Calendar

The Volusia/Flagler Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association has selected newly retired Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Kim Montes as the 2022 Roger Pynn Great Communicator and the Museum of Arts & Sciences in Daytona Beach as the inaugural recipient of the chapter’s new Great Corporate Communicator Award.
The Great Communicator to be awarded to Montes is the highest honor for a professional from the local community for a lifetime of achievement and excellence in public relations. The award is named for Roger Pynn, APR, CPRC, a public relations industry leader in Florida who was state FPRA president in 2015-2016 and has served as a strategic adviser to the FPRA Volusia/Flagler Chapter since 2016.
The Inaugural 2022 Great Corporate Communicator to be awarded to MOAS recognizes a business, nonprofit or government organization for an outstanding public relations campaign or project that improved the quality of life in Volusia and Flagler counties.
Montes and the MOAS communications team will be honored at the 2022 Great Communicator and Great Corporate Communicator Awards luncheon. The public is invited to attend. Short-term parking passes and a hot meal are included. Tickets must be reserved by noon Monday, August 12.

Get your passport to professional development and join us as we recap the highlights and insights from this year’s FPRA Annual Conference.
About this event

Couldn’t make it to this year’s Annual Conference but want a reason to connect and learn together? Don’t worry: that boat hasn’t sailed yet and we have your ticket to success. Come together with your Central West Coast chapter to recap the highlights and insights from this year’s gathering, with light bites and refreshments, of course. This event will be your passport to professional development and help ensure your professional growth acceleration so that you are better prepared to manage today’s and tomorrow’s communications challenges. All members and future members are welcome.

Thank you to our annual sponsor, Next-Mark.

Join FPRA Orlando for our annual end-of-year celebration and board installation breakfast.
About this event
Join us for the FPRA Orlando Area Chapter’s annual end-of-year celebration and board installation breakfast program. We’re excited to recognize the dedication of our outgoing board of directors, the winners of our Dr. Bob Davis “Unsung Hero” Award and Member of the Year Award, and welcome the chapter’s new leaders for the 2022-2023 year. Plus, incoming FPRA state president, Jay Morgan-Schleuning, APR, CPRC, will share his vision for the year ahead. Registration includes a breakfast buffet.
Parking spaces are available in the Historic Dubsbread’s paved lot.

Join us at our Mix & Meet event on August 30, from 5:30 – 7:00 pm at Hell ‘n Blazes Brewing Company, as we welcome Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) State President, Jay Morgan-Schleuning, APR, CPRC, to install the 2022/23 Space Coast FPRA Board.

Come out and network with PR professionals from around the county and meet your new Board of Directors.

𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 to attend for current members, but must register!
$𝟭𝟬 for non-members; includes 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗿𝘀.

Central West Coast Chapter presents FPRA Board Installation and Chapter Awards with FPRA President Jay Morgan-Schleuning, APR, CPRC. Lunch will be provided.

Join us for an evening of friendship, networking and celebration on Tuesday, September 13 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. as we ring in the new chapter year!

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about our chapter and network with some of Northeast Florida’s top PR and communication professionals. Light food, drinks and door prizes will be provided!

We’ll also welcome incoming Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) State President, Jay Morgan-Schleuning, APR, CPRC, as he installs the 2022-23 FPRA Jacksonville Chapter Board Officers.

A special thank you to our event sponsor, Brunet-García Advertising, for hosting this celebration.

Volusia/Flagler Chapter of FPRA’s 2022-23 officer installation and FPRA’s Vision by 2022-23 President, Jay Morgan-Schleuning, APR, CPRC
About this event

The Volusia-Flagler Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) will install its fiscal year 2022-’2023 board officers at its Thursday, September 15 lunch meeting. The statewide incoming President of FPRA, Jay Morgan-Schleuning, APR, CPRC, will officiate the change of leadership and discuss his theme and mission for FPRA for the next year, “You Belong at FPRA.”

Reservations are due by Monday, September 12. For more information, please visit https://fpravf.org or write fpravf@gmail.com. Limited late registrations may be available for an additional fee.

Morgan-Schleuning is Principal and Founder of Authentic Reputations, LLC, a public relations consultancy that helps mission-driven leaders build trust and inspire stakeholders. Prior to launching his business, he led successful teams and communication programs at such high-impact businesses as the American Heart Association, Florida Chamber of Commerce, Visit Florida and the Arc of Florida.

On September 1, Jay Morgan-Schleuning will become President of FPRA, the oldest public relations organization in the United States. He was named FPRA’s Member of the Year in 2020 and Chapter President of the Year in 2017 with the Capital Chapter.

The incoming President of the Chapter is Christine Martindale, City of Port Orange. Officers include President-Elect Johanna Santana, Pinterest; Immediate Past-President and VP Communications, Cyndi Hines, SMA Healthcare Foundation; Secretary Angelene Davis, City of Palm Coast; Vice President of Finance Karen Eastman, Florida Health Care Plans; Student Faculty Advisor of the VISION student chapter, Dr. Salvador (Ray) Victor, Bethune-Cookman University; and Senior Advisor Bob Barker. Vice Presidents include: Sasha Staton, City of Daytona Beach Fire; Cindi Lane, City of Daytona Beach Shores; Ava Hanner, City of DeLand; Lori McMullin, Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce; and Sara Withrow, Flying Magazine.

Join us for our August Lunch and Learn – Thursday, Sept. 15 at 11:45 a.m.

The Wright Place (First United Methodist Church)

80 E. Wright Street in Pensacola

Join us for our September Lunch and Learn as we hear from Candy McGuyre, director, coporate marketing, Baptist Health Care, on communications planning for a large project.

Candy McGuyre serves as the director of marketing for Baptist Health Care. She is responsible for leading communications, marketing and public relations efforts for the organization that includes three hospitals, four medical parks, a provider network and the Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine. During her 24-year tenure at the area’s only locally governed, not-for-profit health system, she also has served as public relations specialist, region marketing manager and foundation director of development. As public relations counsel for the organization, Candy and team work directly with senior leadership during crisis situations. Recent events include the NAS Pensacola shooting and years’ long COVID-19 response.

“Join us for a FREE virtual Lunch & Learn featuring Alyson Sologaistoa, Senior Director, Corporate Communications at Universal Orlando Resort!
Date: Noon to 1 p.m. | Wednesday, Sept. 15
Topic: The Power of Challenger Brands
Healthy competition can breed creativity, innovation and the drive to be the very best. Join us to:
• Explore companies who embrace the competitive spirit for good
• Learn ways you can ensure your brand promise is actually delivering
RSVP by Sept. 13 at https://forms.gle/czbH27tEWTN5VZWa7 ”

Our annual meeting and installation of new officers will take place on September 15, in an early evening celebration, at Cobb’s Landing, in their private upstairs location, beginning at 5:30 PM, so please save that date now. We have complied the list of past presidents to honor them at this event, as we begin a tradition of passing the gavel and sharing words of wisdom and advice to our incoming 2022/23 president, Jennifer Trefelner, APR, CPRC. Our freshly installed State President Jay Morgan-Schleuning will be joining us for the festivities and sharing his plans and view of the year ahead for FPRA. We will also honor outgoing President Sue-Ellen Sanders and her hard-working Board of Directors for 2021/2022.

Your ticket includes festivities, dinner and a cash bar. FPRA Members $30 and guests $35.

𝙅𝙤𝙞𝙣 𝙪𝙨 on September 20, from 5:30 – 7:00 PM, at Hilton Garden Inn Cocoa Beach Oceanfront, to celebrate our 2022 Dick Baumbach PR Pro, Rachel Horst, and Communicator of the Year, Brightline!
We’ll also recognize Rising Star, Carlee Mixon, and Doris Fleischman winner, Samantha Senger, APR, CPRC.
*𝙋𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙙𝙚𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙯𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙙𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙩.

The Capital Chapter hosts ER for PR every year. It’s an opportunity for nonprofits without full-time public relations staff to receive 90 minutes of counseling free of charge.

As always, ER for PR is free of charge for nonprofits selected. Special thank you to Florida Health Care Association and MillCreek Financial Consultants for sponsoring this year’s event!

WANTED: Public Relations “Medics” for the 2022 ER for PR event!
Help give back to our local community by volunteering to be a “medic” at ER for PR. You will be paired with a local nonprofit and will have 90 minutes to counsel them on best practices and ways to implement public awareness campaigns, special events or media relations strategies.

If you are interested in serving as an ER for PR medic, please email zoelinafelt@gmail.com. Your participation is critical to the success of this event!

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

Visit Orlando, The Official Tourism Association® for Orlando, and Orlando Economic Partnership, the economic and community development organization for the region, recently launched one singular, comprehensive and consistent brand to promote the destination and region. The new “Unbelievably Real” brand platform is the product of a first-of-its-kind partnership between the two organizations and was developed to speak to all audiences — leisure visitors, meeting planners, meeting attendees, travel professionals, site selectors, business relocation stakeholders and talent. Based on research and tested with a variety of audiences, the Unbelievably Real global brand’s goal is to highlight the region in a new way that tells a complete Orlando story. Learn how the campaign became a reality.

After the program, attendees will have the opportunity to do a self-guided tour of the new offices of Orlando Economic Partnership in Downtown Orlando.

Parking Instructions (not included in event ticket price): Attendees can park at the parking garage connected to the Orlando Economic Partnership office at: 200 South Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801 Street parking is also available nearby.

About the Speaker:

You’re invited to FPRA Tampa Bay’s Awards and Swearing-in Ceremony
featuring special guest

Wendy Crites Wacker, APR, CPRC, President of Surgence Communications Strategies

Join us for a networking lunch to celebrate this past year and transition to the next. We have some incredible talent at FPRA Tampa Bay – let’s take the time to recognize them!

We’re hosting our first lunch & learn of the chapter year on Wed., Oct. 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Dreams Come True of Jacksonville.

💠Learn about the four quadrants of employee engagement, how to impact and increase engagement in your organization, and why communication professionals are better positioned to lead the charge regardless of role or tenure. Amanda Y., who leads brand and talent development in corporate communications at Brunet-García Advertising, will be our dynamic speaker.

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with FPRA Orlando and Sarah Domenech, Public Relations Manager at Walt Disney World Resort. Join us on October 13 for another Members-Only Coffee Chat at the SODO Foxtail Coffee. Sarah will share best practices to reach multicultural audiences. #YouBelongAtFPRA

Parking will be available at Foxtail Coffee Co, Prime OBGYN and Orlando Credit Union.

We’d like to thank our sponsor, Foxtail Coffee, for providing free coffee and discounts on specialty beverages.

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.

FPRA members are invited to attend a fun, casual virtual mixer on Thursday, October 13th from 5:30- 6:30 pm. Connect with PR pros from South Florida and all over the state! You won’t want to miss this opportunity!

