Behind the Scenes Heroes Meet this year’s

Behind the Scenes Heroes

From the outside, it looks like TSPRA’s annual conference goes off without a hitch. In actuality, there are many people taking turns at the helm to make sure your experience at this annually anticipated event is memorable. Proving that not all heroes wear capes, each year at the conference, four loyal TSPRAns step up to the plate to serve as conference day chairs. Here are this year’s volunteers. Be sure to say “howdy” and “thanks y’all” when you see them this year!

Jenny Bridges Director of Public Relations Waxahachie ISD

How long have you been a TSPRA member?

Six years.

How many TSPRA conferences have you attended?

Six – haven’t missed one yet!

Why do you attend the TSPRA conference?

I always leave the TSPRA conference feeling re-energized and ready to take on the world! The professional development and networking opportunities are like no other conference, and TSPRAns are the most open, giving group of people you’ll find.

What is your favorite part about going to conference?

Catching up with my fellow TSPRAns and getting the opportunity to network. I also adore the conference roundtables and always come away having learned a ton!

What are you looking forward to as a day chair at this year’s conference?

It’s an unbelievable honor to be asked to be a day chair, and I’m looking forward to making this year’s conference a huge success. I can’t wait to see the behind-the-scenes action and work with my fellow TSPRAns to pull this event together!

DAY TWO Chair

Jeff Meador Director of Communications, APR Granbury ISD

How long have you been a TSPRA member?

2007 – 16th school year

How many TSPRA conferences have you attended?

12

Why do you attend the TSPRA conference?

Collaboration and teambuilding are important in school PR as we share experiences, best practices and ideas for promoting our districts and public education in general.

What is your favorite part about going to conference?

Always knowing that I am not in this alone and that my colleagues in other districts can be a great sounding board for questions and issues.

What are you looking forward to as a day chair at this year’s conference?

I want to help others with the most timely and effective sessions that can provide practical uses to back to our home districts.

What is your advice for anyone attending conference?

Always find at least one thing that you can take back that makes you more effective in working on behalf of your students, parents, teachers and staff.

Jeff in April 2017 with Roger Staubach when the Granbury ISD technology department won an award from Extreme Networks, which partners with the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Sean at TSPRA conference ins 2013 Sean Hoffmann Chief Communications Officer Seguin ISD

How long have you been a TSPRA member?

20 years

How many TSPRA conferences have you attended?

Quite a few. Pick a number greater than 15 but less than 20 and we’re in the ballpark.

Why do you attend the TSPRA conference?

Professional learning, networking and socializing are the top three reasons. Plus, as members, it’s our obligation to support TSPRA – a valuable organization that does so much to support us.

What is your favorite part about going to the conference?

I like visiting with all of TSPRAns who I’ve had the pleasure of meeting over the years. Back in the day, the Star Awards afterparties in the presidential suite used to be pretty special, though!

What are you looking forward to as a day chair at this year’s conference?

Doing whatever I can to help support a final day (truthfully, a half day) of the 2022 conference.

What is your advice for anyone attending the conference?

Turn off your phone (yeah, right!), go to sessions, meet new friends, nurture past relationships and plan how you can help to enhance TSPRA’s future.

DAY FOUR Chair

How long have you been a TSPRA member?

5 years

How many TSPRA conferences have you attended?

5

Why do you attend the TSPRA conference?

To learn from our amazing colleagues and to find new resources to better serve our school district.

What is your favorite part about going to conference?

My favorite part about attending is seeing everyone from across the state.

What are you looking forward to as a day chair at this year’s conference?

I love supporting everyone and being a resource for others and new members to TSPRA.

What is your advice for anyone attending conference?

Take notes and be open minded! You’ll never know what information you will need. Chelsea Ceballos Communications Publications Specialist Klein ISD

Round Rock, TX In addition to attending a stellar conference, get ready to have the time of your life in this Africa-themed hotel and convention center. During your downtime, enjoy 11 dining options, an indoor waterpark, live music, bowling, a spa, a fitness center, indoor swim-up bars and more!

www.kalahariresorts.com/texas/

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

www.tspra.org/conference-professional-development/annual-conference2022 Fall 2021 | www.TSPRA.org 27