members the possible career paths and industries that are often overlooked in the classroom. As we all know, public relations plays a key role in the success of any company or organization, from entertainment to healthcare. USF's PRSSA chapter hopes to provide attendees with some useful information on the many options available for careers and continued education.

USF is located in Tampa, Florida, a booming commercial and residential metropolis with abundant opportunities for mass communications students. It is home to numerous, renowned public relations agencies, including Hill & Knowlton, Roberts Communications and The HLA Group. As your host, PRSSA invites you to visit USF and Tampa for a truly valuable professional experience. It's a big world out there and we're here to help you "find your fit!"

February 17, 2007
A Taste of PR
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Coordinator: Jayna Wallace

Cost:

• $15, PRSSA member
• $20, non-member

Minnesota is holding its second Regional Activity, "A Taste of PR"-a day dedicated to learning about the PR industry. It will take place on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2007 on the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis Campus.

Out of 9,000 chapters, the University of Minnesota is one of 12 Chapters around the nation to host an event this year. Not only are we one of 12 in the nation, but we are one of the few Midwest schools hosting a Regional Activity that offers you so many options for development and networking. We have been very busy planning and preparing for an awesome Regional Activity. The University of Minnesota hopes that you will come to the great city of Minneapolis for a weekend you will not forget!

We will have three sessions of speakers for you to attend and a fourth session with a panel of speakers. Some of our speakers include a technology PR professional, a public affairs professional, a healthcare PR professional, an event planner and more. Our panelists are PR professionals with an expertise in crises communications.

Following the speaker sessions we will be busing participants to a PR agency in the Twin cities for an agency tour. This will give PRSSA members a glimpse into the real PR world and a chance to make connections with some of the top people in the industry.

After agency tours we will be bused back to campus to for a wrap-up banquet and to hear a keynote speaker.

February 23 - 24, 2007
Preparing for the Future: Public Relations Practitioners
Gonzaga University
Spokane, Washington
Coordinator: Jenna Walsh

Cost:

• $10 for PRSSA members Friday only
• $12 for PRSSA members Saturday only
• $20 for PRSSA members Friday & Saturday
• $12 for non-members Friday only
• $15 for non-members Saturday only
• $25 for non-members Friday & Saturday

Registration form: Word | PDF

The PRSSA Regional Event will take place over two days. Friday, February 23rd will be an evening dedicated to networking, along with a keynote presentation. The Gonzaga University Law School will host this event from 6-9 p.m. and will provide guests with light appetizers and wine.

Saturday, Feb. 24 activities will be held in the Jepson building on the Gonzaga campus from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Continental breakfast will be available and lunch will also be provided. Each participant will attend three breakout sessions with the guest speaker of their choice. There will also be an opportunity to listen to the keynote speaker again, along with a panel discussion led by various professionals. Additionally, there will be the option for participants to skip one breakout session in order to participate in mock interviews.

This two day event is an excellent opportunity for students to learn more about their fields of interest within the communications industry. It is also a wonderful time to network and make contacts that could potentially lead to a job following graduation. With only 12 of these events in the nation, and only two on the west coast, this is an opportunity not to be missed!

February 23 - 24, 2007
Rising from the Ashes - Crisis Communications
Elon University
Elon College, North Carolina
Coordinator: Carolyn Fiala

Cost:

• $40, PRSSA member
• $50, non-member

Registration form: PDF

A conference in crisis communications, "Rising from the Ashes," is a tribute to Elon University and the legend that lives on through the school's mascot, the Phoenix. In 1923, all but one building on Elon's campus burned to the ground. In 2000, the school changed from Elon College to Elon University, and with this change, adopted a new mascot, the Phoenix, a mythological character that is known to rise from the ashes of a flame into a beautiful bird.

The Regional Activity to be held Feb. 23 - 24 will focus on crisis communications, specifically in the Piedmont region of North Carolina. PRSA member Rick Hodson is the chief communicator for Lorillard Tobacco, a large corporation in Greensboro. Mr. Hodson plans on speaking on his experiences as a communicator in a constantly scrutinized industry.

