PRSA-LA

At Breakfast With...Entertainment Journalists and Producers
2025-06-11 08:30 - 09:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
At Breakfast With…Entertainment Journalists and Producers
Wednesday, June 11 • 8:30 – 9:30 AM PT
Via ZOOM
Presented by:

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Join us via Zoom on Wednesday, June 11 at 8:30 – 9:30 AM PT for a dynamic edition of PRSA-LA’s At Breakfast With… spotlighting entertainment journalists and producers based in Los Angeles.
As the media landscape continues to evolve, entertainment coverage is expanding beyond red carpets and premieres to include deeper narratives around culture, identity, social impact, and brand values. This timely conversation will explore how publicists can navigate today’s competitive media environment and craft compelling entertainment pitches that break through.
Hear directly from top entertainment reporters and producers on what grabs their attention, how they prefer to be pitched, and the types of stories they’re seeking now. Whether you’re promoting talent, projects, or campaigns with a purpose, this panel will offer actionable insights into securing coverage and building meaningful media relationships in Hollywood’s ever-shifting ecosystem.
Meet the speakers:

Katie Atkinson, Executive Digital Director, West Coast, Billboard
Jennifer Aguillon, Sr. Talent Booker, Access Hollywood, NBC Universal
Amy Sugarman, VP Public Relations and Talent, and Executive Producer, iHeartMedia
Liz Calvario, Editor and Reporter, Today.com
Katie Atkinson
Katie Atkinson is Billboard’s Executive Digital Director, West Coast and has worked for Billboard.com as an editor in the Los Angeles office since 2014. In addition to leading fan-facing coverage and breaking news on the website, Katie also co-hosts and co-produces Billboard’s Pop Shop podcast, a weekly discussion about the latest pop news and chart moves. Katie previously worked as a digital editor at Entertainment Weekly, where she co-hosted the Editor’s Hour show on SiriusXM’s EW Live. Before that, she was deputy managing editor at MTV News and an intern-turned-copy editor at The Detroit News after earning her journalism degree from Michigan State University.
Jennifer Aguillon
Jennifer Aguillon is a two-time Emmy winning producer with over 20 years of news experience in the national and local LA markets. She is currently a Senior Talent Booker for NBC’s Emmy Nominated Entertainment News Show “Access Hollywood” and daytime talk show, “Access Daily”. She is a first generation Mexican-American. She has produced for “Extra”, “California Live ”and news shows on KCBS and KTLA. She is creator and co-host of the podcast “Latina Life With Jen and Milena”. She is a member of the Television Academy, the Academy of Country Music, the USC Latino Alumni Association and the California Chicano News Media Association. A long-time supporter of the Jenesse Center and a volunteer at Project Angel Food, she is a proud native Angeleno.
Amy Sugarman
Amy Sugarman is a talent executive/executive producer at iHeartMedia. Upon becoming the fourth generation in her family to graduate from UC Berkeley (and as a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority), Ms. Sugarman began her career at KTVU Fox Channel 2 in the Bay Area, launching a 25-year (and counting) career in the entertainment industry. She has long been affiliated with celebrity stalwarts such as Mario Lopez and Ryan Seacrest, with whom she has worked for more than two decades. In addition to producing television and radio, Ms. Sugarman has produced many of iHeartMedia’s successful podcasts, helping to position the company as the #1 podcast publisher in the world. She has served as co-host of pop culture podcasts for iconic TV shows such as “Beverly Hills 90210” and “The Gilmore Girls,” and created and produced the podcast “Scrubbing In,” which has won the People’s Choice Award twice. Ms. Sugarman credits her successful career to her time at Berkeley.
Liz Calvario
Liz Calvario is a Los Angeles-based editor and reporter for TODAY.com, writing and editing entertainment, pop culture and trending news. You can also catch her covering events, including the Oscars, Latin Grammys, Emmy and more for TODAY.com. A Cal State Long Beach graduate, she has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for a decade. She began her digital journalism career at Variety Latino. Her work has been published in IndieWire, Deadline and Entertainment Tonight. As a Mexican American, she makes it her mission to spotlight Latin talent.

