Jean Gonsoulin
By now, most of us are swept up in the flurry of activity that accompanies the start of a new year and it’s no different for PRSA-LA. With a record-breaking “State of the State of PR” program in January, we have hit the ground running with a robust calendar of activities designed to educate, motivate and inspire you professionally.
What is particularly meaningful to me about our chapter – and the organization as a whole – is the commitment to enriching PR professionals at every stage of their career. Our programs and networking opportunities range from those offered to students just entering the profession, to those who are early- to mid-career, and even those who have achieved the most senior status.
Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to speak on a panel with a fellow board member and past-president of PRSA-LA, Denis Wolcott, at the Independent Practitioners Alliance. This group gathers to network and learn about how to build their independent and consulting practices. As seasoned practitioners running successful consulting practices, Denis and I were able to share some best practices and lessons we’ve learned from our own experiences building our businesses.
On March 7th, PR students from universities across the Southland will gather for PRSA-LA’s third annual PRSSA One-Day Conference to hear from keynote and panel speakers about how to get a leg up as they begin seeking their first professional jobs in the field. Later in March, our chapter will play host to the annual Western District Conference which draws more than 200 PR professionals across 5 states. This 3-day event will be anchored at LA Live in Downtown and feature some of the top experts in our industry speaking about the current topics that matter most to us.
For those who live and breathe media relations, we continue to host overflow crowds for our popular “At Breakfast With…” series. This month, we had more than 60 people turn out to hear from LA’s top ethnic media reporters and editors from print, broadcast and online outlets.
As always, our monthly evening programs offer something for everyone with timely topics and blue-chip panelists representing a variety of perspectives. This month’s program on February 24th tied into the entertainment awards season and showcases how brands are leveraging the industry’s biggest events – movie premieres, awards shows, festivals – to build buzz and business.
If you are a member of PRSA – or thinking of joining – look no further than our chapter programming for boosting your industry knowledge and building your connections. Check our website regularly to see what we have on the horizon!
Sincerely,
Jean Gonsoulin, PRSA-LA President
President, The Gonsoulin Group
jean@prsala.org
@JeanGonsoulin
