On Tuesday, Feb. 26, public relations professionals and students gathered for a night of lively discussion and networking at leading public relations firm, Burson-Marsteller, where attendees were engrossed in the glamorous yet challenging world of entertainment public relations.
Vanessa Edwards-El, the event’s moderator, started the event with a short networking session where attendees had the opportunity to meet other professionals within the industry. Afterward, attendees gathered to learn the ins and outs of celebrity public relations. Topics included defining the never-ending role of an entertainment publicist; “The Good, the Bad & the Ugly of Working in Entertainment PR,” presented by Michelle Huff; and the “5 Principles of Effective Social Media Engagement” presented by Shante Bacon. These informative presentations were followed by a panel discussion that gave members valuable insight, wisdom and advice. During the panel discussion, Simone Smalls shared insight into how to land your first celebrity client and Tanya Hayre, media relations specialist, addressed the techniques and challenges of pitching to the media.
“I enjoyed speaking at the PR Boot Camp about my experience in public relations and the entertainment industry. When I was in college, there were not many resources to gain in-depth information about the industry. The Black Public Relations Society-NY is providing students and people interested in public relations this jewel of an opportunity,” stated Michelle Huff, Huff Events & PR.
“So honored. I just came to learn but BPRS-NY asked me to speak. Knowledge is free. If you’ve ever dreamed of doing PR, branding [or] marketing you needed to be here …” stated Frank Ski, motivational speaker and former host of top-rated morning show at Atlanta-based radio station, V-103 (CBS affiliate).
“We are so honored that our informative events are so coveted that students from Delaware State University traveled over 3 hours to attend our Entertainment PR Boot Camp. It is my goal, as president, to provide resources for career advancement, inspire entrepreneurship and maintain a solid reputation for securing prominent guest speakers who are leaders in their industry. The information, exposure and insight that our members receive is priceless,” said Kisha Barton, president of BPRS-NY.
