Presented by Aaron Friedman, Vice President of Marketing, Propel with Mayra Heitman, Public Relations Manager, Sociallee PR & Digital Media.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has found its way into every industry, including communications. Can you use PR tech tools to make life easier with data-informed insights, and keep the human element and relationship building element? How can you make sure that your story pitch is still personable and take advantage of technology at your fingertips? Meeting that need is why Propel was created. This PR software can help you improve your pitches, optimize your relationships with journalists and track the coverage of campaigns – without confusing spreadsheets, overwhelming tools and astronomical subscription costs. Learn how you can take advantage of technology to bring your media relations to the next level with the ultimate hack: using AI to sound even more human in your communications initiatives.
*Zoom meeting information will be emailed the week of the event.
About this event
Learn how to develop trust-based relationships with the media and story ideas reporters love to cover as well as how to prepare for a media interview. Robyn Felix, APR, provides strategic leadership in her position at the Southwest Florida Water Management District. She will share a variety of real-world examples and practical tips from her more than 26 years of experience in television news, media relations and public relations in the Tampa Bay area.
Presented by Myiah J. Hutchens, Ph.D., Associate Professor, College of Journalism and Communications, University of Florida
This session will address both the causes and consequences of exposure to information that we disagree with. Good information is key to making good decisions, and information is better when we are willing to hear multiple perspectives. However, especially in politics, many individuals are reluctant to engage with ideas that are counter to what they already believe. Dr. Myiah Hutchens, an expert in diverse perspectives, will address the biases that audiences often have when approaching counter-attitudinal information and what strategies can be used to make those conversations more productive.
Takeaways:
• What your in-group does matters – challenge yourself to seek out diverse perspectives
• Disagreement can have positive effects
• Try to reinforce shared identities when talking to someone you disagree with
Influencer marketing is a powerful tool that can help you reach key audiences on social media and enhance your brand’s credibility. According to Deloitte’s 2022 Digital Democracy Survey, 70% of U.S. consumers say they follow an influencer online, and one-third say social media influencers influence their buying decisions.
Join us via Zoom on Thursday, Oct. 13, to hear from Carly Riordan – a successful influencer, blogger, and author with more than 227,000 Instagram followers – on how marketing and PR professionals can partner with influencers in a way that is mutually beneficial. She will also discuss her path to becoming a full-time lifestyle blogger – and how she balances her public-facing career with her personal life.
Learn how to craft your best Instagram profile to create a content strategy that ensures you stand out in your industry.
Whether you’re a member of the c-suite, a small business owner, or just getting started with your professional journey, developing your personal brand can be key to your success. Yet, showcasing your talent and authentically highlighting who you are can be a challenge for many. In “Branding Yourself on Instagram to Support Your Career Goals,” you’ll learn the value of focusing on Instagram and how to create a content strategy that ensures you stand out in your industry. From what to post to how to craft your profile, you’ll walk away with quick wins and a long-term strategy that opens new opportunities for your overall career.
Our presenter, Heather Colby, is a nationally recognized real estate marketer who has helped realtors across the country refine their respective brands and build their business.
The age-old question in PR: How do we ensure that we reach our desired audience? Join us on Zoom, from 12:00 – 1:00 pm, on October 20, to hear from guest speaker, 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗻𝘂𝘁, APR, CPRC, Immediate Past State FPRA President and the communications manager for Cox Communications. An accomplished public relations professional with over 15 years, she has expertise developing and executing all aspects of public relations and employee communications campaigns to support strategic business initiatives. She has a solid reputation within the public and business communities as a creative and dynamic professional, producing effective and engaging communications for internal and external customers. We’re excited to hear more about how to grow and engage audiences by using digital tools.
Presented by Andrya Allen, Marketing Director and Partner at The Nine
Brands today enter the world with a base expectation of making a positive impact. Your audience expects authenticity and conscious intention. Learn how to align your brand with the foundations of positivity psychology to speed up growth, establish cultural change and be remembered as a legacy.
During this virtual event, we’ll learn about what it takes to lead a woman- and minority-certified public relations firm and a statewide conference. Our guest, Arlene DiBenigno, is the managing partner at Conversa Co and President/CEO of the Women’s Conference of Florida, Inc. You won’t want to miss hearing about her diverse leadership experience and advice for other practitioners.
Join us for a virtual Lunch & Learn featuring Chris Gent, APR, CPRC, head of strategic communications and public affairs for Georgia-Pacific’s Palatka Operations.
