pr success: spring 2012 edition

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make you more marketable,” she said. The pros also stated that if students are seeking agency employment, it is essential to have at least two internships prior, and to highlight pertinent skills and results on their résumés. After finishing session one, students and pros gathered for lunch, then departed for breakout session number two. “Think Before You Do: Recognizing the Strategy Before the Tactic” was presented by Heather Whaling, of Geben Communication and “Building a Brand for the Modern Workplace” was presented by Ohio University’s own Scott Eardley, the only student presenter at the After the keynote, conference attendees divided into two breakout sessions: “PR Boot camp: Agency Panel” and “PR Freelancing 101.” The agency panel included Zack Bingham of SBC Advertising, Jennifer McQuiston Fening of Fahlgren Mortine and Bridget Granger of Be Wise Management. M.J. Clark, president of M.J. Clark Communications and ImPRessions professional advisor, hosted the PR freelancing session. At the panel, students were able to ask the professionals questions about all aspects of agency work. When asked about the benefits of agency experience, Granger answered first. “[Agency] helps organize you in a way you never thought you could be organized…It really does On Saturday, April 21, Ohio Dominican University hosted the annual Central Ohio PaRtners Conference. This year’s event, titled “Launching the PRoactive You,” hosted ten industry professionals who discussed topics ranging from agency public relations to public speaking techniques. Keynote speaker, Patrick Mason, director of consumer marketing in the Chicago office of GolinHarris, opened the event. Mason started by focusing on a case study of GolinHarris’ work with BP, before and after the oil spill. He then offered advice to the student audience. “Build your résumé around your passions, as well as your expertise,” Mason said. He also recommended that students take business classes, earn internships and participate in networking opportunities during college. He emphasized that these are the best ways to prepare for an increasingly competitive hiring environment. Mason also advised that when job searching, students should be flexible and open-minded. “Go where the opportunity is and have a goal in mind,” he said. SEE PARTNERS ON PAGE 3 PaRtners Conference 2012: Launching the PRoactive You PaRtnering Together: Scripps Public Relations Students Society of America members attended PaRtners Conference on April 21. In this photo, three PRSSA members are pictured at the event: Ashley Osborne, Heather Bartman and Samantha Tischler (Photo credit: Allison Jordan). By: Samantha Tischler

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The 2012 spring quarter edition of the Ohio University Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) award-winning chapter newsletter 'PR Success.'

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Page 1: PR Success: Spring 2012 Edition

make you more marketable,” she said. The pros also stated that if students are

seeking agency employment, it is essential to have at least two internships prior, and to highlight pertinent skills and results on their résumés.

After finishing session one, students and pros gathered for lunch, then departed for breakout session number two.

“Think Before You Do: Recognizing the Strategy Before the Tactic” was presented by Heather Whaling, of Geben Communication and “Building a Brand for the Modern Workplace” was presented by Ohio University’s own Scott Eardley, the only student presenter at the

After the keynote, conference attendees divided into two breakout sessions: “PR Boot camp: Agency Panel” and “PR Freelancing 101.” The agency panel included Zack Bingham of SBC Advertising, Jennifer McQuiston Fening of Fahlgren Mortine and Bridget Granger of Be Wise Management. M.J. Clark, president of M.J. Clark Communications and ImPRessions professional advisor, hosted the PR freelancing session.

At the panel, students were able to ask the professionals questions about all aspects of agency work. When asked about the benefits of agency experience, Granger answered first. “[Agency] helps organize you in a way you never thought you could be organized…It really does

On Saturday, April 21, Ohio Dominican University hosted the annual Central Ohio PaRtners Conference. This year’s event, titled “Launching the PRoactive You,” hosted ten industry professionals who discussed topics ranging from agency public relations to public speaking techniques.

Keynote speaker, Patrick Mason, director of consumer marketing in the Chicago office of GolinHarris, opened the event. Mason started by focusing on a case study of GolinHarris’ work with BP, before and after the oil spill. He then offered advice to the student audience.

“Build your résumé around your passions, as well as your expertise,” Mason said.

He also recommended that students take business classes, earn internships and participate in networking opportunities during college. He emphasized that these are the best ways to prepare for an increasingly competitive hiring environment.

