Guest Post: How to Survive PRSSA National Conference

Image via PRSSA 

With the 2014 PRSSA National Conference behind us, our Regional Conference Coordinator Katelyn Pecorelli has a few tips to offer for anyone attending next year:

• Go in with an open mind: I went by myself, so I had to make friends, but even if you go with others from your school talk to everyone. These were some of the nicest people I have ever met and talking PR with other people that were as passionate about PR was incredible. 
• Prepare something for roll call: It may seem scary especially if you are on your own, but I wish I had more time to prepare and had actually done something, because some schools were very creative with it. 
• Don’t be afraid: Talk to everyone, including the professionals. They are there for us to learn from and want to hear our opinions. 
• Do as much as you can: There are so many experiences at National Conference and so much to learn, try to take it all in.
• Talk to everyone: Especially on your own you may be shy, but talking PR with other people that are as passionate as you is incredible. 
• Don’t sleep in: You will be tired and you will want to skip some speakers or opening. Don't. It is worth it to go and you or your school is paying for you to be there, make the most of it. 
• Go out and have fun: Again, you will be tired, but going out with new friends helps to solidify the relationships you built. 
• Keep in touch: It may seem as if you will only know the people you meet for the next few days, but it is completely possible and reasonable to keep in touch with them for extended periods of time. The more connections you have the more opportunities, especially if they are spread out across the country.

Special thanks to Katelyn Pecorelli for sharing her advice!