Public Relations Institute of Australia

News

Tech start ups more successful with PR
Fri, Nov 21 2008

Chicago, IL November 19, 2008: In a survey targeting U.S. based technology startup and early stage companies, BIGfrontier Communications Group, a Chicago public relations boutique, found that companies engaging in public relations campaigns were 30% more successful in attaining funding within 1-3 months than companies without a campaign. Additionally, 78% of those companies with a program said that PR helped with their funding efforts and planned on using a portion of the venture funding for more PR activities. BIGfrontier collected over 300 responses primarily from companies that had received funding within the past three years.

"The ironic part of this survey is the fact that only 18% of those without a PR program prior to funding plan on using their new found funds for a PR program. It's one of those 'they don't know what they don't know' scenarios. It's clear that companies that invest in getting out messages prior to and during the funding process shorten the cycle. And that additional time can mean a lot to a startup," says Steve Lundin, BIGfrontier's Chief Hunter and Gatherer. BIGfrontier has provided public relations services to over 70 technology startup and early stage companies and runs business/technology networking events in Chicago.

In hard numbers 44% of the respondents engaging in PR outreach received funding within 1-3 months as opposed to 14% for those that didn't. 45% of those without a PR program received their funding in 3-6 months, while 32% received it in 6-9 months. 55% of both groups received 100% of the funding they were seeking. According to PricewaterhouseCoopers Moneytree, a site that tracks venture funding, there were 1271 funding events for startups between Q3 2005 and Q3 2008 and 3104 for early stage companies. BIGfrontier used a combination of direct solicitations as well as extensive social network polling to attain the survey results.

"We became aware of this trend when we conducted the marketing for the Illinois Venture Capital Association's 2008 Midwest Venture Summit. The companies with active PR programs had very well honed messaging, as if they were presenting digestible sound bites to a reporter. Telling a story in a compelling manner and having it heard by potential funding agents prior to a presentation makes a difference," adds Lundin.

BM release the Annual 2008 CEO Survey
Tue, Nov 18 2008

In the eighth annual Burson-Marsteller/PRWeek CEO study, CEOs offered their opinions on a range of issues including social media, Word of Mouth, digital, crisis, CSR and research and measurement.

This year's key findings include:

• CEOs disagree about the effectiveness of using social media to reach stakeholders, with 29% saying that social media is an effective communications tool and 29% saying it is not.


• Most CEOs do recognize the value of digital, with 71% reporting that the company website is the most effective means to communicate with stakeholders during a crisis.


• 42% of CEOs say Word of Mouth is one of the three biggest influences on a company's business today, second only to The Wall Street Journal (51%).

Here is a presentation that includes several more key findings.

Edelman appoints new Director in Melbourne
Tue, Nov 18 2008

Edelman Australia today announced the appointment of Rhys Ryan as Director for the Melbourne office, with management responsibility for clients such as Nissan and SalesForce, as well as driving business growth for both Melbourne and the wider Australian corporate practice.

Ryan has more than ten years experience in media and communication working with corporate and consumer clients, across corporate positioning, crisis and issues management, stakeholder engagement and influencer marketing.

Joining Edelman from Porter Novelli, Ryan held the role of Principal, leading both corporate and consumer clients such as Coles Supermarkets, Gillette, Coles Supermarkets, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry, Dulux, the Victorian Association of Forest Industries, Acciona Energy, VicUrban and the Tasmanian Salmon industry.

David McCarthy, Managing Director, Edelman, said that the company was delighted to have such an accomplished individual join the Melbourne team.

"Rhys' has extensive experience both locally and globally in the corporate and consumer practice. His in-depth experience will strengthen our corporate practice and drive additional growth for the company," McCarthy said.

Ryan's time with Porter Novelli also included two years in New York, which saw him undertake a diverse range of communication work ranging from public awareness anti-smoking campaigns to pan-American publicity campaigns, as well as post-Katrina communication for manufacturing plants in New Orleans.

He was also instrumental in reviving the Gillette account for Porter Novelli in Melbourne, and while in New York, he brought to life a viral campaign for Gillette, which subsequently earned his team a national PR Week award.

Ryan holds a BA from the University of Melbourne in Literature and History, and is completing a Masters degree in Communication.

New SABRE Awards Announced
Mon, Nov 17 2008

The Holmes Report have recently announced their SABRE Awards, the world's largest and most prestigious public relations awards competition, is coming to the Asia-Pacific region for the very first time.

The SABRE Awards, recognising Superior Achievement in Branding and Reputation, have a 20 year heritage in the U.S., and have been recognising the best PR campaigns in the EMEA region for six years. But 2009 will see the first extension of the competition into the world's most dynamic and fast-growing public relations market: the Asia Pacific.

The awards will recognise the best campaigns in various practice areas (from consumer marketing to employee communication), in industry sectors (from health to technology) and in markets throughout the region.

The deadline for entries is January 28, 2009. (Late entries will be accepted until February 20). Entries should be submitted electronically, via an FTP site - an approach designed to take some of the time and effort out of creating entries and also make it easier from judges from throughout the region to assess the campaigns.

Entry forms can be downloaded here

MediaConnect launches PRWire
Mon, Nov 17 2008

MediaConnect Australia has launched PRWire.com.au, a newswire service that provides a better way for web users to receive news releases and acts as another valuable distribution vehicle for its business and PR subscribers.

PRWire.com.au has already been accepted into the Google News index, offering valuable search engine visibility to companies that distribute their press releases via MediaConnect's service. MediaConnect subscribers, which include almost all Australian technology PR practices, are able to distribute their releases via the ITJourno portal and now PRWire.com.au as part of the basic service for free.

The PRWire.com.au newswire leads the world in terms of the sophistication of its service, enabling users to create their own personal news feeds covering any sector that is of relevance to them. Users simply apply filters to narrow down the service to their particular interests and then create an RSS feed or daily email newsletter based on their selection. A Twitter service is also to be launched in the near future and all announcements continue to be distributed via MediaConnect's journalist portal.

PRwire.com.au's RSS builder also means any publisher can easily build a news announcement service into their website, providing users with additional content and the media companies with further advertising opportunities.

A Digg-like interface also allows users to view which releases are most popular at any given time.

PRWire.com.au is currently distributing releases only from MediaConnect portal subscribers, but will open up the service in early 2009 to all Australian and New Zealand businesses and PR agencies as part of the company's 2009 expansion beyond the technology sector.

MediaConnect Australia CEO Phil Sim said the goal was to make PRWire.com.au, Australia's de-facto standard newswire service.

"No newswire has really established itself in Australia as a public-facing announcement service like PRNewswire, BusinessWire and PRWeb have in the US. We have high hopes of being able to leverage our traditional journalist-facing service to establish PRWire as the go-to destination for company announcements in Australia and New Zealand," Sim said.

