Each year, the PRSSA National Conference begins with Chapter Development Sessions designed to help you lead your Chapter.

In these sessions, peers provide interactive 30-minute presentations on a particular aspect their Chapter excels in– their best practices for recruiting underclassmen, fundraising, networking with professionals, motivating members, finding speakers and more.

PRSSA National seeks Chapters to present these sessions at the PRSSA National Conference each spring. So we ask: What do you do best? How have you overcome a challenge this past year to create new opportunities? Where have you improved the most? What have you learned as Chapter leaders?

Applications to present should address the needs of a variety of Chapters, include teachable elements and adhere to the PRSSA Style Guide. The application deadline is May 2.

Gather a team of presenters and submit the Chapter Development Session application electronically to the PRSSA National vice president of Chapter development and Vice President of Education Jeneen Garcia by May 2.

All questions regarding Chapter Development Sessions can be directed to the vice president of Chapter development.

2016 Chapter Developments Sessions

• Eastern Michigan University, “New Faces, Old Faces – Role Transitions From New Members to President“
• Rowan University, “Growan Pains – Successfully Recruit and Retain Chapter Members“
• Drake University, “Not The Boss of You – A Guide to Leading”

2015 Chapter Development Sessions

• Virginia Tech, “Chapter Games: May the Brand be Ever in your Favor”
• University of Oklahoma, “Combatting Crisis: How Diversity and Inclusion Strengthen Your Chapter”
• University of Florida, “Baby Come Cack! Establishing Meaningful Connections With Speakers, Alumni and Friends of the Chapter”
• Kent State University, “We Are Family: Becoming Part of Your University Community”
• DePaul University, “The Real Housewives of PRSSA: The Reunion”
• University of Nebraska at Omaha, “Fundraising Nightmares: A Recipe for Kneaded Dough”
• Wayne State University, “Challenge Accepted: Engaging Members on a Non-Traditional Campus”
• Drake University, “Big Dreams, Small Programs:Creating High-Quality Public Relations Experiences With Limited Resources”

2014 Chapter Development Sessions

• Depaul University, “How I Met My Mentor”
• The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, “The Big Event: Planning 101”
• Grand Valley State University, “Breaking Barriers”
• Kent State University, “The Alumni Matchmaker: Best Practices to Alumni Relations”
• Iowa State University, “Creating Your Network: Branching Out Beyond the Meeting”
• Ohio University, “It’s More than just a Meeting: Powerful PRogramming and How to Plan it”
• Drake University, “Growing PRSSA Membership through Community Partnerships”
• The University of Oklahoma, “How to Tie the Knot: Working Closely with Your Local PRSA Chapter”

2013 Chapter Development Sessions

• University of Florida, “Develop Your Chapter by Building a Brand“
• DePaul University, “After the Final Card: A Discussion of Effective Networking“
• Roger Williams University, “Show Don’t Tell: Benefits of Creating a Win-Win for Local Businesses“
• University of Delaware, “Big Ideas on a Small Budget“
• Boston University, “How to Host a Sensational Regional Conference“
• University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, “ReFIRMation: Restructuring for Greater Success“
• West Virginia University, “The Key to Captivating Community Service“
• Louisiana State University, “Diversity of Thought“

2012 Chapter Development Sessions

• Brigham Young University, “Let the Conferencing Continue – Even After National Conference is Over“
• Ohio Northern University, “FIRMing Up: Working Your Way to Student-Run Firm Excellence“
• Fashion Institute of Technology, “Get to Know The Pros: Through Meeting Programming Find Your FIT in PR“
• DePaul University, “What Not To Do: Internship Edition“
• Illinois State University, “Illinois State University’s Tips for a Strong Executive Board“
• Boston University, “Making New Media Effective“
• Grand Valley State University, “It Takes Two to Tango: Maintaining a Professional Relationship with Your Parent Chapter”
• Roger Williams University, “It Takes a Village: Alumni Relations”

2011 Chapter Development Sessions

• University of Northern Iowa, “Programming Your Way To Be the Best Chapter in the Sea”
• University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh, “How Your Small Chapter Can Dominate National Competitions”
• University of Nebraska at Omaha, “Once Upon a Time –– Tell Your PRSSA Story”
• Kent State University, “Cash In On Communication: Reaching Your Fundraising Goal”
• Grand Valley State University, “Seeing the World, One Agency Visit at a Time”
• DePaul University, “DePaul PRSSA’s Favorite Things”
• Elon University, “Dialogue Across the Divide”
• University of Delaware, “Changing Perceptions: How To Rebrand Your Chapter”