The Canadian Public Relations Society's biggest event en route to Canada's smallest province Français
Canada's best communicators will gather in Charlottetown May 27-29, to share knowledge and network at Connexions 2018, the CPRS national conference.
TORONTO, April 24, 2018 /CNW/ - The 2018 Canadian Public Relations Society national conference, Connexions, is being held May 27 – 29 in Charlottetown, P.E.I., where hundreds of public relations and communication practitioners from Canada and abroad will explore the impact of today's most talked about and challenging issues on the profession.
During the event, speakers will examine topics such as the importance of authentic communications, regaining public trust, the rise of AI and effectively (and securely) engaging with stakeholders using social media, in more than 25 separate sessions, which include this year's Keynotes:
- Sarah Hurwitz, former speech writer for Barack and Michelle Obama.
- Ross Simmonds, digital marketing and artificial intelligence expert.
- Lisa Kimmel, President and CEO, Edelman Canada.
- Cam Gordon, Head of Communications, Twitter Canada.
- Disaster Communications & Consultations, a panel discussion on lessons learned from the 2017 B.C. wildfires.
"On behalf of the team of volunteers working with National Office staff, we look forward to welcoming delegates to beautiful Prince Edward Island and the next highly valuable and memorable CPRS national conference," said Roderick Stanley, APR, FCPRS, Local Advisory Committee Chair for Connexions 2018. "Whether it be the very topical range of keynotes, the wide selection of peer driven workshops, or the enjoyable networking opportunities planned, Connexions 2018 offers a dynamic and thought provoking professional development experience. Now more than ever, ethical, strategic and evidence-driven communication management practice is the key to building effective stakeholder relationships."
The Connexions program continues CPRS' long history of welcoming thought leaders and international public figures who embody the core values of the Society, which is marking its 70th anniversary this year. Past conference speakers have included Olympic athletes, award-winning journalists, Fortune 500 CEOs and the who's who of international communicators.
"This year's conference culminates the start of a discussion on the future of CPRS and the public relations profession in Canada, driven by recently identified mega trends in communications, including loss of trust, increasing importance of reputation and using AI and other new technologies to disrupt the industry," said Sarah Hanel, APR, MBA, National President, Canadian Public Relations Society. "As the only association in Canada dedicated to advancing the profession of public relations in Canada, we are #CPRSproud to have led this past year's conversation and thank all of our members from across the country for their engagement in this initiative – we look forward to exploring further thanks to your input."
Connexions 2018 won't be all business thanks in part to MC Laurie Murphy, who will be on hand to lead delegates through the three-day schedule. Both a former CPRS president and an improvisational performer, Murphy's unique combination of personality, professional experience and knowledge of the Island and CPRS makes her the perfect choice to guide attendees through each day and segue into the evening events when the fun really begins.
Connexions 2018 will let delegates celebrate and reconnect while enjoying traditional Island experiences during a variety of evening events, including Sunday's opening reception at Fisherman's Wharf, offering scenic tours of the beaches of Rustico. Then, Monday night, comedian Patrick Ledwell hosts the CPRS Awards of Excellence Gala, where this year's winning organizations will learn which sculptures their award-winning work has earned them. Finally, a selection pre and post-conference activities organized by the Local Advisory Committee's events team will bookend the conference to help delegates make the most of their time on the island.
"While CPRS conferences are primarily attended by members of the national Society, all keynote speakers, workshop sessions and evening events are open to non-members through individual and full conference registrations," added Stanley. "This means anyone interested in attending all or part of Connexions 2018, to learn from some of the best minds in communications, are welcome and encouraged to take advantage of this incredible opportunity and register today."
CPRS would like to thank its partners for their generous support:
- CISION – Gold Sponsor: Workshops
- Meltwater – Gold Sponsor: Monday Night Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner
- West – Gold Sponsor: Sunday Evening Acadian Kitchen Party
- The Canadian Press – Silver Sponsor: Conference Photography Services
- Fifth Story – Silver Sponsor: Tuesday Luncheon Keynote
- McMaster-Syracuse Master of Communications Management (MCM) Program – Silver Sponsor: Diana and Charles Tisdall Lecture in Communications
- Argyle Public Relationships – Silver Sponsor: Monday Night Awards of Excellence Gala Event Management
- NATIONAL Public Relations – Bronze Sponsor: Awards of Excellence Gala Reception
- Cooke Aquaculture Inc – Day Sponsor: Monday
For complete programming and event information, visit the Connexions 2018 portal or download the mobile app, available for both iOS and Android devices.
About the Canadian Public Relations Society:
Founded in 1948, the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) is a not-for-profit organization whose members are engaged in the practice, management or teaching of public relations. Members work to maintain the highest standards and to share a uniquely Canadian experience in public relations. CPRS is a federation of more than 2,500 members across 14 Member Societies based in major cities or organized province-wide.
SOURCE Canadian Public Relations Society
For more interview requests or to arrange media accreditation please contact: Dan LaBelle, Specialist, Communications and Events, Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS), [email protected], O - 416-239-7034 ext. 226, C - 416-917-1794
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