Global Alliance now Based in Switzerland
Mon, Nov 10 2008

The Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, the umbrella organisation linking PR professional associations worldwide, last week announced that is has selected the University of Lugano (Universitá della Svizzera italiana) to host its new Global Alliance Center, which will support international operations and serve as a base for its development and expansion.

"The establishment of our Global Alliance Center at the University of Lugano is a historic day in the history of our organisation, designed to secure global co-ordination and leadership for the public relations profession, in all its diversity," said Colin Farrington, Chairman of the Global Alliance and Director General of the UK professional body, the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR).

"A number of factors convinced us that the University of Lugano - which has established itself as a competence center for public relations and communication - is the right place for us," explained Colin. "We have collaborated successfully with the University over the past years, in particular in establishing scholarships for the Executive Master of Science in Communication Management (MScom) Program, which has proved to be a leader in the area of executive education of communication managers.

Those factors as well as Switzerland's long-standing tradition of hosting NGOs and international associations make it a perfect fit. It will provide a new impetus in our plans to improve global collaboration in areas such as training and education, ethical standards and good practice'

Heading the new Global Alliance Center at the University of Lugano will be Nina Volles, General Secretary. She will be supported by Jennifer Hayes, Executive Officer. In a first phase, the main activities of the Global Alliance will be focused on membership relations, budget management, sponsorship recruitment and organisation of events. In a second phase, the Global Alliance Center will help to drive international standards for education and communication management as well as supporting applied research on aspects of global interest for the profession.

"It is an honor to be involved with the Global Alliance," said Nina Volles. "Communication is increasingly becoming internationalized and professional associations need to reflect that trend. The Global Alliance want to be at the forefront of that process and a driver of setting standards and sharing best practices in our field."

The Global Alliance has also just launched its new website which can be found here: www.globalalliancepr.org.

PRGN adds new agencies
Mon, Oct 20 2008

(Melbourne), October 16, 2008 - The global reach of Melbourne public relations firm Currie Communications (www.curriecom.com.au) comprises 40 agencies on six continents, with 800 professionals and revenues in excess of $US100 million, following a meeting in Boston this month.

Public Relations Global Network (PRGN) (www.prgn.com), the international network of leading independent public relations agencies, today announced a major expansion to its roster with the addition of two new agencies, in London and Washington, D.C.

Currie Communications is the Australian PRGN member affiliate and the firm's Managing Director, Mark Paterson, is Executive Secretary of the global network.

PRGN President Frank Cullen, of Cullen Communications in Ireland (www.cullencommunications.ie), commented, "For some time, PRGN has been identifying the appropriate strategic partners in both Washington, D.C. and London. Our overarching priority is to enhance the network's expertise to provide clients with effective and strategic counsellors in both the governmental capital of the United States and Europe's largest metropolitan and financial centre. With The SPA Way and Xenophon Strategies, our network is poised to address those needs with locally-grown, independent agencies that know and understand the market better than our multi-national competitors."

Founded in 1996, PRGN has a presence in 22 of the world's top 30 GDP-ranked countries. Agency members are independent, owner-operated public relations and communication agencies that share expertise and resources, while providing broad-based comprehensive communication strategies to clients worldwide.

New Corporate Practice VP
Fri, Oct 3 2008

SYDNEY, Australia -3 October, 2008 - Weber Shandwick, one of the world's leading public relations agencies, today announced the strengthening of its corporate practice in Australia with the arrival of Tim Williamson as vice president.

Bolstering an industry-leading corporate practice at Weber Shandwick Australia, Tim joins the firm from the UK where he worked for the London-based agency, Brunswick. His role at Weber Shandwick involves strategy development and providing senior counsel to a range of corporate clients across the agency as well as providing crisis communication and issues management expertise.

Tim has more than 13 years of business communication experience having worked as a business journalist at Bloomberg and at the BBC, where he worked on the leading national news program, "Today", on BBC Radio 4 and on BBC Radio 5 Live.

Since transitioning to public relations Tim has worked on financial and corporate communication campaigns for a number of leading UK and international companies primarily in telecommunications and media, financial services, FMCG, engineering and utilities. He has worked on a broad range of issues including crisis communication, M&A, initial public offerings, corporate positioning, corporate reputation and environment and corporate responsibility programs.

"I am delighted to be joining such a talented team at a time when daily events demonstrate the critical importance to corporate clients of focused, strategic communications. Weber Shandwick is an industry leader, and I welcome the opportunity to be part of a company that is committed to delivering first-class client service and using its Advocacy platform to provide powerful and compelling communications campaigns for its clients," said Williamson.

Weber Shandwick's corporate practice currently manages communication campaigns for clients across a range of industries including; property, housing, insurance, professional services and government.

PRIA National Conference round-up
Wed, Sep 17 2008

The high emotions of the Beijing Olympics. The huge attendances at the World Youth Day celebrations in Sydney. The historical landmark of Australia's National Apology Day.

All have been defining moments in events management and mass communication in 2008.

Now three Australian communication professionals who played key roles at all three events are coming to the PRIA National Conference in Fremantle on October 13 and 14 to give rare "behind- the -scenes" briefings and Media Director for the Australian Olympic squad. How did competitors and officials cope with the tight security, the language barriers and the smog?

The World Youth Day functions in Sydney drew some of the biggest crowds ever seen in Australia. Communication Director Jim Hanna will reveal the years of strategic

Fresh from his stint at the Beijing Olympics will come Mike Tancred, Communication Director planning that made the visit of the Pope and a final Mass with 400,000 attendees such a success.

Australia's National Apology Day was an iconic event in the country's history. From Canberra Leanne Townsend, Public Affairs Officer with the Federal Department of Indigenous Affairs, will reveal how despite a daunting deadline, it all came together at moving ceremonies around the nation.

WA PRIA branch President Kim Harrison said all three speakers would present at a special Conference plenary session on the morning of Tuesday 14 October at The Esplanade Hotel. "We are extremely pleased that these high-profile communication specialists have agreed to brief delegates at an aptly named segment entitled "Defining Moments of 2008." The events they worked on will undoubtedly go into the text books as classic examples of top-level PR practice. A session not to be missed."

All roads lead to Fremantle

Organisers of the Fremantle conference are delighted with the PR industry's response to the event. A month out from the gathering more than 300 delegates had registered.

President PRIA (WA) Kim Harrison said that with a record number of entries received for this year's PRIA Golden Target Awards, a good flow of additional registrations is expected in the remaining weeks. The Award winners will be announced at a glittering Gala Dinner on the evening of Monday 13 October at The Esplanade Hotel, Fremantle.

