Each year, PRSSA hosts an event that gives students a chance to immerse themselves in public relations: National Conference.

This October, PRSSA members can look forward to National Conference in Detroit, where students from across the country will gather to learn about the field of public relations from some of the most well-known professionals and educators in the industry.

National Conference offers students an opportunity to expand on their traditional classroom-style learning by entering a business atmosphere that brings excitement and enthusiasm that cannot be found anywhere else. Attendees will hear about how to enhance their Chapter, themselves and the profession.

Here is a an overview of what attendees can expect at this year’s Conference.

Friday, Oct. 24: Students will enjoy hearing members of other Chapters from across the country talk about ways they have learned to be successful, both in their Chapters and in life. Chapter presidents will learn more about leading their Chapters to success in leadership workshops. The night will end Detroit-style at the “Motown Premiere,” the Conference kick-off social. At this event, students can enjoy exchanging gifts from their hometown and singing hits by Detroit’s popular artists.

Saturday, Oct. 25: A back-to-back schedule will keep students busy and engaged as they start their morning with a continental breakfast, followed by keynote speaker Ofield Dukes, APR, Fellow PRSA. Dukes opened his own firm in Washington, D.C. in 1969, and brings years of experience and expertise to the table. His excellence was recognized by PRSA in 1975 with a PRSA Silver Anvil Award and again in 2001 with the PRSA Gold Anvil Award. His successes will motivate students as they strive for excellence in their own careers in public relations. At the conclusion of the keynote address, Chapters will share a cheer as they hear their name called in Chapter Roll Call. Later in the day, students will enjoy sessions from a variety of speakers on the topic of practicing public relations in different industries, such as healthcare, automotive, entertainment and more. Following these events attendees will be free to enjoy Detroit cuisine while the first 50 Conference registrants enjoy dinner with top professionals.

Sunday, Oct. 26: The day begins with a choice of Chapter development sessions and the Living Legends panel, where students will gather advice from a veteran group of professionals. Closely following, the first of four PRSA General Session speakers, Craig Newmark, founder of Craigslist, will address students and professionals. Attendees will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of sessions over the course of the rest of day, and will end the evening dancing the night away at the Detroit Rock City Social.

Monday, Oct. 27: Wake up early for the PRSA/PRSSA Coffee Break and an opportunity to network with practitioners from across the country. At the second PRSA General Session, students will hear from Bob Lutz, vice chairman of global products for General Motors. After enjoying the PRSA General Session, attendees will break off to go to sessions of their choice. Later they will gather again for a third PRSA General Session speaker, Penelope Trunk, author of “Brazen Careerist: The New Rules for Success.” Later, at the Career Exhibition, students will have a chance to learn more about public relations opportunities, and during the Résumé Workshop they’ll learn how to improve their résumés, so don’t forget to bring your résumé. The evening will be topped off with the awards ceremony, where students and Chapters are recognized for their hard work over the last year. Here, all scholarships, awards and honors will be announced.

Tuesday, Oct. 28: Attendees will enjoy one last PRSA General Session with well-known author and sports writer Mitch Albom. Conference will then draw to a close as students enjoy a farewell breakfast and return home to pass on their excitement to fellow Chapter members.

October could just be another month, or it could be the launch pad for an amazing year. The choice is yours. What will you choose? Sept. 22 is the final date for registration, so register early, and we hope to see you in Detroit!