Advanced PR Sessions, June 5

General Welcome Session Thursday, 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Vocus CEO Rick Rudman welcomes our attendees and shares his vision for how Vocus is evolving to meet the current challenges and future trends faced by PR, GR and PAC professionals. Experience the latest innovation that will enable your organization to "cut through the noise."

Keynote Presentation Thursday, 9:45 AM - 10:45 AM

Join Former White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan as he discusses the role of the media today. McClellan will examine how the race for the presidency is shaping up, the latest political, economic and global headlines that will influence it, and provide insight on the political strategies that could eventually lead to the White House. He will also address issues facing the media today as the current landscape evolves to include the new media to further campaign strategies.

Time/Event

Session Title

Description

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

21st Century Integrated Communications: Creating a Comprehensive Strategy with Vocus

Shonali Burke, ABC, ASPCA

With burgeoning social and new media tactics, how do you ensure your message is being heard? Learn how to leverage Vocus PR software to develop a comprehensive strategy for combining new media and traditional public relations to produce 21st Century results.

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Bridging the Company Divide: Using Vocus to Enhance Internal Communications

Amy Stevens, Wellmont Health Systems

Need to spread your message company–wide? Learn how Vocus significantly enhances internal communications within your organization by creating an online destination for your geographically dispersed team.

2:10 PM - 3:10 PM

Using Vocus to Manage Your Agencies

Thom Mocarsky and Jessica Benbow, Arbitron

While many organizations work with PR agencies, coordinating your internal and external activities can prove to be challenging. Learn how Vocus can serve as an online collaboration tool for you to create a shared history of all activities and interactions with journalists and help coordinate your efforts to keep everyone on the same page.

3:20 PM - 4:20 PM

Incorporating Vocus into Your Operations and Workflow

Gary Bobalik, Llamasoft

Consumer exposure to corporate news and media campaigns can impact sales dramatically. Learn how tying Vocus directly to your workflow can track and offer insight into the media's impact on sales and delivery of purchased goods.

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Measuring Public Relations for Marketing Success: Using Analytics to Evaluate PR's Impact

Cristina Mestre, The Nature Conservancy

How do you accurately measure the PR ROI to get the executive team to take notice? Learn how industry-leading organizations have been able to use Vocus PR to tackle the ROI challenge and better manage and measure their PR efforts.

Advanced PR Sessions, June 6

Time/Event

Session Title

Description

9:00 AM - 10:15 AM

Journalist Panel: How to Build Effective Relationships with Journalists

What are the secrets to an effective, long-term relationship with journalists? Join leading journalists from print, broadcast and online media as they discuss the key elements of a pitch that will make you stand out from the crowd and get your company ink. Our distinguished panel will share their thoughts on what relationships with PR professionals add value, techniques for a successful pitch and what just drives them crazy! Today's changing media landscape provides increasing opportunities for both PR professionals and the media. Attend this session to learn how you can help your company emerge from the clutter and stand out as a journalist's dream.

10:25 AM - 11:25 AM

Multiple Distribution Points: Reaching all your Audiences through Vocus

Michelle Boykins, National Crime Prevention Council

As PR has shifted to include consumers and other audiences, it's important to shift media strategies accordingly. Learn how through Vocus you can create an integrated distribution plan to help you take advantage of multiple distributions including email, traditional and social media newswires, RSS feeds and an online newsroom.

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

The Evolving Social Media Release

Brian Solis, FutureWorks

Ready to take the mystery out of the Social Media Release? Join this session to find out exactly what it is and who it is. Learn the most important elements, potential evolution and the distribution channels that support the Social Media release.

PR Sessions, June 5

General Welcome Session Thursday, 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Vocus CEO Rick Rudman welcomes our attendees and shares his vision for how Vocus is evolving to meet the current challenges and future trends faced by PR, GR and PAC professionals. Experience the latest innovation that will enable your organization to "cut through the noise."

Keynote Presentation Thursday, 9:45 AM - 10:45 AM

Join Former White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan as he discusses the role of the media today. McClellan will examine how the race for the presidency is shaping up, the latest political, economic and global headlines that will influence it, and provide insight on the political strategies that could eventually lead to the White House. He will also address issues facing the media today as the current landscape evolves to include the new media to further campaign strategies.

Time/Event

Session Title

Description

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

The ROI of Online Press Releases: A Vocus & The Society for New Communications Research Study

Jen McClure, SNCR

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Building Momentum, Exceeding Expectations: Developing a Solid PR Program with Vocus

Karen Davis, Redcats USA

What aspects go into developing a solid PR program? Successful PR programs do not happen overnight, they take time. Join us for this session to learn how to build a program that serves as the foundation for a successful campaign.