Register NOW at www.acevents.com.au/pria2008 and check out the program.

The conference will open on October 13 with an International Keynote Address by Britain's best known PR professional, Alastair Campbell. In a full page, colour spread in the Sept. 13-14 edition of the Weekend Australian, the newspaper's Europe correspondent, Peter Wilson, described Campbell as 'the most powerful unelected figure in modern British politics."

Keeping tab on the pollies

Is a media career beckoning for Perth academic Peter van Onselen who is now one of Australia's best known newspaper and broadcasting political commentators?

Admitted Peter: "I was recently offered a national broadcasting position but it would have meant leaving Perth and the fact is I am enjoying my job as Associate Professor in Political Science at Edith Cowan University."

Meanwhile sales are going well for his latest book on politics, Howard's End, about the demise of John Howard and rise of Kevin Rudd. With his deep knowledge of the political system, who better than Peter to deliver a presentation at the Fremantle conference entitled: "Who's running the country? How to influence the decision makers."

Conference to boost medical research

Delegates to the Fremantle conference will be asked to donate to a worthwhile cause - leukaemia research. Two of the leading speakers - Alastair Campbell and test cricketer Justin Langer - are major fundraisers for this charity.

"As chairman of fundraising in Britain, Campbell has raised millions of dollars and here at home Justin Langer has also been a driving force in raising money for the same worthy cause," explained WA President Kim Harrison. "Through the years the PR industry has played a big part in organising fundraising for a wide range of charities and we are confident practitioners will dig deep into their pockets at their own conference."

Related Stories:
PR man Alistair Campbell saves some flak for journos
Peter Wilson, Europe correspondent - The Australian | September 18, 2008

Public interested in what political strategists say
Christian Kerr - The Australian | September 18, 2008

State Golden Targets Announced
Thu, Sep 11 2008

View the State Awards for Excellence results here.

Still to be announced:

National - 13 October

New leadership at Ogilvy's Impact
Tue, Sep 9 2008

Sydney, 9 September 2008 - Australia and Asia Pacific's largest employee communication consultancy, Ogilvy PR's Impact Employee Communications, this week appointed Tam Sandeman and Stephen Hale as joint managing directors. Sandeman and Hale succeed David Sawicki, co-founder of Impact Employee Communications, who moves into the role of executive chairman.

"We are excited about the leadership evolution at Impact as both Tam and Stephen have played a significant role in driving the business' growth over the last two years," said John Studdert, managing director, Ogilvy PR Australia. "Since joining as directors, they have both worked tirelessly with some of Australia's most well-known brands and senior business leaders to help them achieve their business goals through their most valuable asset, their people.

"Their good work has been recognised through winning the global 'oscar' in the industry, an IABC International Gold Quill award of excellence, and the opening of three new specialist practices, in the disciplines of change management, industrial relations and sustainability in Ogilvy Earth."

The dual-managing director model is tried and tested in Ogilvy PR proving successful in two of its other businesses - Howorth and Parker & Partners. "Impact Employee Communications is narrow in focus but deep in specialisation and having two leaders with complementary skills adds to our ability to provide strategic employee communications counsel to a wide range of businesses and to meet a variety of objectives."

Both Sandeman and Hale are recognised internationally in the growing employee communication industry; Sandeman for her counsel in organisations undergoing major change and Hale for his expertise in sustainability. Prior to joining Impact, Hale held several senior marketing positions with News Limited, Time Warner and Accor Services, and Sandeman has a strong communications background having had senior agency roles with Pulse Communications, another Ogilvy PR company; and at GCI's UK office in London.

Said Sandeman, "The employee communication discipline is growing, and growing quickly. Organisations are increasingly realising the bottom line benefit that effective employee communication and engagement can bring to business and it will be a privilege to lead a team with the deepest and most specialist skills in this area across the Asia Pacific."

Hale added: "Last year we launched the Ogilvy Impact brand in 14 markets in Asia, and we intend to follow this growth into the US and Europe in 2009. It's an exciting time for the business. We have a great opportunity to extend our industry leadership position by growing across each of our specialist practice areas. We're looking forward to driving the business forward, particularly in the areas of industrial relations, change and sustainability in line with current business needs and concerns across the region."

Public Relations Institute of Australia - Annual General Meeting
Mon, Sep 8 2008

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Annual General Meeting of the Public Relations Institute of Australia will be held at 5.00pm on Sunday, 12 October 2008 in the Terrace Room, Esplanade Hotel, Fremantle, Western Australia.

AGENDA

1. Apologies


2. Proxies


3. Approval of the minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting


4. Approval of the minutes of the Special General Meeting to adopt a new constitution held in Sydney on 24 May 2008


5. President's report


6. Financial report


7. Auditor's report


8. Elections
   
   
   
   1. President
   
   
   2. Deputy President
   
   
   
   


9. Appointment of the Auditor


10. Fix the Auditor's remuneration


11. Other business

Download the related documents below.

• 08 AGM Notice.doc (168.5 kB)
• Call for nominations.doc (159 kB)
• Proxy form.doc (141 kB)

Fostering the future of communication
Wed, Sep 3 2008

3 September, Sydney 2008 - With the demand for more challenging and meaningful internship placements on the rise, leading public relations agency Weber Shandwick in Australia, today re-launched its new look internship program, as part of its ongoing commitment to fostering the growth of the industry's talent pool.

Developed in consultation with leading Australian universities and current communication undergraduates, the 2009 internship program will offer successful applicants a program tailored to current university assessment criteria in an award winning and supportive agency.

Weber Shandwick in Australia Managing Director, Emma-Jane Granleese said, "Weber Shandwick's refined internship program is designed to keep students continually engaged and most importantly challenged. Many of our past interns have evolved to become integral members of the Weber Shandwick team and in 2007, a Weber Shandwick employee, and former intern, was awarded the prestigious title of the Young PR Professional of the Year," Granleese said.

The program is an extension of the agency's already strong commitment to the next generation of public relations professionals, building on its partnership with Media magazine to find the Asia-Pacific PR student of the year. For the second year running, Weber Shandwick will support the Asia-Pacific PR Awards PR Student of the Year, giving students the chance to win US$6,000 in prize money and attend one of the industry's most prestigious events - the Asia Pacific PR Awards ceremony - in Hong Kong.

Part time Weber Shandwick Account Coordinator and full time UTS communication student, Paul Anastasiadis, empathises with the struggles many communication students face in the fiercely competitive communication field.

"Finding the right internship can be a difficult, tiresome and daunting task for university students. This is why we have created a structured program tailored to university requirements and are reaching into lecture halls and tutorial classrooms across Sydney," he said.

Prospective interns are encouraged to attend an information evening, to learn more about Weber Shandwick in Australia and receive invaluable career advice from some of the industry's leading practitioners.