Mason also advised that when job searching, students should be flexible and open-minded. “Go where the opportunity is and have a goal in mind,” he said.

SEE PARTNERS ON PAGE 3

PaRtners Conference 2012: Launching the PRoactive You

PaRtnering Together: Scripps Public Relations Students Society of America members attended

PaRtners Conference on April 21. In this photo, three PRSSA members are pictured at the event:

Ashley Osborne, Heather Bartman and Samantha Tischler (Photo credit: Allison Jordan).

By: Samantha Tischler

Page 2: PR Success: Spring 2012 Edition

PRSUCCESSSpring 2012 Page 2

In the PR world, networking is vital in creating a successful career. The PRSSA National Conference offers students opportunities to learn, grow, and develop within the public relations industry.

There is no better way to connect your pre-professional self to the big league experts than by attending this event. Along with interacting with professionals, attendees will be able to meet students from different PRSSA chapters, and make life-long connections.

ImPRessions VP of Administration Heather Bartman, attended PRSSA National Conference in 2010. “It was cool to learn about how different firms and chapters operate,” Bartman said. “People will remember who we are and soon we will all be colleagues.”

In today’s economy, it can be overwhelming to keep above water in the job market. At the national conference attendees will gain a perspective of real world experiences, and be given tips to help stay competitive in the industry.

“You learn a lot in PRSSA, but this conference

While Rachel Miller studied in the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, she was very goal-oriented, knowing as a freshman that she wanted to end up a public relations professional. Miller was a member of PRSSA and Brick City Records as well as a public relations major, with specializations in sociology and business. She now works for PR 20/20, an inbound marketing agency based in Cleveland, Ohio.

As an associate consultant, Miller assists account teams with work for clients in various industries. “I was first introduced to PR 20/20 at a PRSSA meeting at the end of my freshman year. I loved what I heard about the company and decided then that PR 20/20 was where I would love to see myself after graduation,” said Miller.

That is just what she did. During her sophomore year, PR 20/20 came back to Ohio University to interview seniors, and Miller set up an informational interview with the company while

By: sara Sloat

By: Marisa Dockum

they were here. The networking and informational interviews were a great help in securing her future. The following year, PR 20/20 contacted Miller with an internship opportunity for winter break. She also made sure to visit the company

when in Cleveland following the internship. “They seemed like a great group of people to work with and we kept in touch afterward,” Miller said

With the skills Miller acquired through classes in the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, and student organizations, she was able to complete eleven internships before graduating in March 2012. At the start of her senior year, Miller continued to have contact with the people she interned with at PR 20/20 and expressed an interest in working with the company full time after graduating from Ohio University. Over this past winter break they continued to discuss the opportunity, and in January they offered Miller a full-time job.

“Overall, it was networking. Networking and informational interviews are the skills I developed over the years that have been the biggest help in securing internships and jobs,” she said. Keeping in touch with PR 20/20 was the biggest advantage in guaranteeing a job after graduation and securing her future.

Rachel Miller, associate consultant at PR 20/20

OHIO PRSSA alumni spotlight: Rachel Miller

opens up the PR flood gates,” said Nicole Bersani, ImPRessions CEO. “The people who attend have received more than ten internships, they’re the PR super stars! At this conference, you are learning from the best of the best.”

The 2012 conference, themed “Bridging the Gap,” is being held in ‘The Golden City’ of San Francisco. The event is filled with chapter development sessions and seminars including New Professionals, Brand Yourself, Putting on the Glam and Glitz, and The Bare Essentials of

PR. In addition to the sessions and seminars, the conference will also include many influential speakers.

When asked why she would encourage people to attend the event, Bartman said, “A lot

of the things that I have accomplished were a result of this conference. People within your chapter will be really impressed with you and the fact that you even attempted to go.”

PRSSA National Conference is a beneficial opportunity in more than one way.

“At every single conference I have made a ton of friends, and have built a strong network of professionals. National conferences are on a larger scale, all different chapters have different diversities, so we can build off each other’s ideas and make friends. We become connected on Facebook and Twitter, and on LinkedIn. I

came home with a stack of business cards and pages of notes,” Bersani explained.

