Call for Presentations - Midwest District Conference

The Midwest District Conference Planning committee has opened the call for presentations for the 2012 PRSA Midwest District Conference, which will be held July 19-20, in Chicago, Ill.

The theme for the this year’s conference will be Reestablishing the Value Proposition: Trust and Transparency in PR.

Click the link to visit the district’s conference web page where there is a link to begin the process of suggesting a presenter: http://www.prsa.org/Conferences/MidwestDistrict/

Volunteers, Planners Needed

PRSA’s Midwest District is planning to hold a district-wide conference in 2012.  The district board of directors is forming subcommittees to plan the conference and chapter members are encouraged to volunteer. Those interested should contact Jim Streed with the Northeast Wisconsin Chapter at jgstreed@integrysgroup.com or (920) 433-5786.

Listen up! Network. Get engaged.

Listen up! Network. Get engaged.


A new era for PR and marketing professionals.

2011 Professional Development Conference

September 20, 2011

Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce


Register now and get $10 off at http://www.swmoprsa.org/.

Sessions are geared toward professionals at small and large businesses alike. Sessions include:

• GET ENGAGED! BE A LEADER FROM WITHIN YOUR COMPANY. David Grossman, ABC, APR, Fellow PRSA, founder and CEO, The Grossman Group, in Chicago, will talk about the importance of getting communication “right” and will provide proven and practical insights, methods and tools to enhance results and ensure overall organizational engagement.

• PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD! ETIQUETTE TIPS FOR BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS. Shari Hawkins, owner, 2balance, a PR and communications agency in Springfield, will discuss best practices when it comes to etiquette in today’s business world.

• LISTEN UP! BE SOCIAL. GET TANGIBLE RESULTS FROM YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA EFFORTS. Mike Koehler, president and chief strategist, Smirk New Media in Oklahoma City, will delve into best practices and the how-to’s for effective online brand monitoring and engagement through social media networking -- in a way that provides tangible benefits for your business or organization.

• EXTREME NETWORKING. Students and professionals will get a chance to meet and learn from one another. Students should bring resumes and questions. Professionals, this is your chance to learn how education is evolving and ideas on staying current.

NEW! Showcase Sponsor

We've added a new sponsorship level for just for attendees. Showcase your company throughout the conference for an additional $50.

As a Showcase Sponsor you receive:

-- Placement of promotional material on Showcase Tables inside the conference room

-- Recognition during the event

-- Special designation as a Showcase Sponsor on your name tag

-- Recognition via Facebook, Twitter and other social media as applicable

Best in Business Brought to Springfield

You are invited to join us for the 2011 Professional Development Conference from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sept. 20 at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. This annual conference features national-level speakers in the communications profession and is rapidly becoming known in the business community as a must-attend event. Cost for PRSA members is $85, includes a light breakfast and lunch.

Speakers and sessions include:

• David Grossman, ABC, APR, Fellow PRSA, founder and CEO, The Grossman Group, in Chicago. The communications consultancy focuses on organizational, strategic leadership development and internal communications. David is one of America’s foremost authorities on communication inside organizations. He will talk about the importance of getting communication “right” and will provide proven and practical insights, methods and tools to enhance results and ensure overall organizational engagement.

• Mike Koehler, president and chief strategist, Smirk New Media in Oklahoma City. A Springfield native and graduate of Missouri State University, Mike is a leading social and new media strategist, having directed new media efforts for Oklahoma’s largest news website and the state’s largest public relations firm. Mike will delve into best practices and the how-to’s for effective online brand monitoring and engagement through social media networking -- in a way that provides tangible benefits for your business or organization.

Then stay tuned for student-professional speed-networking. Students will meet and ask questions of us about what the future in this profession holds and gain resume and interviewing tips. You will be able to target and meet potential candidates for internships/positions, along with gaining an understanding of the emerging talent from our area schools.

Questions? Contact Claire Faucett.

Upcoming Conferences - Mark Your Calendars!

PR Boot Camp is tentatively scheduled for July 21 - a great opportunity to fill a need in the community! We can share our knowlege of public relations with many local companies and non-profits that may need an extra push in the right direction. Think about how you might be able to contribute, and contact Stacy Fender (stacy.fender@coxhealth.com) if you would like to help.

Our annual Professional Development Conference will be held Sept. 20, and we are already well underway in the planning of this great event. We are excited to be having a nationally recognized speaker and author as our keynote for the day - you'll find out more soon. Contact Claire Faucett, claire@springfieldchamber.com, if you'd like to help in bringing this event to the Springfield community.

Opportunities abound to become an expert in your field

Here are two great learning opportunities to kick off the new year!

Explore & Engage


Brian Solis and Jason Falls will be in Wichita for SocialIRL’s “Explore and Engage” event on Jan. 19. There is special package pricing for attending this event and the SocialIRL event with Sarah Evans here in Springfield in early February. If you are interested in the trek to Wichita, please e-mail Melinda Arnold. We’re trying to coordinate a group to share expenses. http://www.socialirl.com/explore-and-engage/


AAF of the Ozarks presents “It’s All Downtown: A Marketing Success Story,” with Rusty Worley, Executive Director of Urban Districts Alliance

When: Wednesday, January 12, 11:30a-1p
Where: University Plaza, 333 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway
Cost: $15 members & first-time guests; $20 repeat guests; $10 students
RSVP: rsvp@aafozarks.org by noon Jan. 10

Thirty years ago, Springfield’s historic business districts were all but abandoned in favor of shopping malls and suburban development. Now, Center City is once again the vibrant hub of retail, entertainment, dining, arts and urban living. Much of this amazing turnaround is due to the work of Urban Districts Alliance and its successful marketing efforts, including the popular “It’s All Downtown” campaign. UDA Executive Director Rusty Worley will show how cooperative branding, advertising and promotions are creating economic vitality in the heart of our community.

