PR Evolution: Innovation. Collaboration. Influence.

Download our full conference brochure (pdf) here.

Innovation. It begins with a single creative spark.and "eureka!" an idea is born. From media relations and reputation management to social media, blogging and podcasting, we have seen new technologies, evolving ideas and boundless creativity open doors to 21st century communications. Learn how to harness the power of these emerging innovations to maximize your public relations impact.

Collaboration. With greater competition in our global society, the concept of collaboration is not only highly desirable, it is crucial to overall success. Through the sharing of knowledge, expertise and perspective, we are better equipped to build new relationships and expand business opportunities. Network with the best and explore the many ways that collaboration can benefit you and your organization, and take our profession to amazing new heights.

Influence. One of the most important attributes of a public relations leader is the ability to develop effective relationships that facilitate mutual understanding among audiences. Enhance your skills to influence change and growth, and increase the commitment and response from your colleagues, staff, clients and media, for improved results.

This year's Conference promises unparalleled Professional Development opportunities - divided into tracks and designed for optimal learning:

Track 1: Innovative Strategies - Sessions will address the latest strategies in leadership, management, planning, research, relationship, reputation, communications and integrated communications. Speakers include Alan Hilburg, president and CEO, Porter Novelli Consulting;Ray Crockett, APR, director, Public Relations, The Coca-Cola Company; Stacie Bright, senior communications marketing manager, Unilever; Paul Holmes, editor, The Holmes Report; Paul Gillin, principal, Paul Gillin Communications; Duncan Wardle, vice president, Global & WDW PR, Disney; Karen Raskopf, senior vice president, Corporate Communications, Blockbuster, Inc.; Carol Cone, chairman and founder, Cone, Inc.; Haley Boehning, vice president, Internal Communications, Limited Brands; Teresa Rivera, branding and awareness manager, U.S. Department of the Interior; and more.

Track 2: Effective Tactics and Techniques - Within the context of the shifting audience landscape, sessions will address proven tactics and techniques in core communications, media relations, measurement and emerging technologies and social media, including podcasting and blogging. Speakers include John Curtis, director, Corporate Executive Communications & Messaging, Hewlett-Packard; Daryl McCullough, president and chief creative director, PainePR; Bob Pearson, vice president, Corporate Group Communications, Dell Inc.; Richard Teplitsky, director, Global Corporate Communications, Monster Worldwide; Phil Gomes, vice president, me2revolution, Edelman; Katie Delahaye Paine, CEO, KDPaine & Partners; John Bell, managing director, 360 Degree Digital Influence, Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide; Rob Flaherty, APR, senior partner, Global Practices, Ketchum; and more.

Track 3: Specialization and Practice Areas - Targeted sessions will focus on expertise specific to audiences, industries, emerging trends and multicultural communities. The track also includes programming sponsored by PRSA's Professional Interest Sections. Speakers include Torod Neptune, senior vice president, U.S. Public Affairs Practice Leader, Waggener Edstrom Worldwide; Ann Peru Knabe, APR, chief of public affairs, 440th Airlift Wing, U.S. Air Force;James Smith, senior account manager, Vox Medica; Julia Hood, PR Week Magazine; Carol Orsborn, senior vice president, Fleishman-Hillard and co-chair, FH Boom; and more.

Track 4: The Evolving Profession - Sessions will address the vital components that will ensure a bright future for our profession, including ethics, diversity, education, current issues, advocacy and Accreditation. Speakers include Edna Ruano, public relations, Southwest Airlines; Don Stacks, Ph.D., professor, School of Communications, University of Miami; Diane Gayeski, Ph.D., associate dean and professor, Roy H. Park School of Communications, Ithaca College and CEO, Gayeski Analytics; Kelly Lynne Womer, ABC, APR, principal, Carminchael Lynch Spong; and more.

Please Note: The Call for Presentations for the 2007 PRSA International Conference is now closed. PRSA thanks those of you who chose to participate. The next step is for the proposals to go through a review to check fit into the Conference theme and tracks. We will notify you by May 30 if your proposal has been chosen or not for the Conference. Questions? Contact pd@prsa.org.

I would encourage people to go if they're curious, if they have something to contribute and if they really want to enhance their own professional development, there's no place quite like the International Conference to do that.

Gail Baker, APR, Fellow PRSA,
Dean, College of Communications, Fine Arts & Media,
University of Nebraska, Omaha