TIME:
7:30 am - Registration & Breakfast
8:00 am to 9:00 am - Speaker Presentation

DETAILS:

Financial transactions in Canada, including mergers & acquisitions, have leapt from the business pages to become prominent national issues. Communications and public affairs professionals have earned a seat - the "fifth chair" - in planning and executing these transactions, along with corporate and regulatory lawyers, investment bankers, accountants and management consultants. As risk mitigators, communications professionals play a critical role in getting deals closed.

Steven MacKinnon heads the transactions practice at Hill+Knowlton Strategies, where he has been at the heart of many of these transactions, spanning the resource, technology and manufacturing sectors. Using examples and anecdotes, he will outline best practices in designing and executing public affairs programs. He will discuss the preparation and strategies involved in financial transactions, media relations, the structure of "deal teams", and recent trends in transaction communications.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER:

Using his national perspective, Steven provides high value strategic counsel and has led teams involved in large transactions, including Canada's largest ever foreign acquisition. He has executed public affairs programs for acquisitions, takeover defenses, divestitures and bankruptcies for various clients, including large corporations, private equity, crown corporations, sovereign wealth and pension funds. Steven also leads crisis management, strategic communications planning and strategic counsel, and has directed teams involved in rebranding, product launches, promotions and public relations for some of Canada's best known organizations. Ecame Live@YVR.

TOPIC:

Web Trends Facing Not-For-Profit Organizations & Social Enterprises

Join us as we discuss the top web trends facing not-for-profit organizations and social enterprises over the next 12 months. Agentic's Principal Phillip Djwa will focus on how you can get ahead of emerging issues like slactivism and social media overload in a 40-minute presentation.

Follow our live tweets at #cprs

TIME:
5:30 pm - Registration & Networking
6:00 pm to 7:00 pm - Presentation & Questions

ABOUT PHILLIP:

Phillip Djwa, President, Agentic Communications, has been working for more than 18 years as an entrepreneur in the high-technology industry. He's worked on a wide range of technology and web-integrated communications projects in senior positions in telcos, high-tech start-ups and not-for-profits.

Since 2000, Phillip has led strategic and innovative online projects at Agentic Digital Media. As a boutique firm with 11 employees, Agentic was recently recognized as one of the top 100 fastest-growing companies in Vancouver. Its specialty is developing websites for social-change organizations, including not-for-profits organizations, Aboriginal groups, and government.

Phillip's credentials as a creative technologist offer a unique blend of technologist, artistic insight and social scientist. His clients include the 2010 Cultural Olympiad (CODE), CBC, Ecotrust, the Province of BC, Canadian Tourism Commission, APTN, Granville Island, Coastal Jazz, CPRS, and many others.

TIME:
7:30 am - Registration & Breakfast
8:00 am to 9:00 am - Speaker Presentation

DETAILS:

YVR just wrapped up a unique public engagement/media relations campaign called Live@YVR, which saw a special correspondent come live, sleep and eat at the airport for 80 days and 80 nights and tell the airport community’s stories to the world via a dedicated online channel. Vancouver Airport Authority wanted to engage the public and foster a new understanding of YVR’s importance to the community. It wanted big results. And it had a comparatively small budget.

With no traditional media advertising buy, this campaign changed perceptions of the airport, increasing YVR’s community acceptance results by 9 or 10 points in many categories and earning local, provincial, national and international coverage in outlets including BBC, MSNBC, CNN, CBC’s The National and CTV National News.

Rebecca Catley, Director of Communications for YVR, will be presenting on the inspiration behind this idea as well as the challenges and successes of this program. She will share her strategic vision for the campaign and will demonstrate how the project showcased innovative ways to leverage social media and provided a unique means of achieving considerable results.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER:

Rebecca Catley is the Director of Communications for Vancouver Airport Authority. She oversees an amazing team that is responsible for media relations, corporate communications and community relations for Canada’s second busiest airport. She joined the YVR Communications team in 2008 after ten years in the telecommunications sector with Rogers and Fido. Rebecca holds a B.A. from Queen’s University and currently sits on the British Columbia Aviation Council.

Vancouver Airport Authority is a community-based, not-for-profit organization that operates Vancouver International Airport (YVR). YVR served 17 million passengers in 2011. There are 23,600 people who work at the airport and it is home to more than 400 businesses – which was the starting point of the program that became Live@YVR.

GOOGLE+ FOR BUSINESSES

One of the major headlines in social media last year was Google's unveiling of Google+, its new social networking tool. Still in its early stages and still evolving, in this session you will learn why it's important to have a presence on Google+. In addition to learning how to get set up on Google+, attendees will also learn how to use "Circles" and "Hangouts" for your business.

About Dennis

Dennis Pang is the CEO of Popcorn and Motive8 Media. Popcorn is a boutique social media and PR firm that works specifically with hospitality businesses and restaurants. Motive8 Media is a web development and Internet Marketing agency that services SMBs across all industries.

Dennis has a diploma in Web development as well as a business degree, and brings with him over a decade of experience in Internet Marketing.

DETAILS:
5:30 pm - Registration & Networking
6:00 pm to 7:00 pm - Presentation and Q&A

Light refreshments will be served

PARKING:
Available under the hotel at a rate of $9.00 from 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm. Request a parking voucher at the CPRS registration desk outside the Pacific Room. Present it to the attendant when you leave the parking lot. The valet can assist with bicycle storage.

Follow our live tweets at #cprs

Identifying influencers in social media

Social Media has significantly grown over the past few years. With a growing number of social media tools and networks there are also a growing number of people who will express their opinions and have conversations with others via these new channels. As a result, there will be some individuals whose voices will resonate louder than others and whose opinions will be heard by a larger group of people. Identifying these core people, or influencers, has become more crucial for brands and/or causes.

Gus Fosarolli, Senior Client Relations Manager at Marketwire, will offer practical tips to help you identify influencers and learn how to leverage them in support of your cause or brand.

About Gus

Gus has been with Marketwire + Sysomos for the past 10 years. He educates clients about social media and helps them develop sound, successful public relations and investor relations strategies. When he’s not at work, you can find Gus on social media networks, blogging on GusFosarolli.com, playing with the next best technical gadget out there, or playing with his Miniature Schnauzer, Junior.

Follow our live tweets at #cprs

Navigating through rough waters: How to communicate when your organization faces the ultimate communications challenge

During his eight years as CEO of BC Ferries, David Hahn has addressed many communications challenges. From his much-publicized starting salary to his controversial pension plan, Hahn has had to deal with reputations management on both a personal and professional level. No CEO has been tested more than when the Queen of the North struck an island and sank under very questionable circumstances. Two passengers died as a result. Mr. Hahn faced off with Premier Christy Clark when she was a talk show host over the issue of free ferry rides for employees and their families.

In his capacity as CEO he has helped steer the organization in a new direction and has been credited with resolving complicated union negotiations. On Tuesday, January 31 he will share his experiences with CPRS Vancouver and will provide his insight and guidance on how organizations can prepare for significant and difficult communications and address any problems as they arise.

KNOW YOUR PUBLIC RELATIONS PROFESSIONAL

Ever wonder what it’s like working as a public relations professional? Curious what a day-in-the-life of a PR pro looks like? Unsure about life after graduation?

Well, our next student event is perfect for you. CPRS is bringing five of Vancouver’s top PR pros to sit-down and give you an insider’s perspective of what it means to practice public relations.

Join us at the first CPRS Vancouver Student Event of 2012 to meet a number of leading public relations and communications professionals, each with a different type of role and from a wide range of organizations - including representatives from:

NATIONAL Public Relations
Vancouver Coastal Health Authority
Popcorn Social Media Consultants
CBC
TeeKay Shipping

Our event will allow students to meet, greet, and learn from each of our star presenters, who will talk about how they got started in their careers, what their job really entails, and what the particular demands are of working for their own unique organizations.
Speakers will rotate between tables throughout the evening so you get to hear from each communications expert and ask the questions that you want answered, all in a conversational setting.

This is your chance to learn from the very best public relations and communications professionals in Vancouver and network among fellow students from other institutions across the Lower Mainland.

Our Companies and Speakers include:

Clive Camm - External Relations Leader, Vancouver Coastal Health Authority

Dennis Pang - CEO, Popcorn

Asifa Lalji, APR - Communications, CBC

Priscilla Sharun - Communications Manager, Teekay Shipping

More speakers and detailed bios will be posted shortly.

When December rolls around you just know it's time to ho, ho, ho your way through the whirlwind of festivities that mark the holiday season, right?

With so much to see and do be sure to treat yourself to a night out at CPRS Vancouver's 2011 Holiday Party on Wednesday, Dec. 7 at the Kingston Tap House and Grille.

Enjoy a relaxing evening of food, drinks and networking with your PR peers in a casual setting that's got everything you need to make a little magic. A few games, exciting door prizes and great conversation are guaranteed!

So make plans to meet up at the Kingston with friends, old and new, for a memorable evening that will help you embrace the joy and wonder of the holiday season

You are invited to the second CPRS Vancouver Senior Practitioners Event

How to deal with citizen reporters when they want in

With the explosion of new media and new media reporters, you and your communications team are deluged by more requests for interviews, information and insight than ever before. How do you manage your resources in this brave new media world especially in a reactive media relations situation? Do you grant everyone equal access to executives or media opportunities? How do you identify and engage the serious and influential bloggers?

Join us for the second in our Senior Practitioners Series as two fellow senior public relations practitioners share how they deal with this issue. After short remarks, the floor will be open for a discussion of preferred practices.

Sgt. Peter Thiessen, senior media relations officer with the RCMP "E" Division Communication Services and Lower Mainland District Regional Police Service.

Carla Shore, who as communications director for the Cohen Commission of Inquiry into the Decline of the Sockeye Salmon on the Fraser River, was in the hot seat every day during the 10-month public inquiry.

Please join us for we hope will be a good opportunity to share current practices, exchange learnings and discuss preferred approaches.

Telling stories is easy: everyone is a storyteller. Telling an organization's story can be complicated. The combination of the beliefs, stories and experiences that Vancity's employees and members have is what builds the organization's culture and differentiates it. Which stories have value to your customers and your employees? How do you go about gathering and sharing them in an organized way? What are the ins and outs of building a storytelling culture?

Karen Berkhout, Director of Communications + Engagement, at Vancity, will share how the credit union is using stories in its internal and external communications.

THE VPD's PAUL PATTERSON AND JANA MCGUINNESS ON CRISIS MANAGEMENT FOLLOWING THE STANLEY CUP RIOTS

On June 15th 2011 the Vancouver Police Department faced one of the biggest challenges in its history as more than 155,000 people flocked to the downtown core. Following the Vancouver Stanley Cup loss, rioters smashed downtown Vancouver storefronts, torched 15 cars and vandalized 58 downtown businesses. Although the men and women of the Department succeeded in taking back the street in under three hours, the challenge of communicating to the public what happened that night and how the investigation is proceeding will continue for months.

Senior Director Paul Patterson and Constable Jana McGuinness were responsible for managing the communications for this crisis. On November 2 they will join us for our CPRS Speaker Series to share the challenges they faced and the communication tactics they employed to help reassure the public following the riot.

To Tweet or Not to Tweet...That is the Strategic Question

There are plenty of good reasons for organizations to tweet as well as a multitude of reasons not to tweet. Della Smith will give her perspective on situations or environments that make Twitter a good part of your communications strategy and where it does not.

She will share effective tweeting through local case study examples and provide practical tips and tools to make sure your tweets are working for you. Della will also throw in a couple of Twitter program goof-ups to make you think before entering the Twitterverse.

You will participate by voting on tweets and discussing as a group why they resonate or why they do not. The group will also be asked to share their favourite Tweeter for communicators to follow.