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Creating an Industry Expert: Using Vocus to Pitch Spokespeople to the Media

Rodric Hurdle-Bradford, RICH Media Design

Every PR professional is well-versed on pitching strategies for company news, whether national, trade or local media, but how easy is it to pitch your executive? Learn the basic techniques for turning your company's representative into the industry's leading expert.

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Using PR to Drive Sales: Generating Sales Leads with Vocus and PRWeb

Amy Mauzy, Malibu Boats

Marketing departments aren't the only departments that can generate website traffic and revenue. Learn how to use Vocus to implement a PR strategy that can increase sales and quantify PR's impact on the bottom line.

2:10 PM - 4:20 PM

Interactive Workshop: Re-tooling your Basic PR Skills and Knowledge for Today's World

Don Bates, The George Washington University

PR is changing and, while the basics still hold true, as a professional you need to adjust your toolbox. This interactive workshop will revisit some of the PR basics, including media targeting and press release writing, and teach you to adjust your skills for the new world of PR.

2:10 PM - 3:10 PM

Searching the Media Landscape for Opportunity: Identify Trends with News On-Demand

Erin McGhee, Cray, Inc.

Monitoring news not only helps you understand your position in the media landscape but to identify emerging trends and potential PR opportunities. Learn how to use News On-Demand to give you an edge in pitching your story.

3:20 PM - 4:20 PM

Blogger Relations: New Media, New Approach

Aaron Brazell, Technosailor; Colin Delany, e.politics;Susan Getgood, Marketing Roadmaps, Geoff Livingston, Buzz Bin Blog

The explosion of the blogosphere has left many PR pros wondering what new tactics and approaches will work for the new media landscape. Join our expert panel to get their insights on how today's PR professionals can develop successful blogger relations and avoid the pitfalls.

4:30 PM -5:30 PM

The Changing World of PR

Robert Ballinger, Maryland Department of the Environment

The PR industry is changing to keep pace with the 24x7 news cycle. To compete you need to leverage all the latest tools. In this session, learn how Vocus can help you successfully transform your PR department with automated and centralized news distribution to stay ahead of the PR game. (Please note that when you select your sessions, this time slot is listed incorrectly as "PR for the Non Profit World." Check that session if you want to attend "The Changing World of PR.")

4:30 PM -5:30 PM

Newsworthy and Noteworthy; Using Vocus to Create Award Winning Results

Debra Eisenberg, The Eisenberg Team

With so many organizations vying for limited editorial space, savvy PR professionals know they need every possible tool to gain a competitive edge. Join this session to learn how Vocus’ Email Campaigns and Projects provided the control and insight needed to repair a broken brand, take new clients from obscurity to prominence and receive industry accolades while doing it!

PR Sessions, June 6

Time/Event

Session Title

Description

9:00 AM - 10:15 AM

Journalist Panel: How to Build Effective Relationships with Journalists

J. Bonasia, Investors Business Daily; Beth Frerking, the Politico; Avram Goldstein, Bloomberg; Rob Pegoraro, Washington Post; Steve Wildstrom, BusinessWeek

What are the secrets to an effective, long-term relationship with journalists? Join leading journalists from print, broadcast and online media as they discuss the key elements of a pitch that will make you stand out from the crowd and get your company ink. Our distinguished panel will share their thoughts on what relationships with PR professionals add value, techniques for a successful pitch and what just drives them crazy! Today's changing media landscape provides increasing opportunities for both PR professionals and the media. Attend this session to learn how you can help your company emerge from the clutter and stand out as a journalist's dream.

10:25 AM - 11:25 AM

Delivering Low Cost PR Excellence: Using Vocus to Automate Tasks and Focus on PR Results

Jonathan Evans and Harriet Emerson, Degussa
Bob Durstenfeld, RAE Systems

Struggling with a small team and an even smaller budget? Discover how Vocus PR software can help automate your PR to free up your resources to focus on getting results. Learn how the right balance of tools and smart planning can help your small PR team outshine a team of fifty!

10:25 AM - 11:25 AM

Running Successful Local Campaigns: Tactics for Targeting your Community with Vocus

Amir Zaman and Steve Lyons, WEA Trust Insurance

Organizing a local event or campaign requires different tactics. How do you break through the local press to create a successful local campaign? Hear how Vocus enabled one company to create and launch a successful local public relations campaign.

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

A Showcase for your News: Building an Online Newsroom with Vocus

Heidi Mock, Time Warner Cable

An online newsroom can be an effective resource for journalists, analysts and visitors to your website. Whether cataloguing press releases, displaying news clips or providing background documents, your online press room offers journalists and consumers a virtual library of your company information. Hear how Vocus gives you total control to create and manage your online newsroom without needing to call IT! Discover best practices for creating a powerful and up-to-date online newsroom without burdening your IT staff.