Communication professionals involved in the recent high school fire and textile industry's dismissal of hundreds of employees will present their experiences and insight on crisis communication. Other speakers will include experts in international relations, agencies that train in crisis communications, the Duke Lacrosse scandal and non-profit organizations.

Additionally, a crisis simulation and networking social will take place on Friday. A breakfast on Saturday morning will provide attendees networking opportunities with professionals. A fashion show featuring all of the latest business attire for young professionals will close this outstanding weekend event.

Be sure to check out "Rising from the Ashes," your ticket to crisis communications- Don't get burned!

March 30 - April 1, 2007
3 R's of PR
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, Iowa
Coordinator: Janelle Laudick

Cost:

• $85 per student
• $75 if before Feb. 16

Registration form: Word | PDF

The University of Northern Iowa will be hosting a Regional Activity on March 30 - April 1, 2007 entitled "Raising the Bar, the 3 R's of PR."

The 3 R's of PR are: Research, 'Raising (fundraising) and Responsibility.

We feel that the foundation of public relations comprises these topics. New research developments and ideas are occurring daily, money will always be the bottom line and advocacy and corporate responsibility set companies apart in ever-growing, crowded markets.

Along with professional development sessions, students will have the opportunity to enhance their Web writing skills. More and more things are happening online, and Web copy etiquette has developed in regards to format and tone.

Attendees will also receive insight on pursuing a graduate degree after college. A "graduate panel" will discuss the pros and cons of continuing education. The individuals on the panel will include among others: a current graduate student, a human resources professional, a public relations professional with a master's degree, a professional without a graduate degree.

A formal banquet, a social on Main Street Cedar Falls and other meet-and-greet opportunities will be the highlight of the weekend, too.

Some come back to the basics of PR education with UNI's 3R's of PR Regional Activity. It's a really great way to meet some fellow PRSSA students, discover others' ideas and dreams, and make good friends from all over the country.

April 13, 2007
PRDay: Expanding Your Horizon
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, North Carolina
Coordinator: Kristi Kanzig

Cost:

• $20, PRSSA member
• $25, non-member

Registration form: Word | PDF

The NC State's annual PR Day is an entire day devoted to networking and professional advancement. It includes featured speakers, workshops, resume critiques and networking sessions. This event provides those who attend a chance to meet a variety of public relations professionals located in businesses throughout the area. Our event focuses on diversity, providing students and faculty with endless possibilities and skills.

April 13 - 14, 2007
First ImPRessions: Making Yours Count
Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan
Coordinator: Jennie Ecclestone

Cost: Full Registration

• $50, PRSSA member ($45 if before Feb. 16)
• $60, non-member ($55 if before Feb. 16)

For other package rates, see registration form

Registration form: PDF

This spring, Michigan State University will welcome PRSSA chapters from across the nation to come and take part in our first Regional Activity. Focusing on making memorable first impressions during networking and in the PR world, this conference will include an etiquette dinner, firm tour, break-out sessions, and much more.

Students will have the unique opportunity to meet and learn from the National PRSA Chair and CEO, Rhoda Weiss, APR, Fellow PRSA. Ms. Weiss, a former Michigan State graduate, will be speaking at the etiquette dinner, as well as, offering all in attendance valuable tips for future careers in public relations. Students also have the option of reserving a spot for our Lansing Firm Tour, which will give them the opportunity to experience public relations in a capitol city.

Our break-out sessions will include professional speakers from every sector of public relations. These sessions seek to give each student a taste of what a career in that particular area of public relations would be like and will include ample time to get all of your burning questions answered. Finally, we are offering an interactive diversity session that guarantees all attendees leave the conference thinking in new ways and from different perspectives.

April 14, 2007
exPRess yOUrself
Ohio University
Athens, Ohio
Coordinator: Katie Simpson

Cost:

• $40 ($35 before Feb. 16)
• $14 additional fee for social etiquette dinner

Registration form: PDF

On April 14, 2007, professionals from around the country will gather with public relations students to speak about the many opportunities and choices that are available in the field of PR. At Ohio University, the theme for the 2007 PaRtners Conference is exPRess yOUrself.

The conference will feature two very established PR professionals who have found where they fit in and will bestow their wisdom upon attendees. The morning keynote speaker will be Roxanne Jones, former ESPN the Magazine deputy editor, and the afternoon keynote speaker will be Keith Burton, president of Insidedge.

