2025 State PRAM Conference

Our annual conference PRAM’s leading professional development event, is set for Biloxi! It will take place at the Golden Nugget Biloxi Hotel & Casino from April 13 to April 15.

To make your hotel reservation, call 1-800-777-7568 and use the group code S250356, or follow this link (no group code needed if you use the link):  

 https://goldennuggetbiloxi.reztrip.com/ext/promoRate?property=1262&mode=b&pm=true&sr=997623&vr=3

The last day to make reservations will be April 4, 2025, or until rooms run out, whichever comes first. 

Registration Fees

Early Bird Rate: Jan. 31 – Feb. 21, 2025

Professionals – $250

Non-Members – $275

Regular Rate: Feb. 22 – March 28, 2025

Professionals – $275

Non-Members – $300

Late Registration: March 29 – April 13, 2025

Professionals – $300

Non-Members – $325

Students:

Full Conference – $130

Tuesday Only (includes Student of the Year Luncheon) – $75 

PRism Awards Banquet Ticket Only: $100

No refunds after April 4.

Special Registration Notes

You can choose to pay online, by check, or by invoice. If you have a specific payment request (W9s, documentation, etc.), please submit that request via pramstateboard@gmail.com

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Agenda

Sunday, April 13

3-5 p.m. Registration & Exhibitors

5-7 p.m. Welcome Reception at the Golden Nugget

Monday, April 14

9 a.m.-10:15 a.m. Breakfast Keynote

“The Brand Anchor: Stop Targeting Audiences – Start Building Connections” – Cece Shabazz

10:30-11:30 a.m. Breakout Session 1a

“Podcasting 101: How Two Government Podcasters Make It Work” – Paul Wolf and Paul Katool, Sophie McNeil Wolf, APR (moderator)

Breakout Session 1b

“AI & the Future of Work: Driving Workforce Innovation with MAIN” – Dr. Kollin Napier, Director of the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN)

11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m. Keynote Lunch

“Transforming Your Digital Strategy” – Thomas Broadus, Chief Marketing Officer at Mississippi State University

1:15-2:15 p.m.

Breakout Session 2a

“Empathy-Driven Marketing: Understand Your Audience” – Genie Alice Bruce, APR, North Mississippi Health Services

Breakout Session 2b

“Beyond Initials: How Accreditation Elevates the Practice of PR” – APR Panel with Kristie Aylett (The KARD Group Public Relations and Marketing), APR, Tracy Yanez, APR, Jan Schaefer, APR

2:30-3:30 p.m.

Breakout session 3a

“Making Waves – Owning Your PR Wins with Confidence” – Erin Rosetti, Memorial Health System

Breakout session 3b

“The Art of the Possible: Winning Buy-In for Your Campaigns” – Amanda G. King and Katie Weldon of Ingalls Shipbuilding

6:30 p.m.

PRism Awards Reception

7-9 p.m.

PRism Awards Banquet

Tuesday, April 15

9 a.m.-10:15 a.m. Breakfast Keynote

“The Ghosts That Saved My Career: How Storytelling, Festivals & Collaboration Became My PR Superpower – Christy Mershon, Southeast Missouri State University

10:30-11:30 a.m.

Breakout Session 1a

“Can journalism bring people together?” – Sophie McNeil Wolf, APR and Lucy Schultze

Breakout Session 1b

“Everyday Ethics: How to Gain Confidence In Providing Ethical Counsel” – Kristie Aylett, APR, Fellow PRSA

11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m. Luncheon/Student Awards

Guest speaker: Christen Duhe, APR

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