Preventing A Crisis before It Happens.

Joel Staley, a 25-year corporate communications veteran presents “Preventing a Crisis Before it Happens.” His experience leading crisis teams for the world’s largest PR firms includes defending against a CBS News 60 Minutes assault which earned Joel and his team a PRSA Radiance Award for best crisis communications campaign. Joel shares tactics and techniques for conducting an organizational vulnerabilities assessment as well as guidance on generating crisis scenario plans that mitigate the discovered vulnerabilities. 

Communicator Of The Year Awards

An evening of celebration as we recognize outstanding individuals who have made a lasting impact on our community!

Keynote Speaker: Lindsay Hudock, APR, CPRC
“Gen Z in the Workplace”

Awards Presentation:
We will honor dedicated individuals whose work has strengthened our community through service, leadership and innovation.

Speed Networking

Connect with local communications professionals, exchange ideas and grow your network in a fun and engaging way. Whether you’re looking for mentorship, collaboration or just expanding your circle, this is the perfect opportunity to spark new connections.

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!