An Open Letter to the Public Relations Society of America Board; College of Fellows; Honors & Awards Committee; International Conference Committee; Past Presidents/Chairs; PRSSA; Chair; Chair-Elect; Office Holders; Professional Staff and all those who attended PRSA International Conference 20-22 October 2019.
WOW! That’s the only word I can think of that comes even close to capturing the lasting feeling after this week’s international conference in San Diego, California.
We gathered in huge numbers from right across the USA and far beyond those shores – all brought together by our shared passion, enthusiasm and thirst to learn more about what I regard as one of the greatest professions on earth.
The calibre and range of presenters and panel contributors during the conference was second to none and it is not difficult to see how this conference has become a ‘must attend’ event for the brightest and best of our profession. It is clearly the result of a massive team effort and everyone involved in any way should take a bow.
As those of us working in live entertainment know well, the acts are only one ingredient of the show – it’s when that onstage talent sparks the right response from their audience that you see the real magic. In my opinion, that’s what we saw at conference – the magic of everyone coming together to learn and to share openly and generously while also having tremendous fun and making enduring friendships.
For me and the other Global Alliance directors who attended, it was especially pleasing to see so many future leaders present and to witness how they are mentored and encouraged by those with more experience.
At the time of writing, I am traveling to China to address a conference organized by our counterparts in the Public Relations & Global Communications Club (PRGCC) based in Beijing. I will bring with me tremendous fond memories of our time together and carry your warm wishes across the miles.
Practically, while in China, Global Alliance will ratify a friendship and cooperation agreement between the PRGCC and the Asean Public Relations Network. This is the latest evidence of a new more collaborative approach that is seeing geography matter less and people matter more. This agreement will promote the highest ethical standards and behaviors so that our profession is part of the solution to global issues rather than part of the problem – something we also discussed in San Diego.
On a personal note, thank you all for the energy you brought to ICON and a particular note of thanks to all those I met in person. Deepest appreciation also to the Honors & Awards Committee who deemed me worthy of the Atlas Award for Lifetime Achievement in International Public Relations. I was truly humbled and remain hugely grateful.
To close, I hope you have all had safe journeys back to your dispersed home places after the conference and that you’re now enjoying applying our newly-acquired knowledge and learnings. Let San Diego be the start of something great for you and let’s save the dates for Nashville 2020!
Thank you,
Justin Green, President.
