Microsoft Sponsors New Media Guru Peter Shankman for June PR Conference

Public Relations Professionals to Hear from the Best in the Business on Social Media

SEATTLE--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--On Wednesday, June 23, Peter Shankman, creator of The Geek Factory, a boutique marketing and public relations agency in New York City, and founder of HARO (Help a Reporter Out), will take on the public relations world in Seattle.

“Social media is driving a new way of getting your message out, having it heard, and generating results”

Communicating Effectively in a World of Opt-In Media

7:30 a.m. – Noon

Wednesday, June 23

Seattle University – LeRoux Room, Student Center

Shankman makes his appearance at the 2010 Puget Sound Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Professional Development Conference. The half-day conference is all about effectively using social media and getting your message heard. Joining Shankman are Lori Hunter, from mGive – a company that recently developed a method to use texting on cell phones to raise millions of dollars in aid for earthquake-devastated Haiti; Rod Brooks from PEMCO who will share stories from the frontline of consumer social media efforts; and local new media pros Josh Feit of Publicola and Tracey Record of the West Seattle Blog who will delve into how to target audiences using social media. Other speakers include David Postman from Vulcan and formerly with the Seattle Times; TJ Kelly, vice president of Digital at Edelman; and Mark Briggs of Journalism 2.0; plus more.

“Social media is driving a new way of getting your message out, having it heard, and generating results,” said Neil Neroutsos, president of the PRSA’s Puget Sound chapter. “Attendees can learn from some of the best minds in the business at this year’s conference.”

The hands-on session will look at new media opportunities using case studies and interactive discussions with "veterans" of social media.

The event is open to local professionals whether they are members of PRSA or not. Early bird rate for those who register by June 15 is $75 for PRSA members and $85 for nonmembers. The regular price after June 15 is $85 for PRSA members and $95 for nonmembers.

This event has sold out in the past so attendees are encouraged to register early. Register online by noon on June 21, or by calling 206-623-8632. See the PRSA Puget Sound web site for more information.

About PRSA Puget Sound

The Puget Sound chapter of PRSA is the region’s largest professional organization for public relations professionals, with nearly 400 members from throughout Western Washington. Members of this non-profit association represent corporations, agencies, sole practitioners, military, government, health care and other service organizations. The Puget Sound group is affiliated with the national PRSA organization, which serves 20,000 members. For more information: www.prsapugetsound.org.