Standing Out in a Field of Cannabis Edibles and Other Brand Challenges of Legalization is the subject of this year’s Brand Challenge that takes place today at the Oxford Hotel in downtown Denver.

Join panelists Stacey Stegman from DIA, Ricardo Baca from The Denver Post and Joe Hodas from Dixie Elixirs as they and attendees discuss how the legalization of marijuana has changed our state brand, issues that exist at the state and federal levels as visitors travel to and from Colorado through DIA, some complicated definitions, and more.

No registration is required – walk-ins are welcome.

PRSA Colorado Brand Challenge
4-6 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 28
Oxford Hotel
1637 Wazee Street
Denver, CO 80202
$35 / $20 for students

Registration has opened for PRSA Colorado’s most-popular lunch program – the annual media roundtable.

Annual Media Roundtable Luncheon
11:30 – 1 p.m., Wednesday, April 23
Comedy Works South
5345 Landmark Place, Greenwood Village, CO 80111
$30 for students; $35 for members; $49 for nonmembers

This year’s media attendees include:

• Vicky Collins, Teletrends
• Kasey Cordell, Senior Editor, 5280 Magazine
• Heather Draper, Banking/Finance/Legal Reporter, Denver Business Journal
• Jim Hooley, General Reporter, Fox 31 and KOA
• Rob McClure, Photojournalists, CBS4
• Barry Petersen, Correspondent, CBS News
• Rory Schmalzried, Executive Producer News Logistics, KMGH-TV
• Kristine Strain, Assistant News Director, CBS-4
• Eric Whitney, Reporter, Colorado Public Radio
• Daliah Singer, Associate Editor, 5280 Magazine

Join industry leaders and public relations professionals from across the state as we strip down and get back to the basics for Naked PR: Authentic, Transparent, Effective – 2013 PRSA Colorado Chapter Retreat.

Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2013
9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Four Seasons Hotel Denver
1111 14^th St. Denver, CO 80202

Register

Today is the last day to register for the PRSA Colorado Breakfast with Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock (Monday, Nov. 4 at 7:45 a.m. at Tom’s Urban 24 downtown).

PRSA’s annual community outreach event—PR Boost—is just a few weeks away, and it needs your help. PRSA is looking for top-level PR practitioners with at least 5 years of experience who have a passion for public service to mentor area nonprofits in need of a little communication assistance.

Fifth Annual PRSA PR Boost Event
Tuesday, Sept. 17 from 7:30-11 a.m.
(7:15- Check In and Breakfast)
Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce,
1445 Market Street, Denver CO 80202

Here’s how it works: PRSA Colorado aligns PR pros with area nonprofits for two one-on-one sessions in which you’ll work together to mentor members from these organizations to help them achieve their communication goals.  It’s a small commitment from you, but it will mean a lot to these nonprofits, and to the communities they serve.

Register here: http://www.prsacolorado.affiniscape.com/displayconvention.cfm?conventionnbr=12545

Following the “Rocky” Road
Former Rocky Mountain News Staffers Share Their Stories Four Years Later

After 149 years and 311 days, the Rocky Mountain News published its final edition on February 27, 2009. As the four-year anniversary of its closure approaches, PRSA Colorado reflects on this stark example of the ever-changing media landscape in our own backyard. A panel discussion will feature former Rocky reporters David Milstead, Sam Adams, Penny Parker and Chris Walsh, and will be moderated by Andrew Hudson.

Details
11:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
The Four Seasons Hotel
1111 14th Street
Denver, CO 80202
Register

PRSA Colorado is hosting the Second Annual Brand Challenge – a networking, collaborating, creative thinking and pitching competition – on Wednesday, Oct. 24, at the Wynkoop Brewery.

Representatives from Colorado organizations, including Visit Denver, Colorado Ski Country USA, and RiNo Arts District, will each present the audience with a unique communications challenge. Teams of 10 people will have 50 minutes to collaborate, brainstorm and develop a solution. Each team will then have five minutes to pitch their idea in front of the audience. The brand representatives will select the best pitches– one for each brand. Each member of the winning teams will receive a prize. Teams will be assigned upon arrival – first come, first serve.

If you are both a procrastinator and a fan of “Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me!,” today is your lucky day. PRSA is now offering two-for-one tickets to Carl Kasell’s keynote address at the PRSA Western District Conference in Denver next Monday.

PRSA Colorado’s annual Media Roundtable luncheon is next week, and it is a chance to connect with Denver media such as:

The CoLab (formerly the PRSA Chapter Retreat) will feature hands-on, intentionally collaborative workshops that will encourage and inspire you to build chemistry with fellow industry professionals, test your limits and expand your capabilities. You’ll develop a strategic mindset, strengthen your relationships and pick up practical tips.

