Events Should Educate and Inspire

For PR pros, education should be a career-long commitment because what we know fuels what we can accomplish. Many working professionals pursue professional development by attending conferences and other industry events.

 I owe much of my professional education to what I learned early in my career at local PRSA luncheons, career days, and the annual Gift of Guidance events. When it was financially and time-wise feasible, I expanded my mind and PR toolkit by applying the takeaways I gathered at regional and national conferences. 

Now, I’m honored to share what I’ve learned with others at events, which deepens my understanding of any topic I cover.

I know firsthand that experiential learning can fill skill gaps, confidence gaps, and help people accelerate learning through experience. But stale lectures in hotel ballrooms won’t expand our knowledge and skillset in meaningful ways. 

To deepen learning, events should engage our minds, move our hearts, and inspire us to practice a skill that quickens our understanding. Stellar events can also reignite our passion for our profession and make us want to come back year after year. 

Since we learn from events, and many pros also manage events, I interviewed Event Manager and Producer Larell Rodriguez of Dynamic Events. She shares about how to enhance our approach to attending and producing events. (Fun fact: Larell is also my niece!)

_{Many communication pros dabble in event planning as “other duties as assigned” in their jobs. How did you come to specialize in event planning?}

I’ve always known from a young age that I wanted to focus on event planning. I pursued related roles starting in high school, like organizing prom and leading retreats, and took college courses on events, including the inaugural TEDx Texas State.

I often turned down paid opportunities if they didn’t align with my career goals. Although my vision wasn’t always clear to others, I recognized the importance of gaining experience in this industry, so I took every opportunity to expand my knowledge and toolkit.

_{What do you love about creating events or experiences? What do you loathe about it?}

I love the excitement and thrill of creating something with my own hands and ideas, and seeing it take shape. It’s truly special to watch a vision turn into reality. However, I loathe the common misconceptions and stereotypes about this industry. 

Many people reduce my work to simply “planning parties,” but my role involves organizing conferences, award ceremonies, galas, keynotes, and memorable experiences...events that require careful logistics, data analysis, and ROI considerations. Without that data, an event is just a party.

_{What types of events do you produce most often?} 

I’ve always been interested in larger conferences and events. My experience began in college, working at festivals and trade shows, which led me to focus on bigger events. Through these opportunities, I developed my skills in production, speaker management, and content.

I didn’t start out with weddings or smaller events like showers or parties, so I haven’t pursued those types of functions professionally — only for my friends and family.

_{How can PR professionals create experiences that educate and inspire people?}

It is important to put yourself in the attendees’ mindset and ask yourself: 

• What would inspire THEM at this event? 
• What is the goal to educate them on?
• What is the purpose?
• How can this be done that can achieve these goals?

The most meaningful events I have executed prioritized the attendee experience and mindset. Rather than think about what YOU want, what would THEY want? 

_{Any trends or tips to share about creating events in 2026?}

Events are returning to full in-person formats in 2026, with hybrid events becoming less common. However, the lessons learned from COVID will continue to influence how we plan. Events will not be the same as they were before 2020, as health and safety measures will remain important. 

Additionally, interactive backdrops are becoming more prominent. Beyond balloon decorations and tension fabric step-and-repeats, there are now backdrop “tunnels” or rooms designed as must-stop selfie stations. Attendees appreciate engaging experiences that reflect the time they invest at the event.