Date: Noon to 1 p.m. | Thursday, Nov. 17
Topic: Crisis Communications
FREE for FPRA members*, $10 for nonmembers
*Members, email us at SouthFloridaFPRA@Gmail.com for your special promo code.
Build your crisis PR plan with help from an expert. Chris Gent, APR, CPRC has worked in this field for more than 30 years and will share his tips and insights to help you avoid a PR crisis.
We often think of ethics in terms of good vs. bad, or right vs. wrong; however, ethics are rarely that straightforward. PR practitioners have a responsibility to their employers, their clients, the profession, the public and to themselves to practice responsibly and to protect the trust they have with each. Unfortunately, conflicts of interest often arise in that pursuit. In those situations, how do we determine the most ethical, socially responsible path? Understanding the different approaches to ethics, the ethical decision-making process and key components of the law are foundational to effective and ethically-sound public relations.
Ethics topics:
Defining ethics
The ethical decision-making process and theories
How to handle conflicts of ethics
The First Amendment and Media law
FPRA Code of Ethics
Key takeaways:
Exploring the reality that ethics is rarely as cut and dry as right vs wrong – it’s often a matter of conflicting ‘rights’
Embracing the idea of PR as the conscious of an organization – this webinar will discuss how to be well-versed in the law and in the ethical decision-making process in order to be effective counselors
Understanding the potentially serious consequences of not having a firm grasp of the law or the ethical process in PR including the substantial loss of money, litigation, the loss of trademarks, SEC issues and reputational damage, among many others.
Consider setting a new year’s resolution in 2023 to help enhance your professional knowledge and career status. Earn your credentials and be part of the elite few to become accredited and/or certified in public relations.
The Central West Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association will host a free webinar from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 on Zoom. Learn the steps to earn either an Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) credential or a Certified Public Relations Counselor (CPRC) credential (or both).
Led by our chapter’s Credentialing Team, Erin Hoffer, APR, CPRC and Laura Ansel, APR, the session will detail the process to earn both credentials. They will provide important insights and key take-aways for success.
The webinar is free for all Florida Public Relations Association members and non-members. Participants must have a Zoom login (free) to be able to participate in the webinar. For more information, email accreditation@cwcfpra.com.
This is a joint session of the Tampa Bay and Dick Pope/Polk County FPRA chapters and is free to all. Come join us for this virtual session to learn more about the annual FPRA Image Awards competition and how to create an award-winning entry. The Image Award entry deadline is March 6.
Join us via Zoom on Wednesday, Jan. 18, for our 2023 State of the Media Journalist Panel moderated by Alia Faraj-Johnson of Alia Strategic Group. Panelists will discuss how PR/comms teams can best connect with the media, how the media landscape has changed (particularly in this new virtual world), how news outlets prioritize coverage and the importance of relationships between PR/comms professionals and journalists.
Please join us from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20 via Zoom! Our guest speaker will be Stephanie Chong, owner/CEO of noodPR. She will present, “The Evolution of Digital Marketing Strategies – How Inclusion, Diversity & Awareness Should Change PR Strategies.”
Easily bored and always up for a challenge, Stephanie migrated to #BayStreetLife to work in sales and marketing at an award-winning hedge fund. She then went onto Canada’s largest multi-residential REIT, handling investor relations and communications. After several years in financial communications, Stephanie realized it wasn’t her true calling. She left Bay Street and started noodPR on her kitchen counter in response to a growing demand for an agency centered around sustainable development. With her interest and experience in social impact, noodPR was formed as the go-to agency for sustainable, ethical, and socially-conscious brands.
Using lessons from his yoga teacher training, Dan Farkas will spark ideas to help agencies grow new business and allow brands to identify efficiency.
• Discover new ways to measure earned media success. Farewell advertising value…
• Learn better ways to build a media list.
• Appreciate relating to the public (in this case how to not annoy a journalist)
• See how to optimize the media coverage you do earn.
Media Relations is still the backbone of PR. We just have to stretch those muscles in new ways.
Join us virtually for the January professional event, where we will have the opportunity to hear from Scott Glaser, the Executive Director of ESPN Events. Scott will share with us how bowl games impact local communities.
Presented by Dan Farkas
Using lessons from his yoga teacher training, Dan Farkas will spark ideas to help agencies grow new business and allow brands to identify efficiency.
Discover new ways to measure earned media success. Farewell advertising value…
Learn better ways to build a media list.
