Are you prepared to handle a crisis at your organization that may require a quick response? In today’s fast-paced world, organizations must be ready to handle crises effectively to protect their reputation and maintain stakeholder trust.

Join us on Thursday, February 27th to learn how to develop a robust crisis communication plan, use timely and transparent communication and engage effectively with stakeholders. Chris Gent, APR, CPRC is traveling to Lakeland to meet with us and present Effective Crisis Communications: Strategies for Success This presentation will explore the key principles of crisis communications and provide actionable strategies for navigating challenging situations. The event takes place between 11:30am to 1pm at the Cleveland Heights Golf Club, Lakeland.

Chris Gent serves as the head of strategic communications and public affairs at Georgia-Pacific. He is a seasoned public relations professional with more than 30 years of experience in internal and external communications, media and public relations, and corporate philanthropy. 

Chris earned his bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Central Florida and a master’s degree in strategic public relations from The George Washington University in Washington, DC, where he graduated valedictorian in 2010.

Chris is accredited in public relations and a certified public relations counselor. He is a former Orlando Area Chapter president and FPRA state president. He currently serves as one of two FPRA representatives on the Universal Accreditation Board, which oversees the national Accredited in Public Relations (APR) program.

Chris and his wife have 7 children and 8 grandchildren.

Click here for tickets. 

Join us on a swashbuckling journey to One Buc Place at the Advent Health Training Facility in Tampa. The event takes place on Thursday, March 27^th between 10:30am to 1pm. It’s a free event and includes lunch from Panera Bread.

Casey Phillips, team reporter and Nelson Luis, chief communications officer for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will share their communications strategy and their experience working on a national level. Members will also tour parts of the Buc’s training facility, onsite studio and press room.  RSVP is required.

Members interested in carpooling, may sign up when they RSVP. We have three SUVs deployed throughout the county to help with transportation. Prior to the event, carpoolers will be contacted with pick up information.

Members traveling in their own vehicles will be provided parking instructions.

Address: 1 Buccaneer Pl, Tampa, FL 33607

Note: Members who prepaid for the professional development session in March may request a refund via email: info@fprapolk.org.

Remaining funds may be used to cover the cost for lunch at Panera Bread in Tampa. The balance will go into the operating budget and may be applied to upcoming FPRA chapter scholarships.

RSVP

Join us on a swashbuckling journey to One Buc Place at the Advent Health Training Facility in Tampa. The event takes place on Thursday, March 27^th between 10:30am to 1pm. It’s a free event and includes lunch from Panera Bread.

Casey Phillips, team reporter and Nelson Luis, chief communications officer for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will share their communications strategy and their experience working on a national level. Members will also tour parts of the Buc’s training facility, onsite studio and press room.  RSVP is required.

Members interested in carpooling, may sign up when they RSVP. We have three SUVs deployed throughout the county to help with transportation. Prior to the event, carpoolers will be contacted with pick up information.

Members traveling in their own vehicles will be provided parking instructions.

Address: 1 Buccaneer Pl, Tampa, FL 33607

Note: Members who prepaid for the professional development session in March may request a refund via email: info@fprapolk.org.

Remaining funds not refunded may be applied to the purchase of lunch for the March meeting. The balance will go into the operating budget and may be applied to upcoming FPRA chapter scholarships.

RSVP

Let’s keep with the FPRA tradition and volunteer at the 2025 Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo, April 1^st to April 6^th. It’s a fun and easy way for us to support the community as public relations professionals. Press Center roles are in an air-conditioned environment.

Elect to volunteer for a few hours, a full day or several days. It’s up to you!

Volunteers may choose from various roles, such as: checking-in media representatives, helping with press conferences, operating golf-cart shuttle services and/or general hospitality.

Enjoy the volunteer benefits of free SUN ‘n FUN admission/parking, opening night concert with Tyler Hubbard, complimentary daily lunch, t-shirt, volunteer appreciation party and of course the USN Blue Angels!

To sign up, email FPRA member Carol Cali, press center chairman: carol.cali@caliconsulting.net

Note: No children can accompany their parents or siblings as this is a professional, working environment. Volunteers must be able to stand, walk and lift up to 20 lbs. as needed.