Page 3 • November/December 2015 • ISUPRSSA.com
ISU PRSSA Takes on National Conference Continued
Saturday morning consisted of an inspiring keynote from Scott Williamson, Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications for Coca-Cola North America at the welcome ceremony. Williamson motivated everyone with his “six steps to success” and encouraged students to go out into the world and be bold. ISU PRSSA introduced the Chapter at roll call with a short rendition of Taylor Swift’s song “22.” The Chapter was then awarded a Star Chapter award for Chapter excellence. Soon after, members dived into sessions ranging from event planning to writing, crisis communications to networking. The day also consisted of officer discussions where executive board members conversed with other Chapter officers and discussed ways to help make each Chapter grow stronger. Members took on another early morning Sunday with coffee running through their veins and more sessions to attend. Some of these sessions included social media marketing, transition to the real world and global messaging and rebranding. Members took a step away from the conference to have lunch with the Chapter’s faculty advisor, Dr. Pete Smudde at the Hard Rock Cafe. Monday consisted of a fascinating PRSA general session with KIND bar CEO Daniel Lubetzky and Sheryl Connelly from Ford Motor Company. Lubetzky reminded the crowd of how to be transparent in your work and Connelly shared the 10 trends surrounding today’s consumers. The day continued on with a career development exhibition where members interacted with corporations and agencies for future job and internship information. The day ended with a “Night Among the Stars” awards ceremony and dinner. At the ceremony ISU PRSSA was awarded third place in the Rowan University National Organ Donor Awareness Competition for their last Spring’s Donate Life campaign. While in Atlanta, members had the opportunity to explore city attractions such as the World of Coca-Cola, the Atlanta Aquarium, and the scenic downtown. Bonds and endless memories were made within the Chapter members. National Conference is a unique experience that cannot be found anywhere else. ISU PRSSA members are encouraged to consider this opportunity as a stepping stone in their professional development. PRSSA 2016 National Conference will be held in Indianapolis, Ind. At the end of the Conference, seven members lived through an amazing college experience together in their pre-professional careers and will continue maintaining connections with new friends from around the country. Each day consisted of something new and exciting that could have only come from attending PRSSA 2015 National Conference.