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Selling PR to Upper Management; Analyze and Report PR Achievement with Vocus

Anthea Penrose and Josh Hall, Raymond James Financial

Getting executive buy-in for your PR program starts with a well-organized report but what is going to get the most attention? Knowing where to begin analyzing is often the hardest part of measurement. When it comes time to create reports for the team, executives or the board, what should you look at to determine your own success? While showing the numbers is essential, not just for showing the value of PR but for learning from activities and honing tactics, putting them into context is the key. Learn how to use Vocus' analytics to provide the hard numbers to your executives that will keep your PR dollars intact.

GR Sessions, June 5

General Welcome Session Thursday, 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Vocus CEO Rick Rudman welcomes our attendees and shares his vision for how Vocus is evolving to meet the current challenges and future trends faced by PR, GR and PAC professionals. Experience the latest innovation that will enable your organization to "cut through the noise."

Keynote Presentation Thursday, 9:45 AM - 10:45 AM

Join Former White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan as he discusses the role of the media today. McClellan will examine how the race for the presidency is shaping up, the latest political, economic and global headlines that will influence it, and provide insight on the political strategies that could eventually lead to the White House. He will also address issues facing the media today as the current landscape evolves to include the new media to further campaign strategies.

Time/Event

Session Title

Description

11:00 - 12:00 PM

Overview of the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007: New Challenges and Strategies for GR and PAC Professionals

Michael Toner, Bryan Cave, LLP

How can you make sure your organization remains up-to-date on new House and Senate ethics and lobbying rules? Join our speaker, Michael Toner, to learn how to to satisfy compliance and documentation requirements and effectively address limitations.

1:00 - 2:00 PM

Managing a GR Program with Vocus

Jolynne Flores, American College of Physicians

Sheena Franklin, Grant Thornton, LLP

Your GR Program is up and running...but how can you ensure you are doing everything you can to drive its success? Join our speakers as they discuss how to ensure that your volunteers stay engaged and committed to your cause. Learn how to leverage Vocus GR software to accurately and efficiently manage employee and member data.

2:10 - 3:10 PM

Using the eAdvocacy Site

Kathleen Branch and Melissa Harden, National School Boards Association
Ben Wallner, American Podiatric Medical Association

The Internet provides new and exciting opportunities for information sharing. For grassroots professionals, the Web offers significant communication advantages by helping to keep your constituents immediately informed, building widespread support of your issues and shaping your identity and message. This session will discuss the effective development and use of eAdvocacy sites to define advocacy goals, map strategies to further your issue and drive your members to action.

3:20 - 4:20 PM

Using Vocus to Manage a State Government Relations Effort

Liz Roe, American Academy of Physician Assistants

Elizabeth Bartz, State & Federal Communications

Communicating with state government officials, General Assemblies, key legislative and government staffs, third party advocates and other groups about the priorities of your organization can be a daunting task. This session will discuss State Government Relations, specifically how to advance communication processes between government officials, your organization and the voting constituents. Learn how to leverage Vocus to access legislative contacts and deliver your message.

4:30 - 5:30 PM

Lobbying Disclosure Compliance and Reporting

William Minor, DLA Piper US, LLP

Get up-to-speed on the latest ethics and lobbying laws and how they affect your organization and your lobbying efforts. Discover how to ensure your organization's lobbying activities remain compliant with disclosure laws and yield successful results.

Attendees of this session will also get to preview the upcoming Vocus GR release. (Release date: Spring, 2008.)

GR Sessions, June 6

Time/Event

Session Title

Description

9:00 - 10:15 AM

Journalist Panel: How to Build Effective Relationships with Journalists

What are the secrets to an effective, long-term relationship with journalists? Join leading journalists from print, broadcast and online media as they discuss the key elements of a pitch that will make you stand out from the crowd and get your company ink. Our distinguished panel will share their thoughts on what relationships add value, techniques for a successful pitch and what just drives them crazy! Today's changing media landscape provides increasing opportunities for both professionals and the media. Attend this session to learn how you can help your company emerge from the clutter and stand out as a journalist's dream.

10:25 - 11:25 AM

Using Vocus to Effectively Track Lobbying Initiatives

Mariko Bennett, CH2MHILL

Reaching out to many audiences for each issue and campaign can be difficult. Learn how Vocus can not only track an individual's activities but serve as a central repository of all the office lobbying activities. Hear how industry leaders use this information to quickly and easily create a clear and total picture of their efforts and its impact.

