And so another PRSA Michigan Conference came this week to a successful conclusion at the Sheraton in Novi. CommLab: Where the Art and Science of Communication Meet was the culmination of 18 months of planning held 2 years after the award-winning 2010 State Conference – both of which I had the honor and privilege of co-chairing with Jocelyn Allen of General Motors and Jennifer Wilt of Denso (pictured with the author at the event’s conclusion).
Together with an outstanding conference committee, volunteers and sponsors to make the event happen, this year’s conference, I feel, was the best yet. Working hard to ensure we offered speakers and sessions that provoked thought and challenged conventions, the event appealed to wide array of PR professionals – from the most experienced practitioners to the industry’s newest faces – exactly the diversity of background we sought.
If you missed the event, you missed a lot including an opportunity to renew old acquaintances and connect with new faces; to learn, participate and grow. It really is what PRSA Detroit is all about.
Years ago, someone told me that PRSA was not worth the time as: ‘It’s just a bunch of PR people talking to PR people.” The characterization was, of course, short-sighted and wrong. As other Board members or dedicated members will tell you, those who are tangibly involved in their Chapter not only give back to the industry but also enjoy the vitally important opportunity to get to know their peers, develop friendships and alliances, throw business conflicts back and forth and grow as professionals.
From hard work has come even greater rewards, including a renewed appreciation of our field, strong business relationships and, further, friendships for life. It is what getting involved – truly involved to collaborate and work together toward a shared goal – is all about.