Upcoming events.

Our local chapter hosts events for public relations professionals throughout the year that focus on education, professional development, networking and more. Check out our calendar to see our upcoming offerings. We’ll see you there!

Additionally, our national organization regularly offers webinars, on-demand workshops and other online programs to round out your professional development needs.

Nov
14

PR & Sports: A Winning Combination

Grand Rapids is a sports town. Youth/amateur sports tourism generated $87.9 million in estimated economic impact for the West Michigan region in 2023. Public relations professionals representing all types of clients can ride the impact, success, and popularity of athletes and teams that have played a vital role in this economic expansion. This panel explores what the business of sports means for West Michigan and public relations professionals in overlapping or adjacent fields.

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Oct
24

The Art of Influencer Campaigns

Gain insights into building and managing influencer campaigns, hearing from local influencers and those who work with influencers. Whether you're a seasoned PR professional or new to the field, this panel will equip you with the knowledge and tools to leverage influencer partnerships effectively.

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Oct
23

Morning Meet-Up

Morning Meet-Up is a virtual, informal get-together and chat about all things PR for current and prospective WMPRSA members. FREE, but registration is required.

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Sep
17
to Sep 25

Experienced-Based Cohorts - Fall 2024

WMPRSA members will lead these experience-based groups in a discussion of current issues in PR. Topics will be fueled by each cohort to customize the experience and value for each member in each group. Times and method/location will vary by group.

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Aug
29

Chapter Mixer

We’re bringing together all cohorts, all WMPRSA members and future members, students, and anyone who wants to talk PR for this fun networking opportunity. Come meet new friends and discuss topics relevant to local PR professionals at our August Chapter Mixer!

Join us at Founders Brewing Company in the upstairs Centennial Room to connect with your PR Peers and toast the summer on the outdoor deck. Cash bar featuring favorite Founders brews, local Michigan wines, Non-alcoholic Hop Water and other N/A options. Snacks provided.

Cheers to back-to-school season!

FREE


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May
21

Morning Meet-Up

Morning Meet-Up is a virtual, informal get-together and chat about all things PR for current and prospective WMPRSA members. FREE, but registration is required.

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May
16

Navigating the Unthinkable: Crisis Communications Insights from the MSU Active Violence Incident

Drawing on insights following the one-year mark of the Michigan State University crisis response, this crucial program will focus on crisis communications and the lessons learned from the MSU communications team. Our guests will delve into the nuances of managing communications during a crisis on- and offline, fighting mis- and dis-information, the importance of timely and accurate information dissemination, the impact on community relations, relationship-building, and what steps you might take now to better advise clients or your own organization on responsible and proactive large-scale risk mitigation.

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Apr
25

Meet the Media: Speed-Pitching Event

One of our most popular programs! Using the “speed pitching” format, attendees can meet one-on-one with members of the media during timed speed pitching sessions. The program will also include top pitching tips from our media guests - a chance to hear how they most like to receive pitches. Space is limited.

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Apr
16

Morning Meet-Up

Morning Meet-Up, a virtual gathering of current and prospective WMPRSA members, kicks off its new year on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 8:30-9:15 a.m. Grab your favorite morning beverage and join us for an informal get-together and chat about all things PR! It’s free and open to all public relations/communications practitioners. Registration is required.

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Mar
21
to Mar 28

Experienced-Based Cohorts - Spring 2024

WMPRSA members will lead these experience-based groups in a discussion of current issues in PR. Topics will be fueled by each cohort to customize the experience and value for each member in each group. Times and method/location will vary by group.

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Feb
20

Morning Meet-Up

Morning Meet-Up, a virtual gathering of current and prospective WMPRSA members, kicks off its new year on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 8:30-9:15 a.m. Grab your favorite morning beverage and join us for an informal get-together and chat about all things PR! It’s free and open to all public relations/communications practitioners. Registration is required.

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Dec
7

Morning Meet-Up

The WMPRSA Membership Committee hosts this free Morning Meet-Up, a chance to connect and share what’s happening in the profession. Morning Meet-Up happens online and is open to all current and prospective members.

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Nov
14

Crain’s GR Business Deep Dive

We're taking a deep dive with Crain's GR Editor Joe Boomgaard discussing the recent acquisition of MiBiz and GRBJ —why it happened, what it means for PR pros and their employers/clients, how it changes local business coverage, and how PR pros can best work with Crain’s.

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Nov
2

Morning Meet-Up

The WMPRSA Membership Committee is hosting its first virtual Morning Meet-Up, a chance to connect and share what’s happening in the profession. Morning Meet-Up is open to all current and prospective members.

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Oct
26

Accessibility in the Workplace: Going Beyond Compliance

  • Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports & Inclusion Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Our Annual DEIA Signature Event! Accessibility is too often left out of DEI conversations. It’s time to stop accepting the bare minimum in ADA compliance and create a sustainable and accessible workspace for good. Learn how to create accessible communication strategies, build inclusive teams, make events and spaces accessible for all communities from our speaker line up.

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Aug
10

Cross-Cohort Mixer

We’re bringing together the Getting Started, Ladder Climber and Wisdom in Spades cohorts to network and discuss topics relevant to local PR professionals.

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May
25

Two Sides of the Same Press Release: The Intersection of Public Relations and Public Affairs

While every organization must have both a public relations and public affairs strategy, understanding the difference between them is key to success. Stacie Behler, Vice President & Chief Public Affairs and Communications Officer at Grand Valley State University, will share her experiences from the intersection.

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Apr
20

Experienced-Based Cohorts - Spring 2023

WMPRSA members will lead these experience-based groups in a discussion of current issues in PR. Topics will be fueled by each cohort to customize the experience and value for each member in each group. Times and method/location will vary by group.

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Jan
19

New Member Mixer

New WMPRSA members who have joined the chapter between 2020 and 2022 are invited to mingle with current board members and committee chairs/vice chairs over drinks and appetizers. This open house-style happy hour event is a great way for attendees to learn about the chapter, network with peers, and discover ways to get involved.

Participation is free to members, but the event is capped at 48 people, so register today! We look forward to meeting you and welcoming our new members to the chapter.

Please RSVP by Tuesday, January 17.



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Jan
11

State of PR

The field of public relations continues to change and evolve quickly. What is the state of the practice as we enter a new year? Join Natan Edelsburg, the Chief Partnerships Officer at MuckRack, to better understand what practitioners currently face and where the practice is headed.

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Dec
1
to Dec 15

Cohorts

WMPRSA members will lead these experience-based groups in a discussion of current issues in PR. Topics will be fueled by each cohort to customize the experience and value for each member in each group. Dates/times will vary by group.

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Nov
17

How to Talk About What We Don’t Want to Talk About: Driving Conversations About Racial Injustice

  • Grand Rapids Center for Community Transformation OR Online (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join Renee Cummings, a PR practitioner and data ethicist in residence at the University of Virginia, for this candid conversation about how to create an organizational point of view on racial injustice. Cummings will help communicators in developing their organization’s stance and finding their voice in conversations on these critical topics. 

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