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Three Ideas for Getting the Most Out of the PRSA in 2019 On June 2, 2015, I emailed the Pikes Peak PRSA for the first time: “I just joined the PRSA Pikes Peak chapter and am planning on attending the lunch on Thursday. Do you have any advice for a first-time attender of a PRSA event?” I don’t remember exactly what advice JP Arnold, then the vice-president/programs chair, offered, but it must have been good! Attending my first PRSA luncheon was the first step in becoming involved with a group of people I’m extremely grateful for. Over the past three-and-a-half years, I’ve made friends, gained opportunities and received education and training that I’d never have gotten without the PRSA. As I begin my term as president, I’ve given some thought to how I’d answer an email like the one I sent in 2015. Here’s my advice for anyone considering attending an event for the first time or wanting to connect to the chapter more deeply in 2019. 1) Attend an event. And then another one. And another one after that. I remember how it felt in June 2015 to walk in to my first luncheon with a notebook, a handful of business cards, and a sense that there was still time to abandon the plan and go have lunch at Chipotle by myself. I got out of my comfort zone, met several people and enjoyed the luncheon. But to really feel connected, there’s no substitute for persistence. Just keep showing up. I’ll put in a plug for starting now – RSVP for our January 16 luncheon where the UCCS Communication Department's Laura Austin Eurich will give you insights on what PR and communications students are learning and explain how you can best relate to the next generation of PR professionals in the workplace. And if it’s your first time attending, I look forward to meeting you! 2) Be curious. Ask questions. With more than 70 PRSA members in our region, we can be incredible resources for one another. I’m a firm believer that asking good questions of the right people powerfully unlocks potential. We’re all facing public relations opportunities and challenges in our organizations, and it’s very likely that someone in the chapter has experienced something similar and has ideas to share. We’re planning morning coffees and evening happy hours in addition to our luncheons in 2019 – all perfect chances to ask questions and gain wisdom from your PRSA colleagues. 3) Share your time and talents with us! For me, joining the board in 2017 deepened my connection with the PRSA and strengthened my relationships with others in the chapter, but there are other ways to become involved. We’re already looking for volunteers to assist in planning our annual workshop in October – please let me know if you’re interested in pitching in! Welcome from the Entire 2019 Board! With that, I want to introduce you to the 2019 Pikes Peak PRSA Board of Directors. We’re here to bring value to the Pikes Peak PR community and look forward to carrying on the strong legacy built by Immediate Past President Christy McGee and those who served before her. And with Allison Cortez as president-elect and Andy Sinclair as vice-president, the chapter’s future is in good hands for years to come. If you have any questions or ideas to share, I’d love to hear from you. You can reach me by emailing [email protected] or calling or texting 719-238-3018. May 2019 be the year you decide to go deeper with the PRSA! Andrew Andrew Montgomery, APR President Pikes Peak PRSA Chapter
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