Early-Bird Pricing through Oct. 27: Fees for PRSA Colorado members is $130 for full retreat, $50 for keynote lunch only, or $25 for Young Pros session only. Non-member fees are $170 for full retreat, $65 keynote lunch only, or $35 for Young Pros only. Student discounts available for $65-$85. Click here for details. Continue reading “PRSA Colorado’s Chapter Retreat – CoLab” →

Next Wednesday, in lieu of its monthly luncheon, PRSA Colorado will host its first Brand Challenge – a networking, collaborating, creative thinking, pitching competition.

Representatives from Crocs, the Four Seasons Hotel, and Smashburger will present three unique communication challenges. Randomly assigned teams will have 30 minutes to develop a solution and three minutes to pitch their idea. Each member of the winning teams will receive prizes up to $100 in value.

In addition to food, drinks and great prizes, the event will be a great opportunity to:

• Visit with friends and colleagues
• Network with local PR professionals
• Learn about the communication challenges that major brands are experiencing
• Participate in an integrated brainstorming and pitching exercise with a diverse team of communicators
• Observe the creative thinking and pitching style of peers
• And, did we mention…prizes up to $100 in value from Crocs, the Four Seasons and Smashburger

REGISTER NOW:  http://bit.ly/mVQsy5

$25 for Students
$35 for PRSA Colorado Members
$45 for Non-members

When

• October 19, 2011
• 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Where

• Braun’s (24th and Blake near Coors Field in the Ballpark District)

What

• Representatives from three nationally recognized brands (Crocs, The Four Seasons Hotel, and Smashburger) will present the audience with a unique communication challenge.
• Teams of eight to 10 people (attendees) will have 30 minutes to collaborate, brainstorm and develop a solution.
• Each team will then have three minutes to pitch their idea in front of the audience.
• The brand representatives will select the three best pitches – one for each brand.
• Each member of the three winning teams will receive a prize from the brand they pitched.
• Note: Teams will be assigned randomly to foster networking and fresh thinking by bringing together groups of people with diverse skill sets and experience levels.

Why

• A fresh approach to networking
• Exposure to real brands and real brand challenges
• Opportunity to participate in an integrated brainstorming, planning and pitching exercise with a diverse team of communicators.
• Exposure to the approach, creative thinking, ideation and pitching style of peers.
• Opportunity to win big prizes

Registration

• $35 for PRSA Colorado Members
• $45 for Non-members

Registration has opened for PRSA CoLab, a full-day experiment in innovative thinking and discussion for Colorado’s public relations professionals. The hands-on, intentionally creative and challenging workshops will encourage and inspire participants to build chemistry with other industry professionals, test their limits and expand their capabilities. The CoLab will feature top speakers, energizing activities and a collaborative work environment.

PRSA CoLab
9 am – 5 pm, Thursday, Nov. 3
Denver Art Museum

If you are interested in learning first-hand what it takes to build one of Denver’s biggest and/or best PR agencies, plan to attend PRSA Colorado’s September luncheon. I am moderating an all-star panel discussion that features six of Denver’s most notable agency leaders:

• Jeff Julin, APR, Fellow | President, MGA Communications
• Pete Webb | Principal and Partner, Webb PR
• Laura Love-Aden | Founder and President, GroundFloor Media
• Sharon Linhart, APR | Founder and Managing Partner, Linhart PR
• Larry Holdren, APR | Partner, Pure Brand Communications
• Gwin Johnston, APR, Fellow | CEO and Founder, JohnstonWells

Send me an email or post a comment if you have a question you would like me to ask any or all of these agency leaders. And don’t be afraid to make them tough – they can take it.

If you are interested in learning first-hand what it takes to build one of Denver’s biggest and best PR agencies, plan to attend PRSA Colorado’s September luncheon. I am moderating an all-star panel discussion that features six of Denver’s most notable agency leaders:

• Jeff Julin, APR, Fellow | President, MGA Communications
• Pete Webb | Principal and Partner, Webb PR
• Laura Love-Aden | Founder and President, GroundFloor Media
• Sharon Linhart, APR | Founder and Managing Partner, Linhart PR
• Larry Holdren, APR | Partner, Pure Brand Communications
• Gwin Johnston, APR, Fellow | CEO and Founder, JohnstonWells

Send me an email or post a comment if you have a question you would like me to ask any or all of these agency leaders. And don’t be afraid to make them tough – they can take it.

5:30 p.m., Wednesday, August 31
Whiskey Bar, 2203 Larimer St., Denver
(Free parking at Pure Brand)
Sponsored by Linhart PR & Pure Brand
Register

eBay’s Rolf Skyberg is the featured speaker at this month’s PRSA Colorado luncheon, where he will discuss how to control the destiny of your campaigns – and your business – by mastering the elusive patterns of growth and decline. Some of the topics Rolf will cover include:

• How to tell the difference between a fad and a trend
• When to respond quickly and when to simply “keep calm and carry on”
• What to do when the hype dies down
• How not to get bitten in your career
• How to get the most out of your team

The details are:

Wednesday, Jan. 19, at 11:30 a.m.
The Curtis Hotel, 1405 Curtis St., Denver, CO 80202
$35 for PRSA Colorado chapter members; $49 for guests and $30 for students

Marv Rockford and Steve Gray of Rockford Gray are headlining the November PRSA Colorado luncheon with a look at the best and worst public relations work of the year.

