PR Users Conference Sessions; Thursday, June 4

7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Breakfast and Registration

9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Opening General Session
Rick Rudman, Vocus CEO

To kick off the conference, please join Vocus’ CEO, Rick Rudman, for a brief overview of the conference as well as a look into Vocus and its game-changing software.

9:45 AM – 10:45 AM
The Art of the Possible: Online Branding Strategies and Tactics
David Plouffe, Campaign Manager, Obama for America

In early 2007, few people thought Senator Obama had a chance of being elected president. But Obama’s leadership team, with David Plouffe at the helm, developed an extraordinary strategy to create a world-class online community. Don’t miss your opportunity to hear from the mastermind behind the Obama campaign.

Time/Event

Session Title

Description

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Putting the Public Back in Public Relations

Brian Solis, Author and Principal, FutureWorks; Deirdre Breakenridge, Author and President, PFS Marketwyse

Join Brian Solis and Deirdre Breakenridge to discuss tips from their new book, “Putting the Public Back in Public Relations.” Learn new ways to build the relationships that matter and reach a new generation of influencers using platforms from Twitter to Facebook.

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Learn to Tweet — How to Engage and When: A Panel Discussion on Twitter

Shonali Burke, Shonali Burke Consulting; Christie Day, Southwest Airlines and Nicole Nolte, Welz and Weisel

Confused about Twitter? Join our panel of experts to learn how to Tweet like a pro! Get expert advice on how to build up your following, engage with your peers and leverage this exciting new platform.

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

The Changing Online Press Release

Ed Adams, E.I. duPont de Nemours and Company, Inc.

Has your company made the change to online press release distribution? Although online distribution is a cost-effective strategy for driving sales and media coverage, breaking with tradition is never easy. Join this session to discover ways to sell your boss on the online press release and start taking advantage of the Internet to tell your story!

2:10 PM - 3:10 PM

Maximizing the Value of Your News: From Twitter to Google

Sandra Fathi, Affect Strategies

Every day, key influencers search for your news online. Combining traditional and new outreach methods, you can extend the reach of your message to an even broader audience. Join this session to discuss how to maximize the value of your news and the dollars you put behind it.

2:10 PM - 3:10 PM

Integrated Media Measurement



Scott Krugman, National Retail Federation

How do you measure your company’s complete media footprint – both on and offline? Monitoring all news sources to gain a complete understanding of your corporate reputation requires an integrated approach. Join this session to discover how to use your traditional and social media coverage to understand your company’s place in the industry.

2:10 PM - 3:10 PM

Maintaining a Global Communications Strategy

Rebecca Zulka, Qualcomm

With offices and team members around the world, many companies need a way to stay in step with international colleagues. 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 create a global communications strategy to keep everyone on the same page.

Monitoring Social Media: From Twitter to Facebook

Looking for a way to not only monitor but understand your online brand? Join this session to hear how Vocus can help you keep track of your online reputation and strengthen your online strategy.

3:20 PM - 4:20 PM

Integrated Approach to PR and Emerging Media

Ashley Pettit and Christi Day, Southwest Airlines

How do you focus on online, blogger and multimedia communications without sacrificing your traditional media tactics? Join this session to find out how one major brand was able to use Vocus to stay relevant with targeted media and blogger outreach, stay organized using the Projects function, and most importantly, measure success for their integrated campaigns.

3:20 PM - 4:20 PM

The Full PR Cycle

Heidi Mock, Time Warner Cable

Distributing, monitoring and analyzing your campaigns provide the foundation of your PR efforts. Join this session to hear how Vocus helped one company with each step of the process and measured their results to provide the data they needed to raise their success.

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Blogger Relations Panel

Aaron Brazell, Technosailor; Geoff Livingston, Buzz Bin Blog

Trying to navigate the new media landscape and understand the tactics and approaches to engage? 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

Bringing Your Company into the 21st Century

Fred Sitter and Tara Terbrack, Duro-Last Roofing, Inc.

Is your company using old school PR tactics in a multimedia world? Discover how one company was able to revamp its PR efforts to incorporate SEO, multimedia and new media technologies to drive their successful PR efforts into today’s world.

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Networking Cocktail Reception

Join Vocus for an evening of conversation, cocktails and music. Mingle with hundreds of PR, GR and PAC professionals to share best practices and build lasting professional relationships.

PR Users Conference Sessions; Friday, June 5

Time/Event

Session Title

Description

7:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Breakfast

9:00 AM - 10:15 AM

Journalist Panel: How to Approach the Media

Want to know the right way to engage your targeted journalists? Join our expert panel to hear how to ensure your pitching success directly from leading traditional journalists.

10:25 AM - 11:25 AM

Localizing Your Traditional and Social Media Strategy for PR Success

Dana Griffin, March of Dimes

Looking to create a successful strategy that leverages both social networking and traditional PR channels? Find out how one company was able to successfully generate public awareness and coverage of its national campaign through a customized local approach.

10:25 AM - 11:25 AM

Maintaining PR Excellence with Shrinking Budgets

Michael Hemmesch, Saint John’s University

Struggling to meet all your PR demands with shrinking budgets and limited staff? Learn how Vocus can automate many everyday tasks and give you more time to effectively build relationships with journalists and secure media coverage for your organization.

10:25 AM - 11:25 AM

Avoiding the Bad Pitch Blog

Richard Laermer, CEO of RLM PR, Co-manager, BadPitchBlog!, writer. Laermer.com and author of Full Frontal PR, Punk Marketing, 2011 and Trendspotting

With PR spam at an all time high and bad pitches appearing online, join the Bad Pitch Blog’s Richard Laermer to hear how to keep your pitches on target and off his site. Laermer will offer tips and advice on how to maintain and build strong relationships through carefully crafted pitches that are both spot on and unforgettable.

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

How to Build a Social Media Release

Brian Solis, FutureWorks

Through online distribution services and social media, press releases have become more powerful than ever. As PR professionals, you need to make sure you are getting the most out of your release. Learn important elements, evolution and distribution channels to create a news release that will help you engage with social media targets. Led by Brian Solis, this interactive session will teach you to adjust your skills for the new world of PR.

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Vocus Product Roadmap

Kye Strance, Vocus

As the industry changes, so does Vocus. Join our Director of Product Management to hear how Vocus’ latest innovations are keeping you one step ahead of the PR industry and one step ahead of the game!

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Measurement Made Simple

Christie Itzin and Catherine Schultz, Metavante

Creating one simple measurement process across your organization can be challenging. Join us to learn how to use Vocus to create a standardized process to measure tone, message and prominence and share the impact of your PR efforts with every department.

GR Users Conference Sessions; Thursday, June 4

7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Breakfast and Registration

9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Opening General Session
Rick Rudman, Vocus CEO

To kick off the conference, please join Vocus’ CEO, Rick Rudman, for a brief overview of the conference as well as a look into Vocus and its game-changing software.

9:45 AM – 10:45 AM
The Art of the Possible: Online Branding Strategies and Tactics
David Plouffe, Campaign Manager, Obama for America

In early 2007, few people thought Senator Obama had a chance of being elected president. But Obama’s leadership team, with David Plouffe at the helm, developed an extraordinary strategy to create a world-class online community. Don’t miss your opportunity to hear from the mastermind behind the Obama campaign.

Time/Event

Session Title

Description

11:00 - 12:00 PM

Direct Lobbying, Political Fundraising & Constituent Mobilization Using Technology (Joint GR / PAC Session)

J.C. Watts, Former Congressman and Holly Pitt Young, J.C. Watts Partners

A one-party rule of government means it is no longer enough to lobby only. This session will discuss ways to effectively communicate with legislators through a campaign approach using all available technologies.

1:00 - 2:00 PM

Using Vocus to Manage Your Key Contacts Program (GR Session)

Emily Gonce and Mike Yuan, New York Life Insurance Company

Want to enhance your grassroots program? Attend this session to learn how to use Vocus to find key contacts based on rank and relationship with Members of Congress, track and report on contact participation in activities and more.

2:10 PM - 3:10PM

New Tools for Driving Constituents to Your Website (GR Session)

Jay Hansen, Hotmix National Asphalt Pavement Association

New tools such as video and blog-style entries not only drive traffic to your website, but also help keep it coming back. Discover unique methods to communicate and educate your constituency that will bring them back for more.

3:20 PM – 4:20 PM

Creating a Successful Internal GR Program (GR Session)

Linda Ryan, Johnson & Johnson

Putting together a sustainable GR program means fostering interest, gathering staff and preparing for your annual fly-ins. So how do you get started? Join this session to discuss how to leverage Vocus GR software to accurately and efficiently manage your program, keep your volunteers engaged and committed to your cause and get your program up and running.

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Communicating with Congress (GR Session)

Tim Hysom, Congressional Management Foundation

Hear the new rules for “Communicating with Congress” from author Tim Hysom. With the increasing volume of communications to legislators, messages are getting diluted. Join this session to get tips and suggestions to implement processes that ensure your messages are well received on the Hill.

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Networking Cocktail Reception

Join Vocus for an evening of conversation, cocktails and music. Mingle with hundreds of PR, GR and PAC professionals to share best practices and build lasting professional relationships.

GR Users Conference Sessions; Friday, June 5

Time/Event

Session Title

Description

7:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Breakfast

9:00 AM - 10:15 AM

Social Media Panel
(Joint GR/PAC Session)

Would you like to generate attention and gain support for your issues through your favorite blog, but are unsure about how to reach out to that individual? Join a panel of bloggers to hear how you can get your issue on their radar and engage in this new media landscape.

10:25 AM – 11:25 AM

Beyond Traditional Advocacy (GR Session)

Rikki Amos, Public Affairs Council

In this session, you will learn how to go beyond the traditional methods of Grassroots advocacy and incorporate new techniques for today’s world. Get tips and suggestions for using volunteerism, charitable contributions and other political assets to increase your presence and recognition in Legislators’ districts.

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Socialize Your Key Issues and Raise Awareness (GR Session)

Want to break through to bloggers who can create awareness and support for your issues? Join this session to discover how to turn your existing marketing content into social media advocacy efforts and secure your space in the blogosphere. Leverage today’s technology to get the attention your campaign deserves.

PAC Users Conference Sessions; Thursday, June 4

7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Breakfast and Registration

9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Opening General Session
Rick Rudman, Vocus CEO

To kick off the conference, please join Vocus’ CEO, Rick Rudman, for a brief overview of the conference as well as a look into Vocus and its game-changing software.

9:45 AM – 10:45 AM
The Art of the Possible: Online Branding Strategies and Tactics
David Plouffe, Campaign Manager, Obama for America

In early 2007, few people thought Senator Obama had a chance of being elected president. But Obama’s leadership team, with David Plouffe at the helm, developed an extraordinary strategy to create a world-class online community. Don’t miss your opportunity to hear from the mastermind behind the Obama campaign.

Time/Event

Session Title

Description

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Direct Lobbying, Political Fundraising & Constituent Mobilization Using Technology (Joint GR / PAC Session)

J.C. Watts, Former Congressman and Holly Pitt Young, J.C. Watts Partners

A one-party rule of government means it is no longer enough to lobby only. This session will discuss ways to effectively communicate with legislators through a campaign approach using all available technologies.

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Maintaining PAC Success in Challenging Times (PAC Session)

Sheena Franklin, Grant Thornton LLP; Natalie Thomas, National Marine Manufacturers Association

Through tough times, layoffs and furloughs, it is very difficult to keep PAC receipts coming in. Today’s economy presents new challenges for PAC managers to maintain participation rates, fundraising receipts and get the most out of candidate contributions. Learn how to set up and expand fundraising, involvement activities and manage candidate contributions all while entertaining PAC members to prove their dollars count.

2:10 PM - 3:10 PM

PAC Websites: From Start to Finish (PAC Session)

Meaghan Killion Joyce, International Paper; David Schild, United Technologies

Attend this session to get real-world best practices and insight to create an effective PAC website from start to finish.

3:20 PM - 4:20 PM

Peer-to-Peer PAC Building (PAC Session)

Anne Devlin, Abbott Laboratories

In these tough times it is rare to bring in more than 800 new PAC members in a year. Join this session to hear how one organization used “Peer-to-Peer” PAC building to buck the trend and do just that.

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Benefits of Integrating Lobbying & PAC Programs (PAC Session)

Melissa Froehlich, Marriott

Learn the secret to successfully integrating lobbying and PAC programs and prioritizing the demands.

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Networking Cocktail Reception

Join Vocus for an evening of conversation, cocktails and music. Mingle with hundreds of PR, GR and PAC professionals to share best practices and build lasting professional relationships.

PAC Users Conference Sessions; Friday, June 5

Time/Event

Session Title

Description

7:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Breakfast

9:00 AM - 10:15 AM

Social Media Panel
(Joint GR/PAC Session)

Would you like to generate attention and gain support for your issues through your favorite blog, but are unsure about how to reach out to that individual? Join a panel of bloggers to hear how you can get your issue on their radar and engage in this new media landscape.

10:25 AM - 11:25 AM

PAC Benchmarking (PAC Session)

Breanna Olsen, Public Affairs Council; Mariko Bennett, CH2M Hill

How do you leverage your existing PAC base to gear up for the next cycle? Attend this session to get tips on how to keep interest and funding at a competitive level for your PAC.

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

New Techniques for Best-in-Class PAC Management (PAC Session)

Wade Williams, PAC Outsourcing LLC

Expectations of what PAC managers do vary widely. Receive valuable insight about the role and responsibilities associated with running a “regulated” entity and tips on how to shape your career in this important field.