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
Upcoming Activities
2009 Regional Activities Flyer (pdf)
February 7, 2009
Inside PR: Getting the scoop on what you need to know
Monmouth University
West Long Branch, New Jersey
Coordinator:
Location:
400 Cedar Avenue
West Long Branch, New Jersey 07746
Price:
Members $10
Affiliate $15
Non-Members $20
Web site: http://www.monmouth.edu/prssa
Description: Always wanted to know the inside scoop on how to climb that ladder of success? The Regional Activity at Monmouth University will bring PR professionals and students together to learn the tricks of the trade and must-know facts about the real world of PR. Students will have the opportunity to go one-on-one with these professionals, asking questions and getting helpful hints for resumes and interviews. Monmouth University is where student leaders look towards the future, what better way to do that then with help from those who know best?
February 20, 2009
A Taste of Chicago PR
Valparaiso University
Valparaiso, Indiana
Coordinator:
Hosted by Valparaiso University and DePaul University
Location: DePaul University Loop Campus
Price: $40.00
Description: Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, this Activity is aimed at introducing attendees to the diverse Chicago public relations scene. Programs include the following:
• A keynote speaker highlighting the unique and evolving Chicago public relations landscape
• Professional development sessions addressing resumes, interviewing tips, and portfolios led by Chicago-area public relations professionals
• A public relations job and internship fair including agency, nonprofit, and corporate public relations
• A professional panel representing different niches of the diverse Chicago public relations scene over a catered dinner
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience downtown Chicago and get a “Taste of Chicago PR!”
February 21, 2009
On Track With PR
California State University, San Bernardino
San Bernardino, California
Coordinator:
Location:
5500 University Parkway,
San Bernardino, CA 92407
Price: $15 Donation
Description: California State University, San Bernardino is thrilled to host it first Regional Activity, “On Track with PR,” on Feb. 21, 2009. This event is a single information-filled day that will include keynote speakers and break-out sessions covering topics in: sports, entertainment, nonprofit , small business public relations, and government affairs.
Our Chapter would like to educate students and business owners alike about the importance of public relations in any field. Students will be presented with the proper tools to be successful PR specialists and we will educate the business community the actual role of PR in any business.
February 27 - 28, 2009
You and the World: How to Solidify Your PResence
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida
Coordinator:
Hosted by University of Florida and University of South Florida
Location:
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL
Price:
$25 PRSSA members
$30 Non-members
Description: Students who attend “You and the World: How to Solidify Your PResence” will gain knowledge about the diverse world of public relations and how they, as future professionals, will work in this ever-changing, ever-growing field. Speakers at the event will provide useful information on a variety of topics including how to use new social media tools and the importance of social media in this increasingly technological world, the globalization of public relations practice and the necessity of building relationships with clients and the public to manifest a positive image.
February 28, 2009
Topping the Charts: Getting in the PR Groove
Central Michigan University
Mt. Pleasant, Michigan
Coordinator:
Hosted by Central Michigan University and Ferris State University
Location:
Bovee University Center
Central Michigan University
103 East Preston St.
Mount Pleasant, MI 48859
Price:
$35 –PRSSA members
$40 – PRSSA affiliates
$45 - Non-members
(An extra $2 fee will be charged for at the door registration)
Description: What kind of PR are you interested in? No matter where you want to go in the PR field we want to help you find your groove. The CMU/FSU Regional Activity, Topping the Charts: Getting in the PR Groove, will explore many of today’s "top hits" in the PR field. Ever heard of green PR? How about reputation management? These are only a couple of the topics that are going to be available at the CMU/FSU Regional Activity. Come join us Feb. 28 and find your PR groove.
