Southern Public Relations Federation conference to ‘Lift off’

HUNTSVILLE — It’s almost time to lift off for next month’s Southern Public Relations Federation conference.

The annual meeting – called PR Lift Off – is Sept. 10-12 at the Embassy Suites Huntsville. The conference will be a deep dive into strategic communications featuring keynotes, break-out sessions with interactive workshops and networking opportunities to bolster the professional development and association of the Federation’s members and guests.

The organization will celebrate its founding and 50th anniversary at the opening reception. Over the next two days, featured speakers will share their expertise on igniting leadership skills, sharpening response time and understanding communication science.

Sessions include:

• The 6 Keys to Inclusive Leadership – How to get your diverse team to row in the same direction: Ayo Owodunni – Prime Target Consulting
• It’s Not a Rocket Science – Developing Winning Social Strategies for any organization: Maree Jones – Director of Social Media Strategy, the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
• GOST Hunting – Strategic Planning Doesn’t Have to be a Horror Movie: Missy LaBorde, APR – Associate Professor of Communication Studies, LSU-Alexandria, Sarah C. LaBorde, MBA – Communications & Sustainability Manager, Crest Industries
• Growth of the Rocket City Trash Pandas Through Advertising, Community, and Media Relations: Jennifer Sands – Senior Account Executive at WHNT News 19 CBS, Broadcast TV & Digital Specialist, Nexstar Media Group.
• PhotoShop for PR Professionals: Ginger Guttner, APR – LSU Manship School of Mass Communications
• Everyday Ethics: Ready? Reset. Go!: Kristie Aylett, APR – Agency Principal, The KARD Group Public Relations and Marketing Department of Communication, Languages and Arts, LSU-Alexandria
• The Science of Communication: Elizabeth Edwards – Founder, Volume PR, and Engagement Science Lab
• Storytelling – Creating Powerful Messages That Inspire Action: Veronica V. Sopher – Veronica V. Sopher Consulting.

“SPRF provides support, experiences and opportunities to enable our members to excel,” said SPRF President Kelli West. “The annual conference is our chance to reacquaint ourselves with common practices in the industry, learn new skills, meet new fellow professionals and reconnect with old friends. We are excited to be in Rocket City for this year’s conference and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Federation with our members and guests.”

Registration for PR Lift Off is still open to the public. Meet public relations practitioners from across the Southeast and continue your education by registering at https://sprf.org/conference. One-day registrations are also available.

The Southern Public Relations Federation is a network of public relations professionals from Alabama, North Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi who share a common interest in the public relations profession.