Fired Up Again – Online Wins Again with Public Relations

Tuff with the cut-out of the Obama’s at the opening ceremony

The PRSA has an international membership of over 21,000 members, and over 3,000 attended the conference in Washington DC this October themed “Leading the Way for a Fearless Future of PR.”

The opening general session included Walter Isaacson, President and CEO Aspen Institute. His discussion centered on disruption in the marketplace and it isn’t anything new and shared how leaders of the past have adapted.  He was followed by ABC’s “Good Morning America” anchor Amy Robach who spoke about the changing media landscape and effects of good story telling.

The Sunday opening night gala was named “House of Cards” that included cardboard stand ups of the Obama’s standing in front of the White House. Music and many posters from the Netflix movie, as well as a live band created a festive mood.

Interspersed were many breakout learning sessions, so only the highlights will be shown.

Monday morning began at 8 am with featured speakers Michael Lomax, President and CEO of the United Negro Fund expressing the need to integrate our staffs to reach across all levels in Public Relations. Then the stage was held by Polly LaBarre, founding member of Fast Company and editorial director of MIX relayed the characteristics and development of the successful individuals and companies she has followed in her career.

The noon luncheon included the Keynote address by NBC’s “Meet the Press” Chuck Todd. He presented the state of politics and the impact it is having on our current lives.

Tuesdays luncheon had Mike Buckley, Vice President of Global Business Communications for Facebook.

Key Take Aways

• Importance and Denial of the importance Mobil Websites
• Transition from Social Media to Social Business
• Adapting to the world as it is and not how we want it to be.