For the 2018 PRSSA National Conference to Austin, Texas we had CSUF member Eric Peterson and Tania Aureoles give us some information on the experiences they had and their favorite part of visiting Austin.
Eric Peterson
What was your favorite panel and why?
My favorite panel was about personal branding, called “CEO of You 2.0 – Analyzing Your Digital Brand for Future Success.” The speaker, Jason Mollica, from American University explained that it is okay for you to have interests and for them to be evident on your social media channels, because it makes you seem more human, and potential employers want to hire real people, not robots. Having interests outside of work related things is normal and healthy.
What was one memorable quote from that panel?
Jason Mollica: “Give yourself permission to care and dont be afraid of your passions.”
What schools did you meet?
Texas, the University of Hawaii at Manoa, University of Tennessee, Purdue, Arizona State University, Biola University, Chapman, Brigham Young University.
What was the culture like?
This year’s National Conference ended up being the same weekend as the big music festival, Austin City Lights. So there was an element of excitement in the air itself. Anytime we left the hotel (which we mostly did for food) there were people in the streets, some dressed up so they could go to concerts and cowboy boots were everywhere too. We explored 6th street and Congress street, found the Museum of the Weird, The Jackalope Dive Bar, and the Bat Bar, we sang karaoke and played pool, met new people, and networked extensively.
Weather compared to Cali?
It was a bit hotter than home and certainly more humid, It even rained while the sun was shining which was a strange experience to be sure for this California Boy.
View from Hotel
Any sightseeing worth mentioning?
6th street, Museum of the Weird, Voodoo donuts and congress street were all interesting places that were close to the Hilton Hotel where we stayed. Austin City Limits brought in tourists from around the country and they were out in force at all hours of the day and night. So the people watching on 6th Street was great. I was really bummed I had to cut my trip short because the largest bat colony in North America with over 1.5 million bats is in Austin and I wanted to go see the bats fly out from under the bridges.
What is something valuable you took from attending National Conference?
“Don’t sacrifice Trust or Ethics for a quick win, it will haunt you forever.” – Jason Mollica
Tania Aureoles
Another CSUF PRSSA member, had this to say about her experience. “Attending the National Conference was such a rewarding experience. I had the opportunity to make meaningful connections not only with members of my own chapter but also with members of other chapters as well as professionals.”
What was your favorite panel and valuable quote?
My favorite panel was (Meet the Living Legends) they were the Keynote speakers of the day. #PRLivingLegends
Ray Kotcher + Cheryl Procter-Rogers
Cheryl Procter – Rogers:
Have a Mentor
Build your Network
Be an Expert – Do research on your industry of choice!
Ray Kotcher:
Find a mentor and a sponsor. A mentor will advise you, guide you, and counsel you. A sponsor will help you on your path to move in the direction you want to go in.
What was the Gala like?
The Gala was a really nice experience. They had a great dinner following the opening awards ceremony. It was a great opportunity to celebrate all of the hard work and achievements of the winning PRSSA members.
What did you gain from this experience?
PRSSA National Conference allowed me the opportunity to meet with one of the most accomplished and well-respected men I have ever met. Robert Reich worked for multiple Presidential Administrations and is active in the world of politics and economics. Reich gave a great speech where he said, “Trust is your most precious commodity and if we don’t trust our entire system of communications we start losing the social fabric that ties us together and so you are given a wonderful position to carry this torch to tell your clients that truth and civility are the Hallmarks of a society. It is your social responsibility… you are the torch bearers of truth and civility in a country that is beginning to lose its way with regard to truth and civility you can begin to overcome the sources of separation and distrust and I hope that you do.”
National Conference 2019 will be in San Diego, California held by your very own CSUF PRSSA! So make sure to start saving up now for the amazing opportunity to connect with other Chapters and make valuable connections with professionals.