The 2012 PRSSA National Conference will take place October 12 through the 16. Don’t miss the opportunity to develop into a professional in the city of diversity, artistic value, and rich history!

Bridging the Gap: PRSSA 2012 National Conference

“You learn a lot in PRSSA, but this

[national] conference opens up the PR

flood gates.” -Nicole Bersani,

ImPRessions CEO

Page 3: PR Success: Spring 2012 Edition

PRSUCCESSSpring 2012 Page 3

conference. Eardley focused on merging the reality we think we’re projecting with what is actually being perceived. He explained the four components of a successful brand as differentiation, consistency, clarity and authenticity through effective storytelling.

Ultimately, he had one question for his audience: “What is your story going to be?”

Students then filtered into the last breakout session of the day. “10 Disruptive Technology Trends that change How Public Relations Works”

type of organization that not only concentrates on future careers, but also cares about others in the local community.

PARTNERS, FROM PAGE 1 Wall, participants were able to look at flyers and take the contact information of those they could either help, or receive help from. The conference ended soon after. As students emptied out of the building, swag bags and networking tools were in hand.

“It was a great experience, especially learning more about an industry I’m not accustomed to. It was also great to find commonalities,” Eardley said. “It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in; branding is branding and professional communication is professional communication…I really enjoyed it.”

On April 29, 2012, several members from the PRSSA social affairs committee joined together and gave back to their community for Athens Beautification Day. This annual event, put together by Ohio University Student Senate, allowed for several campus organizations to clean up a community that has provided them with a home to call their own during the school year. “I really wanted to give back to a community that I have been a part of for the past three years,” said Elizabeth Krizner, a junior on the social affairs committee.

The social affairs committee, lead by Anna-Marie Frantz, vice president of social affairs, spent the year planning fun and educational events for PRSSA members to attend, but felt as though it might be a fun change of pace to volunteer for another organization. “It was a great way to get PRSSA’s name out there,” Krizner said.

On the morning of the event, nearly 800 students from 28 different groups and organizations arrived at Scripps Amphitheater to listen to an opening speech by Ohio University President Roderick McDavis, and receive their assignments. Each group was assigned to “beautify” a specific spot in the Athens community. PRSSA, along with the OU Marketing Association, were sent with several rakes and shovels to the Athens Community Center. The team spent three hours mulching the flowerbeds along the front of the community center.

The Athens community has shown appreciation for the students’ volunteer work. This was the last community service event for PRSSA this school year, but the social affairs comittee continued to stay busy planning other events. They planned one final PRSSA social for

the year, as well as an end-of-the-year banquet. By participating in this years’ Athens

Beautification Day, PRSSA proved to be the

by: Nicole Pellechia

was led by Nate Riggs, of The Karcher Group, and “Public Speaking Techniques” was led by Stephanie Mennecke, from the Ohio Department of Development.

Riggs discussed how to apply technology tools to brand communication and customer experience. He hoped to give students an edge that would put them ahead of the curve. Mennecke gave tips and tricks for public speaking, such as avoiding caffeine and practicing speeches out loud three (and only three) times.

For the last activity of the day, students were able to create a Dream Wall. Through the Dream

Giving back to the community: Athens Beautification Day

Athens Beautification: PRSSA members participated in Athens Beautification Day on April 29.Top: Members help ‘beautify’ at the Athens Community Center (Photo credit: Cidnye Weimer).Bottom: Participants gather at Scripps Ampitheater (Photo credit: Cidnye Weimer).

Page 4: PR Success: Spring 2012 Edition

PRSUCCESSSpring 2012 Page 4

On April 10 and 11, the 2012 Schuneman Symposium, “Impact: Words and Pictures that Matter,” brought four internationally-recognized speakers to the Ohio University campus. The speakers discussed the media’s role in shaping social movements.

The symposium opened on April 10 with a film screening of “One Thousand Pictures: RFK’s Last Journey,” showing the work of Ohio University alumnus Paul Fusco.

The following day, Fusco and Will Hopkins, Fusco’s former Art Director at LOOK Magazine, discussed Fusco’s work on the Chernobyl victims.

