Communication professionals share five things they enjoy about going to TSPRA Annual Conference SUSAN ARD, CPC
CISD Communications Director CISD Public Information Officer Executive Director of CISD Education Foundation Learning from colleagues. When I was hired to develop the communications department at Cleveland ISD, I had never worked in a communications department before. It was quite a challenge. At the TSPRA Rookie Boot Camp, my TSPRA mentor, and other TSPRA colleagues, helped me not to re-create the wheel but to develop it to fit CISD! Collaborating. As we sit in small groups and share our ideas of the different programs we have achieved or implemented, it is good to be able to bounce those thoughts and ideas off each other and listen to the “do’s, don’ts and I wouldn’ts.” The sessions. I have been in Cleveland ISD for 7 years now, and we are about to go for the fifth bond election. When I started, I knew absolutely nothing about bonds. During my second year at TSPRA, I signed up for every bond session there was. I learned so much, and the knowledge I gained was a great step for me. Friends! Conference is a great place to make lifelong
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Fall 2021 | www.TSPRA.org
friends that you can count on – the people that have your back. Thinking out of the box! The keynote speakers help you think out of your box. Dive off into that rabbit hole that leads to an amazing adventure and takes your communications to a different level.
JENNIFER BIRDWELL
Director of Communications Livingston Independent School District
Reunification of friends and colleagues. Meeting up with fellow TSPRAns in one big gathering is much like a family reunion. We share ideas and troubleshoot problems. Networking is a huge benefit and a fellow TSPRAn is always ready to help. Education! My favorites sessions involve photography and videography. There is always more to learn, and you learn from the best at the TSPRA conference. Consultants in the industry share new technology as well tips and tricks regarding best practices. With the ever-changing legislature, it is a huge benefit to learn from an attorney on best practices when dealing with public information requests.