The objective of this session is to help you become more Twitter Savvy and avoid Tweet Regret.

It was the summer that almost wasn't. A riot signaled unrest, the HST came undone and the financial markets rocked and rolled.

With so much to talk about, make plans to mingle with your PR peers at CPRS Vancouver's 2011-12 season kick-off at George Ultralounge in Yaletown.

Mark the date on your calendar and welcome the fall with food, a no-host bar and great conversation with members and non-members of CPRS Vancouver.

Find out what CPRS Vancouver has in store this year and how you can get involved. Please bring lots of your networking cards for door prize giveaways.

Please note this event is for Senior Level Practitioners only.

Advocating for Change
Geraldine Vance, APR, FCPRS
B.C. Medical Association’s Director of Communications

How did Geraldine and her team successfully push to make it illegal to talk on a hand-held cell phone while driving?

If you are advocating for public policy changes, here’s your chance to learn what worked, what didn’t and how to get started from an award-winning case study. It’s also an opportunity to share your knowledge with other senior PR practitioners in an informal, conversational setting.

$40 + HST
appetizers served + bar service available

Learn how to engage with reporters in the digital age through social media from Gillian Shaw the Vancouver's Sun's Digital Life writer

Dickens, when he was a parliamentary reporter for the Morning Chronicle, was armed only with a pen and a notepad. Today's journalist comes equipped with the potential of a full production TV studio in a device hardly bigger than a cigarette pack – an iPhone or other smartphone. For newspapers in particular, this has revolutionized the way news is collected and disseminated.

Gillian will be talking about a typical day in a digital newsroom where the barriers between journalists and readers have been all but erased creating dialogues that never existed before and opening a flow of information that was not dreamed of barely five years ago .

The rules have changed for everyone and are constantly evolving. While you might know what they are this week, next week might be different.

Utilizing Facebook for Business
Learn how to best utilize Facebook for your business in this comprehensive presentation by Chris Breikss, President and co-founder of 6S Marketing, a Vancouver based digital marketing agency. Chris will present on key Facebook business tactics you should be utilizing to promote your business through this influential social network including Facebook advertising, demographic targeting, Facebook mobile, and Facebook places. A must attend presentation for anyone wanting to obtain profound insights into Canadian Facebook usage and to learn how to effectively integrate Facebook into their marketing mix.

About Chris

Chris Breikss is widely recognized and regarded as being a man of ideas, innovation and boundless energy. He began utilizing the Internet as soon as it became possible to launch a website. Fifteen years, and hundreds of websites later, Chris has not looked back. An entrepreneur at heart, Chris recognized a trend pointing to significant business potential in internet marketing and search engine optimization, and in 2000, 6S Marketing was born. Chris now leads a team of 25 digital marketers at 6S Marketing and focuses his time on building the business through sales and marketing as well as research and the development of new marketing concepts and products.

Chris Breikss is energetic and infectious; a true leader, connector and motivator. Despite a hectic schedule and array of commitments, Chris does everything with a smile on his face and his mind on the next set of projects and ideas to take on.

Join us for CPRS Vancouver’s social event of the summer and Annual General Meeting in the Players’ Lounge at Vancouver Lawn Tennis & Badminton Club.

Chris Breikss is the President and Co-Founder of the leading digital marketing agency, 6S Marketing, and he will offer internet marketing insights and advice on how you can help your clients get the most of social media marketing and determine if their investments in social media tactics including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube are paying off.

The new social tools of communication are still in their infancy but are fast becoming an important ingredient in the future success of any business. Get connected and catch up with your PR peers at our final party of the year. A no-host bar and mouth-watering food will be available. Add your vote on new Board members who will guide the coming year. We’ll also recognize volunteers and thank outgoing board members.

Learn how to steer clear of legal potholes facing those communicating via the Internet from Marko Vesely - one of Vancouver’s top media lawyers

Marko Vesely, a partner with Lawson Lundell LLP, is the head of the firm’s Defamation and Media Law Group and has worked on a wide variety of class actions, defamation, copyright and intellectual property disputes. Last year Lexpert recognized him as one of Canada’s Leading Lawyers under 40 and he regularly is invited to lecture at Langara College’s Publishing Program. Vesely is also regularly featured in the media as an expert on online defamation issues and has been quoted on News 1130, CKNW as well as in the Vancouver Sun and the Globe and Mail commenting on current legal issues around online defamation.

Gastown is hot, hot, hot! You can feel the buzz all over the city. On May 4 make a point of discovering what all the commotion is about with CPRS Vancouver at Guilt & Co., downstairs from Chill Winston in Maple Tree Square.

Discreetly located below the über-popular Chill Winston, Guilt & Co is one of Vancouver's new hot spots for live music and entertainment. Play jenga in their cave, network with your PR peers and enjoy some food and a no-host bar.

Forget what you remember of old Gastown; our city's oldest neighbourhood has undergone a transformation on par with what happened to Sandra Dee at the end of Grease.

Culinary lovers, plan ahead to stop by one of over 30 new eateries after you've whet your appetite at CPRS Vancouver's spring fever social.

It has been a great year for our student membership. We have held three great career development events and hooked up over 15 student members with industry mentors. It is time to celebrate...and brush-up on those networking skills!

Join us at Steamworks Brewing Company in Gastown for an evening of food, drinks and friends. Your $20 ticket gets you in the door, some great nibbles and a free beverage. Wrap-up a great year of CPRS events and make some new connections with other up-and-comers in the public relations industry and some seasoned pros too.

WestJet is Canada's little airline that could. Known for many things, including its corny jokes, friendly WestJetters and that new-plane smell, the company is also one of the most profitable airlines in the world. How does it do it? Join WestJet's manager of public relations, Robert Palmer, as he shares the airline's amazing history, performance and its not-so-secret weapon - its award-winning culture.

This presentation is an opportunity for CPRS members to hear an all-around business success story, though Robert will be happy to take questions about WestJet's general PR activities.

Follow our live tweets at #cprsjet

Parking is available under the hotel at a rate of $9.00 from 5 pm until 10 pm. Request a parking voucher at the CPRS registration desk outside the Vancouver Room, and present it to the attendant when you leave the parking lot. The valet can assist with bicycle storage.

Learn how social media technologies have altered crisis and issues management from Mat Wilcox - one of B.C.'s most experienced PR professionals.

Social media enthusiast, entrepreneur and PR veteran Mat Wilcox shocked the communications industry by shutting down her successful practice in August, 2010. Her decision to close her firm, once one of B.C.'s largest, was a result of her belief that social media technologies had altered the practice of crisis and issues management public relations.

Come and hear Mat talk about where sees the public relations industry heading and what she thinks about the evolution of social media. She will talk about how social media is firmly changing our industry and how it dramatically altered her business model. Following her presentation, Mat will open up the floor to answer your questions on consulting work, agency models and your career opportunities.

Why the Golden Age of Public Relations is Within Reach
Learn where public relations is going from America's Top PR Executive

You cannot miss this CPRS Vancouver event! Ken Makovsky is rightly called a Public Relations All-Star. He's lectured before universities, associations and international corporations. At our request, he's coming to CPRS Vancouver.

American publisher Henry Luce once described business as " a continual dealing with the future … an instinctive exercise in foresight. "Ken Makovsky is a thought leader in our industry who has built his New York firm into a PR powerhouse. He will share his predictions and practical tips for professional success and tell why he believes that the Golden Age of Public Relations lies just within our reach.

Your PR Department is Larger than you Think - Own the Big Picture

You might think you are the only public relations practitioner in your organization. Think again. Everyone, from the front-line associate to the CEO, is a brand manager. Are you owning your role to prepare the entire team to deliver service that reflects the brand? Are you owning the quality of your service?

Social media is the catalyst that woke up the business world: the goals, knowledge and understanding of an organization’s messaging is vital information to share. More than ever there is a spotlight on a long-existing truth: every employee has the power to grow customers into brand ambassadors. Inspiring effective use of this power throughout your organization is a PR priority worth seizing.

A light meal will be provided.

Parking is available under the hotel at a rate of $9.00 from 5 pm until 10 pm. Request a parking voucher at the CPRS registration desk outside the Cristal Room, and present it to the attendant when you leave the parking lot. The valet can assist with bicycle storage.

Top Vancouver media professionals reveal how to grab their attention.

Newsroom inboxes are at their limit and a reporter’s time has become increasingly stretched, so how do you make your story stand out in the crowd? Not every email gets read, so what can you do to better your chances that yours will? Only getting voicemail - how do you grab their attention and get that coveted return call?

These are a few of the age-old PR conundrums that will be addressed at the upcoming "Perfect Pitch 101" student event. We’ve gathered Vancouver’s premiere print, broadcast, online and in-house communications experts to share their unique perspectives and experiences with you:

Fiona Anderson - Business Editor, Vancouver Sun
Jill Bennett - Weekend News Host, CKNW
Rebecca Bollwitt - Miss604.com
Chantelle Krish - PR Manager, YWCA

Our innovative format will allow you to meet, chat and learn from each of our four speakers. Get your questions answered and learn from our speakers’ diverse experience and backgrounds, all in an intimate, informal and conversational setting.

TOPIC: How Investor Relations Builds the Brand and Communicates the Message

TELUS is a publicly-traded national communications company in Canada with $9.7 billion of annual revenue. Its financial public relations, or investor relations, is critical to its success as Canada's second largest telecommunications company.

TELUS has earned many awards over the years for its investor relations communications. TELUS's 2009 annual report was ranked the sixth best in the world by an independent panel and its overall 2009 information package was ranked best in Canada by the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants. TELUS has also received awards for its investor website, investor conference calls and social responsibility reporting.

During times when mergers, acquisitions and an economic downturn have been communications challenges, Investor Relations works hand in hand with TELUS's media and communications teams to ensure clear and accurate communications that is consistent with corporate and brand messaging.

Come and hear from one of the best in the IR business how Investor Relations helps to communicate the TELUS message.

Writing for the web: How to engage both readers and search engines

In this workshop, we'll explore how and why web readers consume online content differently from print content, and look at best practices for keeping online audiences engaged. Lisa will talk about the essential skills of web writing, editing and formatting, and the importance of optimizing your content for search engines. She will also engage the audience in a few practice sessions so that you can hone your skills.

Follow our live tweets at #cprsweb

Have you ever been to presentation hell? Have you suffered the tortures of endless bullets, meaningless graphics, and pointless animation? Of course you have.

It often falls to PR and communications practitioners to create presentation slides in PowerPoint or Keynote, sometimes within tight deadlines, for speakers who don’t understand the point of a deck. But if you are informed and persuasive, you can do your part to save us all from presentation hell.

If you want to feel more confident preparing effective presentation slides, join Martin Batten of KaroGroup and Deborah Chatterton of Vancity on January 26. They will teach you how to:

Plan and organize a presentation deck
Create slides that support, rather than detract from, your topic
Use design elements that enhance your message and avoid those that don’t

Martin and Deborah will also engage the audience in fixing mediocre slides. This presentation is for people who are already familiar with PowerPoint or Keynote. It isn’t about how to be an effective speaker; rather, it’s about how to create effective slides.

Follow our live tweets at #cprsslides

Engaging Employees in the Brand Culture is Good Business

Find out how one of Western Canada's top companies has built its business on integrating its innovative brand with strong internal and external communications.

Recognized as one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies, Coast Capital Savings is clearly doing something right and communicating messages effectively. With an ambition to change the way Canadians feel about banking, forever, Coast Capital has galvanized its employees to deliver on its brand promises, provide an unexpected customer experience and turn traditional banking on its head. But engaging employees to deliver on the corporate brand can be challenging. How do you drive wholesale change, build commitment to service delivery and achieve the kind of performance that gets results?

The holiday party is back - and better than ever!

