Why attend the PRSA Midwest District Conference

By Brant Skogrand, APR, MBC  

Given that the polar vortex has made this winter one for the record books, it comes as no surprise that Midwesterners already are booking their summers with fun vacations.

Springfield, Mo.

Before the summer schedule fills up, I would encourage public relations professionals to register for the PRSA Midwest District Conference.

There are several reasons to attend the conference, which takes place June 18-20 in Springfield, Mo.

1. You'll get to hear excellent programming sessions. Jim Lukaszewski, APR, Fellow PRSA, also known as "America's Crisis Guru," will deliver the conference keynote. Joseph E. Cohen, APR, this year's PRSA National chair, will be speaking as well. In addition, there are tons of breakout sessions covering various topics.
2. Connect with other public relations professionals. The PRSA Midwest District covers chapters from eight states, so you're bound to meet someone new. In addition, I connected with other public relations professionals from my home chapter when I attended the last two PRSA Midwest District Conferences.
3. Develop your PRSA leadership skills. On June 18, the conference starts with a QuickStart program, which is an educational and motivational networking event designed to help attendees learn what it takes to succeed as a PRSA leader.
4. See a new city. I'm looking forward to visiting Springfield for the first time. For those interested in touring Branson, it's less than an hour's drive away.

By the time you're in Springfield this summer, the polar vortex will be a distant memory.

For a collection of more public relations tips, insights and reflections, buy the book "19 Tips for Successful Public Relations: Insights on Media Relations and Reputation Management" from amazon.com!