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PRSA Pittsburgh Professional Development Day 2016

October 27, 2016 @ 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm

- $50

Professional Development Day 2016: Breaking Through the Noise

PRSA’s Professional Development Day is an annual tradition that brings together the region’s top media and communications professionals with students and young professionals who are eager to learn more about the ever-evolving field of communications. Professional Development Day is a unique opportunity to network with influential industry leaders while learning about new trends and strategies from the pros. This year’s speakers will focus on sharing techniques to “Break Through the Noise.”
PD Day

Tickets

$50.00 Member
$40.00 Earlybird rate expires 11 p.m., October 7

$65.00 Non-member Fee
$55.00 Earlybird rate expires 11 p.m., October 7

$45.00 Student Fee (Must Present Valid Student ID at Registration)
$35.00 Earlybird rate expires 11 p.m., October 7

Register Now

PD Day Agenda

PRSSA Hors d’oeuvres Hour sponsored by Geneva College
4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
A new addition this year, we invite all PRSSA students to come for a special networking event to meet PR and communication students and advisers from colleges and universities around the region. Find out what other PRSSA chapters are up to and make valuable connections with your future PR peers. 
 
Registration & Networking sponsored by RendrFX
5:00 – 5:30 p.m.
 
Dinner & Keynote Panel: The Changing Face of Pittsburgh
5:30 – 6:45 p.m.
Our focus for the “Changing Face of Pittsburgh” panel discussion will use Pittsburgh as a successful case study in public relations, showing how the city has transformed its public image from a smoky steel town to one of the most attractive modern cities in which to live, work, and play. In addition to discussing how Pittsburgh itself has changed, we will discuss how communications tactics have changed, both in relation to the city and in general.      
  • Moderator:Ashley Dougherty, WTAE
  • Eleanor Schano, former WTAE anchor
  • Steve Bittle, communications specialist, Pittsburgh Film Office
  • Lou Corsaro, public relations director of Point Park University and former assistant managing editor of the Pittsburgh Business Times
  • Nick Paradise, PR director, Kennywood
  • Mike Lee, executive producer of Pittsburgh 365, and president of the Strip District Neighbors board of directors

Breakout Session I

7:00 – 7:45 p.m.
Option 1: Mapping Career Paths
This panel discussion will feature three PR professionals in varying stages of their careers who will talk about different career paths in PR, including working for an agency, a corporation, a university or even your own company. Panelists will also address various specializations in PR, such as crisis communications, social media, business-to-business communication, event planning and other options.
  • Moderator: Sean Smith, Chief Marketing Officer at Schneider Downs & Co., Inc.
  • Jeff Worden, APR, owner Worden Communications
  • Steve Radick, VP Director of Public Relations and Content Integration, Brunner
  • Jamie Kurke, assistant account executive, Gatesman + Dave
Option 2: Making the case for PR to the C-Suite: Senior Practitioners Panel

PR Practitioners have often struggled to convince upper management of the value and importance of communications to the company’s overall health and success. This panel will focus on how senior practitioners are addressing some of the biggest challenges in PR and proving the value of PR to the C-Suite.

  • Moderator: Oliver Schmidt, managing partner, C4CS
  • Niki Campbell, Vice President, Communications and Field Support at North Side Foods/Smithfield
  • Brian Peiritsch, Director of Corporate Communications, Michael Baker International
  • Bob Butter, principal, Veritas Communication Advisors

Breakout Session II

8:00 – 8:45 p.m. 

Option 1: New Forms of Communication

The “New Forms of Communication” panel will discuss ways that companies are breaking through the noise of many traditional forms of communication to talk to their audience. 

  • Moderator: Debbi Casini Klein, Freelance Producer/Writer/Interviewer/Media Trainer Talent Booker
  • Michelle Flynn, host, BurghTV
  • Kenny Chen, program director, Thrill Mill
  • Lexi Belculfine, editor, The Incline
Option 2: Fresh start: Building a reputation for start-up businesses

Start-up businesses have a unique set of strengths and challenges as they introduce themselves and their companies to the public. Hear how some of our favorite start-up businesses are breaking through the noise to run a successful business. 

  • Moderator: Day Ayer, Founder/President at Field General Communications
  • Lisa Iadicicco, senior management consultant, University of Pittsburgh Institute of Entrepreneurial Excellence
  • Jill Sciulli, director of marketing, Schell Games
  • Ben Butler, APR, founder & head of client success, Top Hat IMC

Wrap-up

8:45 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. 

Parking:

The downtown parking garages are a flat rate of $6.00 beginning at 4:00 p.m. The two closest garages are:
  • One Oxford Centre Garage at 363 Cherry Way
  • Forbes Garage at 400 Cherry Way

What to expect:

video
Last year’s event was our biggest and best yet. Register now for this year’s PD Day so you don’t miss it!

Event Sponsors:

SD
Geneva
WVU

Details

Date:
October 27, 2016
Time:
4:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Cost:
$50

Venue

The Rivers Club
301 Grant Street
Pittsburgh , PA 15219 United States + Google Map
View Venue Website

Details

Date:
October 27, 2016
Time:
4:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Cost:
$50

Venue

The Rivers Club
301 Grant Street
Pittsburgh , PA 15219 United States + Google Map
View Venue Website