Wrap up the year with some familiar faces at CPRS Vancouver’s 2010 Holiday Party at the Kingston Tap House and Grille.

Join your friends and colleagues for a relaxing night of food, drinks and your best (or worst) PR story of the year.

Kick-off the holiday season with great door prizes, entertainment and a whole lot of networking.

BP oil spill, White Rock boil water advisory and the rescue of the Chilean miners are just some of the crises that have occupied media headlines in recent months. What determines a crisis varies from organization to organization. For some, it is a plane crashing into a building. For others, it is a board member being charged with fraud.

While the crises may vary, there are some common elements to the way organizations deal with them.

Join Cynthia Lockrey to hear some real-life examples of crisis communications, and how effective with some practical tips you can apply to any crisis you may face. You will also learn the value of planning, practising scenarios, relationship-building, involving other agencies and learning who’s who in the zoo.

Follow our live tweets at #cprs

Social Media 101 - A conversation with Vancouver’s top online influencers

An interactive roundtable on best practices in online communications

The role of social media in the day-to-day lives of public relations practitioners changes by the minute and has revolutionized the way we do our jobs. Social media and the constantly shifting online landscape will continue to impact the public relations industry. It is impossible for communicators to ignore this rapidly evolving and increasingly important tool, now a staple in the communications mix.

Social media is now a part of the regular curriculum in many Lower Mainland post secondary schools and is a hot topic at many of the industry’s professional development seminars. This workshop endeavors to offer students a unique, interactive approach to learning about online communications and best practices.

Why couldn’t I book my spokesperson for a Radio Interview?
Get your answers from the host who sets the agenda

A wide-ranging and wide-reaching radio interview can create instant awareness about a service, product, issue or opportunity. But your pitch to get your spokesperson a radio interview may not get past the switchboard. Framing your news so it is compelling enough to get your spokesperson on the airwaves is always challenging.
And if your spokesperson is selected as a radio interview show guest, what does he or she need to know about getting key messages across successfully?
Here is the opportunity for PR practitioners to learn about what’s needed to get on the air, and be successful on air,

These days, it seems everyone’s jumping into social media with both feet. PR folks, communicators and marketers are being pushed to create social media strategies and measure results, yet their efforts are often disconnected from their company’s traditional PR and marketing efforts, and its business goals.
Supported by illustrative and entertaining case studies, DDB Canada’s Eric Weaver will demonstrate how an integrated approach to traditional and social communications and marketing can bump your firm to the top of its category. Attendees will walk away with a better understanding of how to craft integrated communications strategies that will truly push the needle.
This will be the last social media topic for a while, so get your fix now! Live tweets #cprsstrat

By now, you’re probably into the full swing of the new school year and getting down to some serious studying, but now it’s time to take a break, get networking and catch up with your fellow communications students and some leading PR professionals.
The theme of the evening is really about networking, but we will also fill you in on the student events that we have planned for the year and how to get involved in the CPRS Vancouver Student Mentorship Program. We also want to hear from you to tailor this year's programming to meet exactly what you're looking for to get the most out of your membership.

CPRS Vancouver invites you to come hear Gillian Muessig, President and Co-founder of SEOmoz,speak about the world of social media content development and promotion through SEO, social media, and beyond.
Sandwiches and Non-Alchoholic drinks will be provided.

Parking is available under the hotel. Meeting attendees will receive a discounted day parking rate of $8.00 + tax. Guests may also pay per half hour $2.50.

Our post-olympic summer has provided several PR lessons - how NOT to handle an oil spill, pesky privacy issues or unexpected hiccups in the product releases.
Pick your conversation starter of choice and join us for the CPRS Vancouver's 2010 - 2011 Season Kick-Off at George Ultralounge in Yaletown.
Ease into September with plenty of food, a no-host bar and networking with your PR peers. Discover what CPRS Vancouver has in store this year and how you can seize the day. Bring your business cards for door prize giveaways.

Join us for CPRS Vancouver's Social Event of the summer and Annual General Meeting. Rebecca Bolwitt (a.k.a. "Miss 604") will share tips on how - and how not to - engage and build relationships with bloggers.

Join Della Smith of Q Workshops for a session on ways communicators can effectively assess how they should or should not incorporate social media into their communications plans.

Many organizations arrive at a moment in their evolution that they must reconsider their market position and their brand. Communicators are often the ones who recognize this moment and head upthe brand renewal process.
In this session, you will learn about the role of an in-house communicator during a brand renewal. The in-house communicator will ideally remain a centre of calm and organization around which the flurry of creativity, debate and activity swirl.

How were communications managed for the Games of the century? What were the challenges leading up to and during Vanocuver 2010 and how were they overcome? Did all the positive media coverage during the Games offset the negative stories?

What PR role will you have in a few years time?
Our last event introduced you to five communications professional behind the 2010 Winter Games, and previous events have let you network with VPs and senior, accredited communications professionals.
We know how valuable these experiences are for you but we also think that the roles these professionals currently have and their accomplishments are far away from where you currently are.
With that in mind our next event - What PR role will you have in a few years time? - will introduce you to four recent graduates who have established themselves in positions that have been a great starting point to their PR careers.
Pre-payment and Pre-registration are required for all our events. Cancellation deadline is 48 business hours prior to the event. No-show's or cancellations received after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

Every organization needs a good spokesperson, someone who acts as the public face of the organization, to articulate the organization’s achievements or address issues in a timely, credible manner.

A spokesperson who has the power and ability to consistently deliver their corporate messages is an invaluable asset, playing a key role in building a positive reputation for their organization. But to get to this point requires practice and the use of proven strategies to deliver interviews with confidence.

Learn about the key strategies employed by the most successful spokespeople from a spokesperson for one of Canada’s leading telecommunication companies and an experienced media trainer. You’ll also learn about the key role an internal communicator plays in helping spokesperson(s) excel in delivering corporate messages.

Pre-payment and Pre-registration are required for all our events. Cancellation deadline is 48 business hours prior to the event. No-show's or cancellations received after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

If your organization is facing a restructure, downsize, merger, system implementation or cultural transformation, then current odds are only one in three that your organization will thrive through that change and emerge unscathed and stronger, with staff who are excited rather than bitter and afraid about the future. These odds can be improved significantly when the ‘voice of change’ resonates with impacted employees, including those responsible for crafting organizational communications and setting the tone so that change is embraced. Change Management communications experts Teri McEachern, vice president of Felix Global Corp, and Russ Grabb, president of Better Outcomes Inc., will outline the pitfalls and best practices of change management communications and the effective role that communicators can and should play in change management. Pre-registration and Pre- payment are required for our events. Cancellation deadline is 48 business hours prior to the event. No shows or cancellations received after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

In this session, you will learn practical tips on setting up and running a successful PR consulting practice. Bring your questions about establishing your business, setting rates, finding clients, tracking and capturing time, juggling multiple clients, building your practice and more. The session will include a presentation by consultants Gary Ley, Susan Kirk, and Nancy Spooner followed by round table discussions with other independent PR consultants. This session will explore the roadmap from idea to conception and include resources to help you set up your business. Pre-Registration & Pre-Payment are required for all events. Cancellation date is 48 BUSINESS hours prior to event. No-shows and cancellations after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

Politicians and civil servants do not understand all angles of every issue. Lobbying is a legal activity and a valid channel to ensure that unintended consequences of government actions are fully understood. Yet the public has the right to know who is legitimately influencing the decisions of government. Confidence in the integrity of government decision-making is essential. The mandates of both the Office of the Lobbyist Registrar for British Columbia and the Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying federally is to increase public trust in government decision-making processes through increased transparency of lobbying activities directed at federal and provincial public office holders. The effectiveness of a lobbying system rests almost entirely in the ability to self-assess lobbying behaviour and the good faith of those required to register. A healthy lobbyist registration system must, amongst other things, de-stigmatize the activity of lobbying, provide unambiguous rules and create an environment of widespread commitment to simple and unstimagtized disclosure. Pre-Registration & Pre-Payment are required for all events. Cancellation date is 48 BUSINESS hours prior to event. No-shows and cancellations after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

Today’s multimedia information environment makes it even more challenging for communicators to cut through the clutter to reach our target audiences and become “top of mind”. As PR professionals, we know that we need to understand our target audiences, listen to them, and find out how they want to receive information and communicate with us in order for our messages to resonate with them. Too often, communicators underestimate the importance of conducting market research. Many believe that it is too expensive or too time consuming to be a necessary step in the communications planning process. Others think they already intimately understand their audiences and what messaging and strategies will work to reach and motivate them. However, being tempted to skip this important strategy can ultimately can cost you the success of your communications efforts. Market research is a key tool that savvy communicators use to their advantage to effectively connect with their audiences. Learn more in this engaging session with one of B.C.’s top market research professionals. Pre-Registration & Pre-Payment are required for all events. Cancellation date is 48 BUSINESS hours prior to event. No-shows and cancellations after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

Summer is almost over and it's nearly time to get serious about your studies again, but not before catching up with your fellow communications students and some leading PR professionals. The theme of the evening is really about networking, but we will also fill you in on the student events that we have planned for the year and about the relaunch of the CPRS Vancouver Student Mentorship Program. We also want to hear from you to tailor this year's programming to meet exactly what you're looking for to get the most out of your membership. So, come kick off the new school year by joining us for some fun mingling and good times, while also taking advantage of the chance to meet so many PR professionals and peers in one room. Please note this is a 19+ only event and ID may well be required. The ticket price includes a free drink and lots of bar snacks and appetizers...so come hungry!!

Why didn't my pitch work? Get your answer from the editor who made the call. Ever had something you were sure the Vancouver Sun would pick up only to not even get past the newspaper's automated phone system? How do you cut through the clutter of thousands of pitches and releases to grab the attention of editors more focused than ever before on creating compelling content in the face of the recession and new competition from online media. Are you even pitching your stories to the best possible media, and in a way that's not going to put them off rather than turn them on? Come hear what one of Vancouver's most influential editors has to say about what he wants from PR practitioners, and what will make the difference between getting his ear for a few minutes and being stopped at the door. Pre-Registration & Pre-Payment are required for all events. Cancellation date is 48 BUSINESS hours prior to event. No-shows and cancellations after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

Embrace summer with open arms... and a buffet BBQ! Join new communicators and seasoned practitioners at CPRS Vancouver Chapter’s fabulous final bash of the year and Annual General Meeting slated for Thursday, June 25 from 5:30pm to 8pm, pool level in the Players’ Lounge of the legendary Vancouver Lawn Tennis & Badminton Club. Networking is good for the spirit and spirits make for good times! Celebrate with us during our chapter’s landmark 50th year. Stay connected on current industry trends and opportunities. A no-host bar and mouth watering flamed food await! We’ll recognize volunteers and thank outgoing board members. Add your vote to elect the new Board members who will guide the coming year. Pre-Registration & Pre-Payment are required for all events. Cancellation date is 48 BUSINESS hours prior to event. No-shows and cancellations after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

Ira Basen, creator of CBC Radio’s award-winning Spin Cycle series discusses the dramatic changes coming to the way we deliver and receive information in a web 2.0 World. The impact of social media has been compared to the invention of the printing press. t has the potential to empower citizens and democratize media. And it has had a profound impact on both journalism and public relations. The tools of journalistic production are now widely distributed. Anyone can be their own reporter and editor. And marketers can speak directly to their audiences without going through the media filter. But how do we know what and who to believe in a sea of unmediated and unfiltered information? How will mainstream media and PR re-invent themselves in a 2.0 world? Pre-Registration & Pre-Payment are required for all events. Cancellation date is 48 BUSINESS hours prior to event. No-shows and cancellations after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

