According to the National Center for Charitable Statistics, Washington, D.C., is home to the highest concentration of nonprofit organizations in the country, even though they may provide little if any direct program service in the District of Columbia. In my curious state, I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s all about perception. If you’re a nonprofit organization based in the District of Columbia, it may not matter whether you have a physical address or just a P.O. box in the district.
This brings me to the location of this year’s PRSA International Conference: Powering PRogress being held here in Washington, D.C., Oct. 16–19. The perception may be that attending the Conference may be of benefit to certain segments of the public relations industry more than others. The reality of attending PRSA’s Conference is that it can provide everything from the basics to intricate case studies, whether you’re a newbie or a well-seasoned PR practitioner. For instance, I view the Conference general sessions as a means to think critically about what is being presented and to ask questions of the speakers or panelists, if needed. Overall, the Conference will feature a variety of strategies and ideas that I will either learn about or ones which will be refreshers.
Although the past few years have been perceived as challenging, PR’s best years have yet to come. Whether it’s the economy, climate change, education, transportation, health care, energy, sports and entertainment, or politics, the fact remains that these industries and others need a strong PR component today and into the future. I am confident that attending the PRSA 2010 International Conference will give attendees the edge needed to address those challenges.
As a participant on the host committee, I look forward to connecting with the best and brightest at the world’s premier PR conference as well as soaking in the latest and greatest strategies that will help me strengthen my PR skills. Not to mention that Washington, D.C., and the surrounding region also provide some awe-inspiring sights and sounds.
Is perception one of the keys to learning? Join me in Washington, D.C., at the PRSA 2010 International Conference and you decide.
Nicholas Ramfos, director, Commuter Connections, Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, a nonprofit organization located in Washington, D.C. He has been involved with public relations relating to commuter transportation and air quality programs for twenty-three years, primarily with Metropolitan Planning Organizations. He also has experience with media relations and corporate communications on the agency side. Connect with Nicholas at LinkedIn or on Twitter @NickRamfos.
Join Nicholas along with other members of the PRSA National Capital Chapter (PRSA-NCC) at the PRSA 2010 International Conference: Powering PRogress, Oct. 16–19 in Washington, D.C.!
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