Great event at the Boston Globe

I delayed a bit in posting this (for I wanted to plug our Sam Adams event), but the joint PRSA Boston/Publicity Club of New England event at the Boston Globe was absolutely fantastic.

I have been to many of these "Meet the Editor" events over the years, and this one contained more useful tips, tricks and insight that any three others combined. The editors went beyond the typical points to really provide insight into how to work with them, what they are planning for their sections and provide updates on the Globe's plan for its Website.

I was turned on to the White Coat Notes blog and have been told there are many more to come.

I really want to thank Kelly Woodsum, Executive Director of the PubClub (as well as Beth Bryant the PRSA Boston Chapter administrator) - they did all the heavy lifting for this event. Tom Nutile, your president-elect did a great job moderating. And last but not least, thanks to all the editors who gave of their time.

Don't forget - three PRSA events in May. I hope to see you all there.

Product PR and beer

On May 15, PRSA Boston is going to combine two great things (no, not chocolate and peanut butter)...product PR and beer. This will be a memorable program. Come and check it out - and improve your PR skills in the process.

Find great conversations, cool libations and a tremendous learning opportunity all in one program! - “Samuel Adams Shares Its Recipes For Product PR Success”

Michelle Sullivan, director of public relations for Boston Beer Company (the makers of Samuel Adams Beer), will pour forth tips, tricks and best practices for product and beverage public relations success.

Since joining the Samuel Adams Brewery, Sullivan has lead a number of high profile initiatives, including the product PR launches for Samuel Adams Light and Samuel Adams Utopias, and the multi-year development and implementation of the “Samuel Adams/VH1 Summer Jam,” at which 53 radio stations broadcast live from the brewery.

Sullivan will discuss:
- A day in the life of a PR executive for a beer company,
- How Boston Beer Company gets the most from its product launches,
- The secrets to successful events,
- How to find and capitalize on opportunities when competing against larger companies,
- Lessons Sullivan has learned and how you can apply them to your jobs.

Also: Prior to the event, during the networking section, participants can take a guided tour of the Samuel Adams Brewery. Sample refreshments will be served.

SEATING IS LIMITED, SO GET HOPPING AND REGISTER TODAY!

Date: May 15, 2007 – 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Brewery Tour: 6:00 - 6:45 p.m.
Networking/Dinner: 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Discussion and Q&A: 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Place: Boston Beer Company/Samuel Adams Brewery
30 Germania Street
Boston (Jamaica Plain neighborhood), MA 02130
For directions, go to: http://www.samueladams.com/contact_tour.aspx

To register, go click here.

Introducing Free Programs for PRSA Boston Members

It's something I have been talking about for a while, and it took longer than I wanted it to, but the free program series for PRSA Boston is finally off the ground.

This first program is Thursday, May 10, and the topic will be “How to Become a Strong Manager – Making the Transition From SAE Level to Manager”

Human resource directors from SHIFT Communications and Schwartz Communications will lead a round-table discussion with Senior Account Executive and Manager-level agency employees to provide guidance for handling the trials, tribulations and joys faced on a daily basis as a manager at Boston-area public relations agencies. Tips and tricks for developing your management skills will also be shared.

Topics that will be discussed include:
- Tips for helping your team prioritize;
- How to eloquently, yet firmly, push back on a client;
- How to manage a diverse team: what to do when same-level teammates are performing very differently;
- Ways to establish two-way communication; and
- Appropriate ways to respond to emotional issues, as well as to emotional employees.

Date: Thursday, May 10, 2007
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Business Wire
Two Center PlazaSuite 500Boston, MA 02108

Space is limited. Please respond to jjewett@shiftcomm.com by Tuesday, May 8 to reserve a seat.

Expect to see many more free programs over the course of the year for PRSA Boston members on a wide variety of topics.

The Third Thirsty Thursday

The first two PRSA Boston Thirsty Thursdays went so well, we are continuing the networking on Thursday, May 3.

We will gather at the Temple Bar in Cambridge and just network. We invite all our members to come and meet new people, reconnect with old friends, hang out, network, share war stories, recruit and expand horizons. There is no fee (you just have to pay for your own food and drink)!
Show up after 6:00 p.m. and see who is there and have fun!

When: Thursday, May 3, 2007
6:00 p.m. -??

Where: Temple Bar
1688 Mass. Ave. (near Harvard Square)
Cambridge, MA 02138

Globe event sold out!

The Boston Globe Meet the Editors and Tour event has sold out. We have reached out cap of 100 attendees and have a waiting list of more than 20 people.

I am sorry for those that did not get a chance to register. The good news is, I know we all hate the multiple reminder emails, and you won't be receiving them.

We will be having a cap on future events as well, and expect them to be just as high quality. So please, register and register early for future programs. You will cut down on emails and you will get a spot.

PR pros to invade the Boston Globe 4/23

PRSA Boston and the Publicity Club of New England have joined forces to bring you a great program in two weeks:

“Breakfast with The Boston Globe Editors” (at the Globe)

The panel of Globe editors will include Gideon Gil, Caleb Solomon and others.

The panel will answer questions such as:

1) How will the Globe evolve as print circulation numbers decline and audiences increasingly turn to Internet sources for news and information?

2) What is the best way to work with the Globe’s reduced staff of editors and reporters?


3) What new trends are occurring with seeking stories, information gathering and reporting?

Attendees with also be able to register to take a tour of the Globe after the panel discussion.

Cost: PRSA Boston Chapter and Pub Club Members $35Non-Members/Guests $55PRSSA/Pub Club Student Members $20

To register, click here.


I want to thank Kelly Woodsum of the Publicity Club for working tirelessly to pull this one together on short notice.

This was a great opportunity and we couldn't pass it up. Lucky, the measurement panelists we had pulled together for April agreed and graciously offered to do the program in the fall. So never fear, you will be able to get your fill of measurement as well.

I expect this program to sell out quickly - so register now!

We want to give you $2,000

Well, only if you are a undergraduate or graduate college student studying in the Boston area...

Starting today PRSA Boston is accepting applications for its 2007-2008 Scholarship Grant Program, which provides financial support – on the basis of financial need and academic merit – to college students or researchers in the communications field.

The amount of this year’s grant will be $2,000 (Thanks to all of you that played poker).

Undergraduate and graduate students attending a college or university in eastern Massachusetts are eligible, as are individuals conducting communications or public relations research. Additionally, the grant can be used by a student working in an unpaid internship at a nonprofit organization.

Grant applications are available now. Applicants can obtain a copy by contacting PRSA Boston chapter administrator Beth Bryant at 617-926-9595 or bbwrites@verizon.net.

The deadline for applications is May 15, 2007. The winner will be announced at a chapter meeting during the summer.

This is the 7th year we have awarded the grant and I am personally glad we can help others with their PR education.

April Thirsty Thursday! - This week

Good morning,

With the NCAA Tourney ending tonight, opening day toiday, and the poker event now over - people need a chance to get together, socialize and network.

Thanks to my friends at Novell and Waggener Edstrom, the second PRSA Boston Thirsty Thursday event is scheduled for this Thursday, April 5.

No activities are planned--just come, hang out, network, share war stories, recruit and open your horizons.

It will be held at the fabulous Lounge at OM in Harvard Square. Plan on being there anytime after 6:00 PM.