MPRC 2023
Annual Conference: Resilient PR
Leveraging the New and True to Build Stronger Connections
Friday, October 27
Husson University, Bangor ME
Join us for an informative half-day conference focused on Resilient PR, hosted by the Maine Public Relations Council on Friday, October 27 at Husson University’s iEX Center in Bangor. This year’s conference features inspiring keynote speakers, an engaging media panel, insightful and cutting-edge breakout sessions, and the MPRC annual meeting. Learn how to balance time-honored PR tradition with innovation to improve existing strategies and better navigate unforeseen circumstances.
The opening keynote, led by crisis communications expert Molly McPherson, M.S., APR, will underscore the importance of resilience in a tech-forward social landscape. The lunchtime keynote by Elizabeth Sutherland, APR, of Sutherland Weston, will highlight excellence in public relations and creative approaches for solving tough business challenges.
The morning includes a media panel moderated by Chris Facchini, Manager of Multimedia/Media Strategy at Northern Light Health, who will lead participants in a discussion about resilience in journalism and ways PR can adapt to their changing business models. Panelists include Morgan Sturdivant, Assistant News Director and Anchor, WABI TV5; Lisa DeSisto, CEO & Publisher, The Maine Trust for Local News; and Joellen Easton, Sr. Audience Director, Bangor Daily News.
Morning and afternoon breakouts offer actionable insights in media relations, reputation management, digital advertising, and artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfakes. Get hands-on with extended reality (XR) experiences, including augmented and virtual reality technologies used to solve real-world business problems.
Learn about producing a television show with Dan Cashman of The Nite Show. Or attend a pitch workshop and get 1:1 assistance for troubleshooting tricky PR pitches. Throughout the day, take advantage of opportunities for professional networking, complimentary photo headshots (optional), and the MPRC 2023 annual meeting.
This conference is for MPRC members, APRs, PR and marketing communications professionals, nonprofits, academia and students. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain fresh perspectives, connect with peers, and find inspiration to enhance your PR strategy, navigate uncertainty, and build stronger connections for successful outcomes. Register now to secure your spot at this must-attend Maine PR conference! #resilientpr #mprcac23 #maineprconference
*For out-of-town attendees, a discounted room block is available at Country Inn at the Mall. See below for details.
Register here!
Conference Pricing:
- $99.00 non-member
- $79.00 PR member rate (includes MPRC, PRSA, FPRA, PRSSA)
- $49.00 students
Conference Location
Friday, October 27
Husson University
Richard E. Dyke Center for Family Business
1 College Circle – Bangor, Maine 04401
Conference Theme: Resilient Public Relations
Resilient PR is the proactive and forward-thinking approach of public relations professionals to utilize new and true strategies to communicate effectively and connect with various stakeholders. Resilient PR helps communications professionals improve existing strategies, better navigate unforeseen circumstances, and create stronger connections resulting in more successful outcomes.
Conference Agenda:
| 7:45 – 8:15 | Registration, Networking, Continental Breakfast |
| 8:20 – 8:30 | MPRC President’s Welcome & Opening Remarks |
| 8:30 – 9:15 | Morning Keynote: Resilient PR with Molly McPherson, Molly Communications + Co, LLC |
| 9:20 – 10:20 | Media Panel: Resilience in Journalism with moderator Chris Facchini, Northern Light Health, and panelists Morgan Sturdivant, WABI TV5; Lisa DeSisto, The Maine Trust for Local News; and Joellen Easton, Bangor Daily News |
| 10:30 – 10:50 | Intro to Extended Reality (group A) – or – Headshots & Networking (group B) |
| 11:00-11:45 | Breakout Sessions: Technology and Innovation Track (choose one) |
|
| 12:00 – 12:45 | Lunch Keynote: Local PR Spotlight, Elizabeth Sutherland, Sutherland Weston |
| 1:00 – 1:20 | Intro to Extended Reality (group B) – or – Headshots & Networking (group A) |
| 1:30 – 2:15 | Breakout Sessions: New and True PR Strategies (choose one) |
|
|
| 2:20 – 2:30 | MPRC Annual Meeting, Closing Remarks and Raffle |
| 2:30 | Conference Ends |
Room Block for Out of Town Guests:
Country Inn at the Mall
936 Stillwater Ave, Bangor
$115/night refundable rate
Non-smoking hotel, free parking
Discount code: “Maine PR Council”
Book by Oct. 1 for discounted rate
For attendees who wish to arrive the evening before the conference, MPRC has secured a limited room block and discounted rate of $115/night at Country Inn at the Mall, located at 936 Stillwater Ave in Bangor. The hotel is a non-smoking hotel with free parking and complimentary WiFi. Rooms are first-come-first serve (mostly two double beds, some kings available). Cancellation policy is up to 6:00 p.m. on the day of reservation. For questions or to book a room for Thursday, October 26, please call the hotel at 207-941-0200 and mention code: “Maine PR Council” to get the discounted rate of $115 between now and October 1st. You must provide your own credit card # for the reservation and room charges.
Alternative hotels in the area include:
Residence Inn
Hollywood Casino and Hotel
Hilton Garden Inn
Courtyard by Marriott
Towne Place Suites