Find out more about the program here.

Government reins in advertising spending
Mon, Sep 1 2008

Unfettered government spending on advertising, especially pre-election could be a thing of past when government advertising reforms are implemented by the Rudd government, QUT advertising academics say.

Researchers from Queensland University of Technology's School of Advertising, Marketing and Public Relations, Dr Gayle Kerr, Kim Johnston and Dr Amanda Beatson raised their concerns about the lack of regulation and accountability of the Howard government's $1 billion advertising spend in an article published the Journal of Marketing Communication.

They suggested a modified Corporate Social Responsibility framework could help improve government advertising accountability and provide measurement of it in terms of public good.

"Last year, the Australian Government spent more money on advertising than Coles, Holden, McDonalds and Coca Cola and the Howard Government spent more than $1 billion on advertising in its 12 years," Dr Kerr said.

"Governments leave themselves open to accusations of running party-political ads masquerading as public information campaigns out of the public purse.

"But, until now there have been no protocols to delineate government advertising from party advertising so it is debatable.

"The fact that government advertising expenditure has had sharp spikes before the past six elections highlights the impression of government misuse of public funds for party ends."

Dr Kerr said under the new regime each government advertising campaign would be certified by the chief executive of the commissioning department or agency against the new content guidelines.

"And major campaigns will be reviewed by the Auditor-General before the campaign is allowed to progress."

She said Australia had the highest per capita spending on government advertising in the world.

"Until now, the government has had no requirement to report all advertising costs to the people but these will now be published twice a year."

Dr Kerr said her team had proposed a CSR framework be applied to government advertising to give it an independent measure of accountability and make it a good "corporate citizen", which most businesses strove to be.

"The market orientation of government has accelerated the use of advertising as an information and persuasion tool to communicate about its services, changes in legislation, as well as social marketing campaigns such as anti-smoking and drink-driving campaigns," Dr Kerr said.

"CSR is concerned with the social outcomes of organisations' operations and their responsibilities to avoid exploiting their power, to be transparent and accountable to the public."

Dr Kerr said few businesses had such active or extensive market intelligence from opinion polls and various government departments as governments did.

But even with such data at their fingertips, she said governments had wasted money on campaigns that had very little impact and had not reduced spending when appropriate media goals had been reached in accordance with good advertising practice.

"For example, in July 2005 the level of public awareness on industrial relations reform was 79 per cent.

"However, the government went on to spend $40 million to achieve an increase of just 1 per cent so that by October 2005, 80 per cent of the population was aware of IR reform or Work Choices."

She said it was hoped the new system would give greater accountability of government advertising.

"The public has a right to be informed about government services and so, ultimately, governments need to demonstrate that advertising outcome has societal benefits," Dr Kerr said.

Victoria's best new business
Wed, Aug 20 2008

Leisure/lifestyle media specialist Sandman Public Relations has been named Champion New Business in the 2008 Victorian Small Business Champion Awards.

The announcement was made during a gala presentation evening held at Hilton on the Park in Melbourne on Saturday.

Competing against hundreds of other businesses across the state, the prestigious award officially recognises Sandman's commitment to business excellence.

Sandman business manager Lauren Brittain said while the award acknowledged the passion and hard work of a dedicated team, it was also recognition for the company's clients and associates.

"Known for our balance of youthful enthusiasm and proven experience, we're well regarded for our integrity and professionalism," Ms Brittain said.

"We thrive on the positive relationships we have with our clients, contractors and the media and consider this a significant key to our success.

"Although we're a small business, we achieve big results for our clients... it's fantastic to have our efforts recognised with this Victorian Small Business Champion Award."

Sandman is the first public relations company to win the New Business award.

Sandman will represent the New Business category on a national level against other state and territory winners at the Australian Small Business Champion Awards, to be held in Sydney in November.

Dash PR report upturn in business
Tue, Aug 19 2008

Sydney, Australia, August 19, 2008 - Financial services specialist and author Greg Smith has enlisted Dash PR to handle public relations for Kids Money.

Staunch believers of educating children the value of money and helping to make a difference for the next generation, Kids Money is Australia's first independent resource for parents dedicated to improving the financial literacy of children aged 5 - 12 across the country.

Kids Money has engaged Dash PR to increase awareness of its service, as well as promote its range of products aimed at parents and children within the Australian market. The campaign will primarily focus on Kids Money's most recently launched teaching tools - a series of three money books called Money Makes The World Go Around. Additionally Dash PR will proactively promote Kids Money through business profiling, lifestyle features, case studies and company announcements.

Dash PR is also pleased to announce their appointment to budding new book publisher Hendlin Books to manage their public relations around its launch and the release of its first book Überstar by novelist and head of Hendlin, Vaughn Alaine-Marshall.

Hendlin Books is destined to ruffle feathers in the book publishing industry with its unique marketing model. The up and coming publisher is committed to pioneering a more interactive approach that encourages its authors to engage readers more personally.

Dash PR will handle the launch of Hendlin Books and the release of its first book, Überstar. The campaign will focus on introducing Hendlin Books to the industry and reaching out to talented authors who have a story to tell. This will converge with the release of Überstar as it prepares to go national in the coming months. Plans for the book are also underway for an international launch in early 2009.

Dash PR's website (www.dashpr.com.au) went live and after its first month reported a 52% increase in traffic.

Christine puts some of this upturn in traffic down to her membership of the PRIA's Registered Consultancies Group (RCG).

"I would encourage more public relations consultancies to join the PRIA's RCG if they want to benefit from this fantastic public relations business tool," said Christine.

Telstra's PR Chief leaves
Mon, Aug 18 2008

TELSTRA'S head of public policy and communications Phil Burgess is leaving the company and will return to the US, due to illness in his family.

Dr Burgess said in a statement that his wife's mother is seriously ill and he will return to the States to support her.

Dr Burgess, who joined Telstra when Sol Trujillo became chief executive in 2005, expects to work as an advisor to business and government on matters related to technology and society.

He finishes up at Telstra at the end of this month and is due to return to his home in Annapolis, Maryland in early September.

"The last three years have been enormously consequential for Telstra and Australia with the full privatisation of Telstra, construction of the world's largest, fastest, and most advanced wireless broadband network and the transformation of Telstra into the world's first nextgeneration, fully-integrated telco," Dr Burgess said.

Read the whole article here

Wide Focus for National PR Conference
Wed, Aug 13 2008

PR professionals from around Australia and overseas will flock to Fremantle in October for the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA) national conference.

Alastair Campbell, ex-British PM Tony Blair's communication and strategy director, will join more than 40 speakers at the two-day conference, Australia's most comprehensive communication event.