Appreciate relating to the public (in this case how to not annoy a journalist).
See how to optimize the media coverage you do earn.
Media Relations is still the backbone of PR. We just have to stretch those muscles in new ways.
Virtual Lunch & Learn: Grab your lunch and bring your favorite PR tips, tricks and tools to share with fellow members!
Jan. 31 from Noon to 1 p.m. | Free for all attendees!
Join us for this free webinar to learn how you can make the most of user-generated content — even the content that doesn’t seem promising at first. You’ll learn how to turn ordinary customers into passionate superfans who remain loyal to your brand.
Brianne Fleming is a brand builder, marketing instructor, pop culture writer and podcaster. She teaches lead generation. advertising, social media and branding at the University of Florida and has more than ten years of experience in marketing for industries including nonprofit, franchise, real estate and fitness/wellness.
Brianne owns a marketing consultancy and brand development agency called Twelve Stories Up and runs a blog and podcast called Making the Brand.
Join us on February 21 to learn how you can make the most of user-generated content — even the content that doesn’t seem promising at first. You’ll learn how to turn ordinary customers into passionate superfans who remain loyal to your brand.
Brianne Fleming is a brand builder, marketing instructor, pop culture writer and podcaster. She teaches lead generation, advertising, social media and branding at the University of Florida and has more than ten years of experience in marketing for industries including nonprofit, franchise, real estate and fitness/wellness.
February 23, 2023: Build and maintain a thriving PR career
Join this enlightening conversation with two PR experts, who will touch on the APR and CPRC process and how it can help you excel in PR, marketing, communication and beyond. Speakers are Laura Byrnes, APR, CPRC and Amanda Handley, APR, CPRC.
Location: Meeting link will be emailed to all RSVPs
Time: Noon to 1 p.m.
FREE for members, $10 for guests
Bring a PR Challenge You’re Currently Facing and Workshop Some Solutions with Like-Minded Professionals. What is shared on the call, stays on the call! #RealPeopleDoingRealPR
Join us online on Thursday, March 16, as we hear from Alexa Heinrich, Social Media Manager for St. Petersburg College, who’ll chat with us about exploring digital accessibility best practices for social media with an opportunity for attendees to ask questions. Highlights of the program include:
General Info on Accessibility
Assistive Technology and Devices
Hashtags and Copywriting
Emojis and Icons
Images (alt text) and Videos (audio descriptions, captions)
No Turning Back: A Corporate Social Responsibility Imperative
Free for FPRA Members
Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at Noon EST
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has to do with all things corporations do to honor and meet the needs of stakeholders and the environment now and for future generations. Measured by the “triple bottom line,” a phrase coined by John Elkington in the 1990s, CSR operates on the premise that in honoring people and planet, firms will also generate profit. Hotly debated for decades, the landscape shifted dramatically during and since the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. Today, stakeholders are more intentionally making decisions that hold corporations accountable for their environmental footprint and treatment of people in the process of producing goods and providing services. Effective communication is vital for success in gaining and retaining stakeholder trust and support in an era where reputation and success is being measured by the triple bottom line.
In December 2022, PR Week published an article about what to expect PR trends to be in 2023 that was based on a Prowly survey of PR professionals. Results showed the leading trend PR professionals expect to see in 2023 is “social responsibility” incorporating DEI, CSR and ESG (environmental, social and governance). In this webinar, Dr. Sellnow will explore what society expects from our organizations and how we can use effective communication to establish trust and manage relationships in this time of heightened expectations.
Don’t miss this month’s lunchtime virtual fireside chat with Judy Silverstein Gray, who will talk about how her passion for storytelling in journalism, public affairs and public relations led her to co-author her upcoming book Unwavering. The event is noon, March 27. Visit the link to register. http://ow.ly/1Pgo50NfGEH
Learn tips and tricks to use your smartphone to capture high-quality photos and videos.Everything you need to create engaging content is in the palm of your hand. Join us March 30 to learn how! Devon Chestnut, APR, CPRC will lead this educational conversation.
Location: Meeting link will be emailed to all RSVPs
Time: Noon to 1 p.m.