Don’t miss this must-attend event for PR professionals looking to stay ahead in the entertainment space.
Members: $15; Non-members: $30; Students: $5

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PRSA: The Entrepreneurial AI Edge: A Shift Framework for PR Success
2025-06-12 12:00 - 13:00
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Transform the way you approach public relations with practical AI strategies that boost productivity, creativity and impact. Whether you’re running a solo consultancy or leading an agency, this PRSA Learning Webinar will show you how forward-thinking PR pros are using AI to stay competitive, save time and scale their results — all while keeping the human touch that drives exceptional storytelling.
What You’ll Learn:

Streamline and Simplify: Discover how AI can take care of repetitive tasks, giving you more time for the work that matters most.
Creative Amplification: Learn how AI tools can elevate your storytelling and content creation to captivate audiences in innovative ways.
Personalized Solutions: Explore AI solutions that enhance client experiences, build stronger relationships and support reputation management.
The Shift Framework: Get a proven road map for integrating AI into your PR operations to drive growth, innovation and long-term success.

This webinar gives you a clear, actionable framework to incorporate AI into your workflows — without overhauling everything or compromising what makes your work unique. Walk away with practical insights and a road map to transform your PR practice.
Elevate your strategy, stay ahead of the curve and discover what’s next for entrepreneurial PR professionals.

Presenter:
Andrea Gils Monzón
Participants with the APR credential earn 0.5 CEUs for a webinar.

Free to Members; $200 Non Members
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PRSA: The ADA and Your Content: How To Be Compliant
2025-06-17 12:00 - 13:00
REGISTER HERE
This PRSA Learning Webinar is designed for communications pros, PR experts and content creators eager to master accessibility in digital content. We’ll cover the basics of digital accessibility — what it is, why it matters and how it goes beyond just compliance to foster inclusivity in your messaging.
Through practical tips and real-world examples, you’ll learn how to apply accessibility best practices to everything from social media posts to corporate websites. We’ll also touch on the legal side of things, like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), ensuring you understand both your obligations and the opportunities that come with accessible content.
You’ll walk away with a toolkit of resources, from automated checkers to screen readers, and the know-how to create digital narratives that resonate with all audiences including those with disabilities. By the end, you’ll have the skills and confidence to make your communications truly inclusive.
By the end of this webinar, participants will:

Understand the core principles of digital accessibility and their significance in crafting inclusive communication strategies.
Learn how to apply accessibility best practices across various digital platforms including websites, social media and multimedia content.
Gain knowledge of the legal requirements surrounding digital accessibility including the ADA and WCAG guidelines, and how to ensure compliance.
Develop the skills to create compelling, accessible narratives that resonate with all audiences including people with disabilities.

Presenter:
Matisse Hamel-Nelis, ADS, CPACC

Participants with the APR credential earn 0.5 CEUs for a webinar.
Free to Members; $200 Non Members
REGISTER HERE

PRSA Western District: How to Engage Diverse Audiences During Challenging Times
2025-06-25 09:00 - 10:30
PRSA Western District Virtual Program
How to Engage Diverse Audiences During Challenging Times
Jun 25, 2025 09:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
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We are excited to bring you one of the most popular sessions at the 2025 Western District Conference as a free virtual program for our members.
In an era of rapid cultural evolution and shifting political landscapes, PR professionals must adapt their strategies to effectively connect with diverse audiences. The current climate, marked by recent ICE raids and immigration protests, highlights the urgency of this challenge. This virtual program will explore how PR strategies are evolving to meet the demands of today’s volatile world. Speakers will share real-life case studies on building cultural authenticity and competence, and discuss how to navigate DEI initiatives in an environment where such efforts are increasingly under scrutiny.
Featured Speakers:
•Adam Robles | Senior Vice President, FENTON
•Suzie Bao | VP/Group Director, IWGROUP, Inc.
•Marina Filipelli | CEO, Orci Advertising
Moderator:
• Stephen Chavez | CEO, ChavezPR, PRSA-LA’s Immediate Past President
This is your chance to hear from senior marketing executives who are on the frontlines of guiding organizations how to reach diverse audiences.
Register today and be part of the conversation on building more inclusive, authentic, and resilient PR strategies for the future.
REGISTER HERE

PRSA: Five Ways To Tell Better Stories
2025-07-17 12:00 - 13:00
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Could you do a better job of engaging readers through storytelling?
In this webinar, master the art of the storyteller — that’s a job that AI can’t do!
You’ll learn how to:

Find great stories inside and outside your organization.
Ask the question in an interview that will help subject matter experts share a story.
Write a great story, as easy as 1-2-3-4.