His Fremantle appearance is his only scheduled public engagement in Australia for the man who for years was described as the second most powerful figure in Britain.

Other international speakers from the US, the UK and Hong Kong, prominent national media and PR practitioners and leading academics and consultants will take part in the lively conference program.

Conference streams include media marketing, issues management, behavioural change, Government communication and PR challenges and opportunities in Asia. In line with the conference theme 'The New Communicator', speakers will examine topics such as using new media to engage the workforce, corporate lobbying, the digital radio revolution and communication strategies for climate change.

Cricket legend Justin Langer will speak on delivering value to sponsors, and the editor of The Weekend Australian magazine, Helen Trinca, will provide insights into pitching PR ideas to the national magazine market. At other sessions delegates will learn about the social impact of the resources boom, communication challenges at the Beijing Olympics and the organisation of the historic National Apology Day.

PRIA National President Tracy Jones said the conference would help PR professionals face challenges in an age where communication was of increasing importance to business.

"Many PR professionals are key strategists in organisations, driving business decisions at the highest level," Ms Jones said.

"The conference will provide insights from experts on how to harness new technologies to strengthen relationships with stakeholders."

The conference on October 13 and 14 costs $995 for members and $1295 for non-members, and includes a gala dinner where winners of the National PRIA Golden Target Awards are announced.

To register follow this link.

Strategic Partnership - ICON & Ketchum
Tue, Aug 5 2008

Sydney (August 5, 2008) - Ketchum, one of the world's leading public relations agencies and a unit of Omnicom Group (NYSE: OMC), and ICON International Communications, a leading independent communication consultancy in Sydney and Singapore, announced today the signing of an exclusive affiliate agreement to form a strategic alliance in Australia and Singapore. The partnership will enable the two firms, which already work together on client assignments for blue chip brands, to provide national, regional and global support to clients.

"ICON adds deep expertise in two key geographic markets and a professional approach that aligns exceptionally well with Ketchum," said Jerry Olszewski, senior partner and chief client officer, Ketchum. "Beyond the vitally important client service that ICON provides in Australia and Singapore, we intend to work with the firm's senior leaders to define a Southeast Asia expansion strategy, which will mark the next phase of Ketchum's development in the Asia-Pacific region."

"ICON's senior executives and Ketchum Greater China CEO Kenneth Chu have worked together in various businesses for nearly 20 years," Olszewski added. "This long relationship and their vast knowledge of the Asia Pacific marketplace enable us to hit the ground running with a fully integrated regional offer for clients."

Founded in Sydney in 2000 and dubbed a "startup star" in 2005 when it was recognised as one of Australia's most successful and fastest-growing firms by Business Review Weekly, ICON "has since grown into one of the [region's] leading independent [strategic] communications consultancies" according to the inaugural Holmes Report 2008 Asia Report Card. The firm opened its Singapore office in 2005.

"Ketchum has built a reputation for innovation and sound business thinking that matches our own," said Phil Burfurd, chairman and chief executive officer, ICON. "We are excited to leverage our experience in the region to build upon this foundation."

"The fit is perfect and the timing is right for ICON to align itself with one of the world's leading public relations agencies," Burfurd said. "ICON and Ketchum share similar business philosophies, company cultures and approach to client service. We are on the same page in relation to harnessing the opportunities that exist in the expanding Asia Pacific markets beyond China and Japan."

Ketchum's and ICON's respective core businesses include a corporate practice, with industry best practice crisis management and change management offerings, and consumer (brand) marketing practices for sectors such as aviation, technology, financial services, professional services, packaged goods, food and beverage, and pharmaceuticals.

ICON will remain an independent, privately held company within the agreement. The management team will include Phil Burfurd, who, having been a journalist and senior corporate communication professional at a number of large multi national companies for more than 40 years, will continue as chairman and chief executive officer. ICON co-founder Chris Gray, who has 17 years experience as a journalist and senior agency leader, and John Bailey, who has worked in more than 50 countries worldwide in a 22-year career as a journalist and PR practitioner, will continue as managing directors of the Sydney and Singapore operations, respectively. Working at board and senior management level for a number of high-profile multinational brands, ICON has developed an international reputation in brand and corporate positioning, corporate change and organizational management, reputation and issues management, international media relations, public affairs, market expansion, and marketing communication.

Ketchum's Jon Higgins, who was recently appointed senior partner, international, will work with ICON to grow Ketchum's presence in this region.

Industry event showcases new offering
Fri, Jul 25 2008

Sydney, 25 July 2008 - Leading financial services communication firm BlueChip Communication has made key appointments to support the launch of new marketing and creative service offerings to the Australian financial services industry.

Launched at a special industry function hosted by BlueChip and attended by over 80 key industry figures and media, director Bruce Madden announced the appointment of senior Marketing partner Maria Anderson and former editor of the The Australian newspaper's leading online business section Nicki Bourlioufas.

"With our new partner Maria Anderson we are proud to introduce a new marketing communication and creative capability to the industry. Maria will help drive new service lines to our existing and future clients," Mr Madden said.

Ms Anderson is a marketing and communications professional with over 10 years experience in the financial services, professional legal services and photographic industries. She has experience in creative, direct marketing, branding and advertising.

"We are also delighted to welcome experienced business and finance journalist Nicki Bourlioufas to the team to help spearhead the delivery of quality copy writing, editing and online content for our clients. Nicki has done an outstanding job raising the profile of News Limited’s news.com.au web site, and we are looking forward to having her skills and experience on board at BlueChip."

Mr Madden made the announcement at BlueChip's "Pause Awhile" function which featured special guest speakers and BlueChip clients Ms Pauline Vamos and Mr Chris Cuffe.

On the topic of change, challenge and opportunity Ms Vamos said institutional investors and the wider superannuation industry will take a holistic view of the investment challenges that lie ahead during uncertain times.

"The notion of 'upstream' and 'downstream' investment will become ever more prevalent as superannuation funds and their trustee boards stay focused on the inter-related issues that affect a company's bottom line. In essence, they will take the holistic view to encompass what happens 'upstream' and its impact on the downstream consequences," Ms Vamos said.

"Environmental, social and governance impacts on the bottom line of companies are firmly within this framework," she concluded.

Mr Chris Cuffe addressed the audience on the topic of true innovation, and the concept of the "third way of investing" - a reference to combining the best of philanthropy with the very best of investment management in support of the non-profit sector.

"The result is the Third Link Growth Fund - a fund of fund managed investment - which, through the support of pro bono service providers like BlueChip and others, will directly benefit the work of Social Ventures Australia, a not for profit organisation." Mr Cuffe said.

Mr Cuffe recently outlined the underlying investment managers which include a number of Australia’s leading boutique and long established investment management brands.

