PRSA-Georgia's Annual Conference for Communications Professionals

ATLANTA, April 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- During the past seven years, the Annual Conference of the Georgia Chapter-Public Relations Society of America (www.prsageorgia.org) has become known for its impressive line-up of presenters representing major corporations and cutting-edge small businesses; local and national non-profits; and independent and major agencies.

This year's conference will be Wednesday, May 2, 2012, and the day's details include:

7:30 a.m. - Registration & Continental Breakfast

8:00 a.m. - Opening Session Begins Conference

4:00 p.m. - Closing Session Ends Conference

Opening Session:  Unleashing Your Inner Creative Genius, Jeremy Baka, Chief Creative Catalyst, Cohn & Wolfe

The day will be off to a rousing start as Jeremy inspires us to unlock our REAL creativity. Jeremy's experience ranges from the mundane to the insane, from the subtle to the sensational, from the strategic to the strange. His fearlessness in designing daring ideas for clients has led to such unconventional concepts as the first in-flight study of Air New Zealand passengers using NASA in-space technology; a human 'bellboard' made up of nearly 100 Hilton bellhops; an emotional Walmart surprise Christmas series now featured annually on NBC's "Today Show;" and an online garage-band concept that boosted late-night meals at Taco Bell.

During the day, there will be nine breakout sessions in three flights, led by experts. Among the topics will be:

• He Said, She Said: Train Your Brand Ambassadors to Get Your Messages Across
• People First: The Secret to Effective Internal Communication
• When Your CEO Goes Rogue: How to Manage Up
• Just Do It: Manage Conflict at Work
• Gaze into PR's Crystal Ball: Learn What's Next with Social Media

Keynote Luncheon: Smothered, Covered and Diced: Waffle House Meets Crisis Head On, Pat Warner, VP of Marketing & Communications, Waffle House

When natural disasters strike, the Waffle House team springs into action, rolling out a fleet of trucks that feed first responders and local residents. Warner will share the evolution of this program, so successful that FEMA administrator Craig Fugate has developed a "Waffle House Index" for hurricane preparedness. Warner, a 12-year Waffle House veteran, is on the company's crisis team and, when not chasing tornadoes, leads the company's marketing, social media, R&D, customer service, internal communication and public relations.

Closing Session: You Say You Want A (New Media) Revolution? Kevin Riley, editor, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The internet and social media have drastically changed how the world receives and reacts to news. At the same time, a large number of traditional readers still want their news in print. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has embraced the new media revolution while continuing to lead innovation in old media. Come hear AJC Editor Kevin Riley reveal how the Southeast's premier newspaper is evolving with readers, providing them deep local coverage and groundbreaking watchdog reporting anywhere, and in any format they want.

Location: Georgia Tech Research Institute, 250 14th Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30318, free parking

Registration:

Regular Cost: PRSA|GA member $125, Non-member $175 (register by April 25, 5:00 pm)

Late Cost: PRSA|GA member $135, Non-member $185 (register by April 30, 5:00 pm)

Registration closes Monday, April 30, 5 p.m.

Registration & Conference details:

https://www.prsageorgia.org/conferences/registration.cfm

About PRSA Georgia

PRSA|GA (www.prsageorgia.org), the second-largest local chapter in the national society, consists of some 850 professionals throughout Georgia.  Its mission is to enhance the profession, provide continuing education and offer networking opportunities for its members.

The Chapter has monthly meetings as well as eight Special Interest Groups (Corporate & Employee Communications, Healthcare, Independent Counselors, Leader Board, Nonprofit, Technology, Travel & Tourism, and Young Professionals) that meet at various times.

The Chapter supports nine PRSSA (student society) groups at the following colleges:  Berry College (Rome), Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta), Georgia College & State University (Milledgeville), Georgia State University (Atlanta), Georgia Southern University (Statesboro), Kennesaw State University (Kennesaw), Savannah State University (Savannah), University of Georgia (Athens), and University of West Georgia (Carrollton).

SOURCE Georgia Chapter, Public Relations Society of America