The function of public relations is often vital to the success of not-for-profit organizations. From building awareness and credibility to supporting fundraising efforts, a well-executed, strategic public relations program can make the difference between achieving one’s goals or falling desperately short of them. Today, not-for-profits rely heavily on well-planned, consistent public relations and marketing communications to successfully distinguish themselves from the competition. And the competition is high as not-for-profits vie for government, media and corporate and public donor attention. Our panel of three senior communicators will share how their not-for-profit organizations manage to effectively communicate their messages and engage their stakeholders with relatively small teams and small budgets. Join Penny Noble, APR, independent public affairs consultant and former Senior Director of Public Affairs for the BC Cancer Foundation; David Bernard, Director of Marketing and Communications, United Way of the Lower Mainland; and Lorie Chortyk, APR, General Manager, Community Relations, B.C. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), in a lively discussion on best practices in not-for-profit communications. Pre-Registration & Pre-Payment are required for all events. Cancellation date is 48 BUSINESS hours prior to event. No-shows and cancellations after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

Despite the increasing presence of chief marketing officers in the boardroom and brand equity showing up on more corporate balance sheets, branding is still considered by many as a negotiable expense -- often subject to a substantial budget haircut during tougher economic times. But what if this reduction had the opposite result to what was intended? What if it increased costs over the long term? Decreased cash fl ow? Reduced top and bottom line results? What if your company or client is missing the most strategically advantageous economic climate in the last 10 years? During this session, you’ll learn why branding goes well-beyond simply being an asset used to determine a company’s value. It can be a major profi t centre that generates top and bottom line results -- and can be substantially leveraged during a recession. Additionally, you’ll learn one of the most misunderstood aspects of branding; who determines the value of a brand and how PR plays a pivotal role. Pre-Registration & Pre-Payment are required for all events. Cancellation date is 48 BUSINESS hours prior to event. No-shows and cancellations after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

Learn about current trends in media relations measurement with a focus on the CPRS easy-to-use and cost-effective MRP system As PR practitioners we know evaluation is critical, yet it can often be a challenge to implement, especially when it comes to media coverage. The Media Relations Rating Points (MRP) system, developed by a CPRS volunteer group of industry professionals, is effective for both in-house PR professionals as well for consultants and agencies with clients. It has become the Canadian standard for evaluating editorial media campaigns and is easy to use and cost-effective. Learn how you can make this revolutionary tool work for you, and hear from local colleagues who are using the system. The session will include a discussion of evaluation practices and overview of the MRP system features. Participants will gain hands-on experience with the MRP system by taking part in small groups to practice evaluating media coverage based on tone, qualitative and quantitative criteria. Pre-Registration & Pre-Payment are required for all events. Cancellation date is 48 BUSINESS hours prior to event. No-shows and cancellations after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

Paul McLaughlin is considered one of Canada’s top interviewing trainers. A freelance broadcaster and writer, he trains interviewers for CBC Radio and TV as well as for other media and non-media clients. The author of the widely used text, Asking Questions: The Art of the Media Interview, he is also a part-time journalism professor in the English Department of York University and previously taught at Ryerson and Carleton Universities. Website: www.paulmclaughlin.ca. Outline One of Canada’s leading interviewing trainers will share the tricks and techniques he teaches to Canada’s journalism interviewers. The topics he’ll explore include the importance of focus, persistence, establishing trust & rapport, the use of silence, listening and tone, reading body language and how to deal with difficult interviewees. Pre-Registration & Pre-Payment are required for all events. Cancellation date is 48 BUSINESS hours prior to event. No-shows and cancellations after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

Vancouver-based public relations agency Hoggan & Associates is widely known for its PR Tips by Jim Hoggan series, which ran in the Saturday business section of the Vancouver Sun for more than two years. The agency recently released 10 PR Tips for Communications in Tough Times to help guide organizations facing lackluster financial results, employee downsizings, shareholder actions, receiverships and less financially driven issues and crises in this current environment of public mistrust and economic uncertainty. Join public relations practitioners Nancy McHarg, APR, and Karen Cook, APR, for an interactive discussion of best practices in crisis and issues management. Karen and Nancy will share their broad experiences from throughout their respective careers and at Hoggan, which won one of the public relations industry’s highest awards for crisis management, the Public Relations Society of America’s Silver Anvil award. Pre-Registration & Pre-Payment are required for all events. Cancellation date is 48 BUSINESS hours prior to event. No-shows and cancellations after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

A Magical Celebration: "It's beginning to look a lot like..." a milestone event? It sure is... And in more ways than one... The holiday season is almost here, the perfect time to reconnect, reflect, and rise to the occasion. Join familiar friends and make new ones at our 2008 holiday season gathering. We're all set for a lighthearted evening of food, drink, and a whole lot of networking that promises to be a little bit of magic. Come out and remember the year that was as we look ahead to what will be the 50th Anniversary Year of the CPRS Vancouver Chapter! Pre-Registration & Pre-Payment are required for all events. Cancellation date is 48 BUSINESS hours prior to event. No-shows and cancellations after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

In this workshop freelance PR consultant Carolyn Grafton will provide an overview of best practices in planning special events from media launches to fundraising events. Whether your audience includes customers, media, employees or shareholders, Carolyn will share practical planning tips and strategies to help you meet the expectations of your clients or CEO. She will also offer ideas on how to ‘sell’ your event to the public and the news media and review common mistakes to avoid. With more than 13 years of experience, Carolyn Grafton has provided strategic communications expertise to a number of clients as a freelance communications professional and has worked for organizations such as Optimum Public Relations and Ticketmaster. Her expertise includes providing strategic planning and counsel, directing special events, conducting communications audits for clients, and directing media relations campaigns. Carolyn is also an instructor in the Public Relations Continuing Studies program at Langara College. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required for all events. Cancellation deadline is 48 business hours prior to the event. No-shows and cancellations received after the deadline will be billed for the full amount.

In his first public appearance as the recipient of the Jack Webster Foundation’s 2008 Bruce Hutchinson Lifetime Achievement Award, veteran journalist, producer and senior news executive Steve Wyatt will address CPRS Vancouver. Most recently Senior Vice-President, News and Information for Canwest Broadcasting, Wyatt began his career in 1978 as a general assignment reporter at BCTV, later working for CTV, CBC and CKVU. A graduate of the University of Western Ontario with a Masters in Journalism, Wyatt produced and reported for WEBSTER! And was instrumental in expanding BCTV’s evening news programming to two full hours in 1994 with the introduction of Canada Tonight to B.C. Audiences. Wyatt served as News Director and later as General Manager, BC Operations for Global Television. As Senior Vice-Presidentfor Canwest broadcasting, Wyatt led a major rescheduling of local and national news programming on the Global Television network and launched a major expansion of the award-winning Global National in 2003. Wyatt will share his 30 years’ experience as a reporter, editor and news executive in what promises to be an entertaining morning with CPRS Vancouver. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required for all events. Cancellation deadline is 48 business hours prior to the event. No-shows and cancellations received after the deadline will be billed for the full amount.

The word is out: today’s employees are more disengaged than ever and organizations are scrambling to improve their internal communications to help motivate and retain their restless workforce. In this intensive workshop Master Communicator Ron Shewchuk, ABC, author of Writing and Editing the Internal Publication: Delivering Employee Communications with Impact, Integrity and Style, will look at the changing values of today’s employees and what it means to communicators. Ron will also provide an overview of best practices in employee communications today and share practical tips on how to research, plan, implement and measure an effective employee communications strategy -- including how to incorporate print publications and social media into your communications mix. Ron currently works at Longview Communications as an Associate, providing communications advice and support to a range of corporate clients. He’s won three Gold Quill Awards for his work in employee communications. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required for all events. Cancellation deadline is 48 business hours prior to the event. No-shows and cancellations received after the deadline will be billed for the full amount.

In the past 20 years, Cathy has recruited, trained and helped elect more than 650 candidates in 45 US states, seven Canadian provinces, and 23 countries (including Morocco, Jordan, Yemen, Qatar, Lebanon, Egypt, Holland, Spain, Kuwait, Mexico, Cuba, Croatia, Chile, and Ecuador to name a few). Cathy has an undergraduate degree in journalism and a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard University. She is the author of five books on political campaigning, a board member of the American Association of Political Consultants and former vice-president of the National Women’s Political Caucus. Join us for an exciting and engaging discussion about American politics in the lead up to the presidential election in November. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required for all events. Cancellation deadline is 48 business hours prior to the event. No-shows and cancellations received after the deadline will be billed for the full amount.

Our Speakers: Soren Jenson - Writer, Associate Producer, and Reporter at Global BC Ian Koenigsfest - Program Director at AM 730 Fiona Anderson - Business Reporter and Web Editor for the Vancouver Sun Discussion topics will include: Creating and Maintainging successful relationships in today's news environment. Being heard without alienating your target: can I follow up? Learn perspectives from multiple media types: TV, radio, online and daily print newspapers What journalists want all PR practitioners to know. Pre-registration and Pre-payment are required for all events. Cancellation deadline is 48 business hours prior to the event. No-shows and cancellations received after the cancellation deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

Who knew schmoozing could be so sexy? A recent survey by FastLife.ca singled out Yaletown as the sexiest place to live in Canada… Just one enticing reason to join us for the CPRS 2008/09 season kick-off at George Ultralounge in Yaletown! Discover how the CPRS can benefit you and learn more about volunteer opportunities; mix and mingle with your PR peers over light refreshments; and meet the candidates for 2008/09 Board positions. Plus, find out what great events CPRS Vancouver has in store for you this year. Bring your business cards for door prizes and lots of giveaways! Not a CPRS member? Thinking about joining? Submit your membership application by Friday, September 12, 2008 and you'll automatically be entered to win four advance tickets of your choice for the 27th Annual Vancouver Film Festival, Sept. 25-Oct. 10, 2008. To spice things up, we’re also launching a contest for both members and non-members. Submit three suggested topics and speakers you would like most for our 2009 CPRS National Conference in Vancouver by Thursday, September 25 to: admin@cprs.com. Prize details on September 9th; the lucky winner will be announced at the upcoming AGM event at the Vancouver Lawn Tennis and Badminton Club on Thursday, October 2nd.

Summer Solstice Social Soiree What better way to bring in summer than to be sipping and grazing at the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club with your colleagues and friends? Meet some new communicators and find some familiear faces as you join us for the final bash of the CPRS Vancouver year --S4! All are welcome. No host bar and plenty of hors d'oeuvres. Sunshine (almost) guaranteed! Pre-registration and pre-payment are required for all events. Cancellation deadline is 48 business hours prior to the event. No-shows and cancellations received after the deadline will be billed for the full amount.

Using Employee Communications to Drive Engagement Recognized as one of "50 Best Employers in Canada," and one of the country's "50 Best Managed Companies," it's clear Coast Capital Savings is doing something right. With an abition to establish itself as as innovator in the financial industry, Coast Capital has made wholesale changes in the way it functions, has galvanized its employees to embrace change and has turned traditional banking in Canada on its head. Please join us to learn how employee communications, humour and fun has played an instrumental role in driving staff engagement, commitment and performance, resulting in record business results. We hope to see you at the final Speaker Series event of the year! About the Speaker: With 20 years of communications and public relations experience, Sheira Hallam has worked for a number of high profile organizations in the private sector, federal and provincial governments. She joined Coast Capital Savings in 2003 to lead the credit union's xommunications efforts. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree (Communications) from Simon Fraser University, and was part of the Coast Capital Savings team named "Marketer of the Year" in 2006 by the BCAMA. Sheira is a recipient of the IABC's Gold Quill Award for employee publications. Pre-registration and pre-payment are requried for all events. The cancellation deadline is 48 business hours prior to the event. Cancellations received after the deadline and no-shows will be billed for the full amount.