Fusco’s work taught Rebecca White, a senior studying public relations, that the value of work lies in the impact it makes.

“It was pretty powerful stuff,” White said. “Those pictures make me feel so much more than I could say, and it’s important to understand.”

Two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and Ohio University alumnus Clarence Page, GRITtv founder and host Laura Flanders and Rainbow PUSH Coalition and Civil Rights Leader Rev. Jesse Jackson presented to full and eager audiences on April 11.

Page, a 1989 Pulizer Prize winner and The Chicago Tribune columnist, discussed the role of images in the media in a talk titled “Believing is Seeing: How Images Change Politics.” Although the Baker Center Auditorium was filled, leaving many to sit on the floor, Jackson managed to find a seat, as the crowed buzzed about his arrival.

Flanders spoke immediately after Page, inspiring the crowd with the possibilities of new media. Founded in 2008, GRITtv reaches audiences through Free Speech TV and online.

Ohio University junior studying broadcast journalism, Tanya Parker thought that Flanders was inspiring.

“She was basically calling all the shots in her own career, travelling all over the world

and living the new media dream. I loved everything she talked about and how excited she was about her own life. It just made me want to jump into my journalistic career right away,” said Parker.

As Page interviewed, Jackson concluded the symposium. Twenty minutes into the session, Jackson learned that George Zimmerman was arrested for the second-degree murder of Trayvon Martin. Through this topic, he further emphasized the symposium’s focus on social movements.

The idea for this year’s symposium originated at the close of the 2011 Schuneman Symposium when faculty began discussing the possibility of bringing Jackson to campus.

We wanted to show “what effect media can have on social movements,” said Dr. Robert Stewart, director of the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. “Jackson has been central to many major movements in the past four decades.”

The theme became more relevant as social forces, such as the Occupy movements and those surrounding the shooting of Trayvon Martin, have grown in the past year.

Although Jackson was unable to confirm his appearance until about six weeks before the symposium, “having Jesse Jackson in the mix gave us a draw for other speakers,” said Stewart.

Stewart hopes that this year students will come to understand that they “should try to aspire to do something that matters, that has an impact.”

The two-day symposium was possible because of support of alumni Smith and Pat Schuneman. Through annual donations, the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism will be able to host 11 more symposia, totaling 15.

The Schunemans hoped to support an event that was intellectually stimulating and that brought together visual communication, photography and new media elements.

by: Nicole Germano

Schuneman Symposium Speakers: This year’s Schuneman Symposium, “Impact: Words and Pictures that Matter,” took place on April 10 and 11. In this photo, Clarence Page and Jesse Jackson are pictured (Photo credit: E.W. Scripps School of Journalism).

Schuneman Symposium inspires students to impact othersInternationally-recognized speakers discuss the media’s role in social movements

Page 5: PR Success: Spring 2012 Edition

PRSUCCESSSpring 2012 Page 5

For many students at Ohio University, spring quarter means celebrating the warm weather with annual street festivals, tanning on South Beach and relaxing with friends. However, for six dedicated Scripps students, spring quarter consisted of a public relations internship with a local summer collegiate baseball organization, the Southern Ohio Copperheads.

Led by senior public relations major, Nicole Bersani, the Copperheads’ PR team spent weeks preparing for the first annual Wifflemania tournament, held Saturday, May 5 at McCracken Fields on East Green. Wifflemania, an event open to the entire Athens community, consisted of a day-long wiffle ball tournament, home run derby, prizes, food and entertainment.

In addition to Bersani, the PR team includes Marissa McDaid, Mark Pierce, George Peck, Kailey Adams and Will Harris. In the weeks leading up to the event, the team created a detailed PR plan, involving table sessions at Baker and “wifflemobs” – spontaneous wiffle ball games throughout campus. The team also created a social media schedule for the Copperheads staff, using the hashtag #Wifflemania to promote the event.

Along with the PR plan and social media schedule, the team crafted a press release, which was sent out to local media outlets and several student organizations. “This was the first time that I worked on any sort of formal PR plan or formed a media list,” said McDaid. “I found it to be a great learning experience. I think it’s a project that [our team] will be able to draw a lot of measurable results from.”

