A Report from the October Professional Development Luncheon
by Monica Cuevas
The Nov.
1 PRSA luncheon, “Halloween Horror Stories: Real-Life Communication Mishaps”
was a delightful and entertaining experience. Throughout my coursework at UTSA
and during my internship, I have listened to several lectures on steps to take
when faced with a crisis. Listening to the real life stories of PR
professionals who have experienced hairy situations and how they were able to
turn them around offered wonderful examples of how to apply these lessons.
I particularly
enjoyed the story by Dee Dee Poteete, director of communications for the San
Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau, where her team found themselves with no
light just before midnight as Anderson Cooper was about to go on air to feature
a San Antonio New Year’s celebration. As hearts where pounding, her team
thought quickly to come up with a solution. The team spotted a neighboring
party and reached out to them for help connecting to an electrical outlet. Cords
were thrown over a balcony and seconds before airtime lights illuminated
Cooper. Poteete’s story, as well as the many others told, shows how PR
professionals must be flexible to unexpected situations that occur even when
planning is well laid out.
Leaving
the luncheon I felt a sense of excitement knowing I would soon encounter the
challenge of experiences just like Poteete’s. Encouraged by the Halloween
spirit, the corners of my mouth perked up into a giant grin. As I walked out, I
couldn’t help but envision my opportunity to play PR superhero rescuing those
in need, if even for just a moment.
1 comment:
the many others told, shows how PR professionals must be flexible to unexpected situations that occur even when planning is well laid out.
Public Relations
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