Tourism Vancouver: Leveraging the 2010 Opportunity It was Tourism Vancouver that first launched the domestic bid for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games, recognizing the long-term benefits the event will have on the city and the tourism industry. But with the dozens of sponsors, sport organizations, committees, governments, bureaucrats, destination marketing organizations and other special interest groups all aligned with the Games, where does Tourism Vancouver now fit in the grand scheme of the Olympic machine? Walt Judas is Vice President, Marketing Communications & 2010 Strategies for Tourism Vancouver. His mandate is to ensure the organization finds it niche and uses its limited resources to capitalize on the Olympic opportunity from now to well beyond the Games. In this session, you’ll hear about the politics, the players, the competition, the challenges and the rewards associated with hosting the highest profile sporting event in the world. - Managing and leveraging Olympic fever: from pre-bid to the present - Navigating the maze of working in partnerships - Identifying strengths and allocating resources - Working with the media for mutual benefit Bio As a member of Tourism Vancouver’s senior management team, Walt oversees corporate communications and manages the departments of Travel & Trade Media Relations, Marketing Services, and Corporate Sponsorships. He has more than 25 years experience in marketing and communications. He began his career as a broadcaster for CISL Radio in Richmond, and has also worked in print, video and television. He is a member CPRS-Vancouver and is on the board of go2, the HR resource for people in tourism. He is also a past-president of the BCAMA. Walt has a Diploma in Broadcast Journalism, and a Management Certificate in Marketing Communications from BCIT. In his spare time, he enjoys snowboarding, waterskiing, hockey and golf. CPRS Speaker Series Events are jointly sponsored by Cision and Marketwire. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required for all events. Cancellation deadline is 48 business hours prior to the event. Cancellations received after this time and no-shows will be billed for the full amount.

Get close to a social media expert at this unique roundtable event. Each table will be hosted by a speaker, providing a more intimate exchange of ideas. Guests rotate tables every 20 minutes so that they may learn from their next choice of experts. To what extent are you using social media tools in your overall communications strategy? Given an increasing reliance on (and enthusiasm for) things like Facebook, del.ici.ous and Twitter, do you need to change your current practices to communicate your message effectively? Whether you’re tech-savvy or techno-phobic, you must accept that social marketing is a new reality that is here to stay. Have you determined an appropriate mix of tools to effectively disseminate your news and promote your organization? So reserve the date to learn about this phenomenon. Our Speakers: Ean Jackson SFU &UBC and President, Analytics Marketing Ean Jackson has invested the past 20+ years of his professional career in management, technical and business development roles in the technology industry. He has been employed by businesses across North America ranging from startups to major multinational corporations including Oracle Corporation, IBM and Sprint International. Jackson is currently President of Analytics Marketing Inc., a strategic consultancy and a provider of sales and marketing services for growing businesses. As a mentor for New Ventures BC, he coaches entrepreneurs and startup companies. He also teaches in the MBA programs of Simon Fraser University, University of Phoenix and the University of British Columbia. Doug Lacombe Vice-President Western Canada, CNW Group Doug has 19 years experience in sales and marketing management. He worked in the daily newspaper business for over a decade, publishing one of Canada's first newspaper websites while simultaneously pursuing an MBA degree at the University of Saskatchewan. After earning his masters', Doug took on progressively more responsible national and international roles in the software, wireless, and communications industries. He and his wife of 20 years, Sandra, split their time between Calgary and Vancouver where Doug works as Vice-President Western Canada for CNW Group (formerly Canada Newswire). Toby Ward President & CEO, Prescient Digital Media Toby is a senior e-business consultant with particular expertise in the area of Internet and intranet planning, communications and measurement. A broadcast journalist turned consultant, Toby founded and launched Prescient in early 2001. He is a regular blogger at IntranetBlog, GetStrategic, eHealth News and Communitelligence.com. Toby has led Prescient Digital Media and its clients to win a number of awards from the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) and the 2004 Webby Award for Best Government + Law Website on the Internet. Natasha Netschay Davies Langara College and co-founder, Moonraker Multimedia Natasha Netschay Davies is co-founder of Moonraker Multimedia Inc. She develops web communications strategies and stages online events for a variety of clients. Natasha also teaches Web PR and Social Media courses at Langara College. Recognized as one of Canada’s first Web journalists, Natasha was executive editor of Internet News, managing editor at Stockgroup and Onvia Business News; as well as a technology reporter for The Globe & Mail. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required for all events. Cancellationi deadline is 48 business hours prior to the event. No-shows or cancellations received after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

Topic: How to transform an arduous work environment by imporving internal communications and shifting corporate culture. Our Speakers: Garry Clermont, President, Brewers Distributor Ltd. (BDL) As President of Brewers Distributor Ltd. (BDL), Garry Clermont has spent 11 years strategizing and guiding the direction of the organization. He has led BDL through significant change resulting in an extraordinary transformation of BDL's operations, management and culture. Prior to his tenure at BDL, Garry was Vice President and General Manager of Greyhound Lines of Canada, where he managed overall operations and instituted new standards for performance and safety. A visionary leader, Garry has dedicated his career to improving the operations, sales and standards of organizations. He has successfully spearheaded the restructuring of processes and procedures, achieved difficult budget expectations and strengthened labour relations in challenging union environments. Della Smith, Partner, QUAY Strategies Inc. Della Smith is one of the founding partners at QUAY Strategies Inc., a full service communications and public relations firm based in Vancouver. Della has spent more than 30 years delivering innovative, workable communications strategies for companies and organizations across Canada. Her goal is to create sustainable programs with achievable goals, so that organizations can build and nurture healthy relationships reflective of their values and objectives. Della is involved with numerous charitable, community and professional organizations, and is a frequent guest speaker for associations, conferences and communications organizations. She is past President of the Better Business Bureau of the Lower Mainland, and currently sits on the board of the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Authority. Join Garry and Della as they share this inspirational story of the culture transformation that took place at BDL. They will discuss how the company became more cost effective, customer driven, and technologically advanced through the development and delivery of carefully planned operations and communication.

As communicators, you are most certainly aware of the multitude of social media tools now available to help you reach your target audiences. But to what extent are you using these tools in your overall communications strategy? Given an increasing reliance on (and enthusiasm for) things like Facebook, Del.ici.ous and Twitter, do you need to change your current practices to communicate your message effectively? Whether you're tech-savvy or techno-phobic, you must accept that social marketing is a new reality that is here to stay. Have you determined an appropriate mix of tools to effectively disseminate your news and promote your organization? Do you know how to engage your audience without coming across as a "mouthpiece"? Attend this engaging and timely session to help you develop your social media marketing strategy - whether your PR budget is large or small. The discussion will include the following: - How is social media best used in corporate, non-profit, and marketing communications? - What inherent values of a brand & organization go into developing a social media strategy? - How should you monitor your social media footprint? Can you control it? - Review case examples of successful social media marketing strategies About the speaker: Colleen Coplick is the CEO of Type A Public Relations, an independent, Vancouver-based communications agency. Colleen has also recently launched 99directions, a social media strategy firm with a partner in Montreal. In her experience as a professional communicator, Colleen has developed expertise in technology, non profits, and consumer products, and has worked with a wide variety of clients including UBC's YouLead, Studeo55, JJM Contstruction, RedWerks and more. CPRS Vancouver Speaker Series events are jointly sponsored by Cision and Marketwire

A General Games Overview with VANOC's Maureen Douglas Maureen Douglas has served on the 2010 team from Vancouver 2010 Bid Corporation to Vancouver Organizing Committee as Director, Communications - Whistler. She serves as senior representative for VANOC in Whistler and the Sea to Sky corridor. Her role includes community consultation, media relations, aboriginal relations, events and operations planning as well as overseeing the operation of the Vancouver 2010 Whistler Info Centre. Douglas's career includes special event production, cultural tourism and community development. Her early work in the special event industry included positions with the Vancouver Children's Festival, the Vancouver Playhouse; contact entertainment programming for the 1988 Calgary Olympics and the development and launch of Whistler's Summer Festival program. From 1990 to 1999, Douglas served as Director of Festivals and Events for Tourism Whistler.

When a locally-operated hot air balloon incinerated last August with passengers on board, the company faced a horrible public tragedy and an undertandable media frenzy. How was the situation handled from a public relations perspective? CPRS-Vancouver's own John Kageorge led the balloon company's communications efforts under a very bright media spotlight. Register for this session to get a behind-the-scenes look at how John helped respond to the crisis while managing a tsunami of media attention that included CBC, CTV, Associated Press, USA Today and CNN. John's remarkable case study presentation will combine a discussion of crisis communications and issues management. He will share the critical elements of developing and executing on a crisis communications plan. You'll also hear specifically about his use of media monitoring as a tool to develop his ongoing strategy in the aftermath of the initial crisis. Learn insights that will help ensure you are prepared for an unexpected or unthinkable event.

Changing the mindset: What you need to know about market intelligence to give you a competitive edge. Many organizations make important business decisions with an incomplete understanding their market, competitors or impact of their strategies. Market Intelligence for the Communications Professional is an interactive session that introduces concepts and practical means for business communications professionals to obtain, analyze and use continuous market intelligence to gain deeper insights into your brand, customers, competitors and strategic decison making. Topics covered include: -what is market intelligence (vs. market research) -how does market intelligence fit into an organization -introduction to a practical market intelligence model/framework -discussion on using market intelligence framework to benefit communications and marketing communications professionals. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required for all events. Cancellation deadline is 48 business hours prior to event. No-shows or cancellations received after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

Telling us what we’re doing wrong! Representatives (subject to change) from Business in Vancouver (BIV), Global TV, The Vancouver Sun and CKNW will be participating in roundtable discussions to hear your ideas, to explain what they are really looking for from PR professionals and to tell you what drives them crazy – in one fun-filled evening. The first CPRS Vancouver Professional Development Session of the year will be Thursday January 24 @ UBC Robson Square, 5:30 registration, 6:00 - 7:30, roundtables. Each journalist will sit at a table; registrants will spend 20 minutes at each table, and then rotate to the next. To maximize the opportunity of this event, registration is limited so sign up fast. Scheduled to participate are: Paul Harris, BIV Hugh Dawson, The Vancouver Sun Ted Field, Global BC Ian Koenigsfest, CKNW Pre-registration and pre-payment are required for all events. Cancellation deadline is 48 business hours prior to event. No-shows or cancellations received after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

Beyond media clips and special events lie the strategic pillars of the Public Relations profession. Business and organizational leaders turn to PR professionals to develop, enhance and sometimes repair the strategic relationships that form the basis of their own goals and objectives. For this stimulating and interactive session, we welcome Dr. Terry Flynn, APR, of McMaster University, who will put forth a clear and provocative argument that our profession and our professionals are the core of an organization’s balance zone, and as a result, create the necessary reputation capital that produces ongoing value and results for the enterprise. Dr. Flynn will define and discuss the very core of strategic public relations management, drawing from more than two decades’ experience working in the industry. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from one of Canada’s thought leaders in the PR profession. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required for all events. Cancellation deadline is 48 business hours prior to event. No-shows or cancellations received after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

I Saw Three Ships A Seasonal Gathering - Monday, December 17, 2007 CPRS Vancouver invites you and your colleagues to join us at our annual Festive Season Gathering! Come enjoy hot and cold hors d'oeuvres, a no-host bar, fun and frivolity. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required for all events. Cancellation deadline is 48 business hours prior to the event. No-shows or cancellations received after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

Vancouver will host the CPRS National Conference in June 2009. Thursday, Decmeber 6, 2007 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm AMEC 111 Dunsmuir Street (at Beatty) What should be the focus of the conference? How should we entertain our colleagues? What opportunities can this bring to local PR practitioners? You have the best ideas. Tell us! Please bring your thoughts (and questions) to a brainstorming session open to the entire chapter. Nibblies will be served to fuel your creativity. R.S.V.P. by December 4 to (604) 633-1433 or admin@cprsvancouver.com

