July 12, 2010

Professional development conference focuses on 'buzz'

It's getting closer - mark your calendars for the annual professional development conference - September 30 at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.  The theme is "Buzz for Your Business: Be Seen, Be Heard, Be Read," and you won't want to miss an opportunity to hear what these speakers have to share. There will be something for everyone, no matter where you are in your professional career.
  • 8:30 – 9 a.m.  Registration & Networking
  • 9 – 10 a.m.  “Using Social Media for High-Impact Results” by Josh Stoffregen, manager, Global Communications, Prudential Financial, New York, NY
    The newest social media techniques may be just what your company needs to move to the next level. Learn to integrate digital media into your public relations plan and the results may wow you. As manager of global communications for Prudential Financial, Josh is using digital media to advance Prudential in the face of its traditional corporate structure. Josh will tell how he is building on skills he developed while a student at Missouri State University.    
  • 10 – 10:15 a.m.  Networking Break 
  • 10:15 – 11:15 a.m.  “Get the Media Coverage You Deserve” by Margo Mateas, owner, The Media Relations Maven, Oklahoma City 
    In a world where new digital media is blended with traditional media, you need to know – more than ever – how to prepare, craft and deliver winning pitches so your company’s story is told.  Learn to increase your business’s media coverage by as much as 300 percent.  Margo’s background in journalism and 20-year career in both agency and corporate public relations give her a unique perspective.  Clients include Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Six Flags Theme Parks, and Allstate Insurance Foundation
  • 11:15 – 11:30 a.m.  Benefits of PRSA Membership 
  • 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.  Lunch – Networking - Student Breakout Session with Josh Stoffregen 
  • 12:15 – 1:15 p.m.  “Top Dog Barks First” by Dr. Joseph Trahan, APR, Fellow, PRSA, president of Trahan & Associates, McDonough, GA 
    Your “Top Dog” must be prepared to defend your reputation by being the communications heart and soul of your organization. This workshop will help you prepare your company spokesperson to Listen-Pause-Think-Answer and bridge to key messages every time, using The Control-Competence-Concern method of communication. 

    As an international media relations trainer and public relations strategist, Dr. Joe has two decades of work in public relations and has managed four joint information bureaus.
  • 1:15  – 1:30 p.m. Networking Break – Afternoon Snack 
  • 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Panel Discussion: Advance Your Career in Public Relations: How to Get Hired then Build Essential Skills to Keep that Job. Moderator:  Bill Perkin, Perkin Marketing. Panelists: Sheri Hawkins, president, 2balance; Dr. Samuel Dyer, associate professor, Missouri State University department of communications. Additional panelist awaiting confirmation.
  • 2:30 – 2:45 p.m.  Networking Break 
  • 2:45 – 3:15 p.m.  Q&A Learning opportunity with our keynote speakers 
  • 3:15 – 3:30 p.m.  Closing Remarks, seminar evaluation

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