PR Training

Set Your Conference Strategy to Maximize Your Experience

Editor’s note: This is the second post in a series of guest posts from the PRSA Philadelphia publicity committee leading up to the PRSA 2013 International Conference, October 26 – 29. Follow the Conference conversation by searching the hashtag #PRSAICON and following our PRSA National Events Twitter handle, @PRSAevents.

Strategy.  In our profession, we’re thinking about strategy all the time.  How can we reach our target audiences in the most effective, efficient and creative ways possible?

At the PRSA 2013 International Conference, there will be many sessions and many conversations focused on that holy grail of the perfect strategic approach.  But have you planned your personal strategy for the Conference yet?

You know how it goes.  You’re busy, and maybe you glanced at the line-up when the brochure arrived in your mailbox.  You get to the Conference and take a look at the sessions.  There are so many great topics and speakers, you begin to get overwhelmed.  Or you realize that you have a conference call right in the middle of that one session you really wanted to attend.

We’re about eight weeks out from the Conference.  Why not take a look at those sessions now and block your calendar for the ones you really want to attend?  Take a few minutes today to do some “defensive calendaring” so that you have a better chance of balancing a great Conference experience with the needs of your business.

By now, you’ve probably heard all about the keynoters – Brian Solis, Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour and John J. Wood.  But the workshops also offer a wealth of insights and best practices that you can apply to your organization. The workshop sets are divided into five tracks: Innovation, Tools & Techniques, Specialization, Strategy & Measurement and Leadership & Management. Each track offers strategies and success stories from experienced practitioners who are excited and eager to share their methods with you.

Whether you’re looking for innovative approaches, networking opportunities or to enhance your skills, or you’re pursing or maintaining your accreditation, you will find sessions that support your goals for the conference.

As long as you’re looking at your calendar, don’t forget to schedule some time to discover Philadelphia!  With the annual Tweet Up, mixers and dinners, there are many opportunities to extend your networking circle while exploring all Philly has to offer.

One last reminder to add to that calendar entry – bring a gently used accessory (a handbag, some jewelry, a pair of shoes or a scarf) to donate to the Career Wardrobe and cap off your Conference experience by helping someone confidently enter the workforce and pursue a productive career.

Finally, if you haven’t registered yet, September 6, 2013 is the last day to get the Saver Rate and save $200.  So take a look at the workshops; block those calendars; take advantage of the early registration discount and we’ll see you in Philadelphia soon!

Courtney L. Robinson, APR, the publicity chair for the 2013 PRSA International Host Committee, works in Executive Communications for AmeriHealth Caritas, and is an adjunct instructor at La Salle University. 

About the author

Courtney L. Robinson, APR

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