What is public relations? Is the purpose of PR to establish open channels of honest communication for the benefit of everyone, or is it to manipulate an audience with clever word doctoring and doublespeak? Unfortunately, the term is often misrepresented as spin, a stunt, image management or a ploy. Although we are in the communication […]

After spending millions of dollars and thousands of hours in planning, the community-based coworking space, Catapult, was forced to head in a new direction in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. Catapult’s executive director, Christina Graham, will share the lessons she has learned when communicating during times of change. She will discuss the plans for Catapult […]

Communicating on behalf of a public safety agency can be challenging. Janel Vasallo, public information officer for the Lakeland Fire Department, will draw upon her experiences and offer insightful tips for professionals working in public relations with limited resources. She will be joined by Robin Tillett, PIO for the Lakeland Police Department. Janel and Robin will share how they’ve had to be creative and think outside the box when it comes to providing positive public relations, community education and responding to media during emergency events.

Dealing with organization controversy and crisis in an evolving media world. Are you READY? Join the Florida Public Relations Association to start your plan for dealing with organization controversy and crisis in an evolving media world. Expert public relations professionals will share experiences and guide you through a table top exercise designed to empower you […]

From mega yachts in Italy to the slums in Central America, Andy McEntire’s work as a filmmaker has taken him all over the world. Andy will share lessons he has learned throughout his journey as a storyteller and entrepreneur.

New State President and Universal Orlando Resort Senior Public Relations Director Alyson Lundell, APR, CPRC, will install the 2019-2020 Board of Directors for the Dick Pope / Polk County Chapter, share her vision for the statewide FPRA organization in the upcoming year, and provide a behind-the-scenes look at some of her team’s most successful public relations efforts such as Halloween Horror Nights.

Carol Cali, Director of Marketing and Media Relations, will share some insights and experiences as to the organization's success and lessons learned.

In this fun and inspiring presentation, author, game designer and filmmaker, Tim Walsh screens clips from his documentary film, OPERATION: Operation, and discusses the themes of play, connection and vulnerability, culminating in the claim that our influence matters more than we realize.

DigiPro Media CEO Steve Barshov will discuss the history of digital accessibility compliance, why accessibility compliance matters to the American business owner, and how a business can mitigate the risk of a digital accessibility lawsuit.

Lakelander Scott Brickhouse’s Chick-fil-A franchise has been recognized and awarded by Chick-fil-A corporate as one of the busiest Chick-fil-A restaurants in the country. In order to keep up with demand, Brickhouse’s franchise was razed in early 2019 to make way for a larger, state-of-the-art restaurant. In June, he cut the ribbon on the new 5,300-square-foot restaurant capable of handling 350 customers per hour (versus 200 customers before). This month, Brickhouse will discuss the Chick-fil-A company culture that drives business and makes them the most profitable fast-food franchise chain in the United States.