Last week I went to Detroit for the PRSSA 2008 National Conference. Each year PRSA and PRSSA have conferences to help professionals and students learn more about the public relations industry, with workshops on everything from ethics in PR to ways to use social media in a campaign. Because the conferences are held at the same time, PRSSA is even invited to the general sessions for PRSA, with amazing key note speakers (this year it was Craig Newmark, creator of craigslist.org) and other notable speakers, such as Mitch Albom (I think he convinced me to read everything he's ever written!).
As a member of the PRSSA 2008-2009 National Committee, I got to head out to Michigan a day early and meet with the rest of the National Committee and discuss our current initiatives and other business. Here's a picture of us during a break:
Back Row (from left to right): Tyler Page, VP of professional development; me, editor in chief of FORUM; Jena Johnson, VP of Regional Activities; Melissa Csurhan, immediate past president; Courtney Meyers, VP of public relations; Cecilia Hughes, VP of jobs and internships; Brandi Boatner, national presidentFront Row: Rebecca Timms, VP of member services; Tiffany Riggs, VP of chapter development
The next day was exciting and jam-packed! I think my favorite part was lunch with the PRSA Board of Directors. They're all successful professionals who still know how to have fun and I really enjoyed the conversations I had. I hope someday I can be as inspiring to college students as they are. The rest of the day was busy, and the National Committee finished off the day with a rehearsal of our roll call--if you don't know what I mean, you soon will...
Saturday morning was the official kick-off of our conference, with our key note address from Ofield Dukes, a well-known PR professional. During the same session, I had to give a two-minute speech in front of nearly 1000 people! I planned it well in advance, however--if you count jotting down some bullet points at 1 a.m. the night before as planning in advance! Haha, but it went well.
The best part of the whole weekend, though, was when Brandi began the Chapter Roll Call, a yearly tradition when each school comes up with a cheer to respond to the roll call. The National Committee starts it out, so it has to be good. We put a lot of effort in, so I have to share it--I can't post it here because it's on youtube and BYU blocks it. So here is the link! We were inspired by Motown, I'll just put it that way.
I could go on and on about everything we did, but I think I'll just highlight one last thing: Each year, PRSSA rewards Chapters for outstanding performance with Teahan Awards. They have different categories, with the top being outstanding Chapter, but also things such as best Chapter firm, best Web site, etc. Last year I was the editor in chief of the newsletter for the BYU Chapter of PRSSA. I submitted an entry for best Chapter newsletter, and we won! Yay! I had a great staff last year who really helped make it possible, and it was a great honor to be able to accept the award for my school. We got a plaque and a $200 award! Yay newsletter committee!
I got back Tuesdsay night/Wednesday morning (about 1:30 a.m., blech!). It was sooooo nice to be back with my hubby. We talked every night while I was gone and sometimes more, but it was hard to be away. Poor guy had an even harder time of it because he was here all alone :( We had a happy reunion and I don't plan on being gone for a week again anytime soon...
Well, as you might guess, I'm super duper behind in homework, so I better get back to the grind!
3 comments:
Those weeks apart are good for you.
How did you get all those people to sing in public? I can't believe everyone went along with it!
You have to understand: we're PR students. We like attention, even if we won't admit it :)
Wow, looks like it was fun. Hopefully it wasn't too much fun. I know how those out-of-staters can be, and I know how you can be, too.
;)
You're such a cute high-power PR student.
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