Join MPRC for a full day of engaging speakers who will share latest techniques and tips to UP your public relations game. Whether you are a one-person shop, or part of a corporate team, you're guaranteed to learn something new!

Agenda - #MPRConference

8:15 – 9:00 AM
Registration, Continental Breakfast, Networking & Vendor Exhibits

9:00 – 9:30 AM
Welcome & Annual Meeting

9:30 – 10:45 AM
Keynote - Secrets of Media-Pitching Success that Will Work in 2016

Michael Smart, President, Smart PR @MichaelSmartPR

Journalists and bloggers complain about PR pitches all the time, but how do some PR pros consistently earn more than their share of coverage? Learn how in this fast-paced, entertaining session filled with concrete examples from a variety of industries. Included: How to use social media to strengthen media relationships; how to uncover new media outlets you may be overlooking and how email pitches need to change.

Michael Smart helps PR pros improve their pitch success rate and enhance their writing. His workshop participants have placed stories with national media outlets including CNN, People Magazine, and The Today Show. This is a unique opportunity to define your story, polish your pitch and ultimately deliver results for your client or company.

10:45 – 11:00 AM
Morning Coffee Break & Vendor Exhibits

11:00 – Noon
Morning Break-out Sessions (Choose one)

A: Marketing and the Maine Brand
Allyson Dailey, Group Manager, Weber Shandwick
Sara Brody, Senior Digital Manager, Weber Shandwick @WeberShandwick

How can you use the Maine brand in your communications and marketing plans? Allyson and Sara will crack open the PR strategy of The Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative. Learn how their "New Shell" tactic is positioning this tasty crustacean within the national culinary scene. Apply these techniques to your campaign strategy.

B: Photography Tips for Public Relations and Social Media Use
Benjamin Williamson, Photographer, Benjamin Williamson Photography

A picture is worth a thousand words. But how do you take that perfect shot? Learn tricks of the trade as Benjamin walks you through composing, downloading and posting photos for results that meet your campaign goals. Leave this presentation with a better understanding of how to use your camera, position your subject and ways to post on websites and social media.

Noon – 1:15 PM
Lunch, Networking & Vendor Exhibits

1:15 – 1:45 PM
MPRC Awards Ceremony - Rising Star, Bernays and Midge Vreeland Service Awards

1:45 – 3:00 PM
Afternoon Break-out Sessions (Choose one)

C: Maximizing Social Media Marketing
Shannon Kinney, Founder & Client Success Officer, Dream Local Digital @ShannonKin

This workshop will highlight best practices for utilizing social media tools to grow your audience and deepen the engagement. Specific examples will be used relating to social media, email, mobile and search engine optimization. Learn how to create content to get customers' attention, measure results and use hashtag campaigns to boost results.

D: Engaging Your Community
Stacey Haskell, Vice President and Marketing & Community Relations Mgr., Bangor Savings Bank @BangorSavings
Kai Smith and Sean Sullivan, Co-Founders, Buoy Local @BuoyLocal
Cullen McGough, Director of Marketing & Communications, Maine Cancer Foundation @Maine_Cancer

How do you motivate people and keep them engaged to volunteer, donate time and money, or purchase your product? Our speakers will share unique strategies attributed to their cause or business success that illustrate how to grow your community and customer base. Each speaker will make a brief presentation followed by audience Q&A.

3:00 – 3:15 PMAfternoon Break & Vendor Exhibits

3:15 – 4:30 PM
Speed Pitching - Back by popular demand!

Carol Coultas, Panel Moderator, Business Editor, Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram @carolacoultas
Sharon Deveau, Assignment Editor, WMTW-TV8
Alex Steed, Blogger, Bangor Daily News @alexsteed
Peter Van Allen, Editor, Mainebiz @MainebizEditor
Mike Violette, Co-host, WGAN News Radio @MikeyV1960

Trending stories start with media gatekeepers. Our panel of media experts will share when and how to pitch them your news story. Then it's your turn! Audience members have 5 minutes to grab the microphone and pitch away.

Register Now!