11:30 - 12:30 PM

Communicating with Legislators through Vocus

Jon Stewart, Kaiser Permanente
Patti Murphy, BNSF

With the recent changes to the methods and ways in which constituents are able to communicate with their legislators, tangible communication with legislators has become increasingly challenging. Learn how Kaiser Permanente uses Vocus GR software to effectively navigate the GR landscape and deliver their messages straight to Congress.

PAC Sessions, June 5

General Welcome Session Thursday, 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Vocus CEO Rick Rudman welcomes our attendees and shares his vision for how Vocus is evolving to meet the current challenges and future trends faced by PR, GR and PAC professionals. Experience the latest innovation that will enable your organization to "cut through the noise."

Keynote Presentation Thursday, 9:45 AM - 10:45 AM

Join Former White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan as he discusses the role of the media today. McClellan will examine how the race for the presidency is shaping up, the latest political, economic and global headlines that will influence it, and provide insight on the political strategies that could eventually lead to the White House. He will also address issues facing the media today as the current landscape evolves to include the new media to further campaign strategies.

Time/Event

Session Title

Description

11:00 - 12:00 PM

Overview of the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007: New Challenges and Strategies for GR and PAC Professionals

Michael Toner, Bryan Cave, LLP

How can you make sure your organization remains up-to-date on new House and Senate ethics and lobbying rules? Join our speaker, Michael Toner, to learn how to to satisfy compliance and documentation requirements and effectively address limitations.

1:00 - 2:00 PM

Using Vocus to Update PAC Candidate Support Strategies

Michael Moran, Credit Suisse

In an increasingly complex political landscape, PACs must do their homework when selecting how and where to distribute member contributions. Join our speakers to learn how Vocus can help your PAC research a candidate's voting record, committee involvement, legislative districts and more to ensure your message is heard and your cause is promoted.

2:10 - 3:10 PM

Working with your Membership to Increase your PAC through Vocus

Dan O'Brien, NATCA

How do you overcome complications and roadblocks when working to increase the impact of your Political Action Committee? Learn how to leverage Vocus PAC software to work with your members to increase your PAC's influence, efficiency and success. Join our speakers as they address developing general guidelines to permit rapid fund consideration and decision of contribution requests.

3:20 - 4:20 PM

Building a Successful PAC

Amy Kaloides, American Academy of Neurology

Courtney Watson, Raytheon Company

PACs are organized for the sole purpose of funding candidates or issues that are in need and generally representative of your organization's fundamental interests and platform. Learn how to use Vocus' PAC to successfully establish your PAC, create your PAC's website and target the appropriate legislators and representatives.

4:30 - 5:30 PM

Peer to Peer Fundraising with Vocus

Courtney Mattingly, Deloitte, LLP

David Schild, United Technologies Corporation

The constant, day-to-day objective of a PAC manager is to raise money to support candidates for public office. Every seminar, meeting and conference of PAC professionals seeks to discover what new trends are on the horizon, what other PACs are doing and how to collect those elusive dollars. There are many tools to raise money: direct mail, email, phone banks, fundraising events and more. While each varies in degrees of effectiveness, most will bring at least some new money into your organization. But this session will explore a better, more effective option: peer-to-peer solicitation.

PAC Sessions, June 6

Time/Event

Session Title

Description

9:00 - 10:15 AM

Journalist Panel: How to Build Effective Relationships with Journalists

What are the secrets to an effective, long-term relationship with journalists? Join leading journalists from print, broadcast and online media as they discuss the key elements of a pitch that will make you stand out from the crowd and get your company ink. Our distinguished panel will share their thoughts on what relationships add value, techniques for a successful pitch and what just drives them crazy! Today's changing media landscape provides increasing opportunities for both professionals and the media. Attend this session to learn how you can help your company emerge from the clutter and stand out as a journalist's dream.

10:25 - 11:25 AM

Achieving FEC Guidance and Compliance with Vocus

Wade Williams, PAC Outsourcing

The recently issued FEC guidance explains the importance of effective controls to protect against fraud and abuse and ensure accurate reporting. But what does that mean for PAC Managers? What changes might be required to ensure you are in compliance with the FEC's advice and guidance? Learn how the new guideline's impact on your PAC and how to effectively demonstrate to your PAC Treasurer and Board that you are in total control of your PAC.

11:30 - 12:30 PM

PAC Management & Fundraising with Vocus

Kassie Hilgert and Lynn Long, Air Products and Chemicals

Does your PAC need an Extreme Makeover or could it just use some new goals and benchmarks for success? Join us to learn how Vocus can help re-invent and re-invigorate your PAC to increase contributions and member engagement.