TODAY, PRFest, the world’s only festival dedicated to the public relations profession, has launched its first tranche of tickets, a brand new format and an international line-up for its event on Thursday, 18 June in Edinburgh. Public Relations and Communication Association (PRCA) has also confirmed its support.
Founder Laura Sutherland, a Chartered PR practitioner and crisis PR expert, from Glasgow, said: “I have spent time considering PRFest and what it means to those who come every year, from across the UK and beyond. I’ve also visited other events across the world in order to research content, format and best practice. I want to retain the intimacy of the event, but we need more conversation, sharing and action, underlining the value that public relations adds to organisations and this year, looking at purpose as our core theme.”
The first keynote announced is Alex Myers, 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’s session “Building a creative process fit for the purpose economy”, will be followed by a second international speaker, Mary Beth West, a senior strategist from Maryville, Tennessee, who will host a conversation about “Waging ethics battles for positive outcomes”, reinforcing the ethical role public relations has and should play within an organisation.
PRFest will also focus on PR professionals as individuals, introducing elements of the programme including wellbeing and personal finance. Further programme announcements will be published on www.prfest.co.uk on 13th March and 1st May, timed with next level tickets being released.
Francis Ingham, director general of long-time PRFest partner, PRCA, said: “We’re excited to support and come along to PRFest once again on 18th June in Edinburgh. 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 and beyond.”
Added benefits this year include a free PRFest headshot for all ticket buyers and a buddy system for people new to PRFest. The annual influencer dinner, a let-your-hair-down opportunity for speakers, sponsors and attendees, will take place on the evening of the event.
