Tag: PR

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A Taste of Public Affairs

By Kate Templeton

When opportunity knocks, I usually go for it. During the recent campus election, I served as the communications director for United UO, a student government political party platform. While I had no prior experience in public affairs, I decided to give it a try. In this role, I was responsible for creating, implementing and managing the campaign’s social media messaging and communication strategy. I also played a key role in communicating with student journalists and effectively developing strategies for a variety of crisis communication situations. Through this position I was able to gain experience and insight into the world of public relations for a political campaign.

Crisis Communication is Real
In our PR classes, we learn about different crisis communication situations by analyzing case studies. However, managing an actual crisis is very different when the situation is real. When a crisis came up during our campaign, I had to make quick decisions and use my best judgment to handle it. I learned how to stay calm in difficult situations and how to evaluate and execute new communication strategies during a crisis.

Pay Attention
Politics can be a controversial, stressful and fast-paced. With the ever-changing public opinions and media reports, it is important for PR professionals working in public affairs to scan for potential issues and think quickly on their feet. During this experience, it became clear how necessary it was to pay attention. I felt myself constantly checking on the status of both my campaign and my opponents, while also paying close attention to what was being said by the public and the press.

Be Prepared for Change
It is crucial to accept you may need to change your PR strategy and plan. I drafted and designed very detailed social media posts that did not end up being used. On several occasions, I  had to delay a scheduled post to counter a statement made against my platform. While it was disappointing not to use the work I created, our strategy changed so my posts needed to shift as well.

It’s Challenging but Rewarding
There’s no manual how to successfully run a social media communications campaign for a student government political platform (at least I don’t think there is). I was constantly challenged but had the opportunity to put strategic communication decisions into practice. It was also exciting to see people interact with my posts and receive high numbers of engagement. It was a joy to support a project that could make a difference in the community.

The communications director position was a completely new experience for me. It enabled me to step out of my comfort zone and test my skills. As I worked on this campaign, I became invested in the process and developed a newfound interest for the field of public affairs. I learned a lot about myself and was exposed to something I may pursue after graduation. I am grateful for the friend who recommended me for this job and the opportunity to delve into the world of public affairs.

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Female Agency Owners Leaving A Legacy Like Betsy Plank

Curated by Rita Herbstman and Liza Horn

To commemorate the last week of our month-long celebration of Betsy Plank, we contacted three female PR leaders who are leaving a legacy like Betsy through their contributions to the industry.

Betsy Plank was a PR pioneer and an exemplary leader and mentor. She paved the way for female PR professionals. Learn about Betsy’s career by watching this video:

Here’s how three female agency owners, Anne Marie Levis, Amy Rosenberg and Ann Smith, are leaving a legacy like Besty Plank