Rebuilding Brand America - June 14

The June PRSA Boston program is going to be one to remember, and one I think will be of particular interest to senior-level managers. (That doesn't mean new professionals should not come though - everyone can get a lot out of it).

Dick Martin, former EVP of PR and Brand Management for AT&T and distinguished author, will be speaking on rebuilding brand America. He will share his insights into what America and American business must do to safeguard the future of American business abroad.

Martin will speak on the topic of his newly released book, Rebuilding Brand America, which shows how U.S. global companies can help rebuild America’s reputation by becoming new, more sympathetic ambassadors to the world—without loaded political agendas.

Martin will discuss topics from his book, which include:

· How America is perceived around the world and why.
· How the practice of capitalism in America is different from the rest of the world and what that means for U.S. multinational companies.
· How many traditional American values differ from ideals in the rest of the world. How that can lead to misunderstandings and conflict.
· How branding works. Why it is not advertising or PR and what it has to do with anti-Americanism.

Following are the details:

Date: June 14, 2007 – 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Networking/Dinner: 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Program: 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Place: Foley Hoag LLP Law Offices
Seaport World Trade Center West
155 Seaport Boulevard
Boston, MA 02210


Seating is limited. Sign up now by clicking here.

Beer helps you be a better PR person!

If I told you drinking beer can make you a better PR person, many of you that don't know me would wonder if I lost my mind. (Those that do would helpfully offer to take my extensive single malt collection off my hands).

But, last night at the Boston Beer Company (makers of the great Sam Adams beer), Michelle Sullivan, the company's director of PR shared some great advice on product PR with 30+ PRSA Members over a few glasses of adult beverages.

What I really liked about the program is that Michelle focused on six case studies - five that showed what they did well and one that showed what they tried that failed. Many of these case studies have lessons I can apply to my technology accounts.

They audience was full of questions and the tour was a great way to kick off the evening. (Look for a more extensive recap in our June newsletter) What did you think?

Following are some pictures to show off the night:

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

Crowning the Champion

Last night, 50+ PR professionals came together for the 1st PRSA Boston/PR Newswire Charity Poker Tournament. Based on the comments I recevied from the people that were there is was a great event. (I know I had a great time, despite not making it to the final table).

It was great to see so many new faces, and so many different agencies represented. There was a strong contingent from Schwartz Communications (the agency for which I work), With Racepoint, Topaz, Text 100, LP&P, Schneider, EmergePR, Horn Group and other agencies and independent practitioners well represented. We had relatively few corporate players.

The food was plentiful, the drinks were good and the poker was fast and furious. It was a great chance to network and have fun.

The event started at 6:45 and wrapped up by 10:30. We had people come back from the brink numerous times, a staight flush, first time poker players making it to the top twenty and lots of laughs.

Most importantly, due to this event, the PRSA Boston Scholarship can now be $2,000 for a deserving college student. Thank you for all you support - and special thanks to our sponsor - PR Newswire, they do a great job. Without their support, the event would not have been possible. Thanks to the Waltham Elks for letting us have the event there as well.



Following are some images from the event:

The final table














Bottom left and going around clockwise: Patrick Richardson (Schneider), Joe Pacheco (Schwartz), Jess Fiorelli (Schwartz), Tim Whitman (Schwartz), Davd Weiner (PR Newswire) Chris Poisson (Schwartz), George DeTorres (MultiVu), Mystery man (sorry), Peter (the dealer), Jon Siegal (Schwartz), Darlene Hollywood (HollywoodPR)

The Winner and his winning hand: (Jon Siegal, Schwartz)

The award ceremony:

Left to Right: Dan Evans (PR Newswire)

George DeTores (Best Corporate Player, MultiVu)

Jon Siegal (Champion, Schwartz Communications)

Tim Whitman (Best Agency Player, Schwartz Communications)

Mark W. McClennan, APR (President PRSA Boston, Schwartz Communications)

Thanks everyone for turning up, share your comments on the event.

Are you the best?

Are you the best? Do you want to help a good cause and find out? Do you want to have some fun networking? Well on March 28, Boston PR professionals get the chance to find out at PRSA Boston's regular meeting.

What am I talking about? At the regular meeting, we will be having the first ever PRSA Boston/PR Newswire Poker Tournament to find out who is the best PR poker player in Boston. (All proceeds benefit the PRSA Scholarship fund, which has given out close to $10,000 to date).

Trophies (courtesy of PR Newswire) will be awarded to:
The Best Player
The Best Agency Player
The Best Corporate Player

Note: No cash prizes will be awarded, just bragging rights for the year and the chance to help a good cause.

This tournament is being held in conjunction with our meeting and is appropriate for people with even just a basic knowledge of No Limit Texas Hold ‘Em Poker. If you haven’t played in years, that is no excuse. All you need to win is a chip and a chair!

For more details, go here.

Rumor has it, one PR agency (not Schwartz) has already claimed they will win best overall and best agency. Are you going to let them?