UCI Extension hosts 'Public Relations Education Planning Session'

Submitted by Dannielle Padilla

WHAT:  Many industries have seen a decline in revenues due to the economic downturn, particularly advertising and marketing. These two industries tend to be long, project-based and can be costly. On the flip side, the public relations industry has seen a large upward shift in revenues. Many companies are realizing that even though they can cut their advertising budgets, it is wise to keep PR, because good PR equals good business. A recent survey conducted by the Council of Public Relations Firms found that 80 percent of the participating firms were hiring and in response to this growing industry, UC Irvine Extension has developed a Webinar to educate everyone from entry level enthusiasts to seasoned PR professionals about the most current industry trends and strategies.

Experts in PR and communications will provide participants with tools, tips and insight into the most happening trends in the industry. Contributors to the free one-hour online Webinar titled, “Public Relations Education Planning Session” are top industry PR practitioners who will discuss tactics that have fueled industry growth and projections about what lies ahead.

Why: The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the public relations industry today, as measured by employees, is 55 percent larger than in 1990. The U.S. Department of Labor stated that employment in the public relations field is expected to increase faster than average through 2012. According to The New York Times, consumers have grown more skeptical about traditional advertising. However public relations editorial publicity is viewed as a cost-effective and credible source. For the price of some 30-second television commercials or print ads, an agency can keep a P.R. professional employed for a year or more.

WHEN:      Wednesday, May 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. PST

WHO:        Keynote Speaker’s include: