State of the PR Industry

March 17, 2011

Feeling Lucky this St. Patty's Day? All paid registrants attending OC/PRSA's March 17th State of the PR Industry luncheon will be entered into an opportunity drawing to win a $50 gift certificate to Scott's Restaurant & Bar!

This event is sponsored by the PRSA Western District. Please visit the website at www.prsawestdist.org.

What is the state of Orange County's PR industry?  Mark your calendar and don't miss this must-attend event for practitioners of all levels. This annual event will explore:

• Where we are now and what's ahead
• How changes in social media, digital marketing and online communications are impacting our work
• The latest trends in communications, strategies and tactics in our business
• Local economic implications and the job market outlook
• What industries and sectors are increasing their PR efforts and which are pulling back
• Plus much, much more

Moderator: Michael Volpe
Michael Volpe is the President of Orange Ink Public Relations, an Irvine-based boutique public relations firm, specializing in entrepreneurs, small businesses and mid-sized companies. A former reporter, Volpe strives to give clients the insight into the newsroom. He launched the firm in December 2010 after nearly seven years as a business reporter.  Prior to Orange Ink, Volpe was the staff reporter for the Orange County Business Journal covering media and marketing. He covered public relations firms, ad agencies and other publications in a weekly column where he wrote about marketing trends, campaigns and new technologies. He wrote extensively about businesses based in or with operations in Orange County. He can often be found driving his 1980 orange Chevy Camaro around the county.

Panelists Include:

Joan Gladstone, APR
Joan Gladstone is Assistant Professor of Public Relations and Advertising at Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. Gladstone is also president and CEO of Gladstone International, a crisis communications firm she founded in 1989. In 2007, Gladstone was elected to the prestigious PRSA College of Fellows. Acceptance to the College of Fellows is based on lifetime achievement. Fewer than 500 senior practitioners and educators worldwide have achieved this honor since 1988. A past Silver Anvil award winner, Gladstone has also served as a past president for OC/PRSA.

Melinda Morgan Kartsonis, APR
Spend 10 minutes with Melinda Morgan Kartsonis and you'll realize why Morgan Marketing has achieved the success it enjoys this year on its 20thAnniversary. Sitting at the helm, she leads the charge in building an agency that fosters creativity, communication and energy. From her personal design of the open offices, to the cheerleader roles she takes with her staff to her hands-on approach in creativity, it's no wonder why she is viewed as passionate, encouraging and straight forward.Beginning more than 25 years ago working for a prestigious Michigan Avenue PR firm in Chicago, she spent the 1980s honing her craft working for various agencies. Melinda moved on to open Morgan Marketing & PR in 1991. Combining her attention to detail, her ability to develop relationships and her aggressive, results-oriented approach to marketing communications she has quickly built a client roster to be proud of. Melinda has received the Public Relations Society of America Distinguished Service Award, been included with Orange Coast magazine's “Hot 11” in its Power of PR issue, and been named the Orange County's Business Journal's “Top Businesswoman” – many times.

Cynthia Ragland, APR
Cynthia Ragland, APR, serves as the vice president of marketing and communications for the Orange County Community Foundation, which serves as the center for charitable giving in Orange County. She works to raise visibility of the foundation’s mission among a wide range of stakeholders including philanthropists, nonprofits, and business and community leaders. Under her direction, OCCF has increased its presence to more effectively engage target audiences online, garnering a 200% increase in visitors to its website in the past year. In 2009 and 2010 this presence helped raise nearly $1.5 million in grants for nonprofits working to help OC neighbors affected by the economic crisis. Before joining OCCF in 2007, Cynthia served for six years as the principal of an independent marketing firm, led a million-dollar brand management team at neoBramds/Shafer Advertising & Public Relations, and managed publicity for Ingram Micro’s $16 billion initial public offering. Cynthia holds an MBA from Pepperdine University and a BS in communications from Cal State Fullerton.

WHEN:
Thursday, March 17, 2011
11:30 a.m. - Noon: Networking and Registration
Noon - 12:30 p.m.: Luncheon
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.: Program

NEW LOCATION!
Scott’s Seafood
3300 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, CA
http://www.scottsrestaurantandbar.com/
Free Parking in Garage

COST WITH RESERVATIONS BY MARCH 11:
$30 member • $45 non-member • $25 student

After March 11, there is an additional $5 charge for walk-ins and late reservations, and no refunds are available.

RESERVATIONS:
Please register and prepay below using PayPal (credit card processing fee additional), or send an email to info@ocprsa.org followed by a check payment to OC/PRSA, P.O. Box 422, East Irvine, CA, 92650.