PRSSA National Conference | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

At the end of October, five of our E-board members attended PRSSA's National Conference in Philadelphia. The theme for this conference was "Foundation for Innovation". At this conference we were able to network and attend session about topics that each of us are interested in. These sessions ranged from sports to fashion, to healthcare and event planning. There was something for everyone! 

Members: (left-right) Ellie Lange, Murphy Maes, Jeremy Getz, Lauren Robinson & Ellis Lichtfuss

Not only were we able to sit in on sessions, but we were also able to listen to other chapters speak about how their chapters have developed. We learned what works for certain chapters and what doesn't. 

The experience we had in Philly was incredible. I truly wish we could have brought our entire chapter to national conference, it was a weekend I will never want to forget. 

After every day of sessions, we were given free time to experience the insane amount of history that Philadelphia has to offer. It is the one of the oldest states, therefore it has more history that anyone will ever imagine. Learning more and more about public relations and getting the chance to experience the city was incredible. 

Written by: Murphy Maes, Valpo PRSSA Vice President.

SparkPR-Serengetee

This week we are promoting our new client, Serengetee (Sar-en-getti). Serengetee is a company devoted to giving back. It was founded in 2012 by college students who wanted to make a difference and is currently promoted by college students or "Serengetee campus reps" across the United States. SparkPR, the student-run firm of Valpo PRSSA is excited to have the opportunity to work with them!

Serengetee's pocket tee's come in a variety of different colors, textures and patterns from countries such as Poland and Indonesia. 5-13% of purchases are donated to a charity in the region the fabric was made or purchased.

We will be hard at work this week handing out flyers, promoting Serengetee's social media, and informing Valparaiso University students of the mission of Serengetee:

"When you wear Serengetee, you Wear the World."

Written by: Emily Doherty, Valparaiso University PRSSA member and social media chair.

The Golden Circle

As an undergrad student studying communication with a public relations concentration, most of the classes I take reflect how to communicate and sell yourself within a business. There are main traits one must have such as: great people skills, great public speaking abilities and knowing how to market yourself. These traits will put you ahead of the game after graduating with a degree in communications, no matter what field you choose to "put your foot in the door". Some find confusion while trying to master what exactly you are doing when you are a communication, or in my particular case, a public relations specialist.

Ted Talks are one of the ways that explanation can be provided for practically anything you need answered.

One of my favorite Ted Talks is by Simon Sinak, who released the book Start With Why in 2009.  The video is lengthy, but is definitely worth watching and taking notes!

Simon reflects on what is referred to as "The Golden Circle" ~ The What, the How, and the Why of communication. His examples include Apple, Martin Luther King Jr., and the Wright Brothers.

"If you hire people just because they can do a job, they'll work for your money. But if you hire people who believe what you believe, they'll work for you with blood and sweat and tears". Simon Sinak, 2009.

Written by: Emily Doherty, Valparaiso University PRSSA member and social media chair.