Spring 2019 Final Spring 2019 FORUM FINAL! | Page 6
Editorial: What’s Next
for PRSSA?
By Emma Ingram
Publications Editor in
Chief
“Don’t cry because its over,
smile because it happened”.
This is one of my favorite
quotes from Dr. Seuss. I de-
cided to open this last editori-
al with it because it basically
encapsulates this issue. In
case you haven’t read the
entire issue, FORUM is ending. But although we have to
say goodbye to one of our beloved publications, PRSSA will
continue to create and produce amazing content, resourc-
es and opportunities. Some of these were mentioned at
this year’s National Assembly in Portland, Oregon. Dele-
gates voted to create a new position on the National Com-
mittee, called the vice president of diversity and inclusion.
The individual in this role will oversee the Society’s diversi-
ty and inclusion initiatives and ensure PRSSA establishes
ourselves as a thought leader in this space.
In terms of publications, the delegates also voted to merge
the roles of the Publications Editor in Chief and the vice
president of external affairs to develop a new role named
the Vice President of Brand Engagement. This redesigned
position will be responsible for maintaining the Society’s
brand at an international level through media placements
and overseeing the blog, Progressions and podcast series,
PR With the Pros.
Podcast With The Pros: Harold Burson
By Emma Ingram
Publications Editor in Chief
This past February, publications editor in
chief, Emma Ingram, took a trip up to New
York City for the interview of a lifetime.
Thanks to the help of Washington Media
Group, a boutique public relations agency
in Washington, D.C., Ingram was recruit-
ed to conduct a podcast interview with
Harold Burson. Many consider Burson is
considered one of the greatest public re-
lation professionals of our time. PRWeek
described him as “the century’s most
influential PR figure” in 1998. His work
and accomplishments spread far and
near. In 1953, Bill Marsteller and Burson
co-founded Burson-Marsteller, which for
nearly thirty years was the largest public
relations agency in the world. Burson is
responsible for introducing the concept
of integrated marketing, which has since
become an industry standard.
The recording of this podcast episode
took place at the Burson Cohn & Wolfe
office in New York City. Over the course of
two hours, members of Washington Media
Courtesy of Harold Burson
Group and Ingram had a conversation
with Burson on a variety of topics. They
discussed his notable career as laid out in
Burson’s memoir, The Business of Pursua-
sion, and his thoughts on his lengthy life.
Burson is 98 years old and still commutes
to his office three days a week!
We encourage you to listen to this ep-
isode, courtesy of Washington Media
Group and Emma Ingram. It’s full of
knowledge, insights and takeaways that
will certainly broaden your outlook on the
public relations industry.
PRSSA 2019 International
Conference Video
By Kayla Fernandez
International Conference Director
The beautiful San Diego Bay was founded in 1769 when the Spanish started to build missions across
California. On Sept. 9, 1850, California was granted statehood by the United States of America. Shortly
after, San Diego’s population steadily grew during the 1860s, which then led to the establishment of
the city hall in 1874.
From its white sandy beaches to its delicious food, San Diego, California is regarded as “The Finest City
in America.” With endless activities to do in the city, you will be sure to have a great time during your
stay for the PRSSA 2019 International Conference.
The PRSSA 2019–2020 National Committee
These two changes within the PRSSA leadership will
heavily impact the Society’s future. Although one door may
be closing, many more have and will continue to open.
These doors will lead to bigger and better opportunities for
student members to enhance their career, broaden their
network and launch their career.
As an outgoing member of the National Committee, I can’t
wait to watch from the sidelines to see how PRSSA con-
tinues to impact students’ personal and professional lives
across North and South America.
The Conference is an event that brings communications students from around the world together for
professional development and networking. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in numer-
ous professional development sessions that will shed light on current topics and trends in the field of
public relations.
We hope to see you at the Conference in San Diego on Oct. 18–22. Check out the promotional video
below or here to learn more about this exiting event. Make sure to follow the PRSSA Intentional Confer-
ence Facebook page and Twitter account for updates and tips.
My advice to current PRSSA members is this: get involved.
Try to say yes to as many things as you’re able and can
accomplish successfully. There are countless ways to gain
experience in this Society. Whether its on a local, regional
or national scale, the choice is really up to you. Believe me
when I say, one decision can really change the course of
your college career in a positive way.
Interested in getting published
nationally? Email
[email protected] to
get started today!
6 www.prssa.prsa.org/forum
Spring 2019 FORUM