News
PRIA announces key speakers for National Conference
Wed, Jun 25 2008
The Public Relations Institute of Australia has named some of the key speakers who will address its National Conference in Fremantle in October. Britain’s Alastair Campbell and an international authority on global use of "The New Media," Jennifer McClure from the United States, will present at the opening session on October 13. Campbell had a major influence on British political life as Communication Director and Strategist for former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair. McClure is the Founder and Executive Director of the Society for New Communication Research, a global think-tank dedicated to the advanced study of the latest developments in new media and communication, and their effect on traditional media and business models, communication, culture and society. An authority on the use of digital media, Professor Stuart Allan, from Bournemouth University in Britain, will speak at a plenary session on the opening day. His research projects include a study of citizen journalism and how young people are using the new media. Australia's Alex Manchester, author of "How to use Social Media to engage employees" and one of the country's best-read bloggers, will join Allan in this session. PRIA National President Tracy Jones said the title of the Conference was "The New Communicator". The conference would explore the challenges facing PR professionals in an age where communication was of increasing importance to business. It would also look at new communication tools and how they can be integrated into communication programs to increase their effectiveness. "PR professionals are increasingly becoming key strategists in organisations, driving business decisions at the highest level. At the same time, they have a broader range of tools available to them than ever before, and an audience that is consuming more media than ever before," Jones said. "We will hear from the experts how industry leaders are harnessing the new technologies to strengthen relationships with key stakeholders," she said. "The Fremantle Conference will provide a tremendous opportunity to look at case studies, success stories and ask questions on what's round the corner in this age of new media." No fewer than seven overseas speakers are scheduled to present on various topics including a special plenary session entitled "Into Asia" where practitioners from that continent, particularly from China, will talk about the huge business and career prospects that are emerging for Australian practitioners. In all some 40 presentations are scheduled for the Fremantle event. Registrations are now being taken at www.acevents.com.au/pria2008 phone 02 8908 8555. E N D S Notes to editor: PRIA is the peak body for Public Relations and Communication professionals in Australia. PRIA represents and provides professional support and recognition to 3,000 professionals and 150 consultancies throughout Australia. Since 1947, it has been our role to promote and enhance the profession and its status to the broader community throughout Australia, to enforce the principles of ethical standards and represent public relations practitioners in the best interests of the profession. For further information contact: Tom Mackay, Chair of the PRIA National Conference Tel: 08 9368 6775 or 044 88 747 80