As we head into June, and the official start of summer, there are many things going on at CPRS National that will interest our members.
Registration is now open for our virtual national conference. The results of a PR industry diversity & inclusion survey have been released. There is still time to nominate someone for a CPRS Major & Special Award. And a call for nominations to serve on our CPRS National Board will soon be issued.
Cultivate 2021, the CPRS Virtual National Conference, will be held from September 20-23. This year’s conference will once again be powered by Remo, which will allow delegates to connect and engage in a way that no Zoom or Teams meeting can.
Extra Early Bird rates are available until June 30. Both CPRS and Global Alliance members can register now to save $400 compared to the non-member regular rates! I am looking forward to seeing you virtually this September for the best in communications and PR professional development.
Earlier this week, the results of Canada’s PR industry first comprehensive diversity & inclusion survey were released. The survey indicated that while racial and gender diversity remains a serious challenge at the top of our industry, employers are making progress in creating more inclusive environments.
For many of us, it is about listening to the experiences and concerns raised by BIPoC professionals in our industry and creating a strategy for CPRS to support greater inclusion and belonging and better represent all professionals working in the field of communications and PR. Watch for an opportunity to learn more during a national webinar with our EDI Task Force on June 16.
Nominations for our CPRS Major and Special Awards are still being accepted. Presented annually to celebrate outstanding achievement and exceptional involvement by CPRS members, the deadline for submissions is June 15. It will be my honour to help present these awards in September.
And finally, a call for nominations to serve on the CPRS National Board will soon be issued. Have you ever thought about giving back to your professional association at the national level? From a personal perspective, I can tell you that my time on the National Board has been a great experience.
There is a lot of talent on the Board and these individuals care deeply about our profession. Our work plan to the end of the year continues to be focused on a membership strategy and the financial stability of CPRS. I would urge you to consider this opportunity and respond when the call comes.
According to the Farmers’ Almanac, summer official starts on Sunday, June 20, 11:32 pm ET. While I know some areas of our country are still being greatly affected by COVID-19, hopefully the roll-out of vaccines and the loosening of pandemic restrictions will bode well for summer activities with family and friends. #StaySafe
Wayne Knorr, APR
CPRS National President