Drewry Chapter to host PRSSA National Conference

On Oct. 10, 2014, a group of six University of Georgia students and PRSSA members traveled to Washington, D.C., to present a 40-page bid to host the PRSSA National Conference in Atlanta. Now, a little more than a year later, that same group of students is planning and preparing for the largest gathering of public relations students in the country.

The PRSSA National Conference, taking place Nov. 6 – 10, 2015 at the Atlanta Mariott Marquis, will consist of chapter and professional development sessions. The conference brings students from PRSSA chapters across the country together to discuss chapter initiatives and provide insights that will help them excel in their public relations careers. This year, students will be able to visit agencies in the Atlanta area to gain first-hand exposure in the public relations industry.

“I’ve had such a great experience planning the conference,” said Kelly Tran, National Conference committee member. “Our committee has had a part in everything from planning speakers to the smaller details, like the layout of the program. We hope this conference is a unique and fun experience for everyone involved.”

Throughout the past year, the National Conference committee has used the Grady College alumni network to draw in professional speakers from across the country, including keynote speaker Scott Williamson, vice president of public affairs and communications for The Coca-Cola Company.

In addition to coordinating speakers, the conference committee has also utilized social media to attract students from all over the world, resulting in 1,265 registrants.

Members of the Grady College faculty have also contributed a great deal to the planning and promotion of the conference. Retired faculty member and former PRSSA advisor Betty Jones assisted the committee throughout the bidding process and has continued to guide them throughout the planning and execution of the conference. Current PRSSA advisor and professor Kim Landrum coordinated a fund to send more Grady College students to the conference, resulting in $1,125 in financial assistance toward students’ registration fees.

Registration for the conference is currently closed, but interested parties can contact (212) 460-1474. The conference schedule and transportation information can be found at http://prssa.prsa.org/events/conference/.

Author: Hannah Bause, hannahdb@uga.edu

PR students selected for Coca-Cola Summer '15 internships

Avia Meadows and Amelia Miles

Avia Meadows, a junior public relations major from Marietta, Ga., and Amelia Miles, a junior public relations and consumer journalism major from Warner Robins, Ga., were selected for Coca-Cola's public affairs and communication internship program. 

The Coca-Cola internship program offers an exclusive opportunity for Grady College AdPR majors. Each year, Coca-Cola executives interview Grady students for the much-desired and highly competitive communications internship. Students work under the direction of Grady alum Scott Williamson, Coca-Cola VP, Public Affairs and Communications.

Meadows and Miles look forward to interning at Coca-Cola this summer.

"Coca-Cola has so many amazing campaigns coming up this summer," Meadows says. "I look forward to learning from the best to see how campaigns get executed with a company such as Coke."

"Most people who know me know I love all things Coca-Cola," Miles explains. "I am most excited about the opportunity to further connect consumers with the iconic brand that is Coca-Cola. I think Coca-Cola's ideals are unmatched in that they strive to spread positivity.

"I look forward to gaining invaluable experiences and lessons from some of the best and brightest public relations professionals in the world," Miles shares. "I am extremely honored to intern at Coca-Cola and can't wait to represent Grady College and The University of Georgia in Atlanta this summer."

On campus, Meadows serves as the event planning chair for UGA's John E. Drewry Chapter of PRSSA.

"This year, I am also the PRSSA National Conference Coordinator, and I am leading an amazing team of six to plan the National Conference that will be in Atlanta this November," Meadows explains.

Miles is involved with PRSSA, Zeta Tau Alpha and UGA Diamond Darlings. She is a Leadership Fellow in Terry College of Business' Institute for Leadership Advancement program. When she's not in class, Miles spends her time enjoy reading, being in the sunshine "with a Coke in hand, of course" and watching sports. 

PRSSA President Nash wins national internship award

Congratulations to University of Georgia Public Relations major and PRSSA President, Carly Nash for winning the Altschul Champions for PRSSA Outstanding Internship Award!

This award honors a PRSSA member who has achieved outstanding success in a public relations internship and demonstrates academic excellence and strong practical performance in the field. Nash was nominated by Dr. Jones for her internship with Coca Cola this past summer and received the award at the National PRSSA Conference last week in Orlando.

To learn more about the qualifications for this award, click here.