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Each year, the Public Relations Society of America plays host to a Leadership Rally in New York City. It’s geared toward chapter president-elects, presidents and assembly delegates to network with their peers, learn about services the national office provides and most importantly, become a better leader.
As chapter president, I attended the event, which took place June 6-7 at the Marriott Hotel in the financial district. Funny thing, I just had gone on vacation in Manhattan about a month prior, and I loved the city so much I was hoping to have some reason to return … looks like I got my wish.
(Rather than recap each speech and breakout session in which I took part, I thought it’d be better to mention some of the highlights of my trip.)
Members of the Detroit chapter were on hand to pitch the 2008 PRSA International Conference, of which they are hosts. I plan on going—and not just because I’m a fan of Mitch Albom, who is one of the keynote speakers—but because I think it will be a great weekend for professional development coupled with a lot of social events (many are planned).
We were all treated to dinner at the Grill Room in the World Financial Center Friday night. This was a great way to end a long day and to hang out with other conference attendees in a more relaxed atmosphere. I liked that many of us went out together after dinner for drinks—yes, we were tired, but we were in New York after all. (I think the subsequent Saturday morning’s sessions weren’t well attended—oh well.)
On Saturday, I picked up some really good ideas from other chapters as to some of their best practices—from member events to recruitment to getting volunteers—and I will share this with the rest of the Madison board and hope to implement them soon.
I noticed many attendees had been at the Leadership Rally before, and I can see why: It was a well-run event, in a great city and there are a lot of outstanding individuals to meet. I would return in a heartbeat, but then again, it’s an event something all PRSA members should get to try, and I hope another board member goes next year.
Contact me if you want to learn more about the Leadership Rally … or where my favorite night spots were.
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