"We appreciate the generous support of all our pro bono partners and encourage people to have a look at the Third Link web site at www.thirdlink.com.au," Mr Cuffe said.

Lawson Appoints PRIA Member
Wed, Jul 23 2008

Sydney, Australia, 23 July 2008 - Lawson Software, a global provider of enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, today announced the appointment of Edwina Hinchliffe (nee Priest) as Public Relations Manager to support the company's corporate and marketing communication initiatives across Australia and New Zealand.

Based in Sydney, Hinchliffe will be responsible for managing internal and external corporate PR planning and strategy for Lawson Software across the ANZ region.

"Edwina's diverse industry experience gained through the in-house contract position she has held at Lawson over the past 12 months coupled with her extensive agency experience means we're confident that her strategic communications skills will be a tremendous asset," said Sharon Jackson, Director of Marketing, Lawson Software, Australia and New Zealand.

Hinchliffe has nine years' PR experience, most recently working at Sydney-based PR agency, Hill & Knowlton, with clients including McAfee, Novell and Canon BISG. She has also held roles with Text 100, Porter Novelli and 2iC Integrated Communications.

"Lawson's growing presence in the ANZ region is an opportunity to gain further traction in the ERP market in industries we are targeting which includes fashion, food, wholesale distribution, asset intensive, and equipment service and rental. I look forward to supporting this and providing Lawson with new opportunities through corporate and marketing communications," said Hinchliffe.

Hinchliffe holds a BA in Public Relations and Organisational Communication from Charles Sturt University in Bathurst.

Keep Left PR breaks bread
Wed, Jul 16 2008

Keep Left PR breaks bread after securing Bakers Delight

Prahran-based agency, Keep Left PR has won the Bakers Delight PR account following a competitive pitch for tender against some of Melbourne's largest PR firms.

Bakers Delight, the world's largest franchise bakery, has engaged Keep Left PR to drive its national PR strategy across the corporate, consumer and community sectors with a strong focus on franchise recruitment.

Keep Left PR secured the account on the back of its recent success with fast-growing franchise Crust Gourmet Pizza Bars. Crust has seen its brand awareness rocket following exposure for the launch of its Tick approved range of pizzas in February and ongoing media profiling.

Keep Left PR Consumer Practice Director Susan Swann, who officially established the agency's consumer practice in late 2007, will head up the Bakers Delight account when it officially commences on 1st July.

"This win is a real coup for the agency, particularly for our growing our consumer practice. We have an expanding portfolio of clients in the food, health and wellbeing sector, to which Bakers Delight is an exciting addition."

Kendra Teasdale, corporate communications manager for Bakers Delight said the decision to go with Keep Left PR was based on its clear strategic approach.

"We're looking forward to working with Keep Left because of their ability to develop high quality, strategic campaigns that are not only creative, but results driven," said Teasdale.

Bakers Delight was also impressed by the agency's previous experience in the franchising space.

Keep Left PR has also been celebrating the placing of its Director, Caroline Siler as one of the finalists in Australian Anthill's 30under30 Awards, an annual award which recognises Australia's leading entrepreneurial minds aged under 30. Siler was announced a winner in the June/July issue of the magazine and was the only PR specialist to be named in the list.

New Government Advertising Guidelines
Tue, Jul 8 2008

The Rudd Labor Government has today released new advertising guidelines that will govern the content of Commonwealth Government campaign advertising.

Each advertising campaign will now be certified against the new guidelines by the chief executive of the commissioning department or agency, and major campaigns will be reviewed by the Auditor-General before the campaign is allowed to progress.

These new procedures will now give the public confidence that campaigns are legitimately authorised, properly targeted and non-political.

In 2007, Kevin Rudd made an election promise that campaigns over $250,000 would be scrutinised by the Auditor-General.

This election commitment is now met.

The guidelines and certification process will ensure Government advertising and information campaigns provide objective, factual and explanatory information, free from partisan promotion of government policy and political argument.

One of the first acts of the Rudd Labor Government was to abolish the Ministerial Committee for Government Communications (MCGC), and the Government Communications Unit (GCU) in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. The MCGC was a committee of Howard Government politicians and staff which ran the Government's advertising program.

Coordination of procurement contracts and managing the policy and procedures for the development and implementation of Government advertising campaigns will be undertaken by the Department of Finance and Deregulation so that in addition to increasing accountability and transparency, these new arrangements will also allow greater efficiency and savings through better coordination of government's requirements and procurement contracting arrangements.

Ministers will be briefed on the progress of campaign development, but responsibility for that development will be wholly undertaken by the commissioning department, with assistance from the Department of Finance and Deregulation.

Campaign expenditures will be published biannually.

The new guidelines are based on those developed by the Auditor-General in 1998, after the previous Government's first tax advertising campaign screened directly before that year's election. Those guidelines were refined by the Joint Parliamentary Committee of Public Accounts and Audit in 2000.

However, the Howard Government refused, for ten years, to adopt the Auditor-General's guidelines and in that time spent more than $1 billion in campaign advertising including spending on the "Chains" campaign publicising the GST; the $116 million Workchoices campaigns and others. The figures show that campaign spending spiked just before each election.

The Rudd Government recognises that advertising and information campaigns are necessary to inform Australians of Government programs, and for operational activities of agencies such as defence recruitment. But the Government believes campaigns should be politically neutral and not a weapon of political incumbency.

A new apolitical approach to Government advertising was desperately needed. The new guidelines reflect the Government's commitment that public funds not be spent on political advertising dressed up as Government promotion.

You can download the guidelines here.

Read the joint media release here.

H&K -Appointments and New Business
Fri, Jul 4 2008

Hill & Knowlton Creates Strategy Planning Role and Appoints a New Head of Consumer Lifestyle Practice

Sydney, 4 July 2008 - Hill & Knowlton Australia, winner of the 2007 Asia Pacific PR Week Agency of the Year, has announced two senior appointments.

Sally Hart has taken on the newly created role of Strategy & Planning Director and will run the agency's new insights and planning function. In addition, Sally will manage the agency's new research function, part of a global network that can provide 24/7 research for clients. The Strategy and Planning role in Sydney extends the global network of planners within Hill & Knowlton, with hubs already established in London and New York.

Sophie Halls Anning joins Hill & Knowlton as the new Director of Consumer Lifestyle. Sophie brings with her a wide range of both brand and product consumer PR experience from both Australia and the UK.

Most recently, Sophie ran the consumer team at PPR, with clients that included McDonald's, Emirates, Bunnings and Goodman Fielder. Sophie has worked for 2ic and Pulse in Australia working on Toyota, Vodafone and Bundaberg Rum.

Originally from the UK, Sophie spent her formative years at H&K London in the youth arm of its consumer team working on Ford, adidas, P&G, Motorola and Jim Beam.