Join us for a session with Vancouver's Consul General from the United Kingdom, Mr. Martin Cronin. Mr. Cronin managed press relations for the UK's Foreign Office in Iraq, and has also held post as First Secretary (Political), British High Commission Islamabad, with responsibility for Kashmir and Afghanistan. Mr. Cronin will share his insights on a variety of topics important to professional communicators, in context with his experiences in the most challenging of work environments: - Managing media relations in an area of foreign conflict - News coverage: does it reflect reality? - The art of diplomacy: an essential communicators' skill - Conveying messages to multiple stakeholders - Diplomatic posts: experiences in Vancouver as compared to the Middle East Pre-registration and pre-payment are required for all events. Cancellation deadline is 48 business hours prior to event. No-shows or cancellations received after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

Thursday, November 8th, 2007. Title: From Web 2.0 to Office 2.0 -presented by Ean Jackson & Troy Angrignon from Analytics Marketing How Web 2.0 principles are migrating from the consumer web into the office, bringing more collaboration into the workplace which for marketing and communications professionals, has all kinds of implications. -Social media -, how can it enhance our communications strategy, how do we apply it ? -Facebook, blogs, second life -SEO what is it, how do we make it work ? -Tagging, what is it, how does it work? -Crisis communications. (e.g. oil spill, brand being attacked online…. How to avoid, how, what to do if it happens) Pre-registration and pre-payment are required for all events. Cancellation deadline is 48 business hours prior to event. No-shows or cancellations received after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

BC's Top Reporter Addresses CPRS Register and win a ticket to the Websters In his first public appearance as the 2007 Bruce Hutchison Lifetime Achievement Award winner, reporter Jim Harrison will address CPRS Vancouver at a special event. The morning after the prestigious Webster Awards, Harrison will provide insights into news gathering, discuss what he hates about PR, and share career anecdotes which have led to him earning BC’s the most coveted award in journalism. Harrison became News Director of CHNL Radio in 1975. He has consistently broken provincial and national stories, extending his influence far beyond his home base of Kamloops. In addition to his news stories, Harrison has crafted an astounding 8,000 commentaries on issues of the day. Moderated by George Garrett, the veteran CKNW reporter and ‘Hutch’ winner, this exclusive event will provide a rare glimpse into what it takes to become an extraordinary reporter. Register by noon, Oct 18 and you will be entered in a drawing for a ticket to the 2007 Jack Webster Foundation Gala ($140 value). Pre-registration and pre-payment are required for all events. Cancellation deadline is 48 business hours prior to event. No-shows or cancellations received after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

Elaine Lui, www.laineygossip.com, will discuss how she turned what started out as a simple mailing to her friends and colleagues into a website with millions of subscribers from around the world. The site now receives an average of 200,000 unique visitors per week, making it a leading international celebrity gossip source and was selected as one of Entertainment Weekly’s 100 Websites to Bookmark Now in 2006. In the new age of blogs, Elaine will give us insight into who visits her site, how they communicate with her and the power of the web. Lui also shares her gossip updates with CTV News Vancouver, 94.5 The Beat in Vancouver and 93.5 FLOW in Toronto-and is also a Style Watcher for Celebrity Style, a weekly feature in Vancouver’s TV Week. A graduate of the University of Western Ontario, Lui lives in Vancouver with her husband and Beagle, and is a Consultant for Covenant House, which offers shelter and services for homeless people. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required for all events. Cancellation deadline is 48 business hours prior to event. No-shows or cancellations received after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

Fall Kick-Off Dinner and AGM Location: The Vancouver Lawn Tennis Club & Badminton Club, 1630 West 15th Avenue, Vancouver, BC. As the leaves start turning colours signaling the change of seasons, we would like to welcome you to join us as we honour volunteers and newly appointed Life Members at our Annual Kick-Off Dinner and AGM. Meet new members, dine with old friends, and make connections! Add your vote to elect the directors and officers that will guide the coming year and find out what events and programs are in store for you this year through CPRS. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required for all events. Cancellation deadline is 48 business hours prior to event. No-shows or cancellations received after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

Professional Development - Enrolling the Media One of the most important lessons to be learned in establishing a creative media relations program is recognizing how to enroll the media. Today's journalists are bombarded with news releases, media back-grounders, media alerts and advisories and feel they are being "spun" to death by communicators. How can you cut through this negative impression and obtain meaningful coverage for your event, client or organization? Let Jim Stanton share with you some tips and techniques he has learned in his 30 years experience as a reporter, communications director and media coach. Come to be entertained and informed. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required for all events. Cancellation deadline is 48 business hours prior to event. No-shows or cancellations received after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

CPRS-Speaker Series Media Panel Breakfast Date: Friday, September 21, 2007 Time: 7:30am Registration and Breakfast 8:00am -8:45am Panel Discussion 8:45am -9:30am-Q&A Place: Metropolitan Hotel 645 Howe Street Crystal Room Cost: $50.00 Members $60.00 Non Members $48.00 Student Members (price includes GST) Listen to our panelists discuss their perspectives on working with public relations professionals. Hear from local journalists representing a variety of print & electronic media: Paul Bucci - Vancouver Sun Tracy Tjaden - BC Business magazine Ron Bencze - Global BC TV Stephen Smart - CKNW AM 980 Working well with the media is an essential skill for any PR professional. Learn directly from these decision-makers at prominent local news outlets, and understand what it takes to secure interest in your story and to obtain coveted news coverage. Discussion topics will include: - creating and maintaining successful relationships in today's news environment - being heard without alienating your target: can I follow up? - learn perspectives from multiple media types: tv, radio, daily newspaper and magazine - what about online content for traditional media channels? - what journalists want all PR practitioners to know Pre-registration and pre-payment are required for all events. Cancellation deadline is 48 business hours prior to event. No-shows or cancellations received after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

It's S4 Time! (Summer Solstice Social Soiree) Join us for the Third Annual Celebration of the Longest Day, Long Hours leading to Accreditation in Public Relations, Long Warm Evenings in the Sunshine, and Long Life! Gather with old friends and colleagues, meet new members and make connections at the CPRS Vancouver 2006/2007 season wind-up party, New APR Recognition event and dinner. Chat up a storm from 5:30 pm onwards on the terrace of the False Creek Yacht Club at the foot of Granville Street in Vancouver, overlooking the boats sailing past Granville Island and Vanier Park, then dine in style as the sun sets. (Okay, it's not quite the day of the solstice, but is still promises to be a long and lovely evening...) Pre-registration and pre-payment are required for all events. Cancellation deadline is 48 business hours prior to the event. No-shows or cancellations received after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

It ’s probably no secret that effective communication with employees, stakeholders and media is a central tenet of any successful leadership strategy. The way today ’s leaders communicate plays a part not only in how their organizations share information, but in how they actually function not to mention their ability to attract and retain talent. Using examples and case studies, Dr. Mark Frein will discuss the reality of leadership effectiveness. Drawing on examples and case studies, he will challenge the audience to do more, to ask tougher questions and to themselves become leaders in this realm. Rob McGregor will examine communication’s role during workplace conflict, providing advice on how leaders can effectively deal with difficult employees and situations. Pre-registration and Pre-payment are required for all events. Cancellation deadline is 48 business hours prior to event. No-shows and cancellations received after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

Speaker Series Luncheon - Issues Management: Turning a Reactive into a Proactive. Too often, communicators find themselves in a reactive, rather than a proactive, situation when it comes to issues management. For while issues may have been brewing internally for quite some time, it is not until shortly before - or in some cases shortly after - the issue becomes public that communicators are often told of the situation. The challenge for communicators is to not only find out about issues before they hit the media, but to arrive at a strategy to mitigate the release of information. Cynthia Lockrey examines examples of proactive issues management and how it can defuse some volatile situations. Cynthia Lockrey is a communications consultant who specializes in creating dynamic media relations campaigns, training people to work with the media and developing issues management strategies. Prior to opening her own company, Cynthia was the Manager of Corporate Communications for the City of London. At the City of London, Cynthia took a lead role in issues management, media relations and was London's Emergency Information Officer. Cynthia is also a part-time instructor at Fanshawe College in London and is a regular speaker at communications conferences across Canada. Pre-registration and Pre-payment are required for all events. Cancellation deadline is 48 business hours prior to event. No-shows and cancellations received after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

Blogs, wikis, forums and social networks are here to stay. It’s where your customers live and it’s where they’re talking about you. Can you afford to ignore them any longer? Learn how to integrate social media into existing marketing strategies. How do you devise a Web 2.0 PR and marketing strategy? What is blogger outreach? How do you make your own social network? How do you run a great corporate blog? Darren Barefoot will answer these questions and yours about the new world of online collaboration and conversation. Darren Barefoot is a writer, technologist and marketer who lives in Vancouver, Canada. He completed his undergraduate degree in Creative Writing and Theatre and has always had a deep love of computers. Darren originally worked as a technical writer, doing an internship at Radical Entertainment, followed by stints at Meridian Systems and Cape Clear Software (while spending two years in Dublin). Since returning to Vancouver in 2003, he has started Capulet Communications, a PR and marketing company that specializes some of Darren’s online and real world projects include: Capulet Communications, Geeky Traveler, Bolloxed, Yaletown View and The Vancouver Fringe Festival. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required for all events. Cancellation deadline is 48 business hours prior to event. No-shows and cancellations received after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

It ’s probably no secret that effective communication with employees, stakeholders and media is a central tenet of any successful leadership strategy. The way today ’s leaders communicate plays a part not only in how their organizations share information, but in how they actually function not to mention their ability to attract and retain talent. Using examples and case studies, Dr. Rosie Steeves will discuss the reality of leadership effectiveness. Drawing on examples and case studies, she will challenge the audience to do more, to ask tougher questions and to themselves become leaders in this realm. Rob McGregor will examine communication’s role during workplace conflict, providing advice on how leaders can effectively deal with difficult employees and situations. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required for all events. Cancellation deadline is 48 business hours prior to event. No-shows or cancellations after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

You Can't Spin Mother Nature - Unethical Public Relations in the Age of Climate Change. Ethically flexible PR practitioners have sullied the profession’s reputation several times in history, most famously in the Philip Morris-sponsored campaign to convince people that smoking isn’t harmful. Now, at a time when PR professionals are already under siege as corporate apologists and spin doctors, the PR campaign on climate change is threatening to create a new low in disingenuous communications. Jim Hoggan, principal of James Hoggan & Associates and founder of the climate change website, DeSmogBlog.com, explores the history, the current abuses and the ill-effects on the PR profession. James Hoggan is the founder and President of the public relations firm James Hoggan & Associates. He is the author of the PR Tips that regularly appear on the front page of the business section in The Vancouver Sun, tips that are currently being complied into a book to be published this winter. Mr. Hoggan has a law degree from the University of Victoria, but rather than practicing law, he has pursued a passion for communications and public relations. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required for all events. Cancellation deadline is 48 business hours prior to event. No-shows and cancellations after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

CPRS Vancouver, HCPRA and Fraser Health are pleased to present Jim Mintz, a renowned social marketing expert and dynamic speaker. Mr. Mintz will explore social marketing fundamentals in a workshop February 21 at the Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue (Strategy Room) Mr. Mintz is the program director for the professional certificate in public sector and non-profit marketing for the Sprott School of Business at Carleton University. For more information about his work, please visit, www.publicsectormarketing.ca. The workshop, which will take place from 8:00 am - 10:00 a.m, also includes an optional bonus session, ‘Case Study Discussions with Jim’, from 10:15 a.m - noon. More details to come. Pre-registration and Pre-payment are required for all events. Cancellation deadline is 48 business hours prior to event. No-shows and cancellations after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