Two breakout sessions will feature professionals from the agency, corporate, government, entertainment and nonprofit worlds to help students decide where they fit in among other PR professionals. Some speakers to attend the breakout sessions include Peggy Cifrino, press secretary to Colin Powell, a panel from Fleishman-Hillard, a representative from Victoria's Secret and a corporate speaker from Nationwide Insurance.

The lunch portion of the conference will group attendees with professionals working in their area of interest. After the conference, a job/internship fair will take place followed by an optional etiquette dinner for those looking to brush up on their manners. The 2007 PaRtners Conference will allow students to hear from a wide variety of professionals so they can find their place in the PR world and learn how to exPRess themselves.

April 14, 2007
PRSSAttitude
Boston University
Boston, Massachusetts
Coordinator: Shirley Liu

Registration form: PDF

On April 14, 2007, PRSSA Regional Boston will proudly present PRSSAttitude: Walk the Talk, a regional event designed to bring together PRSSA members, public relations students and professionals in the New England region for a day-long event of professional development and networking. Co-sponsors Boston University, Simmons College and Emerson College are thrilled to collaborate on this venture, marking the first time in years that New England’s public relations student community will be able to congregate in one setting to advance industry insight and career development, .

PRSSAttitude will feature a keynote speaker, multiple breakout sessions led by esteemed public relations professionals, a lunchtime social and a career fair: a perfect opportunity to land your next internship or job. The breakout session topics will contain fashion/in-house public relations, investor relations, event planning, and entertainment public relations. We are delighted to announce Mr. Larry Weber of W2 Group, Inc. as our keynote speaker, addressing strategies in managing new media.

We cordially invite all aspiring young public relations professionals for a day of networking, learning and pure fun. The event, to be held at Photonics Center at 8 St. Mary’s Street at Boston University, will begin at 10 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. the same day. For more information regarding the event and how to register, please log on to the PRSSA Regional blog at http://prssaregionals.blogspot.com or contact Shirley Liu at scliu@bu.edu. We hope to see you all on April 14th!

April 20 - 21, 2007
Health Public Relations - A World of Change
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
Carbondale, Illinois
Coordinator: Ken Newcomer

Registration form: Word

This April experts from every field in health public relations will be traveling to Southern Illinois University for the Health Public Relations Conference. There will be public relations presenters who work in non-profit health, HIV-AIDS, hospitals, medical schools, medical malpractice, as well as many other interesting and intriguing fields. There will be several panel presentations conducted by industry leading experts.

Health public relations is one of the most dynamic areas of public relations that is ever changing and evolving. It is a field that is expanding and hiring more and more professionals every year. This conference will give you a look at the cutting edge of the industry and can help you network with those in the industry. This conference is truly an amazing opportunity for all aspiring public relations professionals. The conference will be held on the beautiful campus of Southern Illinois University at the Ramada Limited located in Carbondale, Illinois. All those interested may contact Ken Newcomer at kmnewcomer@yahoo.com or may call at (630) 618-0276.

April 20 - 21, 2007
PR in DC: Networking in the Nation's Capital
American University
Washington, D.C.
Coordinator: Amanda Kubik

Are you starting to clean up your resume and look for future career connections? Are you interested in pursuing a job in public relations or communications? We have the PRSSA Regional Activity for you!

Come to American University's Regional Activity, PR in DC: Networking in the Nation's Capital, to experience a weekend of networking with PR Professionals in Washington, DC. The date for the Regional Activity is April 20-21, 2007 at American University. This is the time to enjoy the tours and conference workshops in Northwest DC, as well as visit the national cherry blossoms and national monuments downtown.

At our Regional Activity you will meet public relations professionals and leaders in the non-profit, corporate and government arenas; you will have the chance to tour and visit public relations firms in Downtown DC; and you will meet other students and faculty dedicated to public relations and communications like you.

Don't forget to register by April 8th with your school's PRSSA chapter or online at  www.americanprssa.org/activity to reserve your seat and hotel room! Any questions or concerns, email Amanda Kubik.