"Sally has grown our consumer practice with leading brands including eBay, The Coca-Cola Company and Yahoo!7. She has helped developed H&K's reputation here as a leading brand PR agency and I have no doubt that she will be just as successful in her new role," said Michelle Hutton, Chief Executive Australasia.

"We're delighted that Sophie is rejoining Hill & Knowlton and that she brings such strong consumer and brand experience that will ensure we continue to innovate and drive our brand PR offer."

Hill & Knowlton Yodels Its Way To Yahoo!7

Sydney, 4 July 2008 - Yahoo!7 the joint venture between Yahoo!, Seven and Pacific Magazines, has appointed Hill & Knowlton Australia as its new PR agency, after a competitive three way pitch. The agency started work immediately.

Yahoo!7 Marketing Director, Fergus Kibble said, "We are really pleased to have appointed Hill & Knowlton as our agency partner. Michelle Hutton and her team provided impeccable strategic & creative PR credentials, and demonstrated great understanding and passion for our business. Their breakthrough thinking has embraced our Start Something Wonderful campaign and will help us build our brand via engaging consumer PR".

H&K Chief Executive, Michelle Hutton added, "We are very excited to be working with Yahoo!7. Our consumer offer continues to grow and surprise the market. Our approach enables us to provide the best research based insights and strategic thinking to influence our creative process. This ultimately means our ideas are grounded in strong foundations that make good business sense."

The team is working on the recently launched rebrand campaign and communications program to leverage the upcoming Olympics.

FH Announces Key Australian Appointment
Fri, Jul 4 2008

New Technology Group Leader Responds to Growing Digital Opportunity

Fleishman-Hillard International Communication, one of the world's leading public relations firms, announced this week that Austin Edgington has been appointed vice president of the Technology Group and head of the Digital Business Unit of the company's Sydney, Australia, office.

Edgington assumes overall responsibility for business development and the day-to-day operations of the Technology Group in Sydney. He reports to Fiona Tigar, general manager of Fleishman-Hillard Australia.

"Our Australian operations are on an aggressive growth path, with a particular focus on Australia's expanding technology industry. One of the best ways for us to fuel that growth is by continuing to grow our senior management team," said Lynne Anne Davis, Fleishman-Hillard's regional president of Asia Pacific. "Austin brings a wealth of technology marketing and communication experience to our team. His extensive public relations experience across technology sectors -- as well as 23 years of marketing experience in Australia, Europe, and the United States -- makes him the ideal choice to drive our growth in this important market."

An American native, Edgington, began his marketing career in Sydney as a copywriter at various radio stations, including the popular 2MMM in the mid eighties. During the early dot-com days in the Silicon Valley he held senior public relation positions with both multi-national companies and technology start ups, including Novell, CacheFlow, and marchFIRST.

Tourism Australia picks 11 for PR
Tue, Jul 1 2008

Tourism Australia has selected 11 agencies for its a new public relations panel. The panel will provide all PR services for the organisation and were chosen after a tender process taking more than six weeks.

The 11 agencies are: Avviso (tendered in association with Pinque), Haystac Public Affairs, Hill & Knowlton, Horizon Communication Group, Ogilvy Public Relations, Red Agency, Royce and Sefiani Communications Group, The Reputation Group, CPR Communications and Public Relations and Gavin Anderson & Company.

The agencies will work on strategy development, media liaison and training, through to social media networking and advocacy. However, panel members will still have to bid for individual projects as they arrive, similar to other government rosters.

Tourism Australia's managing director Geoff Buckley said: 'Having a diverse range of agencies with a variety of skill sets will ensure that we are able to work with the right agency as each project arises, relying on their tailored skills to achieve the brief.'

More than 130 companies accessed the tender documents and 28 submitted tenders.

The panel of agencies will service all four Australian-based business units of Tourism Australia including corporate communication, domestic marketing, business events Australia, and global PR, however, Tourism Australia will work with PR agencies in other countries for some global projects.

'Tourism Australia will be able to call on the expertise of these agencies to assist with the rollout of a range of future internal and external communication activities, in a way that offers us the best value for money,' Buckley said.

2008 has seen a number of changes for the tourism authority including the launch of a global campaign on MySpace.com, in what is claimed to be the first global campaign by an Australian brand on the site. TA also put the creative ad account and media account out to tender this year, with the results to be announced imminently.

Saatchi & Saatchi and DDB are in the process of making final presentations having made it to the final stages for the $180m account, while incumbent M&C Saatchi failed to take the final round.

The media account is also undecided and is down to Carat and MPG, with results expected late July.

The public relations panel will be in place until 30 June 2011.

Note: This article appeared in B&T Today on Friday 27 June. To view the full article click here.

Register now for a seat at the Big Debate
Tue, Jul 1 2008

It is shaping up as the International PR Debate of the Year. In one corner will be Britain's No. 1 communications specialist Alastair Campbell representing 'The Old Media'. In the other corner appearing for the United States and 'The New Media' will be Jennifer McClure, founder and executive director of the Society for New Communications Research.

The pair will take centre stage at the opening session of the PRIA conference on Monday, 13 October, when first Campbell - directly followed by McClure - will deliver much awaited International Keynote Addresses.

Campbell, Tony Blair's legendary Director of Communications, has strong views on the Internet which he blames for a serious erosion of journalistic standards. Delivering the Hugh Cudlipp Lecture recently to a packed audience in London, Campbell declared that news could now be news simply for the fact that someone reports something, regardless of veracity.

New landscape, 'Anyone can be a journalist,' he added. 'Anyone can be a cameraman. A rumour can be launched on a message board and find its way quickly, if interestingly enough, into the U.S. presidential election debate. It is a new landscape. I would love to know where it is all heading.'

Campbell's comments drew a riposte from Jennifer McClure, an authority on the use of 'The New Media'. She told PRIA: 'I disagree with Alastair's view on the Internet and where it is taking the media and communications industries. What we have now is a communications revolution.

'This new era is re-shaping and influencing the way we view, perceive, experience and participate in our world. It invites us to re-examine the difference between 'news and information' versus 'knowledge.' Ultimately it means we will have to re-invent the role that news organizations can and should play in society. This is an exciting time indeed.

'It will be great to hear the views of Australian practitioners on all this at the Fremantle conference. I am truly looking forward to my first visit to Australia.'

Register now at: www.acevents.com.au/pria2008 for a seat at this outstanding session and a rare opportunity to quiz international PR leaders Campbell and McClure on the impact of the new media on global communications

PRIA NSW President appointed to head H&K
Mon, Jun 30 2008

Sydney, June 30th 2008 - Hill & Knowlton Australia has announced the promotion of Andrew Collett to the position of Managing Director, based in Sydney. He was formerly the Director of Client Services, H&K Australia and he previously ran the firm's corporate marketing practice.

