Join us for a day of inspiration and learning at the 2024 FPRA Ocala Chapter’s COMMference!
This event is tailored for communicators, bringing together public relations professionals, marketers, videographers, and other communication experts.
Buy Your Tickets Now!
Key Highlights:
Keynote Speaker: Sarah Schreiber: Join us for an exclusive keynote session with Sarah Schreiber, the WWE community ambassador. Explore the world of communication through the lens of one of the most dynamic industries.
- Expert Speakers: Learn from experienced speakers who have excelled in their respective fields, sharing their knowledge and expertise.
- Insightful Sessions: Gain valuable insights into best practices and strategies to tackle communication challenges in today’s dynamic landscape.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded professionals and expand your network within the communication industry.
Presentation: “Know Your Audience” by Sarah Schreiber – World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), Community Ambassador, Host, and Ring Announcer
Description: Sarah will explore what she has learned over the last two decades working in television and film. She will discuss what she finds important for having a long, evolving career in media and the importance of understanding and identifying your audience.
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Presentation: “New Frontiers in Social Media Listening & Analytics” by Dr. Nathan Carpenter – University of Florida, Director of the Atlas Lab
Description: The social media ecosystem has become increasingly fragmented, and actionable data has become more difficult to obtain and analyze. In response, professionals need to reconsider how they integrate social media listening and research strategies into their routines. This presentation will highlight the most significant changes to the social media ecosystem and share accessible tools and strategies for navigating these changes.
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Presentation: “Why Ethics Matter in Public Relations” by Chris Gent, APR, CPRC – Georgia-Pacific LLC’s Head of Strategic Communications and Public Affairs
Description: No matter the industry or size, every organization has a digital media presence, and the faster and further the digital and social landscapes grow and evolve, the foggier ethical boundaries become. This session will discuss a PR professional’s role in current ethical hot topics in an organization’s digital and social media approaches, including data-mining, photo editing, AI, and more.
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Presentation: “Polarization & Communication: The Impact of Social Media” by Dr. Myiah Hutchens – University of Florida, Associate Professor and Chair of the Public Relations Department
Description: The rise of affective polarization – the increased gap between how we view our own political party and the “other” party – is well documented; however, the impact of our communication habits on affective polarization is less well understood. This session will present research on the state of the research examining this relationship, with particular attention to our social media habits.
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Presentation: “Nobody Cares How Much You Know Until They Know How Much You Care” by Meghan Magamoll – Public Education Foundation of Marion County (PEFMC), Executive Director
Description: In today’s world, effective communication goes beyond just sharing information. It’s about building meaningful connections and relationships with your audience. This session will explore the crucial role of empathy and authenticity in networking and community engagement, especially in the context of non-profit organizations. Learn practical strategies to enhance your communication skills and make a lasting impact on your organization’s outreach efforts.
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Presentation: “Trends in Social Media” by Dr. Andrew Selepak – University of Florida, Instructional Assistant Professor & Program Coordinator for the Master’s in Mass Communication in Social Media
Description: The world of social media is complex and constantly changing. Advances in AI, VR, AR, and MR will change the future of all human communication. And while we don’t know what the future holds, we can make some pretty good guesses. So, let’s dive into what we know and what we think will happen next.
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Presentation: “From Preparedness to Response: The Critical Role of Planning in Crisis Communications” by Samantha Senger, APR, CPRC – City of Cocoa, Director of Communications and Economic Development
Description: Drawing from real-world experiences of disaster activations, deployments, and long-term reputation crisis situations, we will explore the challenges faced and lessons learned. This presentation will emphasize the importance of proactive planning, including developing communication strategies, establishing protocols, and building relationships with stakeholders.
Itinerary:
| TIME | EVENT | LOCATION |
| 8 – 8:45 a.m. | Doors Open – Breakfast provided by Symmetry Coffee and Crepes | CF Klein Center |
| 8:45 – 9 a.m. | Introduction and Welcome | CF Klein Center |
| 9 – 10 a.m. | “Polarization and Communication: The Impact of Social Media” by Dr. Myiah Hutchens | CF Klein Center |
| 10:10 – 11:10 a.m. | Breakout A: “New Frontiers in Social Media Listening and Analytics” by Dr. Nathan Carpenter | CF Klein Center |
| Breakout B: “Why Ethics Matter in Public Relations” by Chris Gent, APR, CPRC | CF Classroom | |
| 11:10 – 11:30 a.m. | BREAK | |
| 11:30 a.m. – Noon | Lunch prepared by Mojos | CF Klein Center |
| 12:05 – 1:05 p.m. | “Knowing Your Audience” by Sarah Schreiber | CF Klein Center |
| 1:15 – 2:15 p.m. | Breakout A: “Nobody Cares How Much You Know Until They Know How Much You Care” by Meghan Magamoll | CF Klein Center |
| Breakout B: “Trends in Social Media” by Dr. Andrew Selepak | CF Classroom |
| 2:15 – 2:35 p.m. | BREAK | |
| 2:35 – 3:35 p.m. | “From Preparedness to Response: The Critical Role of Planning in Crisis Communications” by Samantha Senger, APR, CPRC | CF Klein Center |
| 3:35 – 4 p.m. | Closing Remarks | CF Klein Center |