Presenter:
Ann Wylie

Participants with the APR credential earn 0.5 CEUs for a webinar.
Free to Members; $200 Non Members
REGISTER HERE

Unidos: PRSA Hispanic-Latino Affinity Group Kickoff Event
2025-08-06 15:00 - 16:00
Be part of history as we launch the PRSA Hispanic-Latino Affinity Group — an inclusive, dynamic space dedicated to empowering Hispanic-Latino communications professionals nationwide.
Join us Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at 3 PM PT, for our inaugural virtual mixer, where you’ll connect with industry peers, share your voice, and help shape the future of our community within PRSA. This gathering kicks-off a regular series of networking sessions, but we’re aiming for more than that: it’s a celebration of identity, shared values, and collective ambition.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your journey in communications, this event offers a unique opportunity to become a founding participant, build lasting connections, and contribute your perspective to the foundation of our Affinity Group. It’s a great opportunity to connect with industry peers, share your voice, and be a founding member of this impactful community.
Let’s launch something impactful — together. Use and follow #PRSAHispanicLatino to be part of the conversation before, during, and after the event.
TICKETS:
PRSA Member: FREE
Non-Member $15.00

REGISTER HERE

PRSA: Five Ways To Simplify Messages
2025-09-09 12:00 - 13:00
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Would your piece be twice as good if it were half as long? Research says, yes.
Learn how to make every piece you write easier to read and understand in this webinar. You’ll learn how to:

Use a cool, free tool to measure, monitor and manage readability.
Hit the right target for the length of your messages, paragraphs, sentences and words.
Use simple tricks and techniques for hitting those targets.

Presenter:
Ann Wylie

Participants with the APR credential earn 0.5 CEUs for a webinar.
Free to Members; $200 Non Members
REGISTER HERE

PRSA Foundation Presents: Advancing Hispanic Representation in PR and Communications
2025-10-08 14:00 - 15:00
Join the Conversation That Can Shape the Future of Our Industry
PRSA Foundation Presents: Advancing Hispanic Representation in PR and Communications
Wednesday, October 8, 2025 • 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (PST)
REGISTER HERE
Hispanics make up nearly 20% of the U.S. population and drive one of the most powerful consumer markets in the world, yet they remain significantly underrepresented in public relations and communications. If U.S. Latinos were a country, they’d rank among the top 5 economies in the world ($4.1 Trillion). Hispanic outreach is no longer a nice add-on; it’s a business imperative. These numbers make one thing clear: Representation matters.
This inspiring virtual summit brings together industry titans to discuss:
• Proven strategies to attract and retain more Hispanic professionals.
• The power of mentorship and allyship in advancing careers.
• How Hispanic voices strengthen the future of communications.
Panelists:
Isabel Abislaiman, senior vice president and senior partner, FleishmanHillard
Michael Estevez, vice president, communications, Bristol Myers Squibb
Rosemary Mercedes, senior vice president, global communications, BBC Studios
Moderator: Stephen Chavez, president and CEO, ChavezPR
*All proceeds from registrations and sponsorships will go directly to the PRSA Foundation.
REGISTER HERE

Presenters

Isabel Abislaiman

Stephen Chavez

Michael Estevez

Rosemary Mercedes

At Breakfast With...A PR Guide to Podcasts
2025-12-03 08:30 - 09:30
At Breakfast With…(A Virtual Event)
A PR Guide to Podcasts
Presented by PRSA-LA
Wednesday, December 3, 2025 • 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM

Full panel announced!
Get ready for A PR Guide to Podcasts, a virtual At Breakfast With event designed to help PR pros identify the right shows, craft standout pitches, prepare clients for authentic conversations, and build real relationships with podcast hosts. Plus, get insider tips on measuring impact and the trends shaping podcasting in 2026.

Featuring:

Glenn Gritzner – Host of Making Los Angeles (L.A. Times Studios)

Evan Lovett – Creator of LA In a Minute and Host of In a Minute with Evan Lovett.

Peniley Ramirez, Co-CEO and Exec. Dir.of Futuro Media, home to Latino USA

Moderated by:

Beverly White, Retired KNBC Anchor and Reporter

Learn what producers look for, what makes a great guest, and how podcasts can amplify your brand storytelling.
REGISTER NOW

APR Introductory Session
2026-02-23 18:00 - 19:00
Ready to Elevate Your Career? Join our FREE APR Introductory Session!
When: Monday, February 23, 2026, at 6 p.m. PT | Where: Online
Power up Your PRofessional Goals with the APR
Is earning your Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) on your professional to-do list for 2026? Curious about what the accreditation process entails? This session is designed just for you!
Achieving the APR sets you apart as a strategic, ethical, and results-driven communicator. The OCPRSA APR Study Sessions have a nationwide reputation for excellence, attracting participants from across the country.
Our 10-week virtual course equips you with the knowledge, structure and confidence to navigate the APR process, all from the convenience of Zoom.
Why Attend the Introductory Session?