February 28, 2009
PR Advanced: Innovation Through Leadership
Boston University
Boston, Massachusetts
Coordinator:
Location:
Boston University Photonics Center
9 St Mary’s Street
Boston, MA 02215
Price:
PRSSA members and affiliates: $20
Non-members: $25
Day-of Registration for Members and Non-members: $35
Description: What does it take to enter a market and become successful? PR Advanced: Innovation Through Leadership will feature numerous top entrepreneurs and executive leaders from the most creative and successful companies. The conference will combine unique perspectives from innovative entrepreneurs, as well as larger companies known for their innovative products, services, views and mission. The conference provides students to have one-on-one interaction with professionals in two different break-out sessions. Students will also have a chance to speak with more than 14 different Career Fair exhibitors at the end of the day. Don’t miss it!
March 7 - 8, 2009
Lights, Cameras, PR Action: Trends in the Entertainment Industry
Rowan University
Glassboro, New Jersey
Coordinator:
Location:
Crowne Plaza Hotel
2349 West Marlton Pike
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
Price: TBA
Web site: www.rowanuregional.com
Description: Publicizing a celebrity or a major event is much more than "lights, camera, action." For Rowan's Regional Activity, we are bringing the "call to action" to life. In the classroom, students may learn about entertainment public relations and about strategic thinking and writing, but we don't really get to experience actual execution and to see first-hand why it is necessary. As formal as public relations can be, there is also a fun side.
"Lights, Camera, PR Action," hopes to illustrate an out-of-the-classroom take on: reputation management, image building, job bookings, crisis communication, personal appearance planning and actually selling tickets to fill a venue.
March 13 - 14, 2009
Professional Responsibility: Stepping with the Right Foot Forward
San Jose State University
San Jose, California
Coordinator:
Location:
San Jose State University
Student Union Center
One Washington Square
San José, CA 95192-0055
Price:
PRSSA members $60
PRSSA affiliates $65
Non-members $75
Web site: http://prssasjsu.wordpress.com
Description: During the two-day event, attendees will have the opportunity to learn about professional responsibility from the corporate level to the individual practitioner by attending panel discussions, case studies, professional development workshops, Chapter development sessions, tours and networking events.
This is your opportunity to meet and learn from public relations professionals about topics including corporate social responsibility, green technology, the application of ethics in public relations, ethical practices in media relations, including social media, community relations, philanthropy and non-profit organizations.
We hope you'll want to attend this event and step with your right foot forward as a person and a public relations practitioner!
March 20 - 22, 2009
Discover Your Opportunities: Opening Doors to Your PR Profession
Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Coordinator:
Location:
Doubletree Hotel
315 Fourth Ave. North
Nashville, TN 37219
For rooming reservations call: 615-244-8200 and tell them you’re with MTSU PRSSA
Price:
Prior to March 2, 2009
$45 full registration
$25 for Saturday only
$20 for Sunday only
After March 2, 2009
$55 full registration
$30 for Saturday only
$25 for Sunday only
Description: Discover your Opportunities in Music City, USA. MTSU’s Regional Activity will help you open the doors to your PR profession through several career development activities. Early arrivers will be teamed up with key PR executives for a job shadow day at some of Nashville’s top agencies, corporations, entertainment firms and more. Saturday offers panel discussions, speakers, a career exhibition and networking activities to help you gain insight into what it takes to propel your career in Music City. Sunday we finish up the weekend with a keynote address while enjoying tasty cuisine that will leave you feeling energized and ready for the trip home. And don’t forget, we aren’t all about business in Nashville! We definitely know how to shake things up! We have awesome mixers planned at some Nashville hot spots. For an incredible weekend planned we’ll see you in March!
April 3, 2009
Crisis Communication Day
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, North Carolina
Coordinator:
Location:
Liston B. Ramsey Regional Activity Center
1601 Ramsey Center
Cullowhee NC 28723
Price:
$35 for professionals
$20 for students
Description: A crisis can happen anytime, anywhere. This Regional Activity will discuss how to handle different crises. Speakers will share personal experiences to show how to handle a crisis and share valuable advice with attendees. This event helps students and professionals realize that the unexpected can happen to them and teaches them how to handle the worst. Everyone who attends, no matter their major or profession, will learn something they will be able to use in their future careers.