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.

Join FPRA Orlando for a free membership mixer at Ivanhoe Park Brewing in Orlando. Our chapter board members will be available to answer your questions about FPRA membership and share why they love being part of a statewide network of more than 1,200 professionals strong. All guests will get one (1) complimentary beer courtesy of FPRA Orlando, and will also be entered for a chance to win some prizes. #YouBelongAtFPRA

Join the Treasure Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association for our October Membership Meeting, featuring Carin Campbell Smith, Communications Director of the St Lucie County Tax Collector’s Office. She’ll present “Finding Your Organization’s Voice,” coming from the perspective of a former anchor/reporter and communications director who has worked for different entities with very different voices. She will discuss everything involved in developing an organization’s “voice,” from tone and language to graphics and colors.

Arrive early for a light continental breakfast and a chance to network. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m.

The Volusia/Flagler Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) will welcome Heather Files, Executive Director of the Halifax Historical Society Museum as the guest speaker at our October professional development luncheon!

Files started with the Museum in 2020 and currently serves as the Executive Director and will talk on the topic, “Rebranding Strategies: Updating Your Company without Losing Your Audience.” Prior to the Halifax Historical Society, Files worked in the food service industry, specifically fine dining for many years.

The Halifax Historical Society was founded in 1949 to gather, preserve, and present the history of the Halifax River area to educate the public. The museum’s permanent exhibits showcase the history of the greater Daytona Beach area, from Ormond Beach through Ponce Inlet and Port Orange (known as the Halifax Area, after our river), the museum’s timeline begins with artifacts dating from 2,500 to 5,000 B.C.E.

Join us for our October Lunch and Learn as we hear from Andrya Allen about SMART goal setting.

Andrya, Marketing Director & Partner at The Nine, develops the brand content systems behind millions of dollars in revenue across the globe. In addition to speaking at international marketing conferences and national associations, her unique approach to growth relies on customer data and emerging artificial intelligence. In her free time, Andrya publishes best-selling poetry collections online.

ave lunch with your fellow FPRA Gainesville members Oct. 20 at Paramount Grill and hear from Alyson Sologaistoa, APR, CPRC, and a past state FPRA president.

Alyson is the senior director of communications for Universal Orlando Resorts and will share on the topic: Complimentary vs Competitive – How Challenger Brands Can Live in Harmony. Networking starts at 11:30 a.m. and the program begins at noon.

Alyson has worked on the communications team at Universal for more than 13 years and has been closely involved with communicating the destination’s evolution, beginning in 2010 with the opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade. In her current role, she leads a team in setting global public relations strategy, tactical planning and execution, corporate issues and crisis management.

For questions or more information, email FPRA Gainesville at eventsfpragville@gmail.com.

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.

Professional and student members of the FPRA Capital Chapter are invited to attend our fall social!
Moore has generously offered to host our Professional + Student Member Mixer at their office on Delta Blvd., near The Centre of Tallahassee. Enjoy a beverage and some treats on Thursday, Oct. 20, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Catch up with old friends and make new ones. This event is free, and all are welcome. We are also collecting donations to help with recovery efforts for those impacted by Hurricane Ian via the Florida Disaster Fund. Please consider making a donation directly through Volunteer Florida’s website, or you are welcome to bring a cash donation to the social.

Join CWC chapter members and friends at Gecko’s Grill & Pub at 5585 Palmer Crossing Circle on Thursday, October 20 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. for a fund-raiser benefitting All Faiths Food Bank, The Florida Center, and Senior Friendship Centers. Appetizers will be provided. Donations being accepted that evening via check, cash or card.

Attend our October professional development meeting at the College of Central Florida as Lisa Lombardo presents on how “Culture that drives engagement yields retention”. This workshop will touch on why culture matters and what it is a (and isn’t); while focusing most on how to create and implement programs that increase engagement.

Hot buffet lunch will be served starting at 11:30 a.m., Leadership ice-breaker starts at 11:45 a.m., and the one-hour program begins promptly at noon.

Visit Orlando, The Official Tourism Association® for Orlando, and Orlando Economic Partnership, the economic and community development organization for the region, recently launched one singular, comprehensive and consistent brand to promote the destination and region. The new “Unbelievably Real” brand platform is the product of a first-of-its-kind partnership between the two organizations and was developed to speak to all audiences — leisure visitors, meeting planners, meeting attendees, travel professionals, site selectors, business relocation stakeholders and talent. Based on research and tested with a variety of audiences, the Unbelievably Real global brand’s goal is to highlight the region in a new way that tells a complete Orlando story. Learn how the campaign became a reality.

After the program, attendees will have the opportunity to do a self-guided tour of the new offices of Orlando Economic Partnership in Downtown Orlando.

Parking Instructions (not included in event ticket price): Attendees can park at the parking garage connected to the Orlando Economic Partnership office at: 200 South Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801 Street parking is also available nearby.

About the Speakers:
Laureen Martinez, APR / Vice President, Marketing and Brand Management – Orlando Economic Partnership

As Vice President of Marketing and Branding Laureen is responsible for the Orlando Economic Partnership’s overall strategy that positions the region as a national leader in advancing Broad-based Prosperity. She also manages the regional business brand, “Orlando. Unbelievably Real” a new initiative, in partnership with Visit Orlando, aimed at building Orlando’s reputation as a premier destination from a quality of life, business and leisure perspective.

Let off some steam and join FPRA Pensacola Chapter for a networking mixer with fellow PR professionals at Grizzly Axes on Tues., Oct. 25 at 6 p.m.!

RSVP today to ensure we have an accurate headcount. Closed toe shoes are required.

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.

ommunications professionals across Southwest Florida have faced many challenges – both personally and professionally – since Hurricane Ian. Let’s come together to unwind and connect during our FPRA member Happy Hour event on Thursday, Oct. 27 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Priority Marketing in Fort Myers.

Attendees will enjoy wine, beer and light bites while catching up with fellow FPRA members and raising funds for Southwest Florida chapter members who are working to get back on their feet after Hurricane Ian.

FPRA is encouraging donations of $10 to benefit the FPRA Hurricane Ian Member Relief Fund. Donations will be distributed directly to FPRA-SWFL members who have been greatly impacted by the storm.

The event is free to attend, however, attendees are asked to RSVP.

Join us on Thursday, Nov. 3, at The Current Agency to hear from Joel Staley, the Senior Communications Consultant and Executive Media Trainer with JCS Communications, LLC. During this interactive workshop, Joel will explain how to prepare your organization’s staff for the most challenging media interviews. He will cover what opportunities require training and how to convince executives that they need it. Joel will also review what elements ought to be included in the most effective training sessions. His presentation will include specific examples and stories from his work with companies from the FORTUNE 500 including GE, Accenture, The Walt Disney Company, MTV Networks Latin America, Shell Oil Company, Unilever, Georgia Pacific and more.

Special thank you to The Current Agency for sponsoring this event!

oin your fellow FPRA members as Heather Brinckerhoff, with QVC, shares her top social media lessons during a fireside chat. Heather will share her social media journey, which includes working for Chip and Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia brand, Disney Parks, and more.

She will offer insights on how to structure communications teams and tips for managing team workflow. Heather will also discuss which social platforms to prioritize, her favorite social media measurement tools, and ways you can grow your audience.
We will also have time for questions, so come ready to pick Heather’s brain.

NAVIGATING YOURSELF IN CRISIS AND MULTICULTURAL CONTEXTS: Unleashing Your Potential to Transcend Boundaries & Impact Change

External vs Internal Contexts
External Contexts – Academia + CRITICAL ELEMENT MISSING
Internal Context – Real world experience teaches us how much we didn’t know! Skills, tactics, tips, etc.

Suzanne Buchanan

Senior Principal, Karat Communications

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.

Interested in learning more about FPRA? Join us for our FREE after-hours event on November 16th. Mix and mingle with fellow PR professionals and get to know more about our Space Coast Chapter.

All attendees will receive one free drink ticket and light appetizers will be served.

Complimentary headshots will be available for those who renew or join by October 31st, courtesy of TSS Photography of Florida’s Space Coast.

If you wish to purchase a headshot, you can do so for only $30.

Join the Treasure Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association for our November Membership Meeting, “Pirate-Proofing Your Practice,” with special guest Barbra Hernández, APR, CPRC, Pinellas County Communications Director.

What does Sir Francis Drake have to do with public relations? Could the Earl of Cumberland offer valuable insight to the modern-day government PR practitioner?

Embark on this session to gain actionable public relations wit from some of the most notorious pirate legends of the sea. Drawing from centuries of documented history, you will walk away ready to joust through adversarial stakeholder relations, steer your team’s ship through murky waters, and anchor your seat at the leadership table. And, why not, perhaps with a few more gems in your PR treasure trove.

Arrive early for a light continental breakfast and a chance to network. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m.

Location: IRSC Kight Center for Emerging Technologies

The Volusia/Flagler Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) will welcome Amy Zengotita, Parks & Recreation Director for the City of South Daytona as the guest speaker at their November professional development luncheon. This meeting will be held on Thursday, November 17 at 11:30 a.m. in the Dennis McGee Room at the Daytona Beach International Airport.

As the Parks & Recreation Director, Zengotita manages Communications for the city and specializes in social media, and will speak on the topic, “All About Algorithms: How to Enhance Your Organization’s Social Media Presence.” Zengotita has also presented for the past several years at the FRPA (Florida Recreation & Park Association) Conference and in 2019, she was recognized by the Daytona Beach News-Journal as an outstanding young professional in their 40 under 40.
Register by noon on November 14 at fpravf.org. Lunch is included in the cost of $30 for members, $40 for non-members, and $15 for students. Walk-ins are accepted for a $5 additional surcharge.

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.

Attend our November professional development meeting at the College of Central Florida as our very own Jen Pagh presents: “Want More Web Traffic, $500k ROI, and More Customer Leads? Learn Award-Winning PR Techniques To Take You Over the Top”. With a vast array of marketing and PR tools to choose from, how do you know which tactics to activate on your campaigns? Jen will share how she partnered with her client on their goals and objectives to complete market research and build a comprehensive marketing and PR strategy to drive for incredible growth.
Hot buffet lunch will be served starting at 11:30 a.m., Leadership ice-breaker starts at 11:45 a.m., and the one-hour program begins promptly at noon.

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.

Throw on your best ugly sweater, grab a toy and join us!

Join us in partnership with AAF Daytona Beach on Thursday, December 1 from 6 pm – 9 pm for our holiday social at Dunes Brewing (59 Dunlawton Ave. in Port Orange)!

This event is open to both members and non-members. Bring an unopened, unwrapped toy for the OCL Toy Drive and get your first drink FREE!

