Meeting/Event Information

Building Connections Through Public Relations

Every year, PRSA Dallas offers a half-day PR workshop to help nonprofits get ready for the year-end giving season and North Texas Giving Day. This event offers nonprofits an opportunity to hone their branding and messaging, media relations, digital marketing and social media skills with tips from the experts. This event sells out every year, so be sure to register your seat as soon as possible (limit 2 registrations per nonprofit, please).

Now you can win a donation to your nonprofit by attending! PRSA Dallas is charging a registration fee for this event to cover expenses but will select one nonprofit to receive a donation from the event's net profits. (The winning nonprofit will be randomly selected from paid attendees present the day of the workshop.)

Limited fee exemptions are available to attend the workshop. To request a fee exemption, please email [email protected]. Use subject line, “PRSA Nonprofit Workshop Fee Waiver.”

The 2023 workshop is titled, “Building Connections Through Public Relations,” sponsored by the Mandalay Press, Inc.


Agenda:
8:00 a.m. to 8:50 a.m. – Registration and Complimentary Breakfast
8:50 a.m. to 8:55 a.m. – Opening Remarks from PRSA Dallas President-elect Kenn Dixon
8:55 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. – Word from Our Title Sponsor
9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. – Panel, “Producing Owned Content to Tell Your Story”
9:45 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. – Networking Break
10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. – Panel, “The Value of AI for Nonprofit Communications”
10:45 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. – Networking Break
11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. – Panel, “Navigating the Impact of Today’s Economy on Nonprofit Donors”
11:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – Donation Announcement and Closing Remark
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. – Optional: Networking, Lunch (Extra Cost), & Tours of State Fair of Texas Offices

Session Descriptions:

Producing Owned Content to Tell Your Story 
Moderator: Natalie Haddad, WFAA
Panelists:
Kelly Kirkendoll, Thrive PR
Jordan Laessig, DHD Films
Scott Collins, Buckner International
Minerva Rodriguez, MRR and Associates

There are more ways than ever to share your stories with current and future donors - from producing an interactive annual report to recording a viral TikTok challenge. But how do you know which platforms and tactics are best for your nonprofit to connect with the right people, and how should your storytelling methods change based on the medium? Our panel of content creators (writing, videos, photos, social media) will answer those very questions and offer their best practices for producing high quality owned content.

The Value of AI for Nonprofit Communications 
Moderator: Scott Baradell, Idea Grove
Panelists:
Dr.Ruthanne ‘Rudi’ Thompson, University of North Texas
Beth Lamb, Key School and Training Center
Reggie Johnson, Fort Worth Country Day

For nonprofits, the goal of communications is to support and strengthen the organization’s mission. It’s an important responsibility but one that is often hampered by staff and budget constraints. Artificial intelligence apps can provide much needed help to small nonprofits or even enhance the efforts of larger nonprofits. However, there are several ethical and legal issues – among other concerns – to consider when using rapidly advancing AI technology. This session’s panelists will discuss how nonprofits can implement AI strategically and align practical communications tools while avoiding potential issues.

Navigating the Impact of Today’s Economy on Nonprofit Donors 
Moderator: Dr.Ashley English, Texas Christian University
Panelists:
Erica Yaeger, North Texas Food Bank
Harrison Blair, Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce
Monica Christopher, Communities Foundation of Texas

CNN recently wrote, “The US economy is going from broken to bizarre…” How are nonprofit leaders supposed to navigate an economy ripe with contradictions? Experts continue to warn of an impending recession while consumer spending increases and the job market grows - it’s enough to give you whiplash. We will pose this question and more to a panel of nonprofit experts to gain insight into donor trends and strategies for engaging donors and building brand awareness during an uncertain economy.

Registration deadline: Monday, July 31 at 5PM
Note: Cancellations and substitutions are due by 5 p.m. on Monday, July 31. If you need to cancel, contact Liz Kennedy at [email protected]. No refunds will be made after this date.

When:
August 4, 2023
Registration, Breakfast & Opening Remarks: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Sessions: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Where:
Cotton Bowl® at Fair Park
Media Center
3750 Cotton Bowl Plaza
Dallas, TX 75215
Free parking at Lot 12AA (1400 Coliseum Dr.)  and Nimitz Plaza (1335Admiral Nimitz Dr.)