April 4, 2009
Black, White, or Gray: Facing Diversity Issues Today
Westminster College
New Wilmington, Pennsylvania
Coordinator:
Location:
Westminster College
319 S. Market St.
New Wilmington, PA 16172
Price:
$15 for PRSSA members
$17 for PRSSA affiliates
$20 for non-members
Description: Join us as we explore the issues of diversity and the roles they play in the area of public relations. Professionals will share their experiences and perspectives on the issues and how they should not be viewed as barriers, but as opportunities to advance communication effectively with everyone. You will have the opportunity to build mutually beneficial relationships with public relations professionals, as well as PRSSA members. As an up-and-coming professional, this is the time to understand diversity and how it will affect your future in the field of public relations.
April 17 - 18, 2009
Geaux Governmental: Communicating in the Capital City
Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Coordinator:
Location:
Opening reception Friday, April 17 at 7 p.m.
The Roux House
143 Third Street
Baton Rouge, La. 70801
Sessions will take place Saturday, April 18 at the Journalism Building, located at the corner of N. Stadium Drive and Fieldhouse Drive.
Price:
$50 for PRSSA members
$55 for PRSSA affiliates
$60 for non-members
Web site: http://prssalsu.blogspot.com
Description: “Geaux Governmental: Communicating in the Capital City” will focus on various facets of governmental communications. Session topics include but are not limited to communications in trade associations, federal agencies and nonprofit organizations, among others. “Geaux Governmental” will also offer a graduate school information session for those students interested in pursuing higher education.
April 18, 2009
PRomoting Success: Finding Your Place in the Big World of PR
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia
Coordinator:
Location:
Virginia Commonwealth University
Temple Building
901 West Main Street
Richmond, Virginia 23220
Price:
$7 PRSSA members
$10 PRSSA affiliates
$15 non-members, faculty and staff
Description: Because public relations is such a large field, we would like to give students the chance to meet PR professionals from many areas in the profession. Students will be able to see what different careers are like and ask questions. Public relations professionals from all over the Richmond area, especially from the PRSA Richmond Chapter, will be invited to come and discuss their specialty area of PR with students and faculty. The goal of the conference is to feature areas of public relations pertaining to entertainment, media relations, sports, event planning, agency and independent practitioners.
April 25 - 26, 2009
Golden Opportunities: Media Relations & The PR Profession
California State University, Sacramento
Sacramento, California
Coordinator:
Location: TBA
Price:
PRSSA members: $50
PRSA members: $60
non-members: $70
Post-Deadline Registration: $75
Web site: www.prssacsus.webs.com
Description: California or “The Golden State,” is abundant with professional PR opportunities. Sectors within the field are vast and stretch anywhere from Hollywood and the entertainment industry to the financial district in the San Francisco bay area to the political world at the state capitol in Sacramento. Accordingly, our beloved state’s media scope is both broad and unique. Our theme will focus on the depth and diversity found in California’s media outlets and the distinct relationships that are developed consequently.
April 25, 2009
Degree, Check! Earning Your Stripes in the PR
Buffalo State College
Buffalo, New York
Coordinator:
Location: 1300 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14222
Price:
Early Registration (before February 1st):
- $25.00 PRSSA members
- $30.00 PRSSA affiliates
- $35.00 non-members
Late Registration (before March 1st):
- $35.00 PRSSA members
- $30.00 PRSSA affiliates
- $45.00 non-members
Description: The focus of “Degree, Check! Earning Your Stripes in the PR World” will center on the first few years after graduation and the experiences new professionals encounter when they are starting to pave their own way into the field of public relations. It will provide students with an opportunity to spend a day hearing from recent college graduates who have learned how to succeed in the field and get advice from seasoned professionals on topics such as ethics, crisis management, and social media. We want to give students insight into the challenges they will face as new professionals, and advice on how to deal with them.