Call for Presentations

Priority will be given to proven presenters whose proposals are forward thinking and deliver fresh, compelling, business-focused content that is directly relevant to today’s agency leaders and principals. Presentations that are interactive and/or provide an output that participants can act on immediately are also strongly encouraged. Presentations that seem to be sales-focused or specific to promoting one company or organization are strongly discouraged.  

PLEASE NOTE: All submissions will be shared anonymously with the conference chair and co-chair, as well as the conference committee, to prevent any unintentional bias and to ensure selections are based on the quality of content and merit. Only PRSA will retain the names and company names of those submitting proposals during the first phase of submission reviews.  Following the first phase of the selection process, the committee will review speaker reels, testimonials and other identifying information to complete the selection process.

This year, our theme is The Big EASY: Elevate, Advocate, Strategize, and Yes (I’ll Have Another)! tipping the hat to our return to the beautiful and engaging New Orleans. We are looking for dynamic and engaging content that helps agency leaders prepare and focus on key business, leadership, management and personal needs as we think about our agencies and our industry. As we are returning to The Big Easy, we are also returning to the tenets of our work: elevation of messages, advocacy, strategic planning, and more. The following subject areas represent the specific tracks that we will offer to our attendees and suggested workshop topics you may consider in developing your submission and determining how best to position it for success. You will have more success in your submission if you pinpoint which track(s) your expertise can address.

• Growing and sustaining your agency through sound business development
• Business planning: prospecting, mergers and acquisitions
• Strategic alliances for your business and/or your clients
• Business development: developing new service lines and sources of income, identifying new niche markets, proposal/pitch development
• Marketing tools and technology and emerging trends.

• Advocacy for public relations in an ever-changing communications environment.
• The impact of public policy/legislation/regulation on brands and client reputations/activities/expectations
• Internships that shape our next generation of PR leaders.
• D/E/I among agency leadership, how agencies should address diversity and inclusion issues with clients and as community builders, workplace environments.
• PR practitioners as advocates for their clients, for truth and transparency in communications, ethics.

• Recruiting and retention strategies
• Professional development
• HR policies and practices, workplace environment, agency culture.
• Leading effective teams, executive development and training.
• Legal issues and opportunities in building and growing your agency
• Contractors as the new workforce.
• Inspirational leadership in and outside your agency. What does that look like?
• Are we still pivoting post COVID? What does a successful leader look like after a year of an everchanging environment?
• Succession planning strategies
• Creative and sound communication strategy development
• Managing virtual teams and agencies

• Maintaining balance in life, health, and business.
• Tools & Innovation - Resources that streamline processes, build collaboration, maximize client experiences and simplify your life
• Creative ways to energize your team (and yourself).
• When enough is enough (recognizing burnout and how to recover)
• Retaining legal counsel before you need legal advice
• Iron sharpens iron, when to get a professional coach

Presentation Guidelines

Counselors Academy welcomes proposals from public relations firm principals and senior leaders, as well as experts in relevant disciplines including, but not limited to: accounting, law, consulting, human resources, recruitment and retention, business coaching, benefits and compensation, insurance and risk management and agency technology.

• Expert breakout presentations (up to 60 minutes in length)
• Expert panels (limited to up to three participants)

• Deliver fresh, innovative thinking in a way that is interactive and engaging.
• Understand that the audience of attendees at Counselors is made up of leaders of small- to mid-size public relations firms.
• Provide clear takeaways that attendees can implement right away.
• Are passionate about their subject matter and can inspire audiences to see their business challenges in new ways and take action.

• Must supply a copy of their presentation at least one month prior to the conference for promotional purposes.
• Must avoid sales pitches, however subtle they may be, for their own products or services.
• Must be able to dynamically deliver a presentation in-person

PLEASE NOTE: Preference will be given to those who can demonstrate strong speaking and audience motivation skills by providing videos or reviews of past presentations to similar audiences.

Submit your innovative and compelling presentation proposal online here.  Check the box that says Counselors Academy.

Note: PRSA and Counselors Academy do not reimburse presenters for out-of-pocket expenses such as hotel stays and airfare. PRSA and Counselors Academy do not provide speaker stipends. Presenters who are selected for expert breakout presentations will receive one complimentary conference registration, which does not include meals or networking events. Presenters will have the option to purchase a meal package.

Proposals are due no later than Friday, Feb. 3, 11:59 p.m. EDT. Earlier submissions are encouraged. Submit your proposal online here.