Tuesday, May 20

(Times and sessions subject to change)

8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Registration at the Naples Grande Beach Resort

8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Sponsor Hall

8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Networking Opportunity Roundtables

Click here for detailed descriptions.

Sponsored by:

10:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Keynote Panel

"Marketing Challenges in Changing Times: Making Brands Stand Out"

Moderator: Peter Krivkovich

Panelists: Bruce Himelstein, senior vice president of sales and marketing, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company LLC; Mark McCleary, vice president of marketing, Life Fitness; Nancy Weber, chief marketing officer, Meredith Corporation
 

Peter Krivkovich is president and chief executive officer of Cramer-Krasselt, the third largest independent advertising agency in the U.S., and its integrated public relations arm, CKPR, one of the nation’s largest independent public relations firms. Mr. Krivkovich serves on the board of the American Association of Advertising Agencies and was recently tapped for AdvertisingAge’s “10 Who Made Their Mark.” C-K is the only agency to win advertising’s top prize, the Effie Award, and public relations’ top recognition, the PRSA Silver Anvil, in the same year.

With consumers grabbing control of the brand relationship, chief marketing officers are under increasing pressure to find new ways to build brand loyalty and drive sales … fast. It’s no longer acceptable for public relations, advertising and interactive teams to operate in separate silos. Today’s CMO requires an unprecedented level of integrated teamwork to ensure brand goals are met. Mr. Krivkovich will lead a panel of CMOs from today’s hottest brands all of whom are in a real-time race to anticipate and adapt to ever-changing consumer demands.

Sponsored by:

11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Breakout Set I

Graduate-Level Social Media

Josh R. Hallett, new media strategist, Voce Communications

Social media is a hot topic in public relations; many agencies are still behind the curve while others are just getting their feet wet. The big question among agency owners and executives is, “How do we make money with social media?” Whether they are stand-alone projects or integrated into traditional communications programs, social media can be a tremendous profit center. In this session, you’ll learn how some agencies have successfully turned the corner with social media.

Small Is the New Big: Turning Your Firm's Size Into a Competitive Advantage

Jason Anthoine, APR, president, The Cohesion Group

Feel like a small fish in a big pond? Wonder how you can compete with the intergalactic firms who have tons of staff and bags of money? You don't have to BE bigger to be a tough competitor, you just have to ACT and FEEL bigger. The presenter will review tools, gadgets and resources that can give your practice a competitive edge. Whether you operate a small firm or are a solo counselor, you'll learn practical tips and hear easy-to-implement advice on how you can turn your firm's size into a competitive advantage.

PR Leading the Branding Process

Moderator: Matthew J. Kucharski, APR, senior vice president, Padilla Speer Beardsley

Rick Miller, APR, president, Northlich

Roger M. Friedensen, APR, vice president, The Catevo Group

As marketers continue to recognize the value of relationship marketing, and advertising agencies and design firms realize that branding is more than flashy graphics and catchy phrases, the role of public relations in brand strategy is gaining importance. This panel of professionals will discuss how and why public relations professionals and their agencies can take a more active role — and even lead — development of the corporate brand.

1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.

Networking Lunch

Enjoy a relaxing lunch on the Naples Grande private beach.

Sponsored by:

2:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.

Breakout Set II

Managing to Profit

Darryl Salerno, president, Second Quadrant Solutions

Do you struggle maintaining an acceptable margin? Are you unable to pay yourself a salary commensurate with your effort? These problems are not insurmountable. This session provides an overview of the primary factors that influence profitability and examines several key processes you can implement to get a handle on your margins. If you are not performing at least at the industry average for profit, you must attend this session.


Book Club

Moderator: Elise Mitchell, APR, Fellow PRSA, president, Mitchell Communications Group

Panelists: Roy Reid, APR, partner/vice president, Consensus Communications, Inc.; Lisa Simon, president, Simon Public Relations Group, Inc.; Jason Anthoine, APR, president, The Cohesion Group and Monty Hagler, APR, president, RLF Communications

Some of our best thinking as counselors often comes from an idea we got while reading — or listening to — a great book. But who has the time to digest all the best-sellers on your MP3 player or office bookshelf now? Look out, Oprah. Welcome to the CA Book Club, a new Conference offering featuring several of your fellow counselors who are sure to help jump-start your brain and your business mindset with detailed summaries of hot new books as well as tried-and-true favorites. Attendees will also have a chance to share the titles of their latest and greatest read.

7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Closing Night Reception

Celebrate a successful Conference with poolside drinks, music and more networking, while soaking in beautiful views of the Naples Grande property and the Gulf of Mexico.