My Perspective: First Time at the FPRA PR & Comms Summit
“Arriving at the Grand Hyatt in Tampa after driving through the rain of Tropical Storm Debby, my nerves were high. The drive to the FPRA PR & Comms Summit had been a challenging one, but the moment I stepped into the lobby and received my room key from the front desk, I felt relieved. Thanks to the Capital Chapter (Cap Chap), the process was smooth, with my room booked in advance and welcoming text messages to ensure I had arrived safely. I settled into my room and prepared for the welcome reception.
I could hear the buzz of conversations from the Skylark and Terrace. The ocean view outside the window was breathtaking, and upon entering the room, I saw a sea of people enjoying themselves. To my surprise, FPRA President Wendy Wacker, APR, CPRC, recognized me from a previous Cap Chap Mixer and greeted me warmly just before addressing the crowd. It was a wonderful start to the evening.
I quickly found familiar faces and watched how they made conversation. I then began navigating the room and making new connections. The networking opportunities were incredible, and I was pleased to run into many of these new acquaintances throughout the summit.
The next morning, before the first speaker took the stage, I was already overwhelmed with pride for being part of this organization. Wendy’s annual report, though filled with details I didn’t fully understand, showcased the growth and impact of the FPRA. Seeing my coworker, Lexie Savedge, APR, recognized for her accreditation was particularly inspiring. Her achievement fueled my own ambition to earn my APR accreditation and join her on that stage one day.
The keynote speakers were awesome. Jacquee Wahler, MBA, Miri Rodriguez, and Lauren Woulard were among my favorites, each leaving a lasting impression with their insights. The breakout sessions were equally enlightening. I met a lot of the professionals who presented throughout the event. I sometimes didn’t even know they were presenters until I connected with them on LinkedIn Their humility and eagerness to share their expertise was amazing.
The food throughout the summit was nothing short of fantastic. The steak served at the award ceremony was my favorite, and I savored every bite. FPRA has this tradition where a fancy chocolate dish is served. Though I’ve never been a fan chocolate, April Salter, founder of the agency where I’m interning, lead me to try it. I gave it a try and was surprised by how much I enjoyed it.
The Golden Image Awards ceremony was a highlight of the summit. I nearly lost my voice for the Cap Chap winners, feeling a sense of pride and excitement as I saw everyone dressed so elegantly.
As I drove home, I reflected on the connections I’d made, the valuable lessons learned, and the innovative thinking required to excel in public relations and communications. This trip was an incredible opportunity, and I’m eager to become more involved with FPRA moving forward.”
Author
Jarvis Coleman is a student at Florida A&M University and the recipient of the FPRA Capital Chapter Student Scholarship.