2013 PRSA Institute: Building Blocks to Leadership

 Push your business public relations efforts beyond the confines of geography or walls. The 2013 daylong Central Iowa Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America Institute theme, "Building Blocks to Leadership," is filled with fresh thinking, inspiring case studies and actionable take-aways. Any interested professionals — not just PRSA members — are invited to attend the events on Nov. 19-20.

The 2013 Institute hosts speakers touting new ideas on how your organization can make a connection with employees, clients and community, and — new this year — also will feature a choice between two breakout sessions.

The 2013 Institute, Wednesday, Nov. 20, includes topics and speakers for all communications professionals, including:

• Keynote speaker Hal Pittman, sponsored by DuPont Pioneer, spent his career as a U.S. Navy public affairs officer advising four-star generals and leading the Joint Public Affairs Support Element. Now he is the president and CEO of Special Olympics Iowa, and will present “Small details that can lead to big success.”
• Senior vice president of communications and marketing for the Greater Des Moines Partnership, Susan Ramsey, will present an insider’s view of how the GDMP uses public relations in “Des Moines shines in national spotlight: So what’s next?”
• CEO of Change, Dan Shipton, will explore and explain the world of mobile apps, presenting, “So you wanna build an app?”
• Owner of Opposable Thumbs Marketing, Bryan Schultz, is no stranger to innovation, and will present “Iowa’s Best Bite Restaurant Challenge: Putting the ‘public’ in public relations,” the unusual contest that helps rural communities attract attention.

Institute registration includes admission to a Tuesday evening session led by Dr. Patrick Merle, assistant professor of International Public Relations and Political Communication at Florida State University. Dr. Merle will discuss the influence and realities of public relations outside the United States, Nov. 19, 6:30 p.m. in the Sussman Theater at Drake University.

Two mid-morning breakout sessions offer something for every communications professional:

·       “First five years in public relations: Steps to becoming a leader,” features a panel of seasoned communicators leading an interactive session to provide tools and resources for assessing your current position, identifying areas of potential growth and sharing tips.

·       “Strategy and culture: Balancing your priorities as a communications leader,” is a discussion led by moderator Dr. David Remund, APR, to help experienced communications professionals gain insights about strategic planning and performance management.

Register for the 2013 PRSA Institute before Oct. 31, to take advantage of discounted pricing. Institute is from 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., at the UnityPoint Health Des Moines Educational and Research Center, 1415 Woodland Ave, Des Moines. A final social gathering at nearby Americana Restaurant will convene at 4 p.m.

This year’s Institute is presented by sponsors from DuPont Pioneer, Two Rivers Marketing, BusinessWire, Strategic America, GuideOne Insurance, Drake University, Beeline+Blue, UnityPoint Health Des Moines, and Wixted & Co..

The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) is the world's largest and foremost organization for public relations professionals. PRSA’s mission is to strengthen and advance the public relations profession and enhance members’ careers through continuing education programs, information exchange forums, and research projects conducted on the national and local levels.

The Central Iowa Chapter of PRSA has a membership of more than 160 diverse public relations professionals.

For more information visit www.prsaciowa.org, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@prsaciowa).