2017 Year in Review

With another busy holiday season behind us, January is a good time to take a breather and reflect on all the CPRS Calgary community achieved last year. Throughout 2017, a number of professional development and networking events offered something for every member.

• In March, we held the CPRS Calgary Presents: I Love Networking. Said No One Ever… event, held for those of us who dread networking. Career coach and CBC’s “Get a Job” guy, Richard Bucher, offered practical advice to help calm nerves and transform the way we network.
• The April Fools #PRFails event saw CPRS National Past President, Kim Blanchette, and CPRS Calgary Past President, Shawn Davis, bravely share their most memorable PR mishaps and how they used the experience to improve their work.
• In late April, our Passport to PR YYC session gave students the opportunity to tour a business of their choice and learn what a working day at that organization looks like.
• For our May event, Alberta Wildfires: One Year Later, CPRS Calgary welcomed the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo’s Recovery Task Force Communications Manager, Jordan Redshaw, for a look back on the devastating natural disaster in Fort McMurray and crisis communications lessons learned.
• In June, CPRS hosted the Evolution of Today’s Communicator at the Calgary Zoo. This exciting and in-depth conversation discussed the challenges and opportunities that arise for communicators when an industry shifts its focus and purpose.
• This year’s CPRS Calgary September Soirée was held at Apik Fine Art Gallery and heard discussions around the 2017/2018 calendar.
• The CPRS Professional Speed Networking event offered members the opportunity to build their network, obtain insight into the public relations industry and gain a competitive advantage.
• In October, we hosted a Virtual Reality 101 event, which demonstrated VR technology and displayed its power with immersive experiences inspired by real-world scenarios.
• The Future of PR luncheon, presentation and discussion with Daniel Tisch evoked a thought-provoking and interesting discussion around the megatrends affecting our profession today.
• Also in November, our Senior Public Relations Leadership Forum with CPRS and Ragan Communications brought together an exclusive, small-group forum for PR leaders to discuss challenges and find immediate, tangible solutions.
• Finally, 2017 rounded off with the annual CPRS/IABC Holiday Mixer, held at the 1918 Tap & Table in Kensington.

I’m so proud of what we achieved in 2017 and I’m excited and optimistic that 2018 will be even bigger and better for CPRS Calgary. I encourage you all to make the most of your memberships — connect with your colleagues, peruse our jobs and volunteer board, read our blog posts, or expand your knowledge through our many professional development events. With all the changes taking place in our industry, our organization’s mission is more important than ever.

On behalf of my board colleagues, Happy New Year! Together, we can continue to #ElevatePR.

Melanie Simmons
2017/18 CPRS Calgary President