DJ Corey Morris will be rockin’ the tunes at the Get n’ Roasted food truck that will be on-site with food for purchase.

Join FPRA Pensacola for our holiday Jingle Mingle at Sir Richard’s Public House! It’s free to attend.

This year we will be supporting the Gulf Coast Kid’s House. Their most needed item is Pack ‘n Plays. If you feel led to give, please bring a new Pack ‘n Play or monetary donation for Gulf Coast Kid’s House. Find out more about how they serve our community here: www.gulfcoastkidshouse.org.

Be sure to wear your most festive attire. Bring your friends and your best holiday cheer, we can’t wait to see you!

Join FPRA Orlando for a lunch & learn (lunch provided by Olive Garden) on The Art of Storytelling featuring Darden Restaurants’ Senior Vice President of Communications Justin Sikora. Attendees will learn new methods on how to create and tell stories effectively to both internal and external audiences along with key learnings from Justin’s tenured career telling stories for various brands, including Darden, Time Warner (DC Entertainment) and Unilever’s AXE and Dove brands.
This compelling lunch & learn will be very popular. Space for the event is limited to FPRA members and FPRA students at this time.

FPRA Treasure Coast invites you to join us for Brews, Boots, & Bylines, our Rowdy, Howdy Holiday Party at the Islamorada Brewery & Distillery on Thursday, December 8! Celebrate the holidays with some of the greatest PR pros across the Treasure Coast – let’s mingle, eat, and let our boots hit the dance floor! Registration is $20 per person and includes one free drink and a specially-branded FPRA cookie. Seas The Day Food Truck will be on-site serving delicious food options, and for an additional $5, guests can boot scootin’ boogie their way through a line dancing lesson led by The Wild Roses.

Join your FPRA family at Ology Brewing Company’s Power Mill location for a Holiday Social on Thursday, Dec. 8! Significant others/spouses/partners are welcome. If you’d like to bring your donations for our holiday giving drive for Brehon Family Services, we will collect them at the social and deliver them for you.

Please RSVP by Wednesday, December 7.

Price
Members, Students, and Non-Members: FREE

Join us for this members-only (and their plus ones) for a night of networking and a great opportunity to participate in the annual raffle to benefit our scholarship programs.

Get ready to mix, mingle and unwind with your FPRA friends. Admission is $25 per person. Guests must RSVP online by Friday, December 2 at www.fpraswfl.org. Register today because spaces are limited!

Registration includes the choice of a beer, wine, or non-alcoholic beverage, heavy appetizers and a raffle ticket. Additional raffle tickets will be available for purchase.

So, mark your calendars for Friday, December 9 and get ready for a fun-filled evening. The Merry Mixer event is a little different each year, but a few things remain constant: great food and drinks, and wonderful company.

‘Tis the season for good food and even better company! Join us for our member-only holiday mixer at 310 Park South. We have a dinner reservation at 7 p.m., conveniently located on Park Avenue in Winter Park. Space is limited, so please RSVP in order to join our dinner reservation! You are responsible for purchasing your own food and beverages. We can’t wait to see you there!

No matter the size, industry, model, or age of an enterprise, internal communications is the critical catalyst towards mission/vision success. Organizations are made up of people, whether two or 200,000. And, people need to be connected, informed, and encouraged. In this session, Garrett Wilburn will be covering the role of internal communications and some best practices for streamlining and elevating communications in any organization.

About Garrett Wilburn

Garrett Wilburn is the Director of Internal Communications at Compassion International. He leads a 10 person team to inspire, align and equip a global workforce across 27 countries. Garrett started his professional career doing PR, marketing communications and product brand launches at a Fortune 500. From there, he started a brand and communications consultancy to help not-for-profits, startups and intermediate size companies find greater success through brand development, PR, and marketing communications. His core belief is that individuals, teams, and organizations are exponentially better when they communicate well; communication is the catalyst to success. When not dabbling in the communications arts, Garrett spends his time on mountain-bound adventures with his wife, Allison, near their home in Colorado Springs, CO. He holds a B.A. in Mass Communications, an M.A. in Religion, and numerous certificates in disciplines such as leadership and social media strategy.

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.

n appreciation of our members, FPRA Jacksonville invites you to attend our Holiday Social at Southern Grounds & Co. in Avondale.
Swing by and enjoy festive drinks and appetizers as you reconnect with your FPRA Jacksonville family, and we welcome new guests. There will be a drawing for a special prize as well.

FPRA Jacksonville will provide light appetizers, dessert bites, and holiday drink, sponsored by Hart & Associates. Additional food and beverage can be purchased on individual tabs.

Enjoy your favorite beverage while we catch up with our members via Zoom on Thursday, December 8 from 6 to 7 p.m. Remember to wear an ugly holiday sweater, as the best one will win some great holiday prizes. Join us to find out what all your fellow members are up to during the holiday season and what you could potentially win.

Mingle with fellow FPRA members at our holiday mixer and chapter awards ceremony presentation. The awards ceremony originally scheduled for Sept. 30 was cancelled because of Hurricane Ian, so we want to take a little time to recognize the incredible talent within the chapter at this event. Non-members, friends and family are welcome to attend this casual event. Dinner is included in the ticket price, and there will be a cash bar.

The Volusia/Flagler Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) will welcome Dr. Matt Wilson as the guest speaker at their December professional development luncheon for a presentation on Philanthropy and Public Relations. Dr. Wilson will discuss how bridging philanthropy and public relations can drive organizational success. This meeting will be held on Thursday, December 15 at 11:30 a.m. in the Dennis McGee Room at the Daytona Beach International Airport.

Matt Wilson, Ed. D., is a member of the Athletes First Initiative (AFI) leadership team. AFI’s purpose is to build out Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Collectives supporting intercollegiate student-athletes at Division I, II, and III universities. Currently, Wilson serves as Executive Director of the Hatters Collective Group, a collective group supporting Stetson University student-athletes with the ability to leverage their NIL opportunities.

Prior to his current role, Wilson spent the last five years with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) Athletics serving as Senior Director of Philanthropy. During his ERAU tenure, Wilson oversaw a more than a 100% increase in student-athlete scholarship support, assisted in the creation and development of multiple new ERAU Athletic fundraising initiatives (Week of Giving, Hoops & Heels Luncheon; Corporate Challenge Golf Event), and effectively executed multiple six and seven figure naming rights campaigns.

Register by noon on December 12 at fpravf.org. Lunch is included in the cost of $30 for members, $40 for non-members, and $15 for students. Walk-ins are accepted for a $5 additional surcharge.

Celebrate the year with CWC-FPRA at an in-person Holiday Party at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing on Wireless Court in east Sarasota.

In lieu of a Professional Development meeting in December, please join us for our Chapter Holiday Social! Details (including a firm date and time) will be announced in the next few weeks. Online registration will be available.

The Northwest Florida Coast Chapter will host its Second Annual Mingle & Jingle Holiday Mixer at Maxine Orange Studio Gallery in Fort Walton Beach. Join us for an evening of networking, celebration, and giving as they collect toys for the Northwest Florida Guardian ad Litem Foundation. Don’t forget to don your ugliest holiday sweater!

Southwest Florida has seen its fair share of hurricanes, but Hurricane Ian was unlike any storm that many of our region’s most seasoned communications professionals have experienced in their careers.
Join us for “Navigating the Storm: Hurricane Ian Response Efforts and PR Lessons Learned” on Tuesday, Jan. 10 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Crowne Plaza Fort Myers. A panel of Southwest Florida communications professionals who were working in the midst of Hurricane Ian and in the challenging weeks that followed will reflect on their post-storm response, share valuable lessons learned and insights on how this storm has impacted their ongoing communications efforts and shaped strategies for the future.

Who should attend?
– PR and marketing professionals of ALL experience levels looking for impactful insights into responding to a high-impact natural disaster
– PR and marketing professionals planning for the future of their organization’s communications needs and preparing for potential crises
– PR professionals seeking new social connections

Join us via Zoom on Wednesday, January 11 at 8:30 a.m. for our Virtual Member Coffee, an opportunity for CWC members to enjoy an hour-long chat with each other. Please use the Zoom link below on the day of and we’ll see you then!

Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82523894631?pwd=KzJIVVRlWnJIUis2bHdUU0lnSXlMQT09

Meeting ID: 825 2389 4631
Passcode: 657813

Want to learn how you can use video and behavioral marketing to reach the right people?
Roxie Reeve, Director of Digital Marketing with 3D Digital Agency, will be diving into the power of video in marketing and PR campaigns at our next program on Wednesday, January 11.
BONUS – headshots will be provided to all guests!
Learn more about Roxie, and register here today: https://lnkd.in/e9_YvgRD

FPRA Orlando is hosting a media panel with top national media journalists. This panel of reporters and producers from top traditional and digital national media outlets will share the latest perspectives on the new media landscape, trends in storytelling and how PR practitioners can best engage journalists in today’s media environment. The panel will also identify the best strategies for pitching and communicating with journalists and how to establish long-term, mutually beneficial relationships. The program is sponsored by Curley & Pynn Public Relations.

Panelists
Ignacio Torres | Producer NBC News – Ignacio Torres is an award-winning journalist and producer for NBC News. He is a graduate of Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. His experience ranges from network broadcast news to local Spanish newspapers. His language and editorial abilities has taken him throughout South America reporting on some of the most pressing issues of our time; from investigations on the killing of women in Honduras to exclusive interviews with controversial figures like Nicolas Maduro. Domestically, his reporting focuses on women’s rights and LGBTQ+ issues.

Ashley Pulliam | Senior Producer ABC News Live – Ashley Pulliam is an award-winning senior producer for ABC News Live in New York City. She’s currently working to be a part of the next generation of news production, moving content from traditional TV to streaming devices. Prior to her time at ABC, Ashley was an executive producer at WFAA in Dallas, senior producer in Atlanta and producer in Jacksonville. Ashley has won multiple EMMY’s for best newscast and series “Rooted” highlighting black hair and America, a Murrow Award and an AP award. She’s a Graduate of Howard University and grew up in Northern California.

Panel Moderator
Kacie Escobar, APR

Join CWC-FPRA’s Hallie Peilet and Celebrate this Year’s Image Award WinnersWe take a look at this past year’s Image Awards Winners, and learn what’s on the horizon for 2023.

This is both a virtual event and in-person event. The in-person meeting space will be located at Caldwell Trust Company. You can find the virtual meeting information below:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86416115435?pwd=UzdYeCtnMTZ5MlNDeVlrRkxpRnlSUT09

Meeting ID: 864 1611 5435

Passcode: 881921

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.

Our expert panel will take you through the rebranding process: internal and external research; translating mission and message into a new visual brand; considerations for website navigation and (re)design; and the comprehensive rebrand “to-do” list – including public relations and donor relations activities.