One of the biggest challenges the Wifflemania crew faced was a scheduling conflict with the annual Ohio University Moms Weekend. However, the group was able to use this to a marketing advantage by advocating “mother-daughter” and “mother-son” games to students on campus. They even created a “Moms Division” in the home run derby.

“Sports PR is something I have always been interested in and it’s been great to experience this outside of the classroom,” said Bersani. “This event started from scratch and it has been really rewarding to help build the public relations plan with them [the Copperheads]. They have been very generous

J-School students gain experience in sports PRBy: Kailey Adams

and appreciative of our work.”Thanks to the PR team’s hard work, more

than 16 teams competed in Wifflemania. The team also contributed many long-term advancements for the Copperheads. Through the social media plans, the Copperhead’s Twitter account gained more than 500 new followers – a 159% increase – and expanded

by more than 120 “likes” on their Facebook page.

The students involved in this project have gained invaluable experience and knowledge, as well as a great addition to their résumés. “It has been great learning how to put together a PR campaign with the team. It has definitely been a learning experience,” said Peck.

Wifflemania: Six E.W. Scripps School of Journalism students completed a spring quarter PR internship with local summer collegiate baseball organization, the Southern Ohio Copperheads. Top: The PR team created a flyer to publicize their Wifflemania event, which was held on May 5.Bottom: In this photo, Wifflemania participants cheer on their team members during one of the wiffle ball games (Photo credits: Nicole Bersani).

Page 6: PR Success: Spring 2012 Edition

PRSUCCESSSpring 2012 Page 6

As the end of the school year approaches, graduating Scripps’ seniors begin to plan for their journey post-college.

Four of this year’s PRSSA seniors, Sam Bartlett, Nicole Bersani, Kieran Manzi and John Marvar, have all studied similar courses during their time in college, but will soon be heading their separate ways to pursue their dreams in the real world.

Q: What are your plans after college?

S. Bartlett: To work in PR in the Columbus or Cleveland area. I am searching for a job that I fit well in…a culture that works for me and I strive in. PR is storytelling and having conversations.

I want to make sure that whatever I end up doing, I’m telling a story that makes a difference and reminds people that they need to enjoy life. Because life shouldn’t be all work and no play...and I hope to be sharing stories of how people can live that way.

K. Manzi: I wish I could say at this point in time that I have secured a position, but alas I have not. The job market is hard at this point, even for us successful Scripps students.

I hope to find work in the field of entertainment communications. Ideally I would love to be somewhere warm like Florida, the Carolinas, San Diego, but I wouldn’t be

With over 140 million Twitter users, people may run into some difficulty when looking for the gems of the Twitter world. Most public relations students know that Twitter can be used for more than just hearing the latest from the Kardashian’s, but do you know where you can find a wealth of information in regards to the PR industry? Here’s a list, in no particular order, of eight insightful minds in the PR world that every aspiring PR professional should be following.

1. @Mashable, Pete Cashmore CEO of Mashable.com

One of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2012, Cashmore provides a constant stream of Tweets in regards to the PR field.

By: Danielle Szabo

By: Ashleigh Mavros A majority of his tweets are links back to blog posts, but he covers every social media platform from Foursquare and Pinterest, to mobile apps and everything in between.

He provides a balanced mix of information that relates technology to current issues, politics and pop culture. You can even find links to quirky videos, such as one of four IPhones synching together to perform the hit song “We Are Young.”

2. @prtini, Heather Whaling owner of Geben Communications

Whaling is based out of Columbus and is one of the most insightful pros in the industry. She tweets links to her PR blog at prtini.com, along with moderating the #PR20chat for students and professionals. Whaling interacts with a wide range of followers, allowing you to find connections with

other PR professionals.

3. @briansolis, Brian Solis principal of Altimeter Group

Solis’ tweets focus especially on digital influence within the social media world. You’ll find links to tools and sites that can help improve your standing in the social media world along with the latest books for PR professionals.

His tweets give followers a detailed look into what’s next in our world with new media and strategy.

4. @prsarahevans, Sarah Evans owner of Sevans Strategy

Anthony Rodriquez of the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel said, “She has her finger

opposed to places like Athens, Columbus, Cincinnati, etc.

