A Message From Our President – May 2021
As we gear up for the summer season, your Orlando Chapter of PRSA is not slowing down one bit. Planning for ICON 2021 is underway and we’re thrilled to announce that registration will open this week on Thursday, May 13. The typical early bird pricing will be available, but only for the first month, so if you’re planning on joining us in person October 17-19 at the Marriott Orlando World Center, then don’t delay in registering. You Host Chapter Committee is busy planning an amazing conference that will adhere to all recommended guidelines from the CDC. In addition, the call for presentations is now open through Monday, May 24.
Also happening this month, will be our first PRSA Orlando Around Town Member Meet Up! We know that you value networking as one of the primary benefits of your membership and it is hard to network in a virtual environment. Board members will be hosting small gatherings outside over the next few months to enable us to get together in person. I’ll be hosting the first event on Monday, May 24 at 5pm at Fish Bones in Lake Mary. Watch for your invitation coming via email and social media, soon. Registration will be limited to the first 10 people.
Our chapter continues to offer stellar virtual programming. We’re thrilled to partner with PRSA North Florida and PRSA Tampa Bay to bring you our May program: “State of the Industry: Moving Forward in a Changed World.” Don’t miss this fantastic discussion with three expert panelists and leading Public Relations industry leaders who will share how they cut through the clutter and embraced the changes that will impact our profession forever. The conversation will be led by Mickey G. Nall, APR, Fellow PRSA, Professional-in-Residence at University of Florida Department of Public Relations. In addition, we’ll be using the Remo video conference platform, which enables more opportunity for small group networking and discussion.
We’re also teaming up with FPRA Orlando for next month’s annual favorite, Media Mash Up. We’re moving this typical ½ day professional development program to three separate virtual programs from 11:00 a.m. until noon on:
Tuesday June 8: Reaching Communication Goals During a Global Pandemic
Experts from agency, healthcare and hospitality industries will talk about strategies and tactics used to reach public relations goals during a pandemic and beyond.
Thursday June 10: Networking with Journalists & APR Recognition
A networking hour with Florida journalists, where you will build relationships with media professionals and get pitching tips during a pandemic and beyond. We’ll also recognize PRSA and FPRA Orlando members who have recently earned accreditation.
Thursday June 17: Orlando Five Years Strong
It’s hard to believe that it has been five years since the Pulse Nightclub shooting, an act of violence that changed the lives of many people in Central Florida. We’ll hear from onePULSE Foundation in honor of those we lost, get an update on the status of the Pulse Museum and learn key takeaways of the foundation’s campaign, “Outlove Hate.”
Watch for invitations and registration information for these events coming soon!
We’re here to serve your professional development and networking needs. Let us know if you have an idea for a program or way we can better support you.
Keep shining,
Stefanie Macfarlane, APR
President, PRSA Orlando Regional Chapter