April 27 - 29, 2007
Behind the Lens: A Look Into Your Industry
California State University, Northridge
Northridge, California
Coordinator: Laura Hart

Cost:

• $75, PRSSA member
• $95, non-member

Registration form: Word | PDF

The California State University Northridge PRSSA chapter will be hosting, "Behind the Lens: A Look into Your Industry" Regional Activity April 27-29 at the gorgeous Renaissance Hotel in Hollywood located adjacent to the renowned Hollywood and Highland complex - home of the Kodak Theater and Oscar Awards. The Regional Activity will include a panel of public relations professionals in the fields of entertainment, sports and fashion. Another highlight of the activity is an intensive press kit workshop.

The event will kick off Friday with a high-energy social, giving attendees the opportunity to network and meet fellow students from across the region. The next day, following the guest panel lecture and Q & A, students will break out into groups. Each group will create a press kit within a specified field to be judged for a prize.

The "Behind the Lens: A Look into Your Industry" event is the perfect opportunity for students to network with their colleagues and public relations professionals, gain hands-on experience, create press kits to place in their portfolios and enjoy the amazing sights and sounds of Hollywood, Calif.

Registration will include a three-day, two-night hotel stay at the exquisite Renaissance Hotel, which is connected to the Hollywood and Highland Complex/Mall. This all takes place along the Boulevard of the Stars -- you never know who you'll see. This event gives students the complete experience of a day in the life of an entertainment PR professional.

We look forward to meeting you and giving you the "red carpet" welcome, whether you are already a public relations student or considering the field as a profession. See you there!

January 31 - February 1, 2008
Where Will You Be In The Next 5 Years? PRSSA Is Preparing You For The Game Of Life
Valparaiso University
Valparaiso, Indiana
Coordinator: Mackenna Schon

Valparaiso University’s PRSSA chapter invites you to attend the PRSSA 2008 conference in downtown Chicago. Join us for a variety of career building activities that will prepare you for life after graduation.

The conference will be held at the Hostelling International Chicago. An assortment of beneficial workshops and presentations will take place in order to help PRepare You for the Game of Life.

The Regional Activity includes three professional development sessions that include speed networking, resume enhancement and critique, and interviewing techniques. The “First Lady of PR”, Betsy Plank and Scott Farrell from GolinHarris, will be featured as our two keynote speakers. The event continues with PR at the Pier, an introduction to corporate, non-profit and entertainment public relations. Additionally many young professionals of Chicago will join us for an iœ-breaker panel representing a variety of public relations experiences.

Please visit the Valpo PRSSA website (www.valpo.edu/student/prssa) or feel free to contact Mackenna Schon at PRSSA.valpo@yahoo.com. See you in Chicago!

Cost: 75 + $5 for a Chicago transportation card (Residents of Chicago would not need one)

February 8 - 10, 2008
Catch The Spirit Of Aloha
Hawaii Pacific University
Honolulu, Hawaii
Coordinator: Marichris Diga

Registration Form

This Spring, Hawaii Pacific University and the University of Hawaii at Manoa are pleased to co-host their first Regional Activity, “Catch the Spirit of Aloha,” on Feb. 8 – 10, 2008. This three-day event will be jam packed with a panel of Honolulu’s finest PR professionals, a keynote speaker and a PRSSA/ PRSA Hawaii mixer.

The event will kick off Friday night with a luau and show on the beautiful setting of the Ko’olau Mountains at the Hawaii Loa campus. Attendees will be given the opportunity to enjoy and relax, and meet fellow students from all over the state of Hawaii as well as the West coast region. On Saturday, students will be able to attend a vast amount of panel discussions in the hub of Downtown Honolulu. Professionals ranging from entertainment to health care, local to international and nonprofit to corporate public relations will share their experience and expertise, fuelling all of our ambitions for this diverse and exciting profession/career. The night will end with a PRSSA/PRSA Hawaii mixer featuring our keynote speaker at the fabulous Dole Cannery Ballroom. On Sunday morning, students will be treated to a breakfast at the historical Hawaii Theater.

