Prepping for ICON 2021; Thanking a Longtime Chapter Leader
By John Elsasser
October 2021
As of this writing, we are almost ready to kick off ICON 2021, taking place virtually, Oct. 4-20. PRSA also had an in-person component planned for the conference this month in Orlando, Fla. However, with the rise in COVID-19 cases across the country, and ongoing challenges with the spread of the Delta variant, PRSA leaders decided to move to an all-virtual format.
“The PRSA staff and so many of our volunteers have been hard at work to create an event that would be a safe and positive experience for our attendees,” said PRSA Chair Michelle Olson, APR. “As difficult as this decision is, I know it’s the right one to help protect you, your families and our communities.”
An online program was already in place for those attendees who couldn’t make it to Orlando this fall. You may visit the PRSA website for details on all the virtual offerings.
Managing Editor Amy Jacques and I will be covering ICON 2021. Follow @PRSAtactics and #PRSAICON2021 for insights from the speakers and panelists, and find session recaps on the PRsay blog. Look for more in-depth coverage in our November-December issue of Strategies & Tactics. (This issue will be out in late November.)
We hope that you enjoy this year’s virtual gathering. We’ll see you online!
A DE&I celebration
PRSA is celebrating Diversity & Inclusion Month this October.
One of the highlights is a General Session at ICON 2021 titled “The State of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in PR and Communications” on Oct. 20.
The panel of agency executives will include a discussion on what we need to do to better engage Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) in the profession.
There’s also a DE&I social event during ICON 2021 scheduled for Oct. 18.
Other events this month include the latest Diverse Dialogues webinar, “Building Better Partnerships Within Corporate Citizenship and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion,” featuring key corporate public affairs and communications leaders on Oct 27 at 5:30 p.m. ET. In addition, check out our DE&I-related blog posts as well as a PRSSA tweet chat on Oct. 25 at 9 p.m. ET.
Please visit the PRSA website or @PRSA for updates throughout the month.
Best wishes to a longtime Chapter leader
During my 27-plus years here, I’ve had the opportunity to work with many dedicated members who generously and graciously donated their time and service to PRSA and the profession.
I’d like to give a shoutout here to one of them — Denise Grant. After serving PRSA Georgia since 1983 in Chapter Administrator and Executive Director roles, the now COO has announced her retirement.
Per a recent Georgia Chapter post on Instagram: “Denise has been the face of our organization for an incredible 38 years, and has left an indelible mark… Many of us also have felt her impact on our personal and professional lives, and consider ourselves privileged to call her a friend.”
I recall first meeting Denise when Atlanta hosted the International Conference in the fall of 2001. In subsequent years, she volunteered and helped out at the Leadership Rally, Silver Anvil Evening and the International Conference. I’ll miss her genial personality, calm demeanor and steadfast professionalism behind the scenes.
The Georgia Chapter is planning a tribute to her at their Awards Celebration on Nov. 17 at the Cobb Energy Center.
Thank you, Denise, for your dedication to PRSA through the years! We wish you and your family all the best.
