5 in 5 What do you enjoy about attending TSPRA’s conference?

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 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.

Motivation.

The convention committee selects a fantastic keynote speaker each year. The subject matter is relevant, and the speaker is always dynamic and thought-provoking. They not only motivate us but also help us to be ready to conquer the world.

Validation.

Submit your best work to be judged in TSPRA’s STAR awards. Best of the best entries earn gold medal rewards giving your communications department the state recognition they deserve. The Star Awards banquet is an elegant evening of celebration among friends.

Revitalization

Need help for dealing with stress on the job? TSPRA conference will have a session guiding you on techniques to deal with stress.

JENNIFER HINES

Chief Communications Officer Tyler ISD

Making connections.

I believe everyone has a story and a talent to share. I love hearing about what challenges or big wins others are experiencing in their district and hearing about their journey in school public relations. It’s a great time to make new connections and reconnect with old friends.

Bouncing off ideas.

When I was looking to make a significant shift in the direction of our department, conversations and guidance from my fellow TSPRAns, including TSPRA President Veronica Sopher, solidified that decision. Those conversations also allowed me to see how other schools handled the same situation and make the right decision for our team.

Learning new strategies and tools.

There is always something new to learn. You can attend the conference year after year. And every year, you will leave with several gold nuggets of information, new strategies, campaign ideas and realistic concepts that you can implement in any size district.

Sharing our resources.

One of my favorite things about belonging to TSPRA is everyone’s willingness to share resources and ideas. You need help with crisis communications wording? Here’s our list. You need ideas for social media? Here’s what we’re doing and not doing. The conference gives you that opportunity to create connections you can tap into all year long.

Bonding as a team.

Since we have a larger department, the TSPRA conference allows us to get out of the office and the daily grind. We can connect personally, discuss big picture ideas and reinforce that team spirit.

CECELIA JONES

Director for Communications Little Elm ISD

Make room.

This week is intended for you to grow professionally, attend sessions to hear what other pros are doing across the state and connect with colleagues who are here to help you. Leave your laptop in your room and invest the time to expand your mind.

The great getaway.

It’s the only week where you get to focus on you! No kids, no spouse – it’s about you where you can focus on your profession. It’s fun to make connections and have dinner together to chat about it some more!

Presenting,

You! One of the most fulfilling things you can do is give back to this great organization that provides so much knowledge. We all have skills we specialize in and it is

continued on Page 52

always great to share at a session. It empowers you and it helps get your name out there too!

The one thing.

You’re going to hear a lot of great programs, strategies, see amazing marketing campaigns and learn different tricks of the trade. Don’t stress out that maybe you need to up the ante in your communication game by implementing it all. Focus on one thing and make it great in your district.

Kudos to you!

The highlight of the conference is the Star Awards. Be sure to submit your work so you can be recognized in front of your peers for the great work you’re doing at your district. You deserve it!

It’s not just about the work.

While the TSPRA conference is about learning new things and making new contacts, the experience can be quite fun. Do not dread it as just a work event!

DUSTIN TAYLOR

Communications Specialist and Newspaper Editor Longview ISD

There is a lot to learn.

There is a lot to learn from many people in our field. Be sure to bring a notepad and pen or laptop to record information. Also, be sure to bring business cards and to ask for business cards.

There is a wide range of session topics.

Don’t be afraid to branch out of your particular specialty. There are a lot of topics that you can learn about, so try one or two that you wouldn’t normally consider. You could end up finding something new and exciting for your district.

It’s a great time to gather new knowledge.

As mentioned above, there are a lot of topics. If more than one person from your district’s public relations department can attend, that will allow even more ideas to be taken back and implemented.

There are opportunities to present.

The TSPRA conference has a lot of presenters, but they can always use more. Did they not have a presentation on something you think is useful or critical? Try presenting it next year!

Want to share your top five? Email Tracie at tseed@tspra.org.