“Catch the Spirit of Aloha” is the perfect theme for this event because Hawaii is such a unique place with its many different cultures, languages and ethnicities. We want to promote and highlight the diverse richness of the Aloha State and give members from other chapters the opportunity to experience and enjoy the spirit of Aloha. Hawaii is more than sandy beaches and surfing, but filled with a PR community that is large and dynamic.

So don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to learn more about PR in a place everyone calls, “Paradise”! The deadline for registration is February 1, 2008. For more information on this event, please contact Theresa Lobo at Theresa_lobo@hotmail.com or Marichris Diga at marichrisd@gmail.com. We hope to share the Aloha spirit with you in February!

Cost:

• $65 for PRSSA members
• $50 for non-members

February 15 - 17, 2008
The TTU Crisis And Communication Conference
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, Texas
Coordinator: Brett Copeland

Texas Tech University will be focusing on crisis communications for our Regional Activity while introducing our PRSSA friends and neighbors to "the giant side of Texas." We believe that crisis communications is an integral part of modern public relations.  We will create a real-time simulation of a crisis that teams will have to navigate, routing their way through hostile public opinion. Meanwhile, members who attend will be able to hear from a diverse group of public relations professionals who have treaded water during turbulent periods at their companies and organizations.

Members will also be given a crash-course in crisis communication management by our PR faculty and visiting professionals. Throughout the weekend students will get to not only learn about the importance of crisis communication but also experience Lubbock's uniquely Texan food, culture and music heritage!

Cost:

•    $50 for individual registration
•    $200 for team registration (of 5-7 people)

February 29 - March 1, 2008
The PR Spin
American University
Washington, D.C.
Coordinator: Thalia Williams

Registration Form  

With the continual evolvement of Public Relations, current professionals believe that our generation will contribute strong advancements to the field. Join the American University Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) at our 4th Regional Activity, "The PR Spin Cycle" on Friday, February 29 and Saturday, March 1, 2008 at American University in Washington, D.C. Come learn from the District’s top professionals about the development of public relations, its many sectors, how the field is changing the world and how we are creating our mark in the field.

Attendees will have the opportunity to network with PR professionals at a variety of events beginning with firm tours on Friday. On Saturday, attendees will attend a series of professional development workshops, a "speed networking" luncheon, participate in a session on PRSSA chapter development, and attend a keynote reception.

We look forward to seeing you there!!!

Cost:

• PACKAGE A: Registration, Saturday Day Events and Keynote Reception
  $50/PRSA and PRSSA members, $60/nonmembers

• PACKAGE B: Registration and Saturday Day Events (No Reception)
  $20/PRSA and PRSSA members and $30/nonmembers

• PACKAGE C: Keynote Reception Only
  $30/person

March 1, 2008
The PR Amazing Race
Elon University
Elon College, North Carolina
Coordinator: Katherine Dodson

Registration Form

For the second year in a row, Elon University will be independently hosting a Regional Activity. The theme this year will be International Communications, and will be entitled, "The PR Amazing Race." We will be attracting schools throughout our region, in addition to chapters across the country.

The day will begin with an "On Your Mark, Get Set: Breakfast Morning Mingle" to give students and professionals a change to network and meet one another. Speaker sessions will follow, including exciting topics such as "Lessons Learned: Brand Practice Failure Overseas" and "Dealing With a Global Press: Olympics 1996." Speakers will come from both the Elon School of Communications, as well as local professionals who are experts in this particular field. Our Keynote Luncheon will feature both food and etiquette of a foreign country.

The afternoon will be filled with both fun and engaging activities. One of the activities will be a mock case study of an imaginary country, where students will be encouraged to overcome the challenges of a world with limited communication tools. Another activity will feature an actual "Amazing Race" where the students will have to complete a task in every country before advancing to the next. We will close with a "Finish Line Feud," where we will pull questions throughout the day and pitch them to students in a Family Feud-style Jeopardy.

The PRSSA 40th Anniversary is not just about celebrating the past: it's about celebrating the future. International Communications is an exciting area of our profession and is one of the many directions in which this business is headed. We are looking forward to seeing many faces from across the region and country for The PR Amazing Race!

