#StateofPhillyPR - PPRA Kicks Off the 2012 Year!

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 30^th, 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.

Kera Armstrong

President, PPRA 2012-2013