Learning. People. A Great Place.
Just three reasons why here at DTW towers we’re looking forward to next months CIPR Northern Conference.
Learning
LearningAnyone who works in the PR and comms industry who has a spare day (haha, but you know what I mean) on Friday 13th July should get themselves booked in now.
With a streamline of PR: The Art and Science of Engagement – it’s a stellar line-up and the learning opportunities will be awesome.
Want to know how to ‘prepare for’ and deal with nerve agent attacks a la Salisbury (Laurie Bell – Wiltshire Council), learn about the coming wave of AI and its impact on PR (courtesy of Wadds), how to engage with hard to reach audiences (Paul Irwin – Trylife) and hear from the Godfather of PR Mr. Bob Leaf?
Then get yourself booked. I guarantee you’ll take away some nuggets that will help transform the way you do something in the future.
That’s just the official bit though – in my experience you learn so much by taking the time out to reflect and listen to and chat with fellow comms professionals doing great work around the country.
People
And then there’s the people. CIPR conferences are incredible for networking and making lifelong contacts and friends as well – I remember my first one in Belfast – meeting Anne Gregory (at conference), Andrew Flintoff (in the pub) and other great comms pros like Ashley Wilcox, Cormac Smith and David Hamilton – and they’ve all gone and done pretty well.
You might meet future employers, employees, clients or partners – maybe all four – but almost definitely you will meet like-minded comms professionals who will share your passion for and occasional frustration with all things comms!
A Great Place
Last week I was lucky enough to have row 3 standing on Newcastle Quayside as Maximo Park, some amazing dance performers and fireworks and fountains kicked off the Great Festival of the North – a summer long festival of all things Northern. Kids loved it, it was great. The real star of the show though is NewcastleGateshead.
I have to declare an interest – it’s my patch and my home town – but the architecture is incredible, the setting is great, the people are lovely and the festival just tops it off. So come the night before – head to the CIPR AGM (where we throw in Alan Milburn for a bonus) and enjoy a night by the bridges and the big river in the toon (see you there) before joining the conference.
And finally a big hand
And while I’m talking all things Northern conference – a big thanks to all the volunteers in the CIPR North East committee who have organised such a great looking event.
When I was Chair of the CIPR in the north east I organised one of these and it was easily one of the most terrifying things I’ve ever done. Nerves of steel, a great ‘keep calm and carry on’ face and a large glass of something cold and wet (preferably afterwards) absolutely required.
Well done all! Looking forward to a great conference
See you there
Chris
