Strategy Needed - Report from Networking Event

It was generally agreed that the October 28 Networking Event was a misnomer for our gathering, but it certainly generated material for discussion and a mandate to move forward.

Below is a summary of what unfolded.

PRSJ Networking Event

October 28, 2009

JTI

The event was called to order at about 5:50 and ended at about 8:20


ATTENDANCE - 29 Practitioners

Deep concern was raised about the scheduling of a membership event by the IABC and the PRSJ at the same time. It was agreed that this should never happen again as it creates division among practitioners and does not add to the growth of the profession in Jamaica.

PRSJ member and Author, Joan Andrea Hutchinson did the very first reading from her upcoming book "Kin Teet Kibba Heart Bun" - celebrating the creativity of Jamaican poor people. Pre-order in time for Christmas, write to: kinteetkibbaheartbun@yahoo.com and bumpyhead@cwjamaica.com.

Publisher and Marketing Executive Glynis Salmon who delivered the keynote address told practitioners that Jamaicans do not fulfull the promise of talent on a global stage as so many of us are unprepared. She urged practitioners to devote more time to reading and absorbing relevant material.

The panel discussion about the future of the society that was moderated by Past President Alison Christie Binger, with panellists President Mark Thomas, member Gillian Haughton and Glynis Salmon revealed the following topics that people care about.

• Opportunities for training, personal development, professional development
• Better co-ordination with the IABC
• More opportunities for interactions and connections with peers
• Opportunities to share best practicesNeed to build respect and value for the Society
• Need for Succession planning
• Need to revise the definition for PR/Communiation
• Need to maintain relevance and importance to practitioners and to society
• Society must play a role in the communications activities (media, marketing, journalism etc)Society needs to align itself with compatable social causes

The next steps are to engage practitioners into the life of the society by forming working groups to:
Develop a strategy that will ensure the long term success of the Society
Develop a public relations plan for the society

Click here for slideshow of the event
To volunteer email "I Will Work" to prsj2009@gmail.com