Panelists:
Murray Devine, Consultant/Web Developer, Make|Believe Design
Sharon Kunkel, APR, President, Wordslinger Marketing & PR
Paula Murray, Principal, Artefact Design / Co-Founder, Synergy Studios
Martha Wells, Project Coordinator, Carter

The Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) Lake County Chapter invites marketing and communications professionals to learn how to connect with their audiences through the art of storytelling.

Lea Tran is an ethnic Chinese, former “boat person” refugee from Vietnam. A Villanova University graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, a female scientist, turned successful entrepreneur and business owner in the Greater Philadelphia Region, Tran will motivate attendees to bridge the gaps of cultural differences and create their own opportunity to speak with their voice at our in-person program to be held Wednesday, Jan. 18 at 11:30 a.m.

The event will be held in the City of Tavares Utility Administration Building (1000 Captain Haynes Road, Tavares, FL 32778) and is free for FPRA members and $10 for prospective members. Reserve your seat online at https://bit.ly/FPRAJan23.

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.

oin the Treasure Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association for our January Membership Meeting, Intro to Instagram Reels!

Instagram Reels are one of the most engaging surfaces on the platform for brands to create content, attract new customers, and go viral. In this overview-level class, marketing strategist and FPRA Orlando Chapter board member Cynthia Velasco will teach you how to create reels that will help you grow your engagement and reach. She’ll explore how to plan and create video content and share ten ideas you can start making immediately!

Arrive early for a light continental breakfast and a chance to network. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m.

This month, we will also host a donation drive for the local non-profit, Our Sisters’ Closet. We ask that you please bring new or gently-worn women’s professional and business attire to donate!

The Volusia/Flagler Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) will welcome Robert L. Sumwalt, Former Chair of the NTSB as the guest speaker at their January professional development luncheon. This meeting will be held on Thursday, January 19 at 11:30 a.m. in the Dennis McGee Room at the Daytona Beach International Airport.

Robert L. Sumwalt serves as Executive Director of the Center for Aviation and Aerospace Safety at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where he is also a Distinguished Fellow in Aviation Safety. Sumwalt will speak on the topic “Communicating in the Wake of an Accident: Lesson from the Ashes”.
Previously, Sumwalt served as Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Member of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), where he served from August 2006 to June 2021, after being appointed by Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald J. Trump.

Attend our January professional development meeting at the College of Central Florida. Speaker information will be updated.

Hot buffet lunch will be served starting at 11:30 a.m., Leadership ice-breaker starts at 11:45 a.m., and the one-hour program begins promptly at noon.

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.

Celebrate CPRC Awareness Month with us! Grab a cup of your favorite hot beverage and join the Central West Coast chapter of FPRA on Tuesday, January 24 at 8:30 a.m. for a special coffee hour on Zoom. Hear interesting stories from some of our more seasoned members while exploring what it means to be a public relations counselor.

No matter where you are in your career, we hope you will join us for some great conversation and listen to some public relations stories from some of our chapter members who have earned their CPRC credentials.

For more information about earning your credentials or about the coffee hour event, contact Accreditation Director Erin Hoffer, APR, CPRC at accreditation@cwcfpra.com.

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.

FPRA Orlando presents Exemplifying Your Personal Brand, a member-only event to take your personal brand to the next level.

PR professionals know that branding is a vital part of business, but what about your personal brand? Your personal brand is something you carry with you from career changes to company transitions. Your image and how you present yourself to the world and your ideal customer are critical.

Join us for a special networking opportunity, where we will hear from Macy’s personal stylists and makeup artists and start the year with a new headshot, courtesy of Johanny Becerra Photography.

023, SCFPRA is where you’ll want to be! Join us over at Island IX in Viera, as we host 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 on January 25, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. A time of networking and chatting over happy hour with chapter and board members.
$10 for members, $15 for non-members. All registered attendees will receive one free drink ticket. We hope to see you and hear all about your new year’s resolutions! Add “join the SCFPRA Board” to your list.

As PR professionals we are trained to think all of our stories are newsworthy, and they are. Some, however, just may not be suited for television. What if you found out you could change that?
Just because a story pitch may not seem TV newsworthy to you, that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to make your story more visually appealing and set it up to succeed!
Learn how to level up your videos by adding B rolls, scripting your videos, and getting media to use them!
Join Hallie Young, former news reporter, anchor, and producer, on January 26 as she shares tips and tricks for getting coverage using video.

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!

Wednesday, Feb. 1, the FPRA Orlando Area Chapter will host a second 2023 Image Awards workshop where guest speakers will walk you through how to craft an award-winning submission.

All FPRA members are invited, and we encourage anyone interested in learning more about Local Image, or planning to enter ours, to attend.

Please join us on Thursday, February 9 from 6 – 8 PM for a CWC-FPRA free member mixer at Tamiami Tap. We will gather as a chapter to network and share our love of PR over drinks and appetizers. There will be live music. We look forward to catching up with all of our members!

Join the Treasure Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association for our February Membership Meeting, Connecting the PR Dots: Effective Storytelling With Purpose.

Central Florida, the home of world-renowned theme parks, could be called the storytelling capital of the world. It is also home to millions of – and growing – residents who rely on services, including utilities, in their everyday lives. Toho Water Authority (Toho) takes what could be dry, mundane stories and gives them life. During this interactive session, Toho Communications Manager Jamie Floer, APR, CPRC, Fellow PRSA, will share how to tap into storytelling that resonates with audiences and captures their attention.

This presentation will explore how to engage audiences through research-based, dynamic stories. Attendees will be given a step-by-step research-based approach about how to incorporate the twists and turns of story arcs, as well as tips about choosing the best communications channels and keeping the tools consistent while using the appropriate languages will be highlighted. Finally, the presentation will bring home how to capture and demonstrate measurable impact with the target audiences.

Arrive early for a light continental breakfast and a chance to network. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m.

The Volusia/Flagler Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) will welcome Kaitlyn Stier, Regional Event Director at LOCALiQ as the guest speaker at their February professional development luncheon. This meeting will be held on Thursday, February 16 at 11:30 a.m. in the Dennis McGee Room at the Daytona Beach International Airport.
Kaitlyn Stier is the Regional Event Director at LOCALiQ. Her role empowers communities to connect and thrive through events and promotions. Her presentation will focus on event planning and securing sponsorships for events as well as the struggles of planning events in a post-Covid world.
Register by noon on February 13 at fpravf.org. Lunch is included in the cost of $30 for members, $40 for non-members, and $15 for students. Walk-ins are accepted for a $5 additional surcharge.

Friday, February 17th | 11:30 a.m. Hot buffet lunch served | 11:45 a.m. Leadership icebreaker | noon – 1 p.m. Professional Development Guest Speaker

Attend our February professional development meeting at the College of Central Florida; Ewers Century Center Strategic Planning Center (Building 40, Room 101) featuring Big Lee from Big Lee’s BBQ, plus an outdoor BBQ lunch
Sponsored by Showcase Properties of Central Florida

Hot buffet lunch will be served starting at 11:30 a.m., Leadership ice-breaker starts at 11:45 a.m., and the one-hour program begins promptly at noon.

The cost to attend is $20 for members, $25 for nonmembers, and $15 for student members. Please select an option from the dropdown below to pay via PayPal.

If you have pre-paid, please RSVP by emailing the Ocala Chapter at FPRAOcalaChapter@gmail.com.

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.

#PR and #Comms professionals: Join us on Feb. 22 as we discuss one of the most rewarding (and stressful!) parts of the job – hosting live media events when time is of the essence.

Despite global supply chain disruption, #FlaPorts have kept cargo moving seamlessly for the state’s businesses and consumers. This success has attracted international attention from media outlets and dignitaries.

Our team will break down the logistics of hosting VIP media events that support your organization’s leadership and overall mission/goals. Stick around after the program to see Florida’s largest container port in action.

As a PR professional, just like in basketball, we cannot afford to keep our best pitches and headlines as benchwarmers. Join the Central West Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association for a morning of conversation and networking with media representatives from across our region and beyond to learn the who’s and how’s to strategically deploy your story – your star player – at the right time to shoot for that winning headline.

A full list of media representatives – from editors to reporters to producers and more – will be shared in February.

PR and communications professionals, nonprofit organizations, and other interested individuals are welcome to attend.

Tickets: $50 for FPRA members | $60 for future members. Cost includes breakfast. Thank you to our annual sponsors: Next-Mark and Caldwell Trust Company. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties and Sir Speedy have graciously donated spaces and resources as in-kind sponsors.

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

Join us on Thursday, Feb. 23 at 5:00 p.m. at The Brick for the presentation “How PR Magic Elevates Your Art.” President Tammy Gantt and ACES Chair Carole Savage present PR tips and best practices to local artists and members of the Ocala Chapter.

After the presentation, Ocala chapter members and local artists can mix and mingle, as well as particpate in a silent auction to raise funds for the ACES program.

This workshop is free, but guests are encouraged to RSVP.

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

Celebrate International Women’s Day with FPRA Orlando! We are excited to spotlight some incredible women in Communications and Marketing. Join us to learn from esteemed professionals who have been trusted to lead and direct PR and Marketing programs for premier brands in Florida and beyond. The event will be held at the new Women’s History and Cultural Center at the Girl Scouts of Citrus office in Orlando. The center is Florida’s first dedicated women’s history and cultural center. After the program, attendees will be invited to tour the facility. The program will feature a networking opportunity and full breakfast.

Celebrate CPRC Awareness with us on Wednesday, March 8, 2023. Grab a cup of your favorite hot beverage and join the Central West Coast Chapter of FPRA for a special coffee hour from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Zoom. Hear interesting stories from some of our more seasoned members while exploring what it means to be a public relations counselor.

No matter where you are in your career, we hope you will join us for some great conversation and listen to some public relations stories from some of our chapter members who have earned their CPRC credentials.

(This event has been rescheduled from its original January date.)

For more information about earning your credentials or about the coffee hour event, contact Accreditation Director Erin Hoffer, APR, CPRC at accreditation@cwcfpra.com.

Learn tips and tricks on how to use your smartphone to capture high-quality photos and videos. This presentation provides insight into a library of apps that can be used to create engaging graphics and videos in a matter of minutes.

About the Presenter
Devon Chestnut, APR, CPRC is the communications manager for Cox Communications, a broadband communications and entertainment company, providing advanced digital video, internet, telephone and home security and automation services. Devon’s role includes managing Cox’s Southeast Region internal communications for 1,900 employees located in Florida, Georgia and Louisiana. She also plays a pivotal role in several national company projects and initiatives.