N. Bersani: I start a paid post-graduate internship with Ogilvy’s Social@Ogilvy team in Chicago shortly after I graduate in June.

J. Marvar: I am going to graduate school to get a dual degree in both business and law at Case Western Reserve in August.

Q: Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years?

S. Bartlett: In 10 years I see myself working in PR and being happy. Hopefully I am in happy marriage and have a baby? I see myself as a super woman…doing awesome things in my career and domesticated!

J. Marvar: Hopefully starting/have started my own business

Q: What will you miss most about Ohio University?

S.Bartlett: My friends. The people who have changed my life forever. Being able to do nothing all day and it be 100 percent socially acceptable. And, of course, the brick roads and beautiful trees - they were, of course, a huge decision factor of what made me feel at home in Athens.

N. Bersani: I will miss Scripps Hall (particularly “Scripps after dark”) and the friends I’ve made through the years. I will also miss the beautiful campus and four-day weekends the last few years.

K. Manzi: The randomness! You never know what to expect with this town, something new, crazy and exciting happens here every day. It’s a black hole of craziness.

J. Marvar: I love OU & Athens but what I’ll miss is not the places, but the people I meet. As my friends get jobs all across the country I’ll miss having them in one place near me.

Top 8 pro’s you should be following on Twitter

I’m graduating! Now what? Seniors: life after graduation

SEE TWITTER ON PAGE 8

Sam Bartlett Nicole Bersani Kieran Manzi John Marvar

SEE SENIORS ON PAGE 9

Page 7: PR Success: Spring 2012 Edition

PRSUCCESSSpring 2012 Page 7

The overpopulation of stray cats and dogs in Athens County has led to an increase in the number of animals being euthanized. The Athens County Dog Shelter originally used a gas chamber that suffocated animals with carbon monoxide: a process that many experts say can be extremely painful.

Many cats and dogs suffer when their internal organs shut down long before t h e y die. Often, animals must be gassed multiple times before they are euthanized. In March, the Athens County Commissioners decided to ban the method and implement the practice of lethal injection, a far less painful approach.

Athens County Humane Society (ACHS) has worked diligently to stop gassing. Although ACHS welcomes the county commissioners’ decision, ACHS members realize that their fight is far from over. The threat of overpopulation has yet to subside.

Ohio University students contribute to the county’s number of stray animals. “Many students graduate and leave their unwanted pets behind,” ImPRessions Account Executive Chrysten Crockett said. “Sometimes students find it impossible to juggle school work while providing the care their pets need.”

ACHS formed a strategic alliance with ImPRessions to promote responsible care giving and educate OU students on ways to reduce abandonment. “We are at the heart of campus so we have the opportunity and power to enforce the ACHS mission,” Crockett said.

ImPRessions has increased ACHS’s exposure by handling the group’s Twitter, Facebook and blog. Engagement in social media allows team members to develop two-way communication between ACHS and OU students.

and providing on-the-spot registration for appointments. Each of these elements is crucial in the attempt of decreasing the number of strays.

The ACHS ImPRessions account will conclude the year by taking time to recognize animals in the Athens area privileged with homes and owners who share a deep concern for their pet’s wellbeing.

On June 2, account associates will assist ACHS with hosting their annual “Mutt Strut” event. “Mutt Strut” gives pet owners in Athens the opportunity to showcase their dogs. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in contests for Best Trick, Look-Alike and Most Original Dog Name. The event will take place from 3-5 p.m. in West State Street Park.

The ImPRessions account’s involvement has increased attendance at ACHS events, such as “Play Time with Puppies,” which gives students the opportunity to bond with adoptable pets. The social media accounts also include an active “Lost and Found” page that can be accessed via Facebook. The page is successful at reporting and returning lost pets. As a result, ImPRessions has helped ACHS decrease the likelihood of lost animals being mistakenly placed in shelters.