FREE for members, $10 for guests
Tips to Tune up your Golden Image Submission
Free for FPRA Members
Wednesday, April 28 from 1 to 2 p.m. EDT
Learn how to make your Golden Image Awards submission shine bright like a diamond! Join past Grand All Image Award recipients, Orange County Government’s Despina McLaughlin, APR and Seminole County Fire Department’s Doreen Overstreet, APR for a session dedicated to tuning up your award submissions. This hour-long webinar will introduce key structural components that will not only set you up for success but ultimately orchestrate a Golden Image Award pipeline to showcase future award-worthy communications campaigns. From understanding categories to choosing your words wisely, Despina and Doreen deliver a melody of tools that will get you humming a new beat on your way to statewide public relations recognition.
Virtual Networking 10:45 a.m. -11:00 a.m. – Program: 11:00 a.m. to Noon.
Americans are more multiracial than ever. The face of America looks different, and that means the majority of Americans are different. Have you accounted for that evolution in your communication strategy? Reaching the hearts of stakeholders starts with understanding their culture. That understanding can be gained by pros from all kinds of backgrounds and experience levels if a strategic effort is made. Learn from internationally-recognized PR author, national columnist, podcast host and boutique agency owner Melissa Vela-Williamson, APR as she shares ways to be more culturally competent and inclusive with communication. She’ll share data, relatable stories, and actionable tips that illustrate aligning PR communication with DEI principles. This knowledge can help communicators better connect with audiences and support social good.
In just a few short months, ChatGPT has exploded on the scene and is being used with great enthusiasm by millions—garnering national headlines and attention. What should we know about artificial intelligence (AI) as public relations professionals and marketers? Join the Space Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association for a Lunch & Learn webinar, where we will introduce the basics of AI and ChatGPT and provide an overview of what these tools are all about. Led by SCFPRA past president, Rebecca Emery APR, we’ll break down specific areas where AI may be useful for PR and marketing purposes and review ethical and legal considerations for their use. We’ll also take a closer look at AI-driven tools and platforms that can help provide inspiration. Attend this session to gain an understanding of ChatGPT and how to use AI tools and platforms with prudence and possibility!
Presented by Kyle Coon, Keynote Speaker and Paralympian Triathlete
Free for FPRA Members
Wednesday, May 31 from Noon to 1 p.m. EDT
Kyle Coon has been totally blind since he was six years old, but that hasn’t stopped him from embracing a vision of living life to the fullest. From summiting Kilimanjaro at the age of 15, to breaking new ground and setting records as a visually impaired triathlete, to representing the U.S. in the Paralympic Games, Kyle shows us what it means to live with true vision. In this webinar, Kyle will share his story and advice for how you can keep an eye on your life’s vision, recruit and develop your team and achieve your dreams.
Kyle’s message of embracing adversity and identifying and focusing on a vision has been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show and in Backpacker and Triathlete magazines. Losing sight has only served as a base for Kyle’s ability to master his ambitions despite his inability to see them. Inspiring all of us to overcome challenges and sharing a few laughs along the way has become his trademark. Drawing upon his experiences as a totally blind person and adventure athlete, he demonstrates the importance of vision, commitment and courage to pursuing an “Eyeronvision” and embracing the adversity along life’s journey.
In this session, April Salter, APR, CPRC, will share tips to strengthen your crisis planning, whether you work for local government, a local business, corporation or nonprofit, or are a concerned community member. In addition to providing a crisis communications framework for any crisis, she will provide resources and private sector planning tools to be aware of in the event a natural or human-made disaster occurs in your community.
April is a veteran communicator during natural disasters and counsels CEO’s and teams during crises. She grew up in Key West, where hurricane planning was often ignored, and worked at a senior leadership level in state government when Hurricane Andrew hit Homestead as a Category 5 storm in 1992. April worked in both the private sector and local government in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael, a Category 5 storm that hit Mexico Beach in the panhandle in 2018. She pioneered the use of electronic billboards in emergencies in Florida during the 2004 hurricane season when the state was smacked by four different hurricanes within a six-week period. This practice is still used as a FEMA Best Practice case study. Most recently, April and the SalterMitchell PR team created and managed the state Department of Health’s COVID-19 website which has received more than 12 million visits since 2020.
April is the founder and CEO of SalterMitchell PR, an agency grounded in local communities in Florida. She is co-host and executive producer of the Fluent in Floridian podcast, which features the brightest leaders in the Sunshine State. She is a longtime member of FPRA and is currently the president of the Florida Public Relations Education Foundation.
Additional hurricane preparedness virtual sessions throughout the month of June will be announced soon.
*Zoom meeting link will be emailed the morning of the event.
Join Melissa Agnes, founder and CEO of Crisis Ready Institute, author, and crisis communication expert, for a special FPRA webinar where she will discuss strategic and effective ways to manage controversial issues and crises.