Late registration begins on

Cost:

• $25 for PRSSA members
• $35 for non-PRSSA members
• $35 for PRSSA members after February22nd
• $45 for non-PRSSA members after February 22nd

March 1 - 2, 2008
Public Relations: Where We Came From And Where We're Going
Union University
Jackson, Tennessee
Coordinator: Alison Ball

Registration Form  

Lipscomb, Middle Tennessee State and Union Universities are proud to present "Public Relations: Where we've been and where we're going." Our goal for this event is to provide attendees with wisdom from the field, tips for individual growth and opportunities to make new connections.
 
The lineup of speakers will include professionals from a variety of areas in public relations. A panel from one of Nashville's top agencies, McNeely Pigott & Fox Public Relations, will be sharing, along with the media relations director for the Tennessee Titans.
 
In addition to the sessions, there will be an opportunity for you to take part in a mock interview. This experience will help to place you a step above your competitors entering the workforce.
 
So whether you are a PR, journalism or speech communication major, be sure to mark your calendar NOW for this helpful and exciting regional activity in Nashville!
 
If you are interested or have any questions, feel free to email us at nashville.activity@gmail.com. More details to follow.

Cost:

•    To be announced

March 29 - 30, 2008
Crisis Communication: New Orleans Is Open For Business
Loyola University
New Orleans, Louisiana
Coordinator: Victoria Voelker

Registration Form  

Surviving Hurricane Katrina gave first hand crisis communication information to students at Loyola University New Orleans.  We’re hosting a regional activity to emphasize to you how important public relations can be in rebuilding after a disaster.
 
Join us the weekend of March 29-30 for a public relations informed tour of New Orleans’ hot spots that received the most damage.  Our speakers will show you how to rebuild an image with local jazz, Creole Cuisine, fleur de lis and an appeal to people who “know what it means to miss New Orleans.”  We went from being the city under water to the “home of the Saints” and we now have our streetcars back up and running.
 
Contact Vicki Voelker at PRSSA.Loyola@gmail.com with any questions.

Cost:

•    $45 for PRSSA members for the full weekend
•    $50 for non-members plus transportation and hotel expenses.

April 4 - 6, 2008
Politics And PR: A Bipartisan Pair
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Madison, Wisconsin
Coordinator: Elizabeth Blenner

Registration Form  

The UW-Madison PRSSA hosts a day of "Politics and PR: A Bipartisan Pair" at the Pyle Center in the heart of downtown Madison, WI. This event is a chance to un-spin political PR and get the real story about life inside the political sphere from those PR professionals who live it. This topic is especially timely during our presidential election year when candidates are interacting with the media more than ever.
 
In addition to learning about political PR, attendees will get a chance to participate in a crisis simulation contest, attend a mock-interview, and go on a tour of a local PR agency in Madison.

Additional workshops will also be offered in resume building, landing internships, and searching for a PR job after graduation.

Come help UW-Madison celebrate PRSSA's 40th anniversary and take a look inside the fast-paced world of political PR April 5th, 2008. Registration begins March 1st. Email Lizzy Blenner at blenner@wisc.edu with questions.

Cost:

•    $15 for attendees
•    $5 for UW-Madison PRSSA members

April 5 - 6, 2008
PR Meets The Press: Pitching For Results
Rowan University
Glassboro, New Jersey
Coordinator: Rosie Braude

Registration Form

The Anthony J. Fulginiti PRSSA Chapter at Rowan University proudly presents “PR Meets the Press: Pitching for Results”—a two-day event challenging PRSSA members to think outside the box when pitching to the media. Attendees will put their theoretical press release writing knowledge into practice.
 
The event will begin with a "Clash of the Cultures" panel where public relations professionals and media representatives will discuss how the two professions coexist, how to build bridges between the two professions to the benefit of both, and how the public relations/media relationship has evolved with the evolution of technology.
 
After the panel, attendees will participate in a "Pitching to the Media" competition. Students will work in groups, visit stations to collect enough information from and about their client and develop a creative way to pitch their story to a panel of media judges. All groups will have the same topic and points will be awarded for creativity, format and successful pitching techniques.
 
A dinner and social will follow the competition. Groups will receive awards the next morning during the Keynote Brunch. If you have any questions, please contact Rosie Braude at ajfprssa@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing you in New Jersey!