Understand the value of the APR and why it’s considered a hallmark of excellence in public relations.
Hear directly from accredited professionals about how earning the APR has elevated their careers.
Learn what to expect from both the Panel Presentation and the computer-based Examination.
Get your questions answered and see whether the OCPRSA program is the right fit for your professional goals.

This FREE virtual session offers a no-pressure way to explore the APR and learn how our proven study course can set you up for success.
Click HERE to learn more about the APR and HERE to register for the free introductory session.
Advance registration is required!
Ready to take the next step? Register now for the OCPRSA APR Course and secure your spot!
Course Registration: https://bit.ly/4aADMOy

PRSA: 5 Ways To Think Like a Reader
2026-03-12 13:00 - 14:00
5 Ways To Think Like a Reader
March 12, 2026 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time)

Write the message your readers want to read — not the message you wish they wanted to read. Walk away with a four-step strategy for drawing readers in and moving them to act. You’ll learn how to:

Draw readers in with reader-centric messages.
Move readers to act with persuasive-writing techniques. (And every piece you write must be persuasive, even if you’re just persuading people to read it!)
Find out how a robot can help you connect better with humans.

Presenters

Ann Wylie

Free to PRSA MEMBER: Register Now
Accreditation Information
Participants with the APR credential earn 0.5 CEUs for a webinar.
Learn more about Accreditation.

PRSA: Business for Communicators: Fundamentals of Corporate Finance for Value Creation
2026-03-17 13:00 - 13:45
Business for Communicators: Fundamentals of Corporate Finance for Value Creation
March 17, 2026 3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time)

Communicators who speak and apply the language of business position themselves for leadership and influence in the companies they care about.
In this PRSA Learning Webinar, you’ll learn the story told by each corporate financial statement and how to begin positioning your contributions as a communicator in terms that resonate with business leaders.
By the end of this webinar, you’ll be able to:

Assess the health of your internal network to ensure you have the connections you need to succeed.
Understand the story told by each corporate financial statement: income, balance sheet and cash flow.
Begin speaking in terms of how your work contributes to company financial performance.

Presenters

Sandy Duhé, Ph.D., MBA, APR, Fellow PRSA

Free for PRSA Member: Register Now
Accreditation Information
Participants with the APR credential earn 0.5 CEUs for a webinar.

Learn more about Accreditation.

PRSA: Seeing the Whole Field
2026-03-18 11:00
Seeing the Whole Field
Great communicators anticipate the play before it happens. Join Kelly Ross, internal communications manager for the Pittsburgh Pirates, on the next Strategies & Tactics Live to learn how internal alignment strengthens every external message.
Watch live on LinkedIn on March 18 at 1 p.m. ET.
Sign up now

FPRSA: Diverse Dialogues: She Built It
2026-03-18 13:00 - 14:00
Diverse Dialogues: She Built It
March 18, 2026 3–4 p.m. EDT
Behind many of today’s most impactful PR campaigns and purpose-driven agencies are visionary women who didn’t just rise through the ranks—they built the ranks themselves. In this powerful panel, hear directly from trailblazing women founders and CEOs of PR firms who have shaped the communications landscape across sectors—from healthcare to entertainment, public affairs to social change.
Moderated by a PRSA leader, this conversation will explore their bold decisions, the challenges they faced breaking barriers, and the lessons they’ve learned about leadership, resilience and redefinition. Whether you’re aspiring to lead a team or build your own agency, this session will offer candid insights and real-world advice for women communicators looking to chart their own path in PR.
Moderator: Natalie Ghidotti, APR, Fellow PRSA, CEO, Ghidotti
Panelists:
Priscilla Clarke, President/CEO, Clarke PR Global LLC
Grace T. Leong, APR, Fellow PRSA, CEO, HUNTER
Maria J. Rodriguez, President & CEO, Vanguard Communications
Event is free.
REGISTER HERE.