Join CWC-FPRA for a Celebration and Media-Versary Discussion with Louise Bruderle of West Coast Woman

As newsrooms become smaller and smaller, local news has taken a backseat to national headlines. Not for Louis Bruderle and West Coast Woman, an independent, locally owned publication that has put the community back in “community journalism” over its 25-year run.

Join us as we celebrate Louise, Publisher of West Coast Woman, who will share her decades of experience keeping a community newspaper thriving in an ever-changing Florida world. Whether you’re a PR pro for a local nonprofit or national corporation, you’ll discover the value in hyper-local storytelling to reach your hometown – and regional – audiences in ways that enrich their lives, their commitment to our community, and your organization’s role within it.

Tickets: $25 for FPRA members | $30 for future members. Cost includes lunch.

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)

Friday, March 17th | 11:30 a.m. Hot buffet lunch served | 11:45 a.m. Leadership icebreaker | noon – 1 p.m. “Pro to CEO” by Erin McLeod, APR, CPRC

Attend our March professional development meeting at the College of Central Florida; Ewers Century Center Strategic Planning Center (Building 40, Room 101)

Hot buffet lunch will be served starting at 11:30 a.m., Leadership ice-breaker starts at 11:45 a.m., and the one-hour program begins promptly at noon.

he Southwest Florida chapters of Florida Public Relations Association and American Advertising Federation are partnering to present “How Diversity & Inclusion Affect Your Bottom Line” featuring Nirupa Netram, founder and CEO of Lotus Solutions, LLC.

Join us on Friday, March 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for networking, lunch and an insightful program on how Diversity & Inclusion can help you and your business. (It’s more than you think!)

GET YOUR TICKET TODAY!

Battalion Chief David Hollenbach (retired) is the author of “Fireproof: Your Grand Strategy for Transforming Failure into Fuel for Your Future.” He is an international best-selling author, professional speaker and member of the National Speakers Association. Additionally, David is a John Maxwell certified speaker, coach, teacher, and DISC Method Trainer. Hollenbach will provide a captivating message to our attendees at the in-person program to be held Wednesday, March 22, at 11:30 a.m. Lunch provided.

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.

Join the Treasure Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association for our March Membership Meeting, How to Avoid the Guillotine & Other PR Tips for Boosting Your Career.

Led by Leigh Woisard, sought-after communications consultant, public speaker, and new FPRA Treasure Coast member, this 30-minute presentation will explore the tried-and-true practices of PR to boost your career. She will cover taking control of your career narrative; identifying your “one thing;” and telling and selling your “one thing” so that as jobs and promotions become available, people have a clear impression of you. Together, we’ll get comfortable with generating positive buzz about ourselves! The guillotine reference is a reminder that throughout history, some didn’t take control of their career narrative and lost their heads over it! It’s a light-hearted talk for all who want to be intentional about career success.

Arrive early for a light continental breakfast and a chance to network. The meeting will begin at 9

Join the Volusia/Flagler Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, March 23 for its annual Student Takeover.

Learn about the latest PR trends and practices as students from Bethune-Cookman University’s FPRA Vision Chapter, Stetson University, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University present their public relations and marketing research.

The professional development luncheon will be held in the Dennis McGee Room at the Daytona Beach International Airport.

Register by noon on March 20 at fpravf.org. Lunch is included in the cost of $30 for members, $40 for non-members, and $15 for students. Walk-ins are accepted for a $5 additional surcharge.

Once a year, we gather as a chapter and offer our services. This year, it will be an outing with All Faiths Food Bank.

Summertime should be the best part of the year. Sadly, over 40,000 local kids will need food this summer. To change this, All Faiths Food Bank is hosting its annual Walk to End Summer Hunger to help raise funds to feed children at risk of hunger; we are looking for volunteers to assist in the effort.

On March 26, join fellow CWC-FPRA members for two opportunities to give back and support this event:

4 volunteers to help at the food station | 7:15-10:30 AM
6 volunteers to help at the 5k water/turnaround station | 8:00-10:30 AM

If you’re interested in volunteering, please reach out to Hunter Carpenter, Community Liaison Director, at hcarpenter@firstwatch.com to secure your spot!
Learn more about the Walk to End Summer Hunger.

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

Meet with local journalists, editors and assignment reporters on Wednesday, March 29 at our First Coast Media Summit!

In partnership with North Florida PRSA, join us at The River Club of Jacksonville for a delicious lunch with a gorgeous view and to learn about the evolving changes in newsrooms and the best ways to pitch stories.

Whether you are new to the area or a seasoned media relations pro, this is a great event to network and learn! Award-winning media professionals have confirmed their attendance from the following local news outlets:

– WJCT Public Media
– WJXT- News4Jax
– Action News Jax
– Jacksonville Business Journal
– The Florida Times-Union I Jacksonville.com
– Jacksonville Daily Record
– First Coast News
– WOKV

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

Members and non-members are welcome to join us for a Coffee Chat at Pressed LKLD on April 14 at 8:00 a.m.
Coffee Meetups are a great opportunity to seek advice or feedback on a project, brainstorm a new strategy, or simply get to know other chapter members.

Please RSVP to info@fprapolk.org if you plan to attend.

oin CWC-FPRA for a Celebration and Media-Versary Discussion with Louise Bruderle of West Coast Woman

Join the Central West Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association as we celebrate All That Glitters, recognizing the area’s best work in public relations, marketing and communications. Our local Image Awards competition is conducted annually to highlight outstanding public relations programs and encourage and promote the development of the public relations professionalism in our area. At this event, the awards will be given out. Our chapter’s Joe Curley Rising Leader nominee will also be named.

Tickets: $50 for FPRA members | $60 for future members. Cost includes one drink ticket and heavy hors d’oeuvres.

The Image Awards competition is conducted annually by local chapters of the Florida Public Relations Association to recognize outstanding public relations programs in local hometown markets and encourage and promote the development of public relations professionals in our state. The Ocala Chapter in association with the Lake and Volusia/Flagler Chapters host the Mid-Florida Image Awards competition.

This year’s Mid-Florida Image Awards is on April 19 from 5:30-8 pm at the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ & Owners’ Association (801 SW 60th Avenue, Ocala FL 34474) Tickets are $35 for FPRA Members and $45 for nonmembers.

RSVP by April 10th and join us as we recognize excellence in public relations for the FPRA Ocala, Lake, and Volusia/Flagler chapters. We will also recognize Individual and Institutional nominees for the Wilton F. Martin Communicator of the Year award and announce this year’s winners.

Attention FPRA members! ⭐️ YOU’RE INVITED! ⭐️
Join us on April 13 for our annual leadership social and learn more about the leadership positions available within our chapter. This event will provide you with inspiration and insight into how service at FPRA can help enhance your career and open new doors.

You will enjoy dinner with an incredible view of Ponce Inlet while connecting with other members in a fun and relaxed environment.

Our hosts for the evening are Roger and Shelley Pynn. Roger, recently retired, is a current nominee for Lifetime Membership with FPRA for his years of leadership, support of the association, and professional achievements throughout his career.

There is no cost to attend, and spouses are welcome!

Please RSVP to Cyndi Hines at chines@smahealthcare.org by April 11 at 4:00 pm.

Join us Thursday, April 20th at 12 pm at the Florida Blue Conference Center for our annual Portraits of Pace celebration. Meet the girls and hear how they’ve been empowered to find success at this moving event.

This luncheon is complimentary. During the event, guests will have the opportunity to make a donation in support of Pace Jacksonville.

The Treasure Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association invites local communications professionals from across the region to join us for PR Prochella, our annual Image Awards and Communicator of the Year Luncheon. We’re bringing the electrifying energy of Coachella with a PR twist!

This highly anticipated event honors and recognizes local professionals and organizations throughout the Treasure Coast for their incredible public relations and communications efforts. FPRA Treasure Coast is proud to celebrate the 37 Communicator of the Year nominees and recognize the four projects entered into the Local Image Awards program this year.

We are excited to welcome Chris Gent, APR, CPRC as emcee and special guest speaker. Chris serves as the head of strategic communications and public affairs for Georgia-Pacific. He is a seasoned public relations professional with more than 30 years of experience in internal and external communications, media and public relations, and corporate philanthropy. His presentation, Tips for Building Credibility with the C-Suite, will provide attendees with the knowledge they need to gain the confidence of their organization’s executives.

The event begins at 11:30 a.m. Guests will have the opportunity to network prior to the start of the awards program and presentation.

Join the Volusia/Flagler Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, April 20 as Community Information Officer for City of DeLand, Chris Graham, APR presents about PR Awards.

Attendees will learn about the importance of Public Relations Awards, how PR awards can enhance your career, and tips for creating an award-winning submission.

The professional development luncheon will be held in the Dennis McGee Room at the Daytona Beach International Airport. Register by noon on April 17 at fpravf.org. Lunch is included in the cost of $30 for members, $40 for non-members, and $15 for students. Walk-ins are accepted for a $5 additional surcharge.

Friday, April 21st | 11:30 a.m. Hot buffet lunch served | 11:45 a.m. Leadership icebreaker | noon – 1 p.m. Authors Panel Discussion with Ginger Broslat, APR, CPRC, Dave Schlenker, and Beverly Brown, APR

Attend our April professional development meeting at the College of Central Florida; Ewers Century Center Strategic Planning Center (Building 40, Room 101)

Hot buffet lunch will be served starting at 11:30 a.m., Leadership ice-breaker starts at 11:45 a.m., and the one-hour program begins promptly at noon.

Save the Date: Please join us on Thursday, April 27, from 5:30 – 7 p.m. for the FPRA Capital Chapter’s 2023 Local Image Awards Ceremony. This event celebrates the outstanding work PR professionals in the Capital City have accomplished over the past year. Additional details, including event pricing and registration, will be posted soon!

Location

Parkview at Cascades – Ballroom
414 E. Bloxham St.
Tallahassee, FL 32301

Itinerary

5:30 p.m. – Mingling, drinks, heavy hors d’oeuvres, photos
6:00 – 7:00 p.m. – Ceremony

Please join us for the FPRA North Florida Image Awards & Gainesville Chapter Awards

Join us for the North Florida Image Awards and the Gainesville Chapter Awards on Thursday, April 27, 5:30-7 p.m., at Blue Gill Quality Foods. Join us as we celebrate the great public relations work in the North Florida area.

This year we are extremely excited to bring back the Tampa Bay Communicator Summit program in conjunction with our annual Image Awards Ceremony. We look forward to hosting some of the best communication experts in our area to deliver an educational and practical program with a focus on modern-day PR. We will also recognize some of our area’s best of the best at our Image Awards Ceremony. Mark your calendars for an amazing Friday shared with your peers at the stunning Centre Club.

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.

Join us for an evening at Rising Tide Tap & Table in Port Canaveral, at 6:00 pm on April 28, to recognize our Space Coast Image Award winners! Stay afterwards to mix and mingle with local PR pros and this year’s LeadershipFPRA Class VII. Complimentary appetizers will be provided; drinks and food will be available for purchase.