"Andrew is a valued member of our team and a well respected senior consultant in our market," said Michelle Hutton, Chief Executive of Hill & Knowlton Australasia.

"Andrew is very passionate about the communication industry, the H&K business and how we can continue to be the lead agency in our market. I look forward to working with him to continue to take our business forward."

Mr Collett commented: "The success of the past few years has been a true team effort and I now have the opportunity to work even closer with our senior team and clients, a challenge I am looking forward to tackling. I know that we can continue to grow H&K and continue to lead our market with innovative and effective communication to help solve our clients' business challenges."

Mr Collett is the current President of the Public Relations Institute of Australia (NSW).

Legacy document for GLOBAL PR industry
Fri, Jun 27 2008

A manifesto recognising the best in public relations practice and what it can achieve was produced in association with participants of the World Public Relations Conference: ‘The Public Benefit of Public Relations’ hosted by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (UK) in London on 23 and 24 June.

The 200+ PR professionals from across the globe who gathered for the conference were given the opportunity to submit their comments about the document via email and text during the two-day event.

The manifesto, which summarises the conference’s main themes, will serve as a permanent legacy of the event and a statement of the vision and values of the global PR industry.

Colin Farrington, chair of the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management and director general of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (UK), said:

“Having brought together PR professionals from across the globe to talk about the challenges facing the public relations industry as well as the contribution it makes to every-day life, we considered it vitally important to capture these discussions both for future generations of PR practitioners and for the wider world.

“The conference programme was the product of extensive consultation with CIPR members and our colleagues overseas. It was, therefore, right that the manifesto should be a collaborative, legacy document of this remarkable event, which was two years in planning.”

You can view manifesto by folllowing this link.

For further information about the World PR Conference hosted by the CIPR in association with the Global Alliance of Public Relations and Communication Management in London on 23 and 24 June 2008, visit www.cipr.co.uk/wprf08.

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

National Prescribing Service wins Gold Quill
Mon, Jun 23 2008

National Prescribing Service wins Gold Quill award, New York

NEW YORK: Australian non-profit organisation, the National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS) has won a prestigious international 2008 Gold Quill Award for excellence in communication for its 2007 Get to know your medicines and Generic medicines are an equal choice national awareness campaigns.

The Award for Excellence in Communication Management – Multi-Audience will be presented to NPS by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) at the awards ceremony in New York on 23 June 2008.

NPS CEO Dr Lynn Weekes said, “Winning the award is an incredible achievement and a recognition of NPS’s commitment to excellence. I am immensely proud of the NPS staff who were involved in the campaign but would also like to acknowledge the pivotal role our partner organisations played in helping us to communicate these important medicines messages.”

Partner organisations included: the Consumers’ Health Forum of Australia, the Council on the Ageing (COTA), the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA), Medicare Australia and a range of internal working groups comprising consumer, academic and health professionals. This is an example of a consumer-led campaign having strong impact.

Conducted from August to December 2007, the generic medicines campaign targeted senior Australians and was aimed at raising their confidence and understanding of generic medicines with a focus on safety, quality and choice. The integrated campaign included a range of strategies such as television advertising, a phone help line, printed resources, website and community information sessions. It also explained the principles of quality use of medicines (QUM).

IABC’s Gold Quill Awards program has been the hallmark of excellence in business communication for more than 35 years. The winners represent the best in organisational communication and their work plans serve as best practices for professional communicators across communication disciplines. This year’s competition was sponsored by Towers Perrin and received over 1,040 entries from 30 countries. Of these, 116 were selected to receive awards; 41 Awards of Excellence, 73 Awards of Merit and two student awards.

The Gold Quill entries went through two rigorous rounds of judging by a team of top senior communicators from around the world. The final selection was made by the Gold Quill Blue Ribbon Panel of judges at the IABC world headquarters in San Francisco in March. The winners are being honored at the Gold Quill Awards gala on 23 June at IABC’s International Conference in New York City. A select number of winning entries will be on display at the conference.

To win the Gold Quill Award, NPS competed with peers from 30 countries including Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, France, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, U.K. and the U.S.

“This Award is particularly sweet for us as this is our 10th anniversary year – it’s a lovely birthday present,” said Dr Weekes.

NPS was established in 1998 with a mission to create an awareness, culture and environment that supports the quality use of medicines. Quality use of medicines include asking whether a medicine is necessary, if so, selecting management options wisely and using medicines safely and effectively. Today, NPS has a staff of approximately 120 people who run a diverse range of programs in partnership with health professionals, Government, community groups, industry and consumers.

Creative agencies have a hard slog ahead
Tue, Jun 10 2008

The majority of creative agencies are doing it tougher now than five years ago, according to a new survey by Instinct Systems.

Fifty-eight per cent of respondents said they found it easier to run their business two years ago, stating staffing challenges, business management systems and clients taking work in-house as the major challenges.

The survey included advertising agencies, graphic designers, public relations agencies, video production, architects and other creative agencies, with all companies citing similar issues.

Another major challenge was a reported drop in advertising spends by clients, reduced profitability on projects, and clients not prepared to pay for account service time or not respecting the service provided.

Interestingly, only one third of businesses surveyed are billing more than 50% of account service time to clients, and the belief is that clients are not prepared to pay for account services as they don't understand the time involved, and believe it should take less.

Instinct Systems Managing Director David Blaymires said that a lack of effective business management software was a major factor in the difficulties agencies faced.

"It is surprising for an industry that is so technologically driven, that so many creative businesses do not have the proper software to manage their operations efficiently," David said.

The survey revealed that most companies have software that is less than five years old for carrying out their design function, however, surprisingly, one third of respondents did not have up-to-date and effective business management software to manage the efficiency of the business.

Well over half of the respondents admitted they had failed to capture all costs associated with the business, and found it hard to understand why they didn't make a profit.

According to David, there is a sense of unfounded optimism among representatives of the creative industry despite the fact that they are recording less profitability.

"Almost 70% of those surveyed foresee business growth in the next five years as part of their strategy. Yet the majority of these businesses are also those who say that it is harder now for their business than any time in the last five years," David said.

"These results show that many of the creative businesses are too focussed on the creative side of their business and they do not have any mechanism in place to track their business efficiency and to measure the productivity and profitability of the day-to-day running of their operation."

"This is surprising, especially when there are several leading-edge software programs available, like Job Bag, that do all the business management work for them and identify areas where urgent attention is needed," said David

An example of how businesses aren’t aware of their profitability was highlighted when survey participants were asked whether the increasing cost of raw materials was eroding profits. A considerable 41% of respondents simply did not know.