PRFest 2020 launches with a new format, PRCA sponsors for the fifth year, plus Alex Myers announced

PRFest 2020 launches with a new format, more focus on individuals and PRCA sponsors for the fifth year plus Manifest’s Alex Myers announced as a keynote

 

Today, PRFest’s first tranche of tickets, “Super Organised People” tickets (£105*), go on sale for those who want to swoop a sizeable discount and I’m excited (and a bit nervous) to announce the brand new format.

 

I have spent some time considering PRFest and what it means to those who come every year from across the UK and beyond. I want to retain the intimacy of the event, but I think we all agree we want more conversation – it’s time for participation and an evolution.

This year, as you know the theme is Purpose Over Profit. There will be a keynote speaker in the morning and one in the afternoon, but the rest of the day is broken into conversations and attendees can choose what they want to attend. The content all relates back to purpose and it’s up to attendees to draw their own conclusions and take away actions. I want the PRFest community to leave feeling a sense of their own purpose and worth as well as having the confidence to hold conversations about purpose in the boardroom and be the strategic advisor we know we are capable of.

The conversations will be hosted by ‘conversation hosts’ who are an expert in their subject and they will lead the conversation by their experience and examples. They will actively discuss the subject with their group and attendees will share their experiences, ask questions, debate and develop their own thinking in that area.

Keynote speaker

The first keynote I’m announcing is Alex Myers, who is Founder and CEO of Manifest, an independent brand communications agency with offices in London, New York, Stockholm and Manchester. As well as coordinating Manifest’s operational growth, Alex has led creative communications strategies for brands as diverse as Virgin, BrewDog, Samsung and Help for Refugees.

Alex will talk about “Building a creative process fit for the purpose economy”, which he will detail Manifest’s process for working with clients and ensuring purpose is at the heart of the strategy.

Alex Myers, Manifest

Meaningful conversations

As I mentioned in the title, I want PRFest to focus on PR professionals as individuals, as much as we work in the PR and communication industry, we are all people at the end of the day, most likely with the same challenges. So, I have introduced elements of the conversations which cover parts of how we live, too.

Conversations announced today include:

  • Waging ethics battles for positive outcomes – with Mary Beth West MPRCA and senior strategist

  • How can PR influence organisations and their sustainability plans? – with Will Saunders, designer and creative consultant at Good Will Studios

  • Three is the magic number – How to manage your time more effectively so you can be successful in life – with Sarah Lloyd, mindful coach (and former PR professional)

Mary Beth West MPRCA

More conversations will be released on 13 March when the “Organised People” tickets go on sale.

When I asked PRCA’s director general, Francis Ingham, about the decision to once again support PRFest he said:

“We’re excited to return to Edinburgh for PRFest in June. The event offers a fresh approach to out-of-office learning and has a richly deserved reputation for sharing intelligent thinking on the latest PR trends.

“PRFest offers communication professionals the perfect opportunity to get away from London and other cities, and network with colleagues from across the UK.”

All that’s left for me to add is that I am so looking forward to getting your feedback on the programme, helping you book your special place and to meeting you in June!!

 

Quick links:

 

Tickets here.

Programme so far here.

Speakers biogs here.

 

Notes:

*Ticket prices don’t include VAT or booking fee.

Super Organised People tickets end on 13 March at 7pm (£105*)

Organised People tickets go on sale on 13 March at 7.01pm and end 1 May, 00.30 (£120*)

Typical PR People tickets go on sale 00.31 on 1 May and end 12 June at 5pm (£145*)