Join us for our FPRA Member Happy Hour+ event on Wednesday, May 3 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Fort Myers Brewing Company. Locally crafted brews and seltzers will be available for purchase, along with food from onsite food trucks Mad Brunch and Don’t Give Up.

Mix, mingle and hear insights from Jen Whyte, co-founder of Lee County’s first microbrewery. Celebrating 10 years in business, Fort Myers Brewing has grown from a small operation to one of the largest craft brewers in the state with a signature line of internationally award-winning beers and hard seltzers.

During the Happy Hour+ session, Whyte will provide a behind-the-scenes look at launching and growing a brand in an untapped market and establishing the brewery as a destination for craft beer and major beer festivals.

Grab your favorite food and drink and enjoy getting to know your fellow FPRA members and future members! Bring questions about work or just catch up with your comm friends.

Please RSVP to info@fprapolk.org so we know to expect you!

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.

Join the Central West Coast chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association as Rogelio Capote identifies ways people can connect their own human experiences to their internal and external messaging/communication and relate that messaging to their audience. Roger has previously presented on past panels for CWC-FPRA, so we’re looking forward to an entire professional development luncheon with him as the sole presenter. He is an incredible speaker, communicator, professional, and friend. Join us!

Join the Treasure Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association for our May Membership Meeting and take part in our second annual Speed Networking Event!

This guided round table offers a chance to spend one-on-one time with fellow communications professionals and students, build mutually beneficial relationships, and expand your web of contacts. It’s an opportunity to learn from other people’s experiences and perspectives, discover new opportunities, and increase your chances of professional growth. So, if you are interested in meeting new people, building upon existing relationships, and expanding your circle, join us for this speed networking event and begin your journey toward greatness!

Arrive early for a light continental breakfast. The networking session will begin at 9 a.m.
Location: IRSC Kight Center for Emerging Technologies

Saddle up for a conference like no other filled with southern charm and hospitality, front porch exhibitors, a BBQ cookout, and a feeling of nostalgia in the Horse Capital of the World® at our Back to the Roots Communications and PR Conference, brought you by the Ocala Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association and the Association of Florida Colleges.

You’re invited to hear from leading experts in public relations and communications in this statewide, one-day conference on Thurs., May 18, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the College of Central Florida Ocala Campus.

This annual professional development seminar is for beginners and experts in the field who want to gain expertise, network with communications professionals from across the state, and explore new ideas and strategies.

The day includes a keynote address and session tracks based on experience level.Session topics include:

Social Media Marketing
Marketing Research and Planning
Website Design
Crisis Communications
Hot Trends in Public Relations
Ethics
Interdepartmental Collaboration
Digital Advertising
Communication Technology Advances
And Much, Much More

Early registration is available now through April 3. Registration includes breakfast and a BBQ lunch.

Secure your spot now!

Get ready to be inspired at our next meeting as we welcome Stephanie Ford, Executive Director of the Southeast Volusia Chamber of Commerce.
With over 20 years of experience in event planning, Stephanie has a wealth of knowledge to share. She has worked as a coordinator, facilitator, creator, and spokesmodel, and even started her own company after returning to Florida from L.A. in 2015.
Stephanie has since transitioned to planning events in the non-profit sector, where she excels at working in a creative environment with a team. Her leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills quickly earned her the title of Executive Director.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the best in the industry!
Register now and mark your calendars for May 18!

Speaker(s)
● Ashleigh Droz – The Craft Brewnette
● Anna Hansen-Price – Social Media Manager, Priority Marketing
● Tara Settembre – When Tara Met Blog

This month’s luncheon will also feature a special visit from FPRA State President Jay Morgan-Schleuning, APR, CPRC!

Event Sponsor:
Thank you to our event sponsor, Christina Mehta, Realtor®, John R. Wood Properties | Christie’s International Real Estate

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!

Those of us who have been through a Florida hurricane may be familiar with the Waffle House Index, the unofficial measure that evaluates how severely a storm has hit an area. It was coined by Craig Fugate, a former FEMA administrator and former director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

After Hurricane Charley swept across Florida in 2004, FDEM employees drove for miles, and the only spot they found open for breakfast was a Waffle House right off the interstate, serving a limited menu. The farther south they drove, the more open Waffle House locations they found while other businesses were dark. After three more major hurricanes struck Florida that year, they noticed a pattern. So, they eventually codified it – and the Waffle House Index was invented.

Join the FPRA Capital Chapter on Wednesday, May 24, for a presentation on disaster communications with Njeri Boss, Vice President of Public Relations for Waffle House. With a demonstrated history of strategic communications, crisis communications, community partnership building, restaurant management and leadership, Njeri will offer tips to help you best establish a crisis preparation and response plan prior to Florida’s hurricane season beginning June 1.

The program will begin at 11:30 a.m. with lunch and networking, and the presentation will begin promptly at noon.

Please RSVP using the form below. You will then be taken to a PayPal page.

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.

During the Corporate Member Mixer, we will discuss the multi-faceted corporate environment as it relates to Communications. Topics will include everything from external and internal communications to investor relations, crisis, strategic planning and so much more!
It will be a fun discussion where we can all be open about our successes and our challenges and learn from one another. Open to FPRA members working in or interested in the corporate world. Moderated by Alyson Sologaistoa, APR, CPRC, Vice President of Public Relations, Universal Orlando Resort.

Open to FPRA members working by themselves, or interested in learning more about being a solo practitioner. Moderated by Michelle Bono of Bono Communications & Marketing, LLC. Register now to attend this mixer!

Have you ever perused the library of free, on-demand webinars available to you? Did you know you have access to a directory of all FPRA members’ contact information? Are you a new member wondering where to start or how to get more involved? Register for this session, and bring all your questions!

Capital Chapter Director of Membership Heather D. Johnson will share the many ways you can take advantage of your FPRA membership, both locally and statewide.

This presentation is especially designed for new or prospective members, but all members would benefit from attending.

This session is free. Please RSVP using the form below. After you complete your RSVP, you will be emailed a link to join the Zoom event.

Join us as we share best practices, challenges, innovations and lessons learned. Open to FPRA members working in, or interested in the field of education.
Moderated by Julie Frey, APR, CPRC, Director of Office of Careers and Corporate Partnerships at the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications. Register Now to attend this mixer.

It will be six months between our member mixers! Who’s ready for a day at the ballpark? Join us at LECOM Park as the Marauders take on the Dunedin Blue Jays
Join the Central West Coast chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association at the ballpark on June 8th. Travis Cornwell, Membership Director, has put together a fun summer evening together with giveaways and cold drinks. We hope to see you there!

The FPRA Capital Chapter APR Boot Camp is a three-day intensive workshop to assist candidates with completing the APR Questionnaire, prepare their Panel Presentation, and receive in-depth feedback through a group mock exam exercise.

This course is designed for busy professionals whose schedules don’t permit extensive preparation; however, it is highly encouraged that candidates have thorough knowledge of the APR Study Guide as this course is not for those just beginning their APR journey. Participation is limited to six (6) individuals. Refreshments and light snacks will be provided.

At the conclusion of the course, candidates will be better positioned for advancing the panel presentation, have an in-depth understanding on how to align their study efforts with the written examination, and be confident in their examination approach to achieve accreditation. Candidates will be responsible for requesting sitting for the examination process with their Chapter’s Director of Credentialing.

Candidate prerequisites:

Candidate must be a member of FPRA and/or a Universal Accreditation Board participating organization.
Provide copy of approved Examination for Accreditation in Public Relations Application with paid receipt for $385 examination fee. Please note that the APR examination fee is a separate fee from the Boot Camp fee.
Must bring own hard-copy or digital copy of APR Study Guide.
Must have APR Questionnaire completed but not necessarily finalized.
Must have Panel Presentation items assembled but not necessarily finalized.
Must bring own laptop.

Earning your APR shows your commitment to the PR profession, designates you as a competent PR leader, gives you an opportunity to challenge yourself and provides you with a professional designation that can be meaningful to both current and future employers.

This networking and workshop event will provide you all the details you need to make the decision to move forward with becoming an accredited PR professional.

We will help you break down the 4-step process:
1. Review and complete the Application.
2. Prepare and sit for a Panel Presentation.
3. Study for and complete a computer-based, proctored examination.
4. Demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning through APR Renewal.

You will hear advice and tips from FPRA members who have earned their APR designation, and are excited to help you prepare.

Already have your APR? Then the next step is FPRA’s one-of-a-kind credential – Certified Public Relations Counselor (CPRC).

Join us to learn the importance of becoming certified and the tips to move forward.

Join the Treasure Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association for our June Membership Meeting, Thriving Amid Changes from AI!

We are excited to welcome Joel Davis from the Warrington College of Business at the University of Florida. During this presentation, he will discuss the changing business landscape with the emergence of AI tools in the workplace and its impact on employees.

Arrive early for a light continental breakfast. The networking session will begin at 9 a.m.

Location: IRSC Kight Center for Emerging Technologies

Admission: $20 FPRA Members | $25 Future Members

Please register by June 14, 2023, for a discounted rate. Same-day registration will incur an extra $5 charge.

Join the Volusia/Flagler Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, June 15 as Emma Reynolds, Community Engagement & Strategic Partnerships Officer from Brevard Zoo, presents about maximizing impact through strategic collaboration.

Attendees will learn about a project in the works at the Brevard Zoo named “Our Legacy: Protecting our natural resources, transforming our future.” The East Coast Zoological Society is embarking on a historic campaign to build a world-class Aquarium and Conservation Center on Florida’s East Coast. This will serve as a regional conservation hub with an emphasis on restoring our coastal ecosystems, including the Indian River Lagoon, rehabilitating sea turtles and manatees, and engaging children and families in conservation through fun, interactive, hands-on experiences further ensuring our quality of life continues for future generations.

The professional development luncheon will be held in the Dennis McGee Room at the Daytona Beach International Airport. Register by noon on June 12 at fpravf.org. Lunch is included in the cost of $30 for members, $40 for non-members, and $15 for students. Walk-ins are accepted but lunch is not guaranteed.

Join the Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) and the PRSA Gulf Coast Chapter on Friday, June 16, from 8:30 – 11 a.m. for a comprehensive look at media training led by Holly Boldrin, APR, CPRC, Senior Director of Public Relations for Priority Marketing, followed by a media training reflection with Mary Briggs, APR, CPRC, system director for media relations at Lee Health.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet by Artichoke and Company while gaining valuable insights into mastering media interviews and coaching your team toward the art of effective communication. You will even have a chance to see a strategic media training session in action!