Melissa will be a keynote at the upcoming FPRA Annual Conference. This webinar is your opportunity to get a glimpse into what Melissa will go in-depth on at Annual Conference.
Are you ready to “deploy?”
Ashley J. Giovannetti, will share tips on how communications professionals can prepare mentally and functionally to assist their agency – and potentially other agencies- when a disaster strikes. Crisis don’t often give us a heads up, or set aside time for lunch. Ashley will provide helpful insights to help you successfully “deploy” at a moment’s notice, including best items to pack in your go kit, how to find your place in a Joint Information Center and more.
When Ashley is not working as a communications projects coordinator for Pinellas County Government, she is a public affairs specialist for the Coast Guard Reserve. After eight years of active-duty service, she transitioned her public service to the local community and reserves.
Ashley has more than 12 years experience in crisis and disaster communications, including two major oil spills in California, Hurricanes Harvey, Maria, Matthew and Eta. Most recently she responded to Hurricane Ian as the Coast Guard’s PIO for the pollution response, after working the hurricane as the lead PIO for Pinellas County.
*Zoom meeting link will be emailed the morning of the event.
Join the Florida Public Relations Association for a timely and informative webinar about artificial intelligence (AI) from a PR and marketing communications perspective. Led by Space Coast Chapter past president and APR, Rebecca Emery, dive into the fast-paced world of generative AI, ChatGPT, and other game-changing software tools. Discover how AI can help automate and accelerate content generation for public relations, media relations, spokesperson preparedness, copywriting, social media, digital advertising, video/image generation, and competitive analysis. Learn strategies for ethical and responsible use of AI in the workplace and how to identify and respond to AI “deep fakes” from a reputation management standpoint. Gain insights for structuring and saving prompts, using plugins and workflow automation, and understanding the effect AI-powered web browsing will have on SEO moving forward. Join us for this unique deep dive into the fast-paced world of generative AI from a PR and communications perspective in order to work strategically, responsibly, and more efficiently with AI.
Do you have crisis communication questions? Are there any holes in your crisis communication plan? Wish you could run it past an expert? Melissa Agnes is a recognized leading authority on crisis preparedness, reputation management and brand protection. She’s handled crisis situations and worked with NATO, Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defense, financial firms, technology companies, healthcare organizations, cities and municipalities, law enforcement agencies, global non-profits, and many others, helping them understand risk and build invincible brands that can withstand even the most devastating of events. This is your opportunity to ask her anything. Pick Melissa’s brain on the crisis communication questions that you can’t find answers to anywhere else.
During this session, you will have the opportunity to ask Melissa questions. If you’d rather send your questions in advance, please send them to melanie@kscadvpr.com.
Grab your favorite cup of coffee and get inspired during this Coaching & Coffee seminar, featuring insights from Brian Ososky, marketing director for the Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods.
During this virtual program, Ososky will share the VCB’s strategic and creative approach to tourism marketing, reflecting on its response to marketing the region in the weeks and months after Hurricane Ian and looking ahead at what’s in store for the remainder of 2023 and beyond.
Join the Northwest Florida Coast Chapter of the FPRA on Tuesday, September 19th from 12 PM – 1 PM CST for our September Professional Development Webinar, Remember Your Internal Audience: Tapping into a Marketing Pro’s Most Important Demographic, presented by Corey Dobridnia, PIO for the Walton County Sheriff’s Office.
An award-winning Public Information Officer, Corey Dobridnia is currently employed at the Walton County Sheriff’s Office. In a past life, Dobridnia worked as the weekend anchor for WMBB, an ABC Affiliate out of Panama City covering Tyndall Air Force Base, Naval Support Activity Panama City and more.
Dobridnia graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a bachelor’s degree in communication and earned a master’s degree from Florida State University, Panama City in corporate and public communication. ERAU was also where she lettered in women’s volleyball.
In 2017, Dobridnia was dually named Public Information Officer of the Year by the Florida Law Enforcement Public Information Officer’s Association and the Florida Association of Public Information Officers. In 2018, Dobridnia received the PIO Deployment Team Mobilization Award after deploying to help public agencies following Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Michael. In 2020, Walton County Sheriff’s Office was a finalist for Government Social Media’s Golden Post Awards for Best Instagram Presence.
This professional development webinar is FREE for members/students and $30 for nonmembers. The Zoom link for the webinar will be emailed to you prior to the webinar.