The times and dates of Spay and Neuter clinics are also posted to the ACHS Twitter and Facebook accounts. These events are dedicated to educating owners on the importance of stabilizing the animal population, addressing popular myths concerning spay and neuter

By: alexzandria Reazor

ACHS ImPRessions Account: Athens County Humane Society ImPRessions account members have worked hard to plan their annual “Mutt Strut” event, where Athens dog owners showcase their dogs. In this photo, ACHS ImPRessions account members are pictured (Photo credit: Alexzandria Reazor).

Spotlight:Athens County Humane Society

Special thanks to Scripps PRSSA spring quarter speakers• Andy Dearth, Live Nation

• Tourism PanelSamantha Browning, Park City MountainResortScott Peacock, Experience ColumbusSandi Combs, Experience Columbus

• Hanna Bieliauskas, Geben Communication

• Angela Krile, Krile Communications• Demi Clark, Girl Friday PR

• Taylor Gaspar, Huntington Bank• Todd Bailey, Huntington Bank

• Non-traditional PR PanelDan KleinAnnie White

• Senior meeting panelJanelle Huelsman, Fahlgren MortineNick Lucido, Edelman Digital

Page 8: PR Success: Spring 2012 Edition

PRSUCCESSSpring 2012 Page 8

Editor’s note: This is a two-part series. Part one appeared in the Winter 2012 “PR Success” edition.

By: Lauren Nolan

The first four steps to planning a successful event were explained in the last edition of “PR Success.” Here are the final four steps to help pull your event together full-circle.

5. Promote. Promote. Promote.

The bottom line for hosting any event is to get people to attend. Be creative in your approach towards promotion. Of course, do not neglect conventional means to get the word out about your event, such as distributing news releases, hanging up posters, creating a Facebook event page and Tweeting.

You can really let the creative juices flow when planning an event on a college campus. Chalking on campus sidewalks, writing on classroom white boards, designing table tents that are displayed in the dining halls and distributing handbills are all low-cost ways to drive traffic to your event and spread awareness about your cause.

6. The Event.

It is finally here, the big occasion! All your ducks are in a row and it is time to go, right? It is not quite that simple.

Just because you have worked tirelessly, planning each detail, it does not imply that now is the time to relax. Throughout the event you will want to continue anticipating the needs of your publics and remain flexible, as it is highly likely not everything will go according to plan.

Be friendly and open to the attendees. Talk with them about your cause, answer their questions, and encourage them to take action.

During the event you also want to be accommodating to media outlets. You want coverage of your event so pay attention to the media! Take some time to sit down for an interview, let them mingle with attendees, take photos and video.

If your event is held in a public area you should also expect that not everyone in the vicinity would be expecting the event or understand why it is going on. This is a great opportunity to make an even bigger impression for your client. Get up and connect with these passer-bys.

7. Fitting Follow Up

The event is over, but the work is hardly

finished. First, show your appreciation by sending hand-written thank you cards out to all those who helped: account associates, vendors, volunteers, hosting committee, event services, etcetera. Be sincere and timely in delivering thank you cards. Sending out thanks in the form of Tweets to new followers and connections is also a courteous touch.

Follow up also requires compiling an event summary for your client. How many impressions did you make?

Set up news alerts for your event, keep track of interactions on social media, include the number of attendees at the event. Prove to your client that your work is worthy.

8. Rethink & Review

This step is often overlooked, but event reflection is extremely beneficial. Start on a high note, what did your team do well? Improvements begin with a critical analysis of the event. Do not wait too long after the event before reflecting, you want the program fresh in mind in order to accurately detail the successes and failures.

What could be improved? Document the analysis so it can be reviewed and an even more successful event can be planned in the future. Always continue striving for excellence.

PRosperity in event planning: Part 2

on the pulse of technology and how it can help PR pros.” Evans tweets several articles of current events, viral videos within the industry and general tips on how to network within the PR industry. Evans has been featured in Vanity Fair’s America’s Tweethearts, Forbes’ 14 Powerful Women to Follow on Twitter and Entrepreneur’s Top 10 Hot Startups.

5. @danfarkas, Dan Farkas of Ohio University

Yes, our very own PRSSA advisor Dan Farkas! A web video business owner, PR/social media manager and a visiting instructor at Ohio University, Dan is a great resource for students within Scripps. Steven Nyeste of Central Ohio Technical College said, “I think Dan is a great resource for Ohio U, and I enjoy seeing the links he posts using the #ScrippsPRSSA hashtag. With

Dan working on both sides of the media, I think he has a clear understanding as to what is quality work.”

