NSPRA National Seminar Since 1954, the NSPRA National Seminar has been the seminal annual event for everyone who understands the importance of communication to the success of public education. Each July, participants come together from across North America to learn from each other and from national and international experts in public relations, communications and marketing. The Seminar is three days of over 70 resource-packed and idea-filled skill sessions and presentations that provide training and information on best practices and tactics, leadership development, communication management and strategy, and new products and services for the profession. Pre-seminar workshops offer extended learning opportunities.

Seminar Exchange Center

The publications Exchange Center has long been one of our most popular Seminar “extras.” Be sure to save time to stop by, peruse the offerings and pick up samples to add to your idea file. This year’s award-winning publications will also be available for review.

All NSPRA members are invited to send 150 copies of their best publications to share in the Exchange Center to:

Attention: Karen Kleinz, APR
NSPRA EXCHANGE CENTER
NSPRA Seminar June 28-July1
c/o Josie Nickelberry
The Westin St. Francis
335 Powell Street
San Francisco, CA  94102

Please time your shipment to arrive no earlier than Wednesday, June 24 and no later than Saturday, June 27. (The Exchange Center opens on Sunday, June 28.) Mark your package(s) clearly with the contents, i.e., "Annual Reports," Internal Newsletters," "Financial Publications," etc. Please do not use Styrofoam peanuts or shredded paper as packing materials.

We recommend materials be shipped via UPS, Federal Express, or a service that allows you to trace your shipment. Please check with your delivery service to confirm the amount of time to allow for ground service from your area.

June 28 - July 1, 2009 in San Francisco

The NSPRA National Seminar is the largest gathering of school communication professionals in North America, bringing together outstanding experts and practitioners in communication and leadership for three days of collaboration and learning.

School public relations professionals and educational leaders must demonstrate accountability and student achievement in local schools like never before. You need parent involvement. You need public engagement. And, you need clear communication to get your messages heard and strengthen the connection between your schools and your community.

At NSPRA 2009 in San Francisco, you’ll connect with others who are using effective communication to build bridges that ensure education success for all students. You’ll learn innovative and strategic ways to deliver key messages about your schools, foster open and honest dialogue with stakeholders, and develop dynamic internal and external communication programs. You’ll meet some of North America’s leading communication experts and school PR pros who will help you build trust, understanding, support, and respect for your schools.

With more than 70 skill-building sessions rich in resources and ideas, the NSPRA Seminar provides a laser focus on what’s working in cutting-edge communication programs and how to respond to today’s critical education issues. Communication issues you deal with daily, such as accountability, transparency, funding, rebuilding trust and public support, student performance, communication technology, media relations, handling crises, branding and marketing, public engagement, social media, customer service, diversity and tolerance, education advocacy and much, much more.

Participants gave the 2008 NSPRA Seminar high marks on evaluations, with an impressive 94% of respondents ranking the Seminar as “excellent” or “good.” Many called the Seminar “absolutely the best professional development opportunity” for school public relations professionals and education leaders alike.

Whether you are a full-time public relations/communications professional, a superintendent, or an educator with communication responsibilities, the NSPRA Seminar will inspire you to expand and improve the communication program in your district and provide you with the ideas, tools and resources to get started.

In Their Own Words: Members talk about the NSPRA Seminar Experience

Need a reason to attend an NSPRA Seminar?

Here's what participants say:

• It’s the Mecca of School PR. -- Tom Salter, Montgomery (Ala.) Public Schools
• Great networking and valuable training sessions. -- Diana Gulotta, Hazelwood School District, Florissant, Mo.
• You will become rejuvenated and filled with new ideas that you can use immediately in your own shop. -- Deborah Uroda, Durango (Colo.) School District 9-R
• It’s the only opportunity you will ever have to pick so many bright brains - all in the same
  week and in the same location. -- Mary Beth Hill, Lexington (S.C.) School District One
• It has offerings that will appeal to everyone, from beginner to seasoned (and somewhat grizzled) veterans. -- Merrie Meyers-Kershaw, APR, Fellow PRSA, Broward County Public Schools, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
• The Seminar provides inspiration, affirmation, and information for those who work to tell the stories of America's public schools. -- Sloan Roach, Gwinett County Public Schools, Suwanee, Ga.
• It’s the most worthwhile, career enhancing experience a school PR person will ever have the chance to attend! -- Kelly Keeton, Cecil County Public Schools, Elkton, Md.
• The keynote speeches are really powerful. -- Joseph Escobedo, Albuquerque (N.M.) Public Schools
• The relevancy of the presentations makes this conference exceptionally worthwhile and valuable. -- Elise Shelton, Clarksville-Montgomery County School System, Clarksville, Tenn.