Schedule

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Complimentary Professional Headshots

Erika Fontana, owner of Photography by E. in West Des Moines, will be onsite from 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 21 to provide conference attendees with complimentary professional headshots.

Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023

• 3:30-5 p.m.: Welcome Reception | The Rewind Hotel, 6075 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines (pre-function space)

Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023

• 7:30-8:25 a.m.: Registration/Breakfast/Networking | The Rewind Hotel
• 8:25 a.m.: Welcome
• 8:30-9:30 a.m.: Opening Keynote: Transforming the DEI Landscape through Leadership in PR/Communications | Dr. Felicia Blow, APR, Immediate Past Chair of PRSA
• 9:35-10:20 a.m.: Digital Literacy in the age of TikTok, AI and ChatGPT | Professor Michael Bugeja, Distinguished Professor, Greenlee School of Journalism and Communications, Iowa State University
• 10:20-10:35 a.m.: Morning Break
• 10:35-11:20 a.m.: Beyond The Press Release | Sandra Mason, APR, Public Relations Director, Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM)
• 11:20-11:30 a.m.: Transition Time/Networking
• 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.: Lunch
• 12:15-12:55 p.m.: The Platinum Award/APR Pinning Ceremony/Announcements
• 12:55 p.m.: Afternoon Welcome
• 1-2 p.m.: The (Not So) Odd Couple: AI (Artificial Intelligence) and Human Coaches: The Pros, Cons and The Way Forward | Kris Patrow, Senior Director, Padilla
• 2:05-2:50 p.m.: How to Communicate Your Organization’s Desired Future | Stephen Dupont, APR, Fellow PRSA, Vice President of Public Relations, Pocket Hercules
• 2:50-3:05 p.m.: Afternoon Break
• 3:05-4 p.m.: Keynote: Intentional Ways to Craft an Incredible Company Culture That Makes Mondays Feel Like Fridays | Drew Harden, CEO, Blue Compass  
• 4-6 p.m.: Happy Hour Reception | The Rewind Hotel 

Friday, September 22, 2023

• 7:30-8 a.m.: Registration/Breakfast/Networking | The Rewind Hotel
• 8-10:45 a.m.: Crisis Communication Workshop | Wixted & Company *Registration is limited for this session and required at time of registration for the conference.
• 8-8:45 a.m.: Breakout Session #1: Engaging Tweens through Gaming with Frigo Cheese Heads | Alan Newbold, Executive Vice President, Carmichael Lynch Relate -OR- Breakout Session #2: The State of Journalism 2023 | Natan Edelsburg, Chief Partnerships Officer, Muck Rack
• 8:45-9 a.m.: Break/Session Switch
• 9-9:45 a.m: Breakout Session #1: Sweet Corporate Storytelling for Hostess Brands: Midwestern Maker of Twinkies, Cupcakes and Snacking Innovations  | Brooke Worden, APR, Fellow PRSA, Executive Vice President, Carmichael Lynch Relate  -OR-  Breakout Session #2: Doing Content Strategically | Jason Sprenger, APR, President, Game Changer Communications 
• 9:45-10 a.m.: Break/Session Switch
• 10-10:45 a.m.: Breakout Session #1: Building a Master Brand: The Branded House vs. a House of Brands | Morry Smulevitz, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Exact Sciences -OR- Breakout Session #2: PRSA Voices for Everyone: Countering Misinformation | Nance Larsen, APR, Fellow PRSA, Director of Strategic Communications, Gere Tactical
• 10:45-11:30 a.m.: Networking/Departure