March 21-22, 2024 • Eugene, Oregon
Join us March 21-22 in Eugene, Oregon as we focus on building the best PR Pros in the business!! With marketing gurus and inspiring experts, you'll take away ideas to boost enrollment, increase engagement with families and community, and support your district as they navigate an ever-changing communications environment. We have an incredible conference planned this year so make sure you get registered as soon as possible to secure your spot!!
Read about what to wear, parking, and more
DAY ONEThursday, March 21 | 8:30 AM Registration and Breakfast Thursday, March 21 | 9:00 AM Welcome & Connect Thursday, March 21 | 9:15 AM AI Remix: The New Beat of School PR How to integrate generative AI into every level of your communications strategy for maximum efficiency and impact Presenter: Rebecca Bultsma: International AI trainer, presenter, and enthusiast renowned for her expertise in educating thousands of professionals about the fundamentals and risks of artificial intelligence Thursday, March 21 | 10:15 AM Sponsor Highlight: Finalsite Thursday, March 21 | 10:45 AM Choose Your Own Adventure: Session A: Build Your Brand with Instagram Reels! How to boost your district's image on Instagram using the latest tips and tricks that the algorithm will pick up Presenter: Danielle CraigEmmy-award-winning journalist, public relations specialist, award-winning social media creator, and the host of the top podcast Happiness in Progress. OR Session B: Rock Your LinkedIn Profile! In this engaging session, we’ll dive deep into the art of creating an impressive LinkedIn profile. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your career, optimizing your LinkedIn presence is essential because a LinkedIn profile is more than just an online resume—it’s your digital brand! Join us to unlock the secrets of a standout profile and take your professional journey to new heights! Presenters: Katie Pillen, LinkedIn; Mark Mohammadpour Thursday, March 21 | 11:45 AM Sponsor Highlight: Peachjar
12 PM LUNCH @ Graduate Thursday, March 21 | 1:00 PM Together We Thrive: Building Peak-Performing Teams An interactive session that will share proven strategies for fostering a person-first workplace. Whether you are part of a communications team or a one-person shop that collaborates with other departments and teams, you are invited to start your journey towards peak performance and leave equipped with actionable steps to begin your ascent to team success. Presenters: Catherine Carbone Rogers, APR Tove Tupper, APR Mandi LeCompte Highline Public Schools (Seattle, WA) Communications Team BREAK Thursday, March 21 | 2:45 PM Crowd-Sourced Conversations Get the best answers to your biggest questions from your favorite peers - OSPRANS! Thursday, March 21 | 2:45 PM
Conquackulations
OSPRA 2024 Statewide Awards Thursday, March 21 | 5 PM-7 PM Social at J Scott Cellars Sponsored by LinkedIn |
DAY TWOFriday, March 22 | 8:30 AM Registration and Breakfast Friday, March 22 | 9:00 AM Welcome & Connect Friday, March 22 | 9:15 AM Making History: How Oregon’s Largest District Navigated a Historic Teacher Strike Short Description: Hear directly from communicators who are on the front lines of the historic PAT strike and how you can apply their lessons learned Presenters: Will Howell, Communications Director at Portland Public Schools | Valerie Feder, Director of Media Relations at Portland Public Schools Friday, March 22 | 10:15 AM Sponsor Highlight: Parentsquare
BREAK Friday, March 22 | 10:30 AM Drill It: How Practicing Crisis Communication Can Save Your District’s Image (And Parent Peace of Mind) After a swatting incident at a Medford high school sent the entire community into a panic, the Medford School District knew it was time to take action in a big way. Months later, they held a Mass Casualty Drill that garnered national attention. Learn how the district rallied more than 400 community members to undertake the largest drill of its kind in the Pacific Northwest and how you can replicate it at any level. Leave with a communication toolkit for leveraging crisis communication in your district. Presenters: Bret Champion, Medford School District Superintendent | Ron Havniear, Medford School District Executive Director of Safety, Security, and Leadership | Natalie Hurd, Medford School District Communications Director Friday, March 22 | 11:30 AM
Closing Remarks
Thank you everyone for attending the 2024 OSPRA Conference! Hope to see you all at NSPRA Seattle in July!! |
The conference fee includes all sessions, breakfast/lunch on Thursday, and breakfast on Friday. With a half-day on Friday, you will head into spring with fresh inspiration, ready to tackle your work through revitalized eyes!
Sponsored by:
The Graduate Hotel | website
66 E 6th Ave Eugene, OR 97401
Book your room by following our custom link OR call the Graduate and let them know you’re with OSPRA
for a special discounted room rate of $132 a night. Rooms are limited so act fast!