MPRC Annual Conference: Resilient PR
Leveraging the New and True to Build Stronger Connections
NEW DATE: Friday, December 8
Husson University – 1 University Circle, Bangor ME
Join us for an informative half-day conference focused on Resilient PR, hosted by the Maine Public Relations Council on Friday, December 8 at Husson University’s iEX Center in Bangor. This year’s conference features inspiring keynote speakers, panel sessions, augmented reality demos, and 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 focus on Resilient Public Relations: mastering the art of crisis communication in a digital age. The lunchtime keynote by Elizabeth Sutherland, APR, of Sutherland Weston, will spotlight PR Challenges and Adaptability: teams, technologies and takeaways for building a resilient future.
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.
We’ve also assembled an expert panel for a timely discussion around managing and messaging through a crisis. Moderated by Jon Anderson, APR, retired federal communication professional, panelists include Judy Long, Versant Power; Suzanne Spruce, APR, Northern Light Health; Molly McPherson, M.S., APR, Molly Communications + Co, LLC; and Steve McCausland, Marshall Communications. Learn from the experiences of local communication leaders about effective “in the moment” management and messaging techniques and why advance planning and practice are essential when preparing for the unknown.
Following the lunchtime keynote, learn about how to plan, produce, and be featured on a local television show with Dan Cashman of The Nite Show. and Nat Thompson of Greenlight Maine. Throughout the day, take advantage of opportunities for professional networking, complimentary photo headshots (optional), and get hands-on with extended reality (XR) demonstrations and its applicability to solve real-world business problems.
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
Register here!
Conference Pricing:
- $99.00 non-member
- $79.00 PR member rate (includes MPRC, PRSA, FPRA, PRSSA)
- $49.00 students
Conference Location
Friday, December 8
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:
| 7:30 – 8:15 | Registration, Networking, Continental Breakfast |
| 8:15 – 8:30 | MPRC President’s Welcome & Opening Remarks |
| 8:30 – 9:15 | Morning Keynote: Resilient Public Relations with Molly McPherson M.S., APR, 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 | AM Sessions (choose one) |
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| 12:00 – 12:45 | Lunch Keynote: Challenges and Adaptability, Elizabeth Sutherland, APR, Sutherland Weston |
| 1:00 – 1:20 | Intro to Extended Reality (group B) – or – Headshots & Networking (group A) |
| 1:30 – 2:15 | PM Sessions (choose one) |
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| 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
$89/night refundable rate
Non-smoking hotel, free parking
MPRC has secured a limited room block and a discounted rate of $89/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. Cancellation policy is up to 6:00 p.m. on the day of reservation. For questions or to book a room for Thursday, December 7, please call the hotel at 207-941-0200 and mention code: “Maine PR Council”. 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, and Towne Place Suites.
Click Here to Register For the Conference!