The Best and Worst of 2010 PR: Hit Me with Your Best Shot
Wednesday, Nov. 17, at 11:30 a.m.
The Curtis Hotel | 1405 Curtis St. | Denver, CO 80202

PRSA Colorado is hosting an all-star panel to discuss how can you keep your personal and professional integrity during a crisis situation while also keeping your company or client happy. Panelists include PRSA National Chair and CEO Gary McCormick and PRSA Colorado’s newest inductees to the College of Fellows – Sydney Ayers, Jane Dvorak and Jeff Julin.

The Importance of Maintaining Integrity in a Crisis
Wednesday, Sept. 15, at 11:30 a.m.
The Curtis Hotel, 1405 Curtis St., Denver, CO 80202

Click here to register (deadline is noon today).

Have a gift for remembering useless information? Want to test your wits against your fellow marketing and PR professionals? Then Colorado PRSA invites you to Trivia Night on Wed., Sept. 1.

Colorado PRSA Trivia Night
Scruffy Murphy’s, 2030 Larimer St., Denver
Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2010
5:30 p.m. – Registration & Networking
6 p.m. – Trivia Begins – Don’t be late!

Click here to register. PRSA will pair up individuals that evening, and teams can have a maximum of six players. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams. Last-place team will be required to pay Paula Berg’s bar tab.

Do you know a nonprofit that is looking for guidance on PR campaigns, traditional and social media, crisis communications and other communications issues? Let them know about PRSA Colorado’s annual PR Boost event on Wednesday, Aug. 18, from 7:30 – 10:30 a.m.

PR Boost brings together experienced public relations practitioners with local nonprofits to provide PR counsel and guidance specific to your nonprofit organization’s communications needs.  Each attending nonprofit will be matched with a public relations volunteer for individual counseling sessions.

Click here to learn more or register.

Do you know a nonprofit leader whose public relations efforts need a boost? If so, let them know about PRSA Colorado’s 2010 PR Boost on Wed., August 18, which connects non-profits and PR experts for a morning of PR counsel and guidance specific to the organization’s communications needs. Each nonprofit will be matched with a public relations volunteer for individual sessions. A $25 registration fee includes breakfast and free event parking.

PRSA Colorado is soliciting players and sponsors for its annual golf tournament (Tuesday, Aug. 10, at the Inverness Golf Club). Click here to learn more about playing, and email Julie Bielenberg to learn more about the sponsorship opportunities.

PRSA Colorado is hosting a free (that’s right, Ef Rodriguez, FREE) mentorship event on Tuesday, July 13, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at The Lobby (2191 Arapahoe St. in Denver). The event will include:

• Extended happy hour and complimentary appetizers
• An opportunity for attendees to connect with potential mentors/mentorees in an organic setting

According to PRSA, “A recent PR Tactics article found the most valuable mentor relationships evolve through everyday work interactions and civic and volunteer activities. We’re bridging the two and providing the resources and a fun environment for all PR pros, young and old, to nurture meaningful relationships and possibly, life-long friendships.” RSVP to Erin Collins.

Creative Strategies Group’s Bruce Erley will discuss how to “create compelling storytelling opportunities for event sponsorships and community partnership initiatives that align with your organization’s strategic objectives” at PRSA Colorado’s June luncheon:

“Bring Strategic Sponsorships and Community Partnerships to Life through PR”
11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Curtis Hotel (1405 Curtis Street, Denver, CO 80202)

Click here to register.

Public relations and new media consultant Sarah Evans — the founder of #journchat who is one of Forbes’s 14 Power Women to Follow on Twitter — is the speaker at this month’s PRSA Colorado luncheon on Wednesday, April 21.

Evans will share successful ways to create online media relationships and shed light on balancing social media with traditional PR tactics, including:

• What motivates both local and national journalists in the online world.
• How to define online media targets and objectives.
• How to pitch in 140 characters or less.
• Time management tricks to help you manage the growing number of tools at your disposal.

Click here to register or for more information.

PRSA Colorado has lined up more than a dozen Denver journalists for its Media Roundtable next Wednesday, January 20. Among the journalists attending to discuss how they select stories in this new media environment will be the Deuce’s Greg Nieto, Denver Post’s Vikki Migoya, 9News’ TaRhonda Thomas, CBS4’s Gloria Neal and Misty Montano, 850 KOA’s April Zesbaugh and Colorado Biz’s Mike Cote. Click here for more details.

Tomorrow is the deadline for reduced-cost tickets to the annual PRSA Colorado Holiday Party at Dazzle Lounge on Thursday, Dec. 10. Click here to get details and purchase tickets.