Cost:

•    $40 for PRSSA members
•    $50 for non-members.

April 12, 2008
Politics, Press And PR: The 2008 Presidential Election
Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio
Coordinator: Erika Beach

The Ohio State University PRSSA chapter will be hosting "Politics, Press and PR." OSU plans on providing a fun and informative environment for students to learn about what it takes to work in politics. With the 2008 elections taking place, politics are a hot topic for most students.

"Politics, Press, and PR" will be a great way to see behind the scenes when it comes to campaigning, political reporting, and government PR.

Cost:

•    To be announced

April 18 - 19, 2008
Moving Forward: PR Training For A High-Tech World
San Jose State University
San Jose, California
Coordinator: Caroline Skinner

Registration Form

San José State University is at the heart of Silicon Valley, a world renowned location for innovation and technology.  This has inspired our chapter to prepare a weekend that will immerse you in learning about everything high-tech, from using technology as a tool for success in PR, to actually working in the high-tech field.  

Our event will include a tour of a noted PR agency, a keynote dinner with guest speaker Donna Gibbs, EVP of Racepoint Group Inc, several chapter development sessions and four panel sessions discussing each of the following topics: What is High-Tech Public Relations?, Media Predictions, Social Networking and High-Tech Public Relations’ role in Politics. 

With several world-famous high-tech companies at our fingertips, we are able to bring you first-rate speakers that will share the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a world that is more reliant on technology each day.   

Cost:

•    $105 for San Jose State students

•    $115 for non-San Jose State attendees

April 26, 2008
In Support Of The Ivory Tower: PR At Colleges And Universities
Edinboro University
Edinboro, Pennsylvania
Coordinator: Christopher Kaczor

Registration Form

2006-2007 was a tough year for America’s colleges and universities. From high profile events such as the Duke lacrosse scandal and the shootings at Virginia Tech to journalist Brett Blackledge’s Pulitzer Prize for uncovering corruption in Alabama’s community college system, media coverage of higher education has been intense and often unflattering.

Amid this challenging environment, the role of public relations at colleges and universities has never been more important. Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) have organized a unique one-day conference that examines this very subject.

Utilizing a broad array of Edinboro University alumni panelists with expertise in virtually all facets of higher education public relations, the conference will address a wide range of specific topics including crisis communication, website design and maintenance, managing media coverage, and the development of effective managerial and leadership strategies. The conference should be of primary interest to students of public relations, as well as public relations professionals at colleges and universities.

For more information, please go to www.edinboro.edu, and type in PRSSA for the keyword search.

Cost:

•    $15 for PRSSA members
•    $40 for non-members

April 26, 2008
Truth, Accuracy, And Responsibility: Advancing The Honest PR Professional
Quinnipiac University
Hamden, Connecticut
Coordinator: Timothy Smith

Registration Form

Quinnipiac University is proud to host its first ever Regional
Activity, entitled  "Truth, Accuracy, Responsibility: Advancing the Honest PR Professional," on April 26, 2008.  This one day event has been designed to reinforce the necessity of honest and professional behavior within the dynamic profession of public relations.  Keynote speaker Kathy Fitzpatrick, who helped create the PRSA code of ethics, will speak about the changes in public relations over the past 40 years and the continued need for ethics in today's world of public relations.

Students will gain exposure to ethical situations as PR professionals from various fields such as entertainment and sports, corporate pr, and crisis communications, expand on their personal experiences with ethics in public relations.  In addition to guest speakers, the day will include a networking session during lunch where students can interact with PR professionals, several ethics panels, interactive opportunities and a dinner and social later in the evening.      

Cost:

•    $30 for PRSSA and PRSA members
•    $35 for non-PRSSA and non-PRSA members
•    $40 for anyone after the March 31, 2008 deadline.

May 6, 2008
Northwest Networking: Hiking Toward PR Success
University of Oregon
Eugene, Oregon
Coordinator: Beth Evans

Why stumble through the job database jungle when you can take a straight path toward the job of your dreams? “Northwest Networking: Hiking Toward PR Success” will be the event of the year for PR students to come network with PR professionals from around the country.  Held in Portland, Ore. at the Holiday Inn Cro