Sports Marketing & Sponsorship - Close and Personal with Steve Podborski Born in Toronto, Podborski grew up in the Don Mills community and started skiing at the age of three. He joined the Canadian alpine ski team in 1973 and joined the world Cup Tour in 1974. He was a member of the Crazy Canucks and won the downhill bronze medal at the 1980 Winter Olympics. In 1981 - 82 he became the first North American to win the Alpine skiing World Cup downhill skiing championship. In total, he won eight Alpine skiing WorldCup downhill races, including the Hahnenkamm downhill in Kitzbuhel, which he won twice. In 34 more races he finished in the top 10. He retired in 1984 at age 26. Pre-registration and Prepayment are required for all events. Cancellation deadline is 48 business hours prior to event. No-shows and cancellations after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

Grace Under Pressure: Protecting your organization from harm through effective risk communications. Traumatic events, escalating tensions, and emergencies: the health care industry routinely deals with high-stress situations. While not every organization will experience crisis or issues on a daily basis, effective risk communications can benefit any organization. Learn how to turn disasters into opportunities with two of the industry ’s top experts. In this joint CPRS/IABC session Helen Carkner, VP communications, Fraser Health, and Della Smith, partner, QUAY Strategies Inc., will share their experiences and issues management techniques. Drawing on real life case studies, they will provide participants with tangible tools that they can apply to their own industries. Pre-registration and Pre-payment are required for all events. Cancellation deadline is 48 business hours prior to event. No-shows and cancellations after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

'Tis the Season CPRS Vancouver invites you and your colleagues to join us at our annual Festive Season Gathering! When: Tuesday, December 12th 2006 Where: Vancouver Lawn Tennis and Badminton Club - 1630 West 16th Ave (at Fir) Time: 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm Cost: $25.00 per person (price includes GST) Be one of the lucky few to win a spectacular gift! Pre-registration and Pre-payment are required for all events. Cancellation deadline is 48 business hours prior to event. No-shows or cancellations received after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount. Registration Deadline: Noon, Friday December 8, 2006

12 STEPS TO SUCCESS IN CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS Come and meet Jim Stanton, one of Canada’s most experienced crisis communicators. Jim will share with you some of the lessons he learned from being an advisor in such major incidents as the crash of Swiss Air 111, SARS in Toronto, the Kananaskis G8 Summit, and the 2003 BC fire storm. Jim will walk you through his “12 Steps to Success in Crisis Communications” model. Be ready to be entertained! Pre-Payment and Pre-Registration required for all events. Cancellation deadline is 48 business hours prior to event. No-shows and cancellations after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount. CANCELLATION DEADLINE: December 7, 2006

Making the Media Happy with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama - A media relations case study on the Dalai Lama's Vancouver 2006 visit. The Dalai Lama's visit to Vancouver was a media relations event of great complexity, involving more than one hundred accredited reporters, media centers at multiple locations, media briefing with Mayor and Council at city hall, more than twenty spokespeople, media sponsors with competing requirements and controversial political and social challenges competing for news space. While the Dalai Lama dialogued with leaders in the education, psychology and biology professions in Vancouver to cultivate happiness, Nancy McHarg and the Hoggan team were there to keep the media happy. As Vice President of Client Services at James Hoggan and Associates, Nancy has over 20 years of public relations experience providing strategic counsel to Vancouver's leading companies. Come and learn about the art of media relations through this compelling case study of the Dalai Lama's visit to Vancouver. Pre-registration and Pre-payment are required for all events. Cancellation deadline is 48 business hours prior to event. No-shows or cancellations after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

APR Work Sample Illustrated & Organizational Re-Branding Revealed At Covenant House Vancouver, Michelle used the organization's successful re-branding of the VanCity Place for Youth as her CPRS Work Sample last year during her accreditation process. See how Michelle used the RACE formula and applied it to the work sample portion of accreditation while learning how Covenant House assumed the ownership and operation of the VanCity Place for Youth. This first PD session of the year is a must for those considering going for their APR as well as for those who are interested in organizational re-branding. Michelle presented this workshop at the CPRS National Conference in Niagara Falls last June where her "getting stuck in the elevator at Covenant House with Jean Chretien story" solicited great laughs. Pre-registration and Pre-payment are required for all events. Cancellation deadline is 48 business hours prior to event. No-shows or cancellations after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount. CANCELLATION DEADLINE: October 24, 2006

Responding To The Communications Challenges Of The Queen Of The North Sinking Mark Stefanson joined BC Ferries in May 1999. He has over 25 years experience in communications, issues management, media relations, public consultation and environmental management. Mr. Stefanson is responsible for developing positive and constructive relations with the public, media, government, and other key stakeholders. Pre-Registration and Pre-Payment are required for all events. Cancellation deadline is 48 business hours prior to event. No-shows and cancellations after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Noon, Tuesday, October 17, 2006

The CPRS fall season Kick-Off Dinner will have you looking forward to leaves turning and fog horns bleating as we leave the last days of summer behind. Meet new members, dine with old friends, and make connections! Join your colleagues as we honour volunteers and newly appointed Life Members. Add your vote to elect the directors and officers that will guide the coming year - and find out what events and programs are in store for you this year through CPRS. PARKING IS FREE Pre-registration and Pre-payment are required for all events. Cancellation date is 48 business hours prior to event. No shows and cancellations after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

SOCIAL EVENT: It's S-4 Time! (Summer Solstice Social Soiree) Join us for the Second Annual Celebration of the Longest Day, Long Serving Public Relations Practitioners, Long Hours leading to Scholarship in the field of Public Relations, and Long Life! Gather with old friends and colleagues, meet new members and make connections at the CPRS Vancouver 2005/2006 season wind-up party, volunteer recognition, scholarship presentation and dinner. Chat up a storm from 5:30 pm onwards on the sun-drenched Quilchena Terrace at The Arbutus Club, then dine in style as the sun sets. (Okay, it's not quite the day of the solstice, but it's still a long a lovely evening...) Pre-registration and Pre-payment are required for all events. Cancellation deadline is 48 Business Hours prior to event. No-shows and cancellations after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

Scott McCloy is director of communications for WorkSafeBC - the Workers' Compensation Board of British Columbia, responsible for all internal and external corporate communications. Scott has more than 25 years of communications experience in both the public and private sectors with large, complex organizations. He began his career in television news with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation before eventually moving into public relations, where he consulted with, or worked for, a range of high-profile provincial and national organizations. He joined WorkSafeBC in the mid 1990's. Scott holds an MBA from Royal Roads University, teaches marketing at post-secondary level and advises in communications with other workers' compensation organizations. In his spare time, Scott volunteers with several community organizations. Pre-registration and Pre-payment are required for all events. Cancellation deadline is 48 BUSINESS HOURS prior to event. No-shows or cancellations after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

Professional Development Workshop: What Citizen Journalism Means to Corporate Communications - A CPRS/HTCE Joint Event sponsored by Fido What is citizen journalism? How is it changing the mainstream media and the average consumer? Where will we get our news in twenty years? And what does all this mean to corporate communications? Darren Barefoot, one of Canada's most popular and most prolific bloggers, moderates a panel with CBC journalist and podcasting advocate Tod Maffin, technology advocate Roland Tanglao and online marketer, Kris Krug. Don't miss this opportunity to gain some insight into the new tools that are changing the way we communicate. As this session is meant to be interactive, please come with questions. Refreshments will be served. Pre-registration and Pre-payment are required for all CPRS events. Cancellation date is 48 BUSINESS HOURS prior to event. No-shows and cancellations after the deadline will be invoice for the full amount.

Linda Morris, Deputy Minister of the Public Affairs Bureau, will share her insights in communications within government. For the past 20 years, Morris has held senior communications positions in major public institutions across Canada and in British Columbia. Prior to her appointment in August 2005 as Deputy Minister, Public Affairs Bureau, Morris was Vice President, Communications & Community Engagement for the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority. In this capacity she was responsible for the overall communications of the organization, including external, internal, media relations and community engagement. Additionally, Morris has served as Director of Public Affairs at the Vancouver Port Authority, as well as Director General, Public Affairs, for the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation and Director of Communications and Promotions for the National Science Museum. As well, she was Manager of Public Relations for the Ontairo Legislature. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree (honours) from McGill University, a Master of Arts degree from the University of Toronto, and a Master of Business Administration degree from Royal Roads University. Pre-registration and Pre-payment are required for all events. Cancellation date is 48 Business Hours prior to event. No-shows and cancellations after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

Up and Comers meet Vancouver's Elite in PR on April 27th. Come to the first ever CPRS 'speednetworking' event! It's fast-paced, high-energy and interactive. In small groups of four or five, students will have the opportunity to talk to Vancouver's most experienced practitioners. Every 20 minutes, each group will rotate to a different table with a different practitioner - allowing YOU to get the most of your networking experience. Information and bios on speakers attending coming soon! Don't miss out! Space is limited to 50 people, so register now to avoid disappointment. * GST is included in above prices. * One drink ticket is included in price. Pre-registration and Pre-payment are required for all events. Cancellation date is 48 Business Hours prior to event. No shows and cancellations after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

" Sink or Spin: Ethics and Public Relations in Today's Market " In today's market, it is hard to put a price on understanding more than just the bottom line. Now, more than ever, the stand a company or executives take in the wake of difficult times can determine their future. Shareholders are no longer the only concern and parachute clauses for senior managers may not be enough to guarantee a safe landing when things go wrong. Many executives and companies have taken a responsible approach to dealing with the challenges of business in a stakeholder-driven world - with several key lessons learned along the way. Christopher Moreno will explore how ethics can play a significant role in the opinions of a media-driven public, and he will ask several questions, such as: Are you capitalizing on the ethical practices that are already a part of your company or client's operations? With a Master's degree in Ethics concentrating on Business & Technology, Christopher Moreno specializes in navigating companies through the waters of public opinion using ethics as a beacon. Christopher has worked with a range of companies from large private sector corporations to small non-profits to provide guidance on best practices in marketing, conflict resolution and stakeholder interaction from an ethical point of view. His company, The Action Ethics Consulting Group, provides products and services to companies interested in capitalizing on emerging ethical business strategies. Pre-registration and Pre-payment are required for all events. Cancellation deadline is 48 Business hours prior to event. No-shows and cancellations after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

Learner Speaker Series Event Presents: Organization and Management of Special Events Join CPRS Vancouver as we kick-off our new year with the first Learner Speaker Series event of the year - Organization & Management of Special Events. Designing and producing an event - whether a meeting, fund-raising gala, corporate event, conference, convention, incentive or other special event - can be a daunting task. A panel of stellar speakers representing a diverse range of public relations sectors including corporate, agency and production companies will share their experiences and offer advice. Speakers include: 1. Norman Stowe, Managing Partner, Pace Group 2. Tom Stulberg, CEO, Fireworks Marketing Goup 3. Nicolette Brinkhoff, Event and Sponsorship Coordinator, BC Hydro 4. Blair Qualey, Director of Business Development, Vancouver Board of Trade, and Executive Director, Spirit of Vancouver * * The event will be moderated by Deborah Skaey, APR, Metaphor Communications ** Space is limited to 40 people. Pre-registration and Pre-payment is required for all events. Cancellation date is 48 business hours prior to event. No-shows and cancellations will be invoice for the full amount.