This month’s program will also feature brief presentations by nominees for AAF of the Ozarks’ 2010 Jane Meyer Award for best nonprofit advertising/PSA campaign. Nominees include Care to Learn, Springfield Workshop, and Therapeutic Riding of the Ozarks. The audience will have the opportunity to vote for this year’s award winner. Join us in recognizing the contributions of area nonprofits, as well as the creative professionals and media organizations who help to ensure that their messages reach the community.

Start the new year right with AAF, and see how the ad industry promotes positive change. Reserve your space now, and pass the word about this valuable program!

Social: IRL Coming to Springfield

After a great presentation by Ben Smith (@benasmith) at the recent professional development conference, he decdied to bring one of his Social: IRL events to Springfield - now, do yourself a favor and don't miss it!

Social Media Marketing Boot Camp with Sarah Evans (@prsarahevans)
7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Thursday December 9, 2010
Veridian Event Center, 309 South Avenue

Limited tickets will be available.

You'll spend a full six hours of session time with Sarah, taking an in-depth look at the role of social media in marketing your business or organization.

You won't just learn effective social media marketing techniques, but will look at how social media works in conjunction with traditional marketing and public relations and why that's important. This includes practical ways of engaging customers and prospects, case studies, help with creating a social media based marketing plan, hints and tips, ways to make your brand stand out online, effective engagement, latest trends, tools and resources, and plenty of opportunities for discussion and Q & A. This will be a very hands-on event designed to give you lots of practical experience and learning, and for you to leave with new ideas and tools you can implement in a very real way.

With attendance being limited there will also be some great opportunities for quality networking and building valuable relationships.

Discounts are available for multiple registrations. Special discounted rates are also provided for members of the PRSA or Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, for non-profit organizations, and for students. Standard registration is $225. PRSA members, Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce members, and non-profit organizations receive a discounted rate of $195. Discounts available for multiple attendees. Special registration $125 only for full-time students.

Registration includes breakfast pastries on arrival and a day long refreshment station with coffee, tea, water and sodas. Lunch is not included. The Veridian is located in the heart of historic downtown Springfield with great lunch options within a very easy walking distance. We encourage you to use your lunch break to explore the downtown area and connect with other attendees.

A post event meetup will take place in the evening after the event. This will be open for anyone to attend. Watch for details!

Click here for more information about the event or to register. http://www.socialirl.com/events/.

Go ahead - register for the Buzz of Springfield!

Register now - EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION EXTENDED to Sept. 17: Save $10 off the prices listed below!

• $85 – PRSA, Chamber, Ad Club and AWC Members
• $99 – Non-member
• $40 – Student

Register online or send a check payable to Southwest Missouri PRSA, PO Box 4807, Springfield, MO 65808. Registration deadline is Thursday, Sept. 23, 2010.

 

CANCELLATIONS must be emailed to: lcox@servproofspringfield.com no later than 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 27, or subject to $40 cancellation fee.

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Paula Ringer, Plank Productions, paula@plankproductions.com or 417-865-7981

 

Register for "Buzz for Your Business"

Ready to take your PR skills to the next level?

The southwest Missouri Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America presents our sixth professional development conference, "Buzz for your Business: Be Seen, Be Heard, Be Read." It’s a chance to learn from the best. You’ll discover how to use new media to create excitement for your business or organization, how to improve your relationship with the media—then get everyone talking.

"Buzz for Your Business: Be Seen, Be Heard, Be Read," a Professional Development Conference presented by the Public Relations Society of America

Thursday, Sept. 30

8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, 202 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway, Springfield, Mo.

REGISTRATION

$85 – PRSA, Chamber, Ad Club and AWC Members

$99 – Non-member

$40 – Student

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION before Sept. 10: Save $10!

REGISTER ONLINE at http://www.swmoprsa.org/prsa/index.php?/seminar or send a check payable to Southwest Missouri PRSA, PO Box 4807, Springfield MO 65808. Registration deadline is Thursday, Sept. 23, 2010.

CANCELLATIONS must be emailed to lcox@servproofspringfield.com no later than 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 27, or subject to $40 cancellation fee.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Paula Ringer, Plank Productions, paula@plankproductions.com or 417-865-7981.

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

Professional development conference set for September 30

The Southwest Missouri Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) is excited to host the upcoming 6th Annual 2010 Professional Development Conference, September 30, 2010, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., at the Springfield Chamber of Commerce.


Your PRSA committee is making preparations to engage you in relevant, lively professional development again this year. It is our intention to give you a power-packed day at last year’s prices, and we’ll offer the early bird registration discount again. Registration will soon be available online at our web site.

Keynote speakers this year are Dr. Joseph Trahan, APR Fellow, who will energize you with the nuts and bolts on bringing positive PR to your organization, by teaching company spokespersons how to remain focused and proactive. Keynote Josh Stoffregen will tell his real-life story of moving global PR forward in the “traditional” financial corporate structure of Prudential. Find out what breakthroughs in the digital realm played a part in his advancement. Plus, we’re working on a panel centered on this question: If we were hiring today, or being hired, what would we bring to the table?

Please attend! The conversation, networking and learning opportunities will be worth your investment. Be sure to watch for updates at http://www.swprsa.org/. Invite clients and colleagues to this one.