Young PR Pros: Recap of Dine & Discuss

It is our host Julia Kent‘s turn for a holiday. She is soaking up the sun on a warm beach somewhere down south. While she is away getting a nice tan, Kristine Simpson, producer and host, compiled a short video recaping some great tips and advice we picked up at the CPRS Ottawa-Gatineau Dine & Discuss event in March.

We sat down with six professionals from various industry and asked them the following question:

How can young PR professionals leave a lasting impression on their employers as well as the PR and communications industry as a whole.

Here is what they said…

Stay tuned to next week’s episode where Kristine and Julia comment on the advice given and share which one(s) they find the most beneficial to a young PR pro.

Who did we talk to?

Mark Blevis, Digital Public Affairs Strategist, Full Duplex Ltd.
Topic: Ghost in the Machine

Mark Blevis specializes in digital communication and online reputation management with a focus on public affairs. His approach is built on monitoring and analysis from which informed decisions and strategies can be developed for online engagement and community building.

Howard Williamson, President Williamson Consulting Inc.
Topic: Making PR Relevant to Decision Makers – Using the World Café Process

Howard Williamson is the president of Williamson Consulting Inc. and has over 25 years of communications, community engagement and public relations experience. He has developed local, regional and national communications strategies for government and the private sector and developed community engagement strategies for federal and provincial environmental assessments.

Kelly Rusk, Senior Account Executive, Banfield Seguin
Topic: Using social media to mine business intelligence insight

Kelly is a communications professional with specialized experience developing and executing social media strategy, particularly as part of a greater communications strategy. Strategic thinker interested in bridging the gap between creative and communications. Passionate about writing and relationship building.

Danielle Côté, APR, BKT Health Promotion and Communications
Topic: Making PR Relevant to Decision Makers…using the World Cafe Process

Danielle has 22 years experience as a bilingual public relations practitioner specializing in health communications and health promotion. She is also a registered nurse with in-depth knowledge of the health care system.

Derek Lothian, Manager, National Communications, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters
Topic: You Still Need Us: The Value of Associations in a Collaborative New World

Derek Lothian currently serves as national manager, communications, with Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) – Canada’s largest trade and industry association. His portfolio includes media relations, marketing, stakeholder engagement and partnership development. He also serves as the executive director of the Saskatchewan Manufacturing Council, and editorial director for CME’s award-winning magazine, 20/20, which has been recognized one of the top five business publications in the country by the Canadian Business Press.