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