Farkas posts about current events in Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati and is especially efficient with responding to questions and giving feedback to both students and pros alike.

6. @dbreakenridge, Deirdre Breakenridge CEO of Pure Performance Communications

Breakenridge is author of “PR 2.0” and “Putting the Public Back in Public Relations.” She also is the co-founder of #PRStudChat, a weekly Twitter conversation of new and aspiring public relations professionals. People can tweet her for inquiries related to social media and connect with her on a professional level. Breakenridge frequently uses the PRSSA hashtag and includes information, such as internships, for students.

7. @jasonfalls, Jason Falls of Social Media Explorer

Falls discusses many topics within the PR field, with a heavy emphasis on social media strategy. His tweets are down to earth, with a bit of a comical side. Falls is dedicated to connecting with students and professionals alike via Twitter, he tweets actively on a daily basis.

8. @prblog, Kevin Dugan Marketing Director of Empower MediaMarketing

Don’t let the Kool-Aid man avatar throw you off; Dugan’s tweets provide information about PR that is valuable for aspiring professionals. Many of his tweets pose questions that get people thinking about different aspects of the PR and help form a different perspective. Dugan is also entertaining, with his thoughts on everything from his love/hate for Zoey Deschanel to the thunderstorm that’s blowing through.

TWITTER, FROM PAGE 6

Page 9: PR Success: Spring 2012 Edition

PRSUCCESSSpring 2012 Page 9

PR

@DemiGirlFriday: Just spoke to some AMAZING young @ScrippsPRSSA talent. Humbled 2 be @OHIOAlumni today. @oudean- hats off to the staff as always! #OUPride

@Kailey_Adams: So happy that I could get dinner & advice from my @ScrippsPRSSA mentor @siennatomko! I’m definitely feeling more confident for my interview!

@LixKrizner: Craving caffeine? Stop by Scripps lobby until 3 for a cup of coffee. Only $1 and you can help @ScrippsPRSSA.

@RCsaszar: Last @ScrippsPRSSA meeting of my entire college career tonight at 6 p.m. in Scripps 111! #bittersweet

@AnnaMFrantz: Can’t believe tonight will be my last @ScrippsPRSSA exec meeting! So proud of what we’ve all accomplished

@StephGort: Sad to see the @ScrippsPRSSA seniors for the last time at the banquet :( I’ll miss you all & good luck to everyone on their life journeys!!

Success

‘PR Success’ readers,Thank you all for the support you have shown

over the past three quarters. Releasing my final edition of ‘PR Success’ as not only the VP of Public Relations for PRSSA, but also as a PRSSA senior, is very bittersweet. I would like to thank many people who helped this edition come full- circle.

First, to Scripps PRSSA Advisor Dan Farkas, thank you for all your help with editing and sup-port in keeping the publication going.

To Scripps PRSSA President Heather Farr, thank you for your help with design and editing. Also, thank you for your support when things get stressful!

To Melaina Lewis, thank you for all your help with emailing, editing, photography, design and much more! I know that you are going to do great as next year’s VP of PR.

To this edition’s writers, editors and photog-raphers, I greatly appreciate your dedication and hard work.

Finally, to the PRSSA advisors, faculty and students in the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism and students at Ohio University, thank you for your support throughout this year.

On behalf of PRSSA, I hope you enjoy the ‘PR Success’ spring 2012 edition!

Amanda StefanikVP of PR

Letter from the Editor

@ScrippsPRSSA Twitter mentions

And lastly when asked about searching/securing an internship or job opportunity, all four in unison responded with…networking!

N. Bersani: The biggest tip is not to lose your networks. Everyone says to network, network, network but the true key is to build relationships -- make sure to follow-up and keep in touch with people you meet.

You might be surprised when an opportunity comes your way and it can come when you least expect it. With that, start your search early and let your networks know you’re looking -- if you’ve stayed in touch, they will be more inclined to help.

FROM SENIORS ON PAGE 6