PRSA: Storytelling
2026-03-23 11:00 - 11:45
Storytelling
March 23, 2026, 1–1:45 p.m. ET
FREE TO PRSA MEMBER. Available to nonmembers for $60.
Storytelling isn’t just a creative skill; it’s a communication superpower. Join this discussion with our panel of storytelling pros as we unpack why storytelling is a critical skill for communicators. Together, we’ll explore the art of storytelling, the essential elements that make a story compelling, and how powerful narratives can elevate and amplify a brand by building deeper emotional connections and clearer messaging. Our panel will also share tips for turning your message into a story people remember, and one that moves your audience to action.
Panelists:
Lisa Arledge Powell, APR, CEO & founder, MediaSource
Rob Biesenbach, Communication Coach, Speaker & Workshop Leaders
Heather Morgan, APR, vice president of communication and business development, MHP Salud
Participants with the APR credential earn 0.5 ethics CEUs for this session.
This event is part of PRSA’s Member Monday. Member Mondays is an initiative designed to foster direct engagement and provide valuable information sharing within our professional community. Moderated by the PRSA 2026 Chair, Heide Harrell, M.A., APR, these conversations aim to create a space for meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas.
REGISTER HERE

At Breakfast With... Crisis Communications: What Media Expect in the First 24 Hours
2026-03-25 08:30 - 09:30
At Breakfast With… Crisis Communications: What Media Expect in the First 24 Hours and How PR Pros Can Deliver
Wednesday, March 25, 2026 | 8:30–9:30 AM | Virtual

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When a crisis breaks, the first 24 hours can shape coverage, public perception, and long-term reputation. In today’s social media environment, information, and misinformation, spreads instantly.

We’re excited to welcome back Beverly White, retired NBC anchor and reporter, as moderator of PRSA-LA’s At Breakfast With panel on Crisis Communications: What Media Expect in the First 24 Hours.

Join PRSA-LA for a candid At Breakfast With conversation with working journalists who regularly cover breaking news and high-profile situations. They will share what they expect from communications teams in the earliest and most critical hours of a crisis, and what erodes credibility. This interactive virtual conversation will provide PR professionals with practical guidance on how to respond quickly, communicate transparently, and serve as a reliable source in moments of heightened scrutiny.
Speakers:
· Mike Rogers, Assignment Editor and “The Desk” on-air talent, CBS LA
· Frank Mottek, Host of “Mottek On Money”, 790 KABC
· Samantha Masunaga, Entertainment Business Reporter, L.A. Times
· Christopher Cabezas, Multimedia Journalist, Spectrum Noticias

This member-selected topic will explore:
•What reporters expect in an initial response
•How to provide verified information under deadline pressure
•Addressing fast-moving social media speculation
•Building credibility before and during a crisis

Whether you work in corporate communications, entertainment, nonprofit, government, or agency PR, this session will equip you with actionable strategies to navigate the first 24 hours with clarity, credibility, and confidence.

REGISTER HERE

PRSA: Shape How AI Understands Your Brand
2026-04-08 11:00 - 11:30
Shape How AI Understands Your Brand
Save your spot for our new demo days: Shape Brand Narrative in the AI Era with Agility PR Solutions, scheduled for April 8 at 2 p.m. ET. As AI answer engines begin to synthesize the news, mere mentions are not enough. Ensure your brand is accurately understood.
See how Visibility Intelligence lets you monitor how AI portrays your brand in real time. Learn to leverage strategic earned media to optimize those AI responses, keeping your brand’s story clear, credible and competitive.
Free Event – Register Now

PRSA: APR Virtual Boot Camp
2026-04-29 00:00 - 2026-05-01 00:00
APR Virtual Boot Camp
April 29-May 1, 2026
The APR Boot Camp is a three-day intensive course for candidates to prepare for and be Advanced through the Panel Presentation, and take the Examination for Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) or Accreditation in Public Relations + Military Communication (APR+M). This course is designed to provide a setting that will meet the needs of busy professionals whose schedules don’t permit extensive preparation time.
Pricing ranges from $100-$500. Register by April 15.
More resources:
APR Panel Presentation: Secrets to Success
View this FREE PRSA Learning Webinar to see what a “great” APR panel presentation looks like as Juanita Traughber, MBA, APR, shares the presentation she made as part of her accreditation process.
This webinar teaches how to present a campaign’s research, planning, implementation and evaluation (RPIE) work, and answer tough questions. The webinar also shows why the project won national and regional awards.
Refreshed Brochure
Get answers to APR questions in this refreshed brochure.
Contact PRSA-LA APR Chair Justin Glover at justin@communicationslab.com to start your APR journey.
