Public Relations Student Society of America at Texas State University

By Joey Hernandez:

PRSSA National Conference 2011 in Orlando, FL was in short, a magical experience. My decision to attend was not made until the last week of registration, which did not give me as much time to prepare. I was running around trying to book my flight, get my professional attire ready and my business cards created. It was pure madness I would say, but successful nevertheless. I was now ready to network with professionals and students from around the country.

Upon arriving in Orlando, I was ready to start meeting new people and getting myself out there. The opening to the conference consisted of a carnival, which pumped the members for a weekend filled with early mornings, late nights and a great amount of networking. Our agenda was filled with meetings, sessions and time to explore.

One session in particular I found most interesting was Entertainment: Creating the Limelight led by Joanne Freed, senior vice president and director in the entertainment department at Hunter Public Relations. The information was more than helpful and her attitude was more than welcoming. She spoke about branded integration, branded trade off, celebrity seeding and of course networking…all informational and all interesting.

Another session I found helpful was Crisis Communications: Confronting Reality With Strategy led by Richard S. Levick, Esq., president and CEO, Levick Strategic Communications. He spoke about the importance of networking and knowing how to handle a crisis with poise.

In between all of the professionals and sessions, we did have some time to explore Orlando. On a random night, my new friends and I decided to make our way to the magical world of the Magic Kingdom. It was my first time going and I have to say it was purely amazing. The rides, the people and the environment were all different. We were not in Texas anymore. We got to experience the real magic kingdom! We also go to meet the wonderful princesses and the cute Mickey & Minnie Mouse.

The experience of conference was one for the books. I am glad I got the chance to experience the wonders of a PRSSA National Conference and I can honestly say I cannot wait for next year!