As fall officially gets underway,
there is much to be excited about at PPRA!
For those who do not know, PPRA is the Philadelphia Public Relations
Association, a trade group of nearly 300 of the top PR practitioners from
Southeastern Pennsylvania, South and Central New Jersey and Northern
Delaware. Founded in 1945, PPRA is the largest independent public
relations association in the country, and our purpose is to elevate our
industry and bring awareness to what is happening in our region. Our
members represent every level of experience, including college students,
freelancers, agency representatives, corporate and non-profit communicators,
and much more, plus representation in a diverse cross section of public
and private sectors, including arts and culture, film and television,
education, government, healthcare, law, sports, science and technology,
philanthropy, tourism, hospitality and the worlds of corporations, non-profits
and agencies.
PPRA exists to help fellow
professionals further their craft, develop relationships, network and
mentor one another. Our panel discussions, skills-based workshops
and signature programs are
relevant to PR professionals at all career levels and offer best
practices, access and insight into what matters for our industry TODAY.
Already this year, our association
has hosted its first social program of the season, "Mix, Mingle and
Snap" at one of our city's newest spots, Urban Enoteca at the
recently renovated Latham Hotel. Our members enjoyed great networking, but
also some interesting insight from those in our area who are making the most of
visual social media. They shared tips and case studies on how to make
instagram, pinterest, foodspotting and tumblr work
for our clients, companies and agencies alike.
And just yesterday, PPRA was a
part of the second annual "State of the Industry" event at the
PA Convention Center. This
partnership with PRSA and BPPRS offered excellent breakout discussion on
non-profit PR, corporate philanthropy, brand management and public affairs. We
also played host to Judy Smith, author of Good Self, Bad Self: Transforming Your Worst Qualities into Your
Biggest Assets and the inspiration for the hit ABC series, Scandal. Smith was fantastic as she
dialogued with PA Convention Center CEO Ahmeenah Young. See a recap of the
event here.
As we look ahead to October, I
hope you are ready to be terrified and inspired with two great events. Stay
tuned for more info on a special behind-the-scenes tour and cell block cocktail
reception PPRA is planning at Eastern State
Penitentiary on October 16th. You also should have received an invitation to
one of PPRA's most prestigious events of the year, the Gold Medal
celebration on October 22. We will honor the Children's
Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) with a special presentation, and
guests include Monica Malpass of WPVI ABC 6, Philadelphia Eagles President Don
Smolenski and City of Philadelphia Health Commissioner Donald Schwartz.
But before all that, please
remember to renew your
PPRA membership! Renewals are due soon, and if you get yours in before
September 30th, you can take advantage of our discounted 2012 rates.
That means you'll continue to receive awesome value on all the great member
benefits PPRA provides: member ONLY events; discounted fees to attend
educational, social and signature programs; monthly newsletters; access to our
career corner; the member directory; mentorship programs and discounts on
offers that help us do our jobs as PR professionals better.
So what are you waiting for?
Renew now, save the dates and get ready for a great year ahead.
President, PPRA 2012-2013
