Paula A. Lewis Library, Southwest Rosser Boulevard, Port St. Lucie, FL, USA

Speed Networking

Looking for the perfect match for your professional network? Join us for Speed Networking – a fun, fast-paced event.Connect with

Past Events

Unlock the Power of Innovative Communication Tools

Discover cutting-edge tools and strategies to elevate communication in today’s digital world. This session will introduce you to innovative electronic tools to create engaging communications, connect employees, manage processes, and more. Gain insights into how these tools, enhanced by AI capabilities, can improve your communication tactics, providing you with rich reporting metrics and deeper audience engagement.

This Could Get Ugly

Get ready for an event full of festive fun and networking! Join us for our Ugly Christmas Sweater Party, where the tackier, the better! Bring your most outrageous holiday sweater and connect with like-minded professionals in a fun and festive atmosphere.

Launch Communications Story And Strategies

In 2022, Fort Pierce Utilities Authority and the City of Fort Pierce approved the relocation of the FPUA Wastewater Treatment Plant that is currently located on South Hutchinson Island. This aging plant, originally built for the U.S. Navy Frogmen Training area, poses risk to the vulnerable Indian River Lagoon during storms, and its relocation was proposed and denied multiple times in the previous 20 years. Local approval included approval of a $100 million bond to start the project, rate increases on wastewater customers to accommodate the bond, commitment to aggressively pursue grant funding for the remainder of the project cost, and town hall meetings to ensure that customers understood the project. Simultaneously, an international firm openly enlisted private equity takeover tactics to take over the relocation project, FPUA pursued rate increases on electric, gas, water and wastewater to allow for much-needed utility expansion projects unrelated to the WRF Relocation, and natural gas prices spiked nationwide to historic highs that caused major challenges for utility companies throughout the United States (and especially Florida, where 85% of our electricity is derived from natural gas). This presentation will give a brief overview of the communications strategy that FPUA pursued to navigate these items and communicate with our customers, ultimately gaining approval to relocate the treatment plant.

Annual Board Installation and Chapter Awards

The Treasure Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) for our Annual Awards Celebration and Installation of Officers on Thursday, September 19, 2024. Outgoing Chapter President, Jennifer Harris looks forward to celebrating the thriving year the chapter has had and recognizing the individuals who played a vital role in its success. Special guest and incoming State President, Julie Frey, APR, CPRC, will also make a special appearance to discuss her goals and vision for the upcoming year at FPRA. Julie will also oversee the installation of the new 2024-2025 Board of Directors, who will serve under the direction of the incoming Chapter President, Flynn Fidgeon, APR.  A light breakfast will be served.

Building Strategic Community Partnerships

In this informative session, Brandi Burford, Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator for Underwater Engineering Services, Inc. (UESI), will share valuable insights on fostering effective community partnerships. Brandi brings extensive experience in public relations and marketing, specializing in creating mutually beneficial collaborations.

Attendees will gain practical strategies to focus first on building strong relationships, identify and approach potential partners strategically, and develop projects that benefit all parties involved.

Emotional Intelligence: I Hear You, But I Don’t Understand You

In this engaging session, Dr. Michael Cadore, Executive Director of Community Engagement at Eastern Florida State College, will explore the transformative power of emotional intelligence in the workplace. With over three decades of experience in education, public safety, civic engagement, and mentoring, Dr. Cadore brings a wealth of knowledge and practical insights to this important topic.

During the presentation, attendees will discover the benefits of emotional intelligence, the best practices to incorporate it in your workplace, and its positive effects on workspace dynamics.

Speed Networking

This guided round table offers a chance to spend one-on-one time with fellow communications professionals and students, build mutually beneficial relationships, and expand your web of contacts. It’s an opportunity to learn from other people’s experiences and perspectives, discover new opportunities, and increase your chances of professional growth. So, if you are interested in meeting new people, building upon existing relationships, and expanding your circle, join us for this speed networking event and begin your journey toward greatness!

Planet Recognition: Communicator of the Year Awards

Get ready for an unforgettable journey into the cosmos of communication excellence during our 2024 Communicator of the Year Awards Luncheon, Planet Recognition! Join the Treasure Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association as we celebrate outstanding communicators who are out of this world.

Prepare to be inspired! This year, we’re thrilled to recognize 23 remarkable professionals whose achievements have pushed the boundaries of communication innovation.

Our keynote speaker, Nina Salvaggio Wagner, MA, APR, Strategy & Innovation Communications Portfolio Manager at Lockheed Martin, will illuminate the event with insights into cutting-edge communication strategies that are truly beyond Earthly limits.

Webinar: Mastering Golden Image Awards in 2024

This year’s competition will debut exciting changes centered around you: the participant. The FPRA Executive Committee undertook an extensive research project to understand the Golden Image experience more fully. As a result, strategic changes were made to ensure the program continues to recognize and honor the exemplary work YOU’RE doing in the field. In this webinar, we’ll introduce you to the new online submission form, walk you through the submission process, review some key elements of the judging rubric, and share tips for creating a killer entry.

Communicating the Mets’ Non-Crisis Crisis

In this insightful presentation, Erick Gill, Communications Director for the St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners, will delve into the strategic communication approach developed during the challenging period of the Clover Park remodel. His expertise will provide attendees with valuable takeaways on navigating the intricacies of crisis communication, even in situations that may not be an actual crisis.

He will explore the challenges in changing public perception, how to correct misinformation from the public and media mistakes, and working with outside partners.