My millennial co-worker — an FPRA member — almost every Friday sings out the “It’s Friday” song, the amateur ditty that went viral in 2011. For the rest of the day, that song is in my head. But almost every Friday, I text a GIF of that song to my millennial daughter, who responds with an eye-rolling GIF.
On the other end of the spectrum, Jay Rayburn, the grizzled, old APR, CPRC, veteran of FPRA, instant messaged me on Black Friday a link to a holiday Hawaiian shirt to clash with my FPRA Hawaiian shirt. (Not sure if I will buy it; I still haven’t got enough mileage out of my Grinch-Who-Stole-Christmas sweater.) For those of you who do not know, I debuted my custom FPRA Hawaiian shirt during my acceptance speech this last August at our Presidents’ Luncheon.
I share this for two points:
- Social media is the main source of communication for most people. (Yes, I count “Snapperchat.”)
- The challenge for FPRA is to use this medium to provide value for all of the generations of PR practitioners.
VP of Digital Media Ashley Mock and VP of Communications & PR Erin Ferguson are doing great work in sharing information vital to our members. That includes communicating information about the Image Awards and the Golden Image Awards.
Also, the webinars are a great way to learn about different aspects of PR and work life, all from the comforts of your desk. Rayburn would probably tell you that 15, even 10 years ago, the thought of listening/watching a PR topic without having to travel would have been unheard of.
As we head toward the end of 2018, we’re already looking ahead to 2019. Yesterday (Dec. 10), several of us conducted a site visit at the Marriott Waterside, the host of our 2019 Annual Conference in downtown Tampa. It’s going to be a great venue to have a Smart/Engaged/Fun event. VP of Annual Conference Jessica Potts and her committee have already lined up some great speakers.
I know the chapters are having holiday socials this month and I, along with Cheray, Jill and the State Office staff, wish all of you — young and grizzled — Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year.
Stay Smart. Stay Engaged. Have Fun.
