About NSPRA
Become a Member
Come early and learn more!
Maximize your NSPRA 2024 National Seminar experience by registering for pre-Seminar workshops on July 13-14! These in-depth, information-packed workshops will take place at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue hotel. Registration for pre-Seminar workshops is done as part of the Seminar registration process. If you've already registered for the Seminar, please visit the Attendee Service Center to add to your registration. NOTE: Pre-Seminar workshops are a separate, additional cost from the Seminar registration fee.
It’s time to perk up your public relations career! Join in this engaging, comprehensive and interactive APR Prep session before the NSPRA Seminar to prepare for Universal Accreditation in Public Relations (APR). This specialized program adds a touch of caffeine to your knowledge, skills and confidence, propelling you toward success in the APR certification process. Whether you're just starting or well on your way to APR accreditation, this two-day experience is your pathway to becoming a certified PR expert. Don't miss this opportunity to advance your career! This session complements the NSPRA APR Cohort and is an integral part of the APR readiness programs offered by NSPRA to ensure your success.
Presenters: Christy McGee, APR, director of communications at Fountain-Fort Carson (Colo.) School District 8 and NSPRA accreditation committee chair; and Shawn McKillop, APR, vice president, communications and digital transformation, YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington/Brantford (ON, Canada)
In the fast-paced world of solo school communications, sometimes you crave the company of other PR pros…and some caffeine. This workshop offers a rich blend of collaboration and strategy for one-person school PR offices. Imagine a day when you're not working alone but surrounded by peers ready to brew up and share fresh ideas and experiences. In this full-day workshop, participants will develop and improve their strategic communications plans, as well as their knowledge base and skill sets, with guidance from other one-person school PR pros and peers to lean on.
Presenters: Erica Chandler, APR, director of communications at Affton School District (St. Louis, Mo.); Jill Filer, director of communications and community relations at Harrisonville (Mo.) School District; and Stephanie Smith, APR, director of public relations at Fort Osage R-1 School District (Independence, Mo.)
Saturday, July 13 | 1 - 5 p.m. PT
Superintendents and communications professionals are responsible for being prepared for the unexpected. Cybersecurity issues have quickly risen to the top of district leadership concerns. Creating the foundation for your district to react appropriately to this type of crisis – and others – will ensure your families, students and staff have the information, resources and skills they need throughout the stages of a crisis. You’ll get hands-on media training from former reporters and practice the skill of bridging a reporter’s question to your message.
NOTE: While this session is the last module in the Leadership in School Communication (LISC) program from NSPRA and AASA, The School Superintendents Association, registration for this session is also available as a single Pre-Seminar workshop. If you have already registered for the full LISC program, you do NOT need to re-register for this session as a pre-Seminar workshop.
Speakers: Lesley Bruinton, APR, CEO and president, School Spirit PR (Tuscaloosa, Ala.); Sarah Kaczmarek, director of public affairs, U.S. Government Accountability Office (Washington, D.C.); Christine Paik, APR, chief communications officer, Poway (Calif.) Unified School District; and Brad Welle, Ed.D., superintendent, Grain Valley (Mo.) School District
Sunday, July 14 | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. PT
If you are a school public relations practitioner or superintendent who identifies as newer to the field (generally 0 to 3 years of experience), come learn from two school PR professionals who have been down that road, crossed that bridge, survived that storm and paved the way for you to flourish. Discover best practices to incorporate into your daily work as well as gain skills, training and knowledge important to the role. Participants will have the opportunity to practice their skills, create a network of peers and develop a strategy for long-term success.
Presenters: Catherine Carbone Rogers, APR, chief communications officer, Highline Public Schools (Burien, Wash.) and Valonia Walker, APR, chief communications officer for Hempstead (Texas) Independent School District
Cancellation Policy: For pre-Seminar workshops, 25% of the workshop fee is nonrefundable for cancellations received by May 29. For cancellations received from May 30 - June 12, 50% of the workshop fee is nonrefundable. After June 12, no refunds are available. If a workshop is canceled by NSPRA due to low enrollment, its registrants may enroll in a different, similarly priced workshop of their choosing.
Back to Main Seminar Page