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UNO PRSSA Hosts Regional Conference April 17-19

Omaha

UNO PRSSA will be welcoming public relations students from across the Midwest to Omaha from April 17-19

OMAHA - Students from all majors are encouraged to attend “Building Blocks of a Brand” Regional Conference hosted by the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA).

The conference will be held April 17 to19 at the Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center on the Dodge street campus.

The importance of company culture, starting and creating a brand, and crisis communication are just a few of the topics that will be discussed.

Keynote speakers include Fred Cook, CEO of Golin International, and Dr. Joseph V. Trahan III, a former member of the National PRSA Board of Directors. Cook will discuss aspects of his book “Improvise – Unconventional Career Advice from an Unlikely CEO.” Dr. Trahan is an accredited member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and is an internationally recognized media trainer and crisis communication expert.

Jay Wilkinson (CEO of Firespring), Mariah Nimmich (Public Relations Marketing Manager at Bulu Box), Greg Daake (Principle and Creative Director at DAAKE), and Calli Hite (Communications Manager at Union Pacific) will also speak at the conference.

The conference costs $25 in advance or $35 at the door to attend.

Participants interested in registering in advance should register through the conference website. Registration covers attendance for all three days, a complimentary continental breakfast Saturday and Sunday mornings and lunch on Saturday.

UNO PRSSA is one of 10 schools chosen to host a PRSSA Regional Conference in Spring 2015. “Building Blocks of a Brand” is the chapter’s third regional conference hosting, undertaking a major professional development opportunity.

For additional information regarding the conference and the Omaha area, visit the conference website at: http://unobuildingblocksofabrand.com/ or contact Angela Eastep, conference coordinator at aeastep@unomaha.edu or 402.880.5593.

The conference schedule is as follows:

Friday, April 17:

5:30 pm: Registration

6-8 pm: Welcome reception (light hors d’oeuvres, beverages)

7-9 pm: Conference Opening

Hugh Reilly, Professor, Director of the School of Communication

Welcome

Kickoff Speaker: Fred Cook, CEO Golin International

Saturday, April 18:

8:15-9:00 am: Complimentary Breakfast

9:05-9:15 am: Update from Heather Harder, PRSSA National Committee President

9:15-10:15 am: Session 1 - The Importance of Company Culture

Speaker: Jay Wilkinson, CEO, Firespring

10:15-10:30 am: Break

10:30-11:30 am: Session 2 – Entrepreneurial Sector: How to start or create your brand

Speaker: Mariah Nimmich, Public Relations Marketing Manager, Bulu Box

11:35-12:30 pm: Session 3: How to change your brand

Speaker: Greg Daake, Principal and Creative Director, DAAKE

1:30-2:30 pm: Session 4 - Travel and Tourism Sector: How to stand out from the crowd

Speaker: Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce – Panel Discussion

2:30-2:45 pm: Break

2:45-3:45 pm: Session 5 – Corporate Communication Sector: How to create a cohesive brand

Speaker: Calli Hite, Sr. Communication Manager, Union Pacific

4-5 pm: Session 6 – How to handle a brand crisis

Speaker: Dr. Joseph V. Trahan III,; President, Trahan and Associates

Sunday, April 19:

8:30-9:30 am: Complimentary Breakfast

9:30-Noon: BUILD YOUR OWN PROFESSIONAL BRAND

– Professional headshots

– Resume and portfolio reviews

Topic: Building your personal brand from student to professional

Speaker: Dr. Joseph V. Trahan III, APR; President, Trahan and Associates


About UNO PRSSA
UNO PRSSA offers a wide range of opportunities for professional development and community engagement. UNO PRSSA won a national award for Outstanding Community Service in 2013. PRSSA awarded the UNO chapter with its highest honor, the F.H. Teahan National Award for Outstanding Chapter in 2012 and 2009. In 2011, the chapter earned recognition as the UNO Outstanding Student Organization.

About the University of Nebraska at Omaha
Located in one of America’s best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.

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