Monthly Newsletter - May 2025

May Program

Pitch Perfect: Insider Tips from Local

Journalists on Getting Your Story Noticed

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

12 p.m. | Zoom


In this interactive media panel, local journalists share their insights and expertise on how PR professionals can effectively pitch stories that capture attention. Learn the best practices for tailoring your message to different media outlets, determining the right channel for your story, and building strong relationships with reporters. Gain valuable insights on what makes a story newsworthy and how to increase the chances of your content being picked up in today’s competitive media landscape.


Panelists:

  • Robbie Reynold, KVOA News 4
  • Hannah Cree â€“ Arizona Public Media
  • Joe Ferguson â€“ Tucson Agenda
  • Megan Butler - KOLD-TV
  • Moderated by Mitch Zak, University of Arizona Spokesperson and Senior Director, Strategic Initiatives
REGISTER TODAY!

June Program

PR Boot Camp:

Essential Skills for Every Stage of Your Communications Career


Friday, June 20

12 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

In-person at Sundt Construction

2015 W River Rd, Tucson, AZ 85704


These sessions, presented by Chapter Board Members and area professionals, are geared toward those who are early in their PR careers and/or new to the Tucson area; individual practitioners; and anyone else who’s interested in learning or brushing up on best practices from actively practicing PR pros:


Media Matters: Building Buzz with the Basics

Press Releases, Pitches & PR Pro Tips 


AI in Action: A Beginner's Guide for PR Pros

Case-Based Tools & Tips to Jumpstart Your AI Journey


Digital Smarts: Make Your Content Click

Visual Tips, Content Guidelines & Local Go-To Resources


Registration coming soon!

2025 Southern Arizona

Impact Awards News


Let your best work be seen! 

IMPACT Award submissions begin next month


PRSA Southern Arizona Chapter’s annual IMPACT Awards promote and recognize excellence in the field of public relations, communications and marketing, and demonstrate the value these practices bring to communities and organizations alike. IMPACT Special Awards also recognize the individual achievements of local PR professionals.


Save these important IMPACT Awards dates:

JUNE 2: Awards submissions open

JUNE 20: Award Submission Early Bird Submission Deadline

JULY 3: Final Submissions Deadline

OCTOBER (DATE & LOCATION TBD): 2025 IMPACT Awards Ceremony


Announcing IMPACT Awards sponsorship opportunities: 

PRSA Southern Arizona’s IMPACT Awards ceremony will take place in October, offering you and your company unparalleled sponsorship opportunities. Start reaching influential PR, communications and marketing professionals throughout Southern Arizona NOW as we build towards another IMPACT-ful awards event! Secure your sponsorship level now to unlock a multitude of benefits, including enhanced visibility and brand recognition through emails, website postings, programs and signage, and more. Visit this page today for more info!
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Can You Offer a Fall PR Internship?


Our PRSSA colleagues/PR students at University of Arizona are in need of local fall semester internship placements. Here’s a terrific opportunity for your company to secure valuable assistance while providing students with invaluable hands-on experience and skills development. Please contact:


Carolyn Smith Casertano, APR, Fellow PRSA 

Associate Professor of Practice

PRSSA Adviser | PRSA Regional Representative

Dept. of Communication

ph: 520-626-1267 

carolynsmith@arizona.edu

Register for ICON 2025 in Washington, D.C.

October 28-30


This must-attend annual PRSA conference provides PR, communications, and marketing professionals with unmatched networking and professional development. From inspiring keynote speakers to informative breakout sessions to countless opportunities to connect with your peers, ICON is the place to be!
More Information

PRSA Professional Development Opportunities

The three-part virtual program Cyber Crisis Communications: Navigating the Digital Minefield taking place May 29, June 3 and 5, from 3-5 p.m. ET will provide PR and communications professionals with the knowledge, hands-on experience and confidence needed to navigate cyber crises. Participants will engage in realistic crisis exercises and develop response strategies for handling high-stakes digital incidents, public scrutiny and long-term reputation recovery.


Save $150 When You Register by May 8!

 

FREE FOR PRSA MEMBERS:

Storytelling Intensive: Find, Shape and Tell Stories That Sell (2 sessions):

Thanks very much to these renewing Chapter members!


Phil Burdick

Vice Chancellor, External Relations

Pima Community College


Kristin Noelle Patterson

Marketing and Communication Director

Donor Network of Arizona

Send us your professional news and job openings!


Have you changed positions, or received a recent honor? Send your title and place of employment along with your news, so it can be shared with your chapter members!

 

Are you looking to fill a communications position, or hire an intern? Send us the position title, employer and the link to the job description or application, so that we can share it with qualified PR pros in Southern Arizona!

 

All member news and job openings can be sent to info@prsatucson.org

2025 PRSA Southern Arizona Program Calendar*

Save the dates for these upcoming chapter events! As always, you can stay tuned to our 2025 programs calendar page.



  • May 20 - Pitch Perfect: Insider Tips from Local Journalists on Getting Your Story Noticed (Noon, Zoom)
  • June 20 (In person at Sundt Construction) - PR Bootcamp: Essential Skills for Every Stage of Your Communications Career (12pm to 4:30pm)
  • July - No program this month!
  • August (date and location TBA) - Monsoon Membership Mixer (In-person)
  • September 23 - Ethics in Action: Fostering Civil Discourse in Public Affairs (Noon, Zoom)
  • October (date and location TBA) - PRSA Southern Arizona Annual Impact Awards (In-person)
  • November 18 - Leveraging AI: The Latest in Tools and Trends (Noon, Zoom)
  • December (date and location TBA) - Mingle Bells Mixer with AAF Tucson (In-person)

 

*After-hours times for in-person events TBD; event themes are subject to revisions.

Connect With Us!

Be sure to like, follow and connect with PRSA Southern Arizona on social media, where you'll find the most up-to-date information on our Chapter, district and PRSA National. Make sure to stay in the loop by giving PRSA Southern Arizona a thumbs up, a follow, and a connection on social media! Dive into the latest updates and help us spread the word about our exciting programs, events, and news by sharing our posts far and wide! Let's build a vibrant community together!
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Local Job Bank


PRSA Southern Arizona maintains a comprehensive list of PR, communications and marketing job opportunities.


If you're looking for a new opportunity or would like to list a position, visit our job bank or email your job posting to info@prsatucson.org.
PRSA Tucson Job Bank

Sponsors



The Southern Arizona Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America is the region's leading professional organization serving the communications community. We are advocates for industry excellence and ethical conduct, providing our members with learning opportunities and resources to enhance professional connections and support them through their careers. Visit prsatucson.org to learn more about our upcoming monthly programs, occasional networking mixers, annual events and more. By becoming a member, you will join the ranks of 21,000 other public relations professionals across the country to expand your professional network and to build your knowledge and skills to further advance your career.

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