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.

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.

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.

Meet and network with local PR and communication professionals & students in the Kalamazoo region. Event is free.

The WMPRSA PRoof Awards program annually highlights the “best of the best” public relations campaigns, tactics, and professionals in West Michigan.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Meet and network with local PR and communications professionals and students. Free event.

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.

Looking for inspiration in writing your PRoof entries? Join a panel of previous PRoof winners to gain a “behind the scenes” look at the work that went into those entries and hear what they learned about the submission process.

If you are considering how to best advance your career, join us to hear from chapter members about how pursuing a master’s degree or accreditation in public relations can help you move ahead.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Panelists will discuss how AI is changing the many areas of digital communications, from SEO and ethics to health communications and visual arts.

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

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.

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.

Jeremy Bakken, Director, Communications & Community for Priority Health, will share insights and ideas for creating Community Relations programs that engage key stakeholders.

In a hyperconnected world, your communication could have international impact - whether you intend it or not. Learn five ways you can think global even when creating local content for your company or client from a panel of global practitioners with experience in corporate, health care, and agency roles.

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.