Friday, June 16th | 11:30 a.m. Hot buffet lunch served | 11:45 a.m. Leadership icebreaker | noon – 1 p.m. “Crisis Communication” by Wesley Wilcox and Starley Ard

Attend our June professional development meeting at the College of Central Florida; Ewers Century Center Strategic Planning Center (Building 40, Room 101)

Hot buffet lunch will be served starting at 11:30 a.m., Leadership ice-breaker starts at 11:45 a.m., and the one-hour program begins promptly at noon.

The cost to attend is $20 for members, $25 for nonmembers, and $15 for student members. Please select an option from the dropdown below to pay via PayPal.

Happy Pride Month! Join the Space Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association and 321 Millennials on Friday, June 16, at the Twister Rooster Bar in Melbourne, for a FREE happy hour mixer to celebrate our LGTBQ+ community and to learn more about how L3Harris plays an active role in driving an inclusive culture.

For the eighth consecutive year, L3Harris has been recognized as one of the “Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality” by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). We’ll hear from Michael Champion, Melbourne CHQ Site Lead, for the Pride LGBTQ+ Resource Group for L3Harris Technologies who will be speaking to the group about how L3Harris promotes an inclusive, supportive and safe environment for all employees regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression in support of their commitment to global inclusion. Register today! See less

This half-day professional development conference features invaluable networking opportunities with Central Florida journalists and explores strategies to prepare spokespeople of all levels for media interviews. Also, learn how to create connections and WOW your audience, boost business through strategic brand partnerships, leverage ChatGPT and more.

Mercedes Soler is co-owner and President of Solmart Media, a Spanish radio and digital media company in Sarasota, Florida, founded with her husband Tomás Martínez.

Solmart Media’s core mission is to entertain, inform, educate and elevate its underserved community. Mercedes oversees editorial content, outreach, advocacy, marketing, public relations, productions for non-profits, internships and mentoring, and will showcase how her experiences has prepared her for all mediums in communications.

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 CWC-FPRA in Understanding Media Monitoring and Available Leading Platforms in Communication Technology with Elise Ramer, APR, CPRC

You are welcome to join us for the 2023 FPRA Gainesville Chapter Professional Development Symposium. The world of public relations can be daunting, but during the Symposium you will learn how you belong in our organization.
Join us for a half-day full of engaging speakers, networking opportunities and more.

Please join us for a casual summer social at Ology Brewing Company’s Power Mill location on Friday, June 30! Significant others/friends/non-members are welcome to attend with you. Cousins Maine Lobster Truck will also be at this Ology location from 4-8 p.m. serving food options.

If possible, we would love for all attendees to bring a non-perishable food donation with them. We will collect these items at the social and deliver them to Second Harvest of the Big Bend. Please see below for a list of Second Harvest’s most needed items:
– canned fruits
– vegetables
– canned meats (tuna, chicken)
– cereal
– hearty soup/stew
– peanut butter

Please RSVP to the social by Tuesday, June 27, so we can provide Ology with an accurate headcount!

Price
Members, Students, and Non-Members: FREE

Are you hearing all the talk about AI and wondering how it can apply in the field of communications? Well, the description you’re about to read was created using it (kind of).

The Florida Public Relations Association’s Southwest Florida Chapter is pleased to present an educational seminar on the topic of AI in communications, “AI-Powered Tools: What Do Public Relations Pros Need to Know?” Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly gaining popularity and is becoming an invaluable resource for public relations and marketing professionals. This seminar aims to provide a comprehensive overview of AI, its potential as a tool for PR professionals, and ethical and legal considerations when utilizing this resource in interactions with clients, consumers, staff and news media.

Register here.

Join us for an enlightening session from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 13 at the Crowne Plaza Fort Myers at Bell Tower that explores the dynamic world of AI in communications and equips you with the knowledge and ethical framework necessary to leverage this powerful resource effectively.

Featured Speakers:

John Joyce, owner of CRS Technology Consultants
Manny Gonzalez, senior director of web services at Priority Marketing
Mark Nieds, intellectual property law attorney and chair of the Intellectual Property Department at Henderson Franklin Starnes & Holt
Register now to secure your spot at this informative event!

Join Experience Kissimmee’s Public Relations team (Juliana Leveroni, Keri Burns) as they share the ins and outs of working with influencers and celebrities to reach international audiences. The team will highlight two recent campaigns: a partnership with Brazilian singer superstar Anitta, and a UK-based traditional family turned influencers, the Marsh family.

Learn what it takes to create a successful campaign with a high-level influencer, from the initial outreach, to negotiating the deal, the importance of working with key external partners, and staying flexible to keep the influencer’s authenticity while ensuring your brand stays at the forefront.

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.

In the presentation, we will cover key topics such as the power of storytelling, the value of an influencer’s expanded reach to amplify messaging, the authenticity and credibility influencers cultivate with their audience providing PR agencies the opportunity to utilize and how data plays a crucial role in public relations and influencer marketing. Lastly, we will review crisis management and reputation repair regarding influencers playing vital roles in helping brands and businesses regain trust.

Takeaways

Both PR and influencer marketing share a common goal: to tell compelling stories that resonate with audiences.
Data is a crucial component of both PR and influencer marketing.
Public relations and influencer marketing forms a powerful alliance that has transformed the way brands communicate, engage, and build relationships with their audiences.

Amber Wilson of ESPN Radio joined the organization in 2019 and regularly appears across ESPN’s platforms and studio show coverage. She’s the host of ESPN Radio’s national, weekday show Joe & Amber, alongside Joe Fortenbaugh.

With her vast experience in TV and radio hosting, Amber has had no shortage of networking, constantly meeting new people in the field and cultivating relationships. Amber will relay what her experiences have been like through her medium, and how it may positively affect you and your professional goals.

In appreciation of our members, FPRA Jacksonville invites you to attend an evening of networking, as we start to celebrate our chapter year and prepare for the FPRA conference in August.
Enjoy drinks and appetizers as you reconnect with your FPRA Jacksonville family and we welcome new guests. There will be a drawing for a special prize.

Additional food and beverage can be purchased on individual tabs.

Join the Treasure Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association for our summer social event, Red, White, & Brews, at Hop Life Brewing Co. in Port St. Lucie!

All are welcome! We encourage all members, prospective members, and local PR professionals to join us for a wonderful evening of networking and fun. Bring a friend, your spouse, or a colleague to join in on the fun, too!

Hop Life offers a wide selection of beers brewed on site and has a delicious food menu featuring tacos, sandwiches, appetizers, and more. Visit www.hoplifebrewing.com to view the food menu and see what’s on tap.

This event is FREE! Attendees will be responsible for the cost of their food and beverage purchases.
We look forward to seeing everyone there and celebrating the spectacular year FRPA Treasure Coast has had!

Attend our July “State of the Ocala Chapter” meeting at the College of Central Florida; Ewers Century Center Strategic Planning Center (Building 40, Room 101)

Hot buffet lunch will be served starting at 11:30 a.m., Leadership ice-breaker starts at 11:45 a.m., and the one-hour program begins promptly at noon.

The cost to attend is $20 for members, $25 for nonmembers, and $15 for student members. Please select an option from the dropdown below to pay via PayPal.

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.

Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) is a new and exciting frontier in college sports, allowing student athletes to receive compensation for anything that identifies them, such as autograph signings, product endorsements, social media posts, and more.

The guidelines surrounding NIL in Florida have changed significantly since the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) first began allowing athletes to profit from their NIL in 2021. Florida recently amended its NIL law in Feb. 2023, removing restrictions that prohibited schools from facilitating NIL deals. The amended law also removed a provision requiring that NIL compensation only come from third parties unaffiliated with an athlete’s school.

Join the FPRA Capital Chapter and The Economic Club of Florida on July 27 at the FSU Alumni Association for a joint panel program on the impact of NIL. The panel – moderated by Hugh Tomlinson, the Director of Development & Planned Giving at Florida State University – will feature representatives from college athletic programs, a lawyer specializing in NIL, and a sports agent. Panelists will address questions including:

How will the issue of NIL earnings impact the landscape of college athletics?
How do student athletes identify brand partnerships?
How can public relations professionals support student athletes who are engaged in NIL deals?
What are the potential legal challenges or obstacles that may arise regarding college athletes earning money from NIL opportunities?
Lunch and networking will begin at 11:30 a.m., and the program will begin at noon.

Registration will open soon; stay tuned!

Save the date of July 27 for our social mixer at World of Beer, 5311 Avion Park Dr., Tampa from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. We hope you will join us for a fun, casual evening of networking, food and drinks as you get to know fellow FPRA Tampa Bay members!

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.

Please join us on August 17 as we honor our chapter’s Past Presidents, recognize our outgoing Board of Directors for their contributions this year and install our 2023-2024 FPRA Gainesville board.

Wendy Crites Wacker, APR, CPRC, incoming president of the Florida Public Relations Association, will join us to install the new Board of Directors and share her theme for the year. Wendy is vice president of marketing and communications for Raumedic Inc., a manufacturer of customized products for the medical technology & pharmaceutical industries.

Networking starts at 11:30 a.m. and the program begins at noon.

Join the Volusia/Flagler Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) for an insightful event on thought leadership. We are delighted to have Jennifer Roberts, owner of Back Porch Communications, as our guest speaker.

In this engaging presentation, Jennifer will shed light on the trending topic of thought leadership and share valuable insights on how to encourage leaders (or yourself) to be the boss of your brand. Thought leadership is all about expressing ideas that showcase your expertise in a particular field, area, or topic. Many executives and business leaders aspire to become thought leaders in their respective fields.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to expand your knowledge and network with industry professionals. The professional development luncheon will take place on Thursday, August 17 at 11:30 a.m. The event will be held in the Dennis McGee Room at the Daytona Beach International Airport.

To secure your spot, make sure to register by noon on August 14 at fpravf.org. The registration fee is $30 for members, $40 for non-members, and $15 for students. Lunch is included in the cost. Please note that walk-ins are accepted, but lunch is not guaranteed.

Come join us for an enriching event that will enhance your understanding of thought leadership and its impact on personal and professional growth. We look forward to seeing you there!

Please join us for our Best of Show event banquet! Here, we will celebrate the year’s events and welcome the chapter’s new slate of officers.

Awards and recognitions will be presented, food will be served, and our past presidents will “pass the gavel” to the incoming 23-24 chapter president Lindsay Tozer, FCRM!

Registration for the event will cost $30 per person.

If you have questions about this event, please contact Greg Davis at (352) 246-2278.

If you have pre-paid, please RSVP by emailing the Ocala Chapter at FPRAOcalaChapter@gmail.com.

Can’t make it to state conference? We’re bringing one of the wonderful conference speakers to you! Dr. Patricia Whalen will present “Ethics in Public Relations – Is it an Oxymoron?” Dr. Whalen will review key ethical concepts to help public relations professionals drive ethical behavior in their organizations. Using current examples from today’s headlines, she makes the case that poor ethical decision making drives most of today’s PR crises and demonstrates how public relations practitioners can guide an organization to do the right thing. The presentation will help PR practitioners reflect on personal and professional conduct and identify value systems based on sound philosophical principles and professional codes of ethics.

APRs can earn 0.5 CEUs by attending this program, which is half the 1 CEU required in Ethics Training.

Incoming board members will also be installed at this event for the 2023-2024 chapter year, which begins in September.

Lunch will include sandwich varieties, salad, chips and assorted desserts. A vegetarian option will be provided. If you have a dietary restriction or allergy, please email Melissa.Gulvin@WaterMatters.org and we will accommodate your need.

Save the date for our annual Leadership Celebration and 2023-2024 Board Installation! Join us at Proof Brewing Company on South Monroe Street for appetizers, beverages, and camaraderie with your fellow PR professionals as we celebrate the past year and look forward to the next.

Agenda:

Year in Review – Chapter President, Holly Brooks
Chapter Awards (New Member of the Year, Member of the Year, Communicator of the Year, President’s Award) – Carla Brown Lucas, Chapter President-Elect and Holly Brooks, Chapter President
State FPRA President’s Message – Wendy Crites Wacker, APR, CPRC
2023-2024 Board Installation – Wendy Crites Wacker, APR, CPRC and 2023-2024 Officers & Board Members
Passing of the Gavel – Past chapter presidents in attendance
New President’s Address – Carla Brown Lucas

Join us as we welcome FPRA State Executive Committee Member, Jenny Tomes, APR, to install the 2023/24 Space Coast FPRA Board.

Come out and network with PR professionals from around the county and meet your new Board of Directors. Free for current members and $10 for non-members.

Enjoy one free drink on us!

Join us for the FPRA Orlando Area Chapter’s annual end-of-year celebration and board installation breakfast program. We’re excited to recognize the dedication of our outgoing board of directors, announce the winners of our annual membership awards, including the Dr. Bob Davis “Unsung Hero” Award and Member of the Year Award, and welcome the chapter’s new leaders for the 2023-2024 year. Plus, incoming FPRA state president, Wendy Crites Wacker, APR, CPRC, will share her vision for the year ahead. Registration includes a breakfast buffet.

Parking spaces are available in the Historic Dubsdread Ballroom’s paved lot.

If you have any questions about this event, please reach out to us at fpraorlando@gmail.com.

Don’t miss one of the most exciting events of the CWC year! This event includes installation of the 2023-2024 CWC Board, chapter awards, and a visit from incoming FPRA State President Wendy Crites Wacker, APR, CPRC

FPRA’s Executive Committee is holding its annual retreat right here in Sarasota. Come to this mixer to network with your fellow FPRA members and get to know the association’s executive committee leaders. First round is on the Central West Coast Chapter!

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.

Join us for an evening to network with FPRA Jax members and guests!
FPRA Jacksonville is kicking off its new year and invites you to attend an evening of networking, as we start to celebrate the upcoming chapter year.

Enjoy drinks and appetizers as you reconnect with your FPRA Jacksonville family and we welcome new guests.

Additional food and beverage can be purchased on individual tabs. Golf not included in tickets – but can be reserved separately through Top Golf.

The Dick Pope/Polk County Chapter of the FPRA will hold its monthly professional development meeting and a special “Passing of the Gavel” in honor of our DP/PC Chapter past presidents during a gavel-passing ceremony. With each gavel pass, members are reminded of FPRA’s rich history and the long line of leaders who dedicated their careers to furthering the public relations profession. Join us in the celebration of our future with the installation of our new 2023 – 2024 DP/PC Chapter board.

𝗦𝗔𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘
Media Summit
Thursday, September 21, 2023
8:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

FPRA Pensacola Lunch & Learn

Balancing Act: Work/life blend and cultivating healthy habits

Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023 at 11:30 a.m.

The Bowden Building – UWF Historic Trust

120 Church Street, Pensacola, FL 32502

Join us on Sept. 21 as we hear from Nicole Webb Bodie about work/life blend and cultivating healthy habits

oin the Treasure Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association for our Annual Awards Celebration and Installation of Officers on Thursday, September 21, 2023.

Chapter President Jennifer Trefelner, APR, CPRC, looks forward to celebrating the thriving year the chapter has had and recognizing the individuals who played a vital role in its success. Special guest and incoming State President Wendy Crites Wacker, APR & CPRC, will also make a special appearance to discuss her goals and vision for the upcoming year at FPRA, including her selected theme: Focus Forward!

Wendy will also oversee the installation of the new 2023-2024 Board of Directors, who will serve under the direction of the incoming Chapter President Jennifer Harris. Don’t miss our second-ever passing of the gavel!

Bring an appetite, as lunch will be served during this celebratory event!

Location: IRSC Kight Center for Emerging Technologies

Start your Friday off right – with a cup of coffee (or your morning beverage of choice!) and some great insight into the PR industry. RSVP for free to hear our top takeaways from this year’s FPRA Annual Conference, including:

The impact of AI on the PR industry
How to be crisis-ready
New insight into the PESO model (Paid, Earned, Shared and Owned)
And more!

Don’t forget to invite a friend or colleague in the field. We hope to see you there!

Friday, Sept 15th | 11:30 a.m. Hot buffet lunch served | 11:45 a.m. Leadership icebreaker | noon – 1 p.m. State of the Chapter message and Professional Development meeting

Attend our September professional development meeting with our Chapter President, Lindsay Tozer, FCRM for our inaugural State of the Chapter meeting held at our new location – Taylor College; 2531 East Silver Springs Blvd. in Ocala, FL! Citrus County – In-person meetings will be held at a local county building. Stay tuned for the location confirmation. Special thanks to the Citrus County for helping to coordinate logistics!

This meeting will update existing members and future members on the current state of the Ocala Chapter, serving both Citrus and Marion Counties. This meeting is intended to answer questions and get a grip on event topics and ideas that would service our members and future members. So come with your ideas and share what will help our chapter grow and be successful!

Hot buffet lunch will be served starting at 11:30 a.m., Leadership ice-breaker starts at 11:45 a.m., and the one-hour program begins promptly at noon.

Join us in recapping this year’s conference, which was held August 6-9 in Orlando! You will hear conference highlights and key takeaways from top industry leaders. This luncheon will also celebrate honorees of the Golden Image Awards and will include a past president’s passing of the gavel – something you won’t want to miss! You will also get a chance to connect with our newly appointed 2023-2024 Leadership Team.

Grab your coffee and join FPRA Tampa Bay to hear what trends in public relations may be coming to your workplace in the next year. We’ll discuss AI, economic instability, the social media shift, and more. A Zoom meeting link will be sent to those registered the morning of the event.

Investor Relations 101

Today’s public relations professionals wear many hats and are often asked to lead other disciplines for their companies. One such discipline is Investor Relations, which involves publicly traded companies communicating with investors, shareholders, government authorities and the financial community. Unlike regular public relations practices, investor relations practices have significantly more regulatory requirements than standard public relations, with potential legal and financial impacts.

Join FPRA Orlando to learn the basics of investor relations from the leaders of this discipline at Darden Restaurants.

lliott McLaughlin, Key Account Director / Team Lead, PHMG
Bahh bummm! You know it, Netflix’s iconic sonic brand. But have you ever thought about how audio can craft a more succinct and lasting communications message? Follow along with PHMG, a global audio branding agency, as they champion case studies with fellow FPRA member businesses like Premier Sotheby’s International Realty and Waste Pro to reveal their positive ROI with audio rebranding campaigns.

Join the Volusia/Flagler Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) for a fall networking social at Copperline Coffee + Café in Port Orange. This social will take place at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 28.

The Copperline Coffee + Cafe venue in Port Orange will provide a fitting backdrop for the “Celebrating the New Year” Social and will include coffee tastings to symbolize the embracing of a new year with renewed energy.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Wendy Crites Wacker, the new FPRA State President as well as the incoming Board of Directors for the Volusia/Flagler Chapter. Wendy will hold a board induction as well as share her vision and goals for the 2023-2024 year.

Both members and non-members are invited to this event. Ticket includes coffee tasting, appetizers, and a champagne toast!

Join us at Unfiltered Bartow to catch up with your fellow FPRA members!

As a multilingual public relations professional with more than 25 years of experience, Joel Staley, Founder & CEO of JCS Communications, is an expert at training c-suite executives and brand spokespersons to deliver effective media interviews, public speeches and sales presentations.

Here are a few of the things you’ll learn from Joel’s presentation:

The tell-tale signs that a spokesperson needs additional training
The situations that require additional training for any spokesperson, including experienced ones
The elements that constitute an excellent media or presentation training
Teaching techniques that help senior leaders accept the counsel and coaching given during media or presentation training.

Join us Tuesday, Oct. 10 at Celebration Pointe for our quarterly Pop-Up PR! We’ll be networking and mingling in the Promenade between Spurrier’s Gridiron Grille and MidiCi The Neapolitan Pizza Company!
If you’re on the fence about renewing or starting a membership, this is your opportunity to get PeRsonal with FPRA!
For attendees, enjoy a special offer from MidiCi, The Neapolitian Pizza Company! Twenty-five percent off food, dine in or carry out during the event!

Join the NWFL Coast Chapter for our first networking event of the new chapter. Mix and mingle with our members and learn more about FPRA.

Axia Public Relations CEO and Managing Partner Jason Mudd will share how his firm uses artificial intelligence (AI) and several best practices you can apply to your organization’s communications toolbox.

The Jacksonville Business Journal highlighted Mudd this year after the World Communications Forum Association (WCFA) named him the best public relations leader in North America for 2023: bit.ly/3t26wxA

Friday, Oct 13th | 11:30 a.m. Hot buffet lunch served | 11:45 a.m. Leadership icebreaker | noon – 1 p.m. Professional Development meeting

Attend our October professional development meeting with Olana Osborn of Olana Films at our new location – Taylor College; 2531 East Silver Springs Blvd. in Ocala, FL! Citrus County – In-person meetings will be held at a local county building. Stay tuned for the location confirmation. Special thanks to the Citrus County for helping to coordinate logistics!

Meet our featured speaker! Olana Osborn is widely known across social platforms as “Olana Films,” this Instagram-handle-turned-business is Olana’s full-time job…regularly creating video content for National brands like Wrangler and Cowgirl Magazine. With more than eight years of professional experience, Olana is also an educator for creators in all niches, training them to shoot and edit for social media. She is a passionate, driven creator whose goal is to equip businesses with the tools they need to connect with valuable customers in order to grow.