Time/Event Code

Session Title

Description

11:00AM - 12:00PM
Breakout Session 1

Managing PR in A Crisis

Clark Gregor, PIO, American University

Communicating in a crisis doesn't have to mean communication chaos! This session will discuss the way in which one organization's media relations office handled a crisis with the support of the Vocus system, and how they used Vocus data to prove to their internal constituents the value of their office in maintaining a consistent level of work, even through a crisis.

11:00AM - 12:00PM
Breakout Session 1

Analytics (or "Measuring Something is Better Than Nothing")

Dina Silver, Manager, Lehigh University

You know that analyzing and measuring the results of your PR campaigns and activities can help you better direct your activities and resources, but where do you start? What should be measured? And, how can you use the Vocus tool to build the analysis and capture the data you need? Join us as we disucss the benefits of PR measurement- and review ways to help you to effectively leverage Vocus to highlight your PR successes!

1:00PM - 2:00PM
Breakout Session 2

The Complete Newsroom

John Demming, Manager of Communications, Vanguard

An online newsroom can be an effective resource for journalists, analysts, and visitors seeking to find out more about you and your organization. Find out best practices for creating a successful online newsroom, and how Vocus can help you easily implement, update, and maintain a useful newsroom- without burdening IT resources.

1:00PM - 2:00PM
Breakout Session 2

Analytics Case Study

Scott Heasley, Media Relations Associate, The Cleveland Clinic

This session explores the practical application of Vocus Analytics. Discover how real-life PR teams use Vocus to measure the success of their PR program using actual metrics and results, and how they have used that information to formulate their ongoing communications strategies and demonstrate the value of PR to senior management.

2:00PM - 3:00PM
Breakout Session 3

Brand Repair: Turning Adversity into Opportunity

Debra Eisenberg, Public Relations Impressario, Weatherbug

Follow one customer's real-life experience in transforming negative perceptions and image into positive media coverage and endorsements- and how the Vocus solution enabled the process in every step of the way! Learn to identify what’s ‘broken’ in image and perceptions and how to begin the rebuilding process, including: selecting and pursuing the right targets; identifying the spokespeople, key messages and proof points to make your case; and leveraging relationships and other avenues to sway your audience. Finally, hear how to sustain the positive flow once the repairs have been made.

2:00PM - 3:00PM
Breakout Session 3

Effective Issue Advocacy on a Shoestring

Ben McNitt, Senior Director of Communications, National Wildlife Federation

Ever wonder how some low-budget advocacy groups are able to successfully take on well-funded interests on the battlefield of public opinion? This session will share the answers, with an engaging look at the strategies and tactics behind recent successful campaigns, including: how do you make the most of Vocus before, during and after a media release?

3:20PM - 4:20PM
Breakout Session 4

New Media Strategy: Blogs

Laura Marshall, Practice Leader, Quality and KP HealthCo, Kaiser Permanente

Blogs are one of the latest communications vehicles to hit the mainstream, but many organizations are still without blog strategies as part of their overall PR plan. This session will discuss how one company has incorporated blogs into its overall communications strategy, and how Vocus can help you create a strategy of your own.

3:20PM - 4:20PM
Breakout Session 4

How to Optimize Your Newsroom and Your Press Releases for Search Engines: Getting The Most From Search Engine Optimization

Hollis Thomases, President, Webadvantage.net

With the thousands of web sites on the Internet and search engines available to help guide a search, how do you stand out from the crowd and bring visitors to your Newsroom and press releases? Search Engine Optimization (SEO) has become a hot topic as organizations fight to get their web site noticed and visited. Join this session to better understand the value of SEO and learn some overlooked and easy-to-implement tips to draw visitors to, and increase the effectiveness of, your web site and your news.

4:20PM - 5:20PM
Breakout Session 5

Managing A Successful Speakers Program

Melissa Martin, Senior Manager- Corporate Communications, Symantec

Does your organization and leadership get the visibility you believe they deserve? If not, you should consider developing an speaker program. Join us to discuss how Vocus has enabled one organization to build a successful speaker program, as well as manage and track speaking engagements and other projects and activities on a global scale.

4:20PM - 5:20PM
Breakout Session 5

Keeping PR On The Same Page: Managing Projects and Activities in Vocus

Brandon Hamm, Manager- Corporate Communications, JetBlue Airways

In order to create a consistent message, it is critical that PR teams share information and stay updated on ongoing projects and activities. With offices across the country or even across the globe, how do you keep each other current? This session will provide insights into how one organization keeps all PR team members up-to-speed and engaged on all projects and activities by leveraging the Vocus solution.

Time/Event Code

Session Title

Description

8:30AM - 9:30AM
Breakout Session 6

You and Your PR Agency: Working Together

Lynn Mann, Director of Public Relations, Michelin North America

While many organizations work with public relations firms, keeping them updated on ongoing activities is often a challenge- unless you are leveraging shared technology. This session will highlight how you can use your Vocus solution to enhance collaboration with your agency. From a shared history of all activities to interactions and communications with journalists in one location, we will explore ways Vocus technology can help you maximize your agency relationship.

8:30AM - 9:30AM
Breakout Session 6

Taking Analytics to the Next Level: Prominence and Scoring

Summer Thomas, Media Specialist, Bass Pro Shops

Don't miss this eye-opening session on measuring media impact. From prominence to competitive mentions, Vocus experts will guide you through the latest in PR measurement, and how you can use the Vocus solution to evaluate the effectiveness of your news coverage.

11:45AM - 12:45PM
Breakout Session 7

Soup To Nuts PR: Managing The Complete PR Lifecycle Using Vocus

Donna Roa, Public Affairs Director, EPA
Todd Post, Assistant Director of Communications, National Crime Prevention Council

Follow us through the lifecycle of a PR campaign. In this session, we'll discuss tips and techniques for working through the communications process, and how to apply Vocus to make every step of the process a smoother one.

9:30AM - 10:30AM
Breakout Session 7

Creating Effective Email Campaigns

Julie Greenberg, Media Relations Specialist, South Florida Water Management District

Effective email campaigns require more than blasting out a press release. A campaign that drives results involves targeting the right contacts, creating personalized messages, providing interactive communications, tracking recipient actions, and more! Using real-life customer case studies, we will examine how you can harness your Vocus solution to create campaigns that are targeted and successful.

10:45AM - 11:45AM
Breakout Session 8

The Bottom Line: How To Align Vocus With Your Organizational Goals

Moderator: Christine Bragale, Director of Media Relations, Goodwill

In an age of increased accountability and competition, corporate communications teams have to provide detailed numbers to show activities, results, and how those results tie to large and measurable effects on the bottom line. We've pulled together PR professionals from organizations of various types and sizes to discuss how Vocus has contributed to their bottom-line results and demonstrated measurable ROI.

10:45AM - 11:45AM
Breakout Session 8

Introducing Vocus PR6!

TeamVocus

PR6 is coming soon! Want a sneak peak into the exciting new features? This session will highlight enhancements available in PR6. We'll get you familiar with what's new so you will be fully prepared to make each new feature a part of your daily Vocus use.

11:45AM - 12:45PM
Breakout Session 9

Product Feedback: PR Software

TeamVocus

You've heard from us, now we’d like to hear from you! This session gives you the forum to share your ‘wish lists’ and feedback from your experience using Vocus software. Our product is designed for you- so take the opportunity to tell us what you think about our software!