Do you want to get the most from the 2019 NSPRA conference?
Looking for simple strategies to have a successful conference?
In this article, you’ll discover seven simple tips to get the most out of NSPRA 2019 in Washington D.C..
NSPRA is different for everyone, but I still feel there are simple things School PR Pros can do to get the most from the conference.
7 Tips for NSPRA 2019
Here are my seven tips to have a successful NSPRA 2019… DC Style!!!
1. Selfie Power
Before you do anything, you have to let everyone know you are there. When you land at the Airport or arrive in Washington D.C. in your car, take a moment to snap a pic, and then post it to your social media accounts.
I know “selfies” might be over-used, but do one anyway. Taking a picture of yourself lets everyone know that you are in the building. It also gives everyone an opportunity to put a face to your name.
Who knows? They might even recognize an article of clothing you are wearing in the pic and make an effort to say hello when you check in. Make sure to use the official NSPRA hashtag #NSPRA2019 for better exposure.
2. Challenge Yourself to Breakaway
Challenge yourself to breakaway from your tribe. There are so many great minds at this year’s conference; you need to challenge yourself to seek them. Talk to everyone. Make a connection each day of the conference.
Some of your best sessions will be the ones where you are sitting in the hotel lobby sipping on your Starbucks coffee. Make an effort to talk with a fellow School PR friend. Say hi to everyone.
3. Introduce Yourself to NSPRA Presenters
Make sure you approach presenters after their sessions. If you attend a session that really aligns with your district strategy, or you felt was just plain awesome, let the presenters know. They could have much more information after their session that they did not have time to go over in their allotted time.
Make a contact, and have them send you their slides or additional information that will help you implement their strategies into your new campaigns or strategies.
4. Elevate Your Social Media
To get the most out of your time at NSPRA 2019, you need to use social media as a networking strategy. Follow the important hashtags on Twitter: #schoolPR and #NSPRA2019. Interact with them as well.
Make sure to like NSPRA’s Facebook page and Twitter account. They will be posting valuable content from presenters and presentations. And most importantly, interact with your fellow conference goers. Learn from their insights.
Here are some other social media ideas you can do during the conference:
- Live Tweet a Presentation
- Facebook Live a Group Discussion
- Interview a School PR Professional
- Gather Your Colleagues for a Instagram Live Roundtable
- Follow Five Fellow PR Professionals a Day
5. Energize Yourself and Have Fun
It is amazing how “fun” can energize your spirit. Take advantage of the extracurricular activities in Washington D.C.. Many school communications companies are having parties. Find them. Have fun. Mingle with other School PR professionals.
Grab lunch or dinner with fellow conference goers. Make some friends and enjoy your time together.
6. Make it Your Conference
Make it a goal to “borrow” a strategy from each session you attend, and then make it your own. It is not stealing… it is creative peer collaboration. Find a golden nugget that will help you transform one of your district’s communication goals… and transform it from good to great.
7. Attend my Session
Alright… not really a tip… more like a shameless plug…
I will be presenting bright and early on Monday morning. My topic will be Using Strategic Marketing to Recruit Millennial Teachers to Your School District. We developed a successful campaign in CFBISD, and I would love to share our strategies.
Presentation Description for NSPRA 2019
Much of the teacher recruitment going forward will come from the millennial workforce, which is now the largest in the country. Districts need to be prepared for their presence and for recruiting from this talent pool.
Understanding millennials will make it easier to build a strategic plan to recruit these new teachers. Just showing up to job fairs is not enough. Districts need to take a new approach in planning and executing recruitment going forward. Come learn how CFBISD used dynamic marketing techniques to reach this unique generation and double our teacher applications.
- Date: Monday, July 15
- Time: 8 – 9 a.m.
- Location: Hampton Ballroom (Lobby Level–East)
- Type: Skill Session (one-hour breakout)
If you can’t make it to my session, please find me and say hi. I would love to talk shop or just talk. See you soon!
Conclusion
Now go forth and conquer Washington D.C. and NSPRA 2019! The power is in your hands. Make you school district proud!
Do you have additional tips you would like to share? Leave them in the comment section below