FREELANCING: FACTS, FINANCE & FINDING YOUR MARKET Are you a consultant with questions about running your business? Do you dream of chucking your day job and becoming a freelancer? Join us for an enlightening panel discussion focused on the business of freelancing with a lawyer, an accountant, a marketing specialist, and a moderator all ready to answer your questions. The Lawyer: Peter N. Crawford, partner in Munro and Crawford The Accountant: Gloria Munro, principal of Munro and Company The Marketing Specialist: Colin Moorhouse, freelance speech writer The Moderator: Carla Shore APR, runs her freelance business as C-Shore Communications Inc. Pre-registration and Pre-payment is required for all events. Cancellation deadline is 48 BUSINESS HOURS prior to event. No-shows and cancellations received after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

"Changing Perceptions: The Public Image of BC's Mining Industry" B.C.'s Mining industry is booming. Alongside this progress, the province's mining leaders have been working hard to alter public perceptions and reshape the sector's image. Michael McPhie will explain how this campaign has progressed, the lessons learned to date and future steps. Michael has many years of professional experience working at senior levels within government, industry and consulting. He was appointed President and CEO of the Mining Association of B.C., an industry association that represents the senior producers of B.C.'s $4.5 billion mining industry, in December 2004. Before joining the MABC, Michael was a Project Director and Senior Policy Advisor for Western Canada with Natural Resources Canada, Government of Canada, a Director with Knight Piesold Consulting Ltd. And a Senior Manager with Royal Oak Mines Inc. He has extensive national and international operational and project development experience in the mining and energy sectors. PRE-REGISTRATION and PRE-PAYMENT is required for all events. Cancellation deadline is 48 BUSINESS HOURS prior to event. No-shows and cancellations received after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS WORKSHOP Facilitated by Karen Cook Boas, Vice-President of Client Services at Vancouver PR agency James Hoggan and Associates WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND? If you choose to work in communications then eventually you will find yourself managing communications during a real crisis situation. This interactive workshop will give you an overview of how to pan for, identify and approach crises. You'll engage in a real-life crisis case study, giving you practical skills to help you plan for the one biggest challenges communicators face - the inevitable crisis. WHAT WILL YOU LEARN? * The purpose ( and limitations ) of a crisis communications plan * Key components of an effective crisis communications plan * The importance of testing your plan through a mock crisis exercise Pre-registering and Pre-payment are required for all events. Cancellation deadline is 48 BUSINESS HOURS prior to event. No-shows and cancellations after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

'Tis the Season Christmas Party - 2005 CPRS Vancouver invites you and your colleagues to join us at our Annual Festive Season Gathering! Free Parking, Appetizers & Door Prizes Galore! Pre-Registration & Pre-Payment are required for all events. Cancellation date is 48 BUSINESS hours prior to event. No-shows and Cancellations after the deadline (December 12, 2005) will be invoiced for the full amount.

CPRS Vancouver's next Learner Speaker Series "The Role of Public Relations in Sports & Entertainment" provides public relations insights into the fastest growing and most exciting industries in Vancouver. Meet four Prominent public relations experts who will share their perspectives, experiences and challenges of working in these glamorous industries. Speakers include: * Peter Birnie, Reporter & Theatre Critic, Entertainment Section of Vancouver Sun * Stephanie Maniago, Media Relations, Vancouver Canucks * Rick Ramsbottom, Director of Sales and Marketing, Vancouver Whitecaps * Diana Schultz, Communications Director, BC Lions Whether you're a beginner or a PR practitioner with several years experience, you won't want to miss this opportunity to meet this group of prominent public relations and communications experts who represent the different sectors of the Sports & Entertainment industries. Find out what it takes to make it in these industries! **Limited Seating** Pre-Registration & Pre-Payment are required for all events. Cancellation date is 48 BUSINESS hours prior to event. No-shows and cancellations after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

CPRS Vancouver Speaker Series Luncheon Presents - The Place of Advertising in Today's PR: "How ads can drive media coverage." Join one of the partners in Vancouver-based ad company Rethink Communications for a fascinating discussion of the interplay between advertising, branding and media. Chris Staples, partner at Vancouver ad designers Rethink Communications, is one of the creative brains behind a series of high-profile ad campaigns, which have won national and international media attention. He has been involved in campaigns to not only promote a brand, but get that brand media coverage. Rethink's client list is long and includes BC Lions, Earls, Tourism Whistler, BCAA and Aids Vancouver. Recent successes include ads for the launch of free newspaper Dose. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Noon, Tuesday, November 22, 2005 PRE-PAYMENT IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EVENTS. Cancellation deadline is 48 business hours prior to event. No-Shows and Cancellations received after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

Professional Development Workshop: "Blogs, RSS and Web 2.0 - A Primer for the PR Industry" Buzzwords like 'blogging' and 'RSS' are on every PR professional's radar, but what do they really mean? And how are they changing the industry? This talk provides a non-geeky introduction to these 'Web 2.0' technologies, and explains how they're having a profound impact on public relations and marketing. This talk is full of real-world examples of successes and failures in the 'blogsphere', and attendees will come away with information and ideas about how to integrate these trends into their day-to-day work. Darren Barefoot is a technologist, blogger and Head Geek at Capulet Communications, a PR and marketing company that specializes in communications for high-tech organizations. He speaks regularly about emerging Web technologies and their role in corporate communications. He's also one of the organizers of Northern Voice, Canada's blogging conference. CANCELLATION POLICY: PRE-PAYMENT IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EVENTS. Cancellation deadline is 48 BUSINESS HOURS prior to event. No-Shows and cancellations received after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount. To Register, Fax your registration form to 604-681-4545 or register online at www.cprsvancouver.com or call CPRS Vancouver at 604-633-1433

GETTING YOUR APR - Everything you always wanted to know but were afraid to ask! A free information workshop for CPRS members about the APR process in preparation for the December 1 application deadline! Non-Members are also welcome! Join a panel of CPRS Accredited members who will answer your questions and demystify the APR process. Pre-Registration is required. Light refreshments will be served. To RSVP call 604-633-1433 ** NON-MEMBERS: Pre-Payment is required for all events. Cancellation date is 48 Business hours prior to event. No-shows and cancellations after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount. **

CPRS Vancouver Speaker Series - Luncheon Scoring on the pitch? Award-winning journalists discuss managing media relations. Journalists Linda Aylesworth (Reporter, BCTV News on Global) and Timothy Renshaw (Managing Editor, Business in Vancouver) will offer valuable insight to CPRS members and guests over how best to approach media, get your story covered and manage your relationships with reporters. PRE-PAYMENTS IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EVENTS. Cancellation Deadline is 48 business hours prior to event. No-Shows and Cancellations received after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

Dine with old friends and colleagues, meet new members and make connections at the CPRS Vancouver Annual General Meeting and 2005/2006 season kick-off party and dinner. At the AGM, members will be asked to elect directors and officers, and to conduct other business as necessary. Join us in this opportunity to honour volunteers, mentors, newly appointed APR’s, plus our CPRS Life Members. A recent salary survey will also be revealed. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Friday, September 16, 2005 Pre-Payment is required for all events. Cancellation Deadline is 48 business hours prior to event. No-Shows & Cancellations received after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount. Please contact the CPRS Vancouver office at 604-633-1433 for more information.

CPRS VANCOUVER JOINTLY WITH TEC CANADA IS PROUD TO PRESENT "SELLING TO THE OLD BRAIN" In an unusual twist on the marketing/PR theme, U.S. author Christophe Morin will present Selling to the Old Brain. An insight into how to craft your corporate message to appeal to the part of the brain that decides the old brain. As well, he’ll offer guidance on how to create impact and grab immediate attention when you deliver a message, plus detail on what the latest brain research says about our true 'decision centre'. It should be a fascinating talk and a great chance to mingle with TEC Canada members. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Noon Friday, April 22, 2005 Pre-Payment is required for all events. Cancellation Deadline is 48 business hours prior to event. No-Shows & Cancellations received after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount. Please contact the CPRS Vancouver office at 604-633-1433 for more information.

CREATING THE BLUEPRINT: COMMUNICATING THE CITIZENS' ASSEMBLY ON ELECTORAL REFORM On the same day as B.C.'s provincial election in May, a referendum will be held on whether we should change our electoral system. The referendum is the culmination of an unprecedented process involving 160 British Columbians who were randomly selected to review our electoral process. The two architects of the Assembly's year-long media and PR thrust, Marilyn Jacobson and Don MacLachlan, tell how they managed this unique challenge. For more information please contact CPRS Vancouver at 604-633-1433 or visit www.cprsvancouver.com Pre-Payment is required for all events. Cancellation Deadline is 48 business hours prior to event. No-Shows and Cancellations received after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

CAPITALIZING ON ONLINE INTERACTION IN PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS Public consultation is a key activity for public relations professionals in many organizations. What are the prospects for using online technologies to strengthen the public consultation process? In this interactive workshop you’ll learn: *How e-mail can be an emotionally charged medium *Innovative ways to utilize online technologies *Strengths and weaknesses of face-to-face and online communication in developing a community *New ways to use online technologies to increase public trust and participation when developing PR strategies. Register by Feb 8th to be assured a seat. To register, visit the CPRS Vancouver website www.cprsvancouver.com OR call (604) 633-1433. Pre-Payment is required for all events. Cancellation Deadline is 48 business hours prior to event. No-Shows and Cancellations received after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

IN THE NEWS: MEDIA RELATIONS IN CANADA Former journalist, author, media critic and current communicator Bill Carney will talk about his view of best practices in media relations. Carney is author of In the News: The Practice of Media Relations in Canada, an insight into media relations and currently the only university-published and approved textbook on media relations in Canada. The news business is changing rapidly and communicators who work with media need to know what those changes are and how they affect us. Come prepared for a hands-on workshop where Carney will explore trends in news, the media and the practice of media relations. To register for this event or for more information please contact the CPRS Vancouver office at 604-633-1433. Registration deadline is Tuesday, January 11, 2005. Pre-Payment is required for all events. Cancellation Deadline is 48 business hours prior to event. No-Shows and Cancellations received after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

Lee Benish will present the practical lessons learned from his experience surrounding the World Trade Center & Pentagon disasters of 9-11. He will share both the drama of the moment and the humbling aspects of dealing with new issues on a moment-to-moment basis. Lee’s experience under the intense focus of the world media during the disaster and the months of clean up provided him with practical insight in handling routine communications as well as those amid crisis. Lee is Vice-President (Marketing & Strategic Relationship Management) for AMEC, BC's largest engineering services company, which worked on the clean up at Ground Zero after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. To register for this event or for more information please contact the CPRS Vancouver office at 604-633-1433. Pre-Payment is required for all events. Cancellation Deadline is 48 business hours prior to event. No-Shows and Cancellations received after the deadline will be invoiced for the full amount.

Naina Sloan, Vice-President of Corporate Affairs for the Richmond Airport Vancouver Rapid Transit Project (RAV), offers an insight into the workings and communication challenges of this headline-making project. Pre-registration is required by November 25th.. To register for this event or for more information please contact the CPRS Vancouver office at 604-633-1433.

The 2003 fire season in BC was the worst on record and the experiences / lessons learned from it influenced how the province's fire team handled the communications challenges presented by this summer's fires. Our presenters are Nancy Argyle who is the Provincial Fire Information Officer and Teresa Lumsdon who is the Director of Provincial Emergency Communications. They are two of the province's main forest fire communication leaders. Pre-registration is required by October 19th. To register for this event or for more information please contact the CPRS Vancouver office at 604-633-1433.

Did you know people form an impression of you and your business within seven seconds? A first impression begins as soon as a client dials your telephone number, visits your website, or meets you and your employees. Sue Jacques & Ann Marsh of Influence etiquette and protocol ltd., will demonstrate the value of making powerful first impressions while providing practical business protocol and etiquette tips. You will leave the presentation with a new appreciation for professionalism, allowing you to favorably influence others. A light breakfast will be served. Pre-registration is required by October 13th. To register for this event or for more information please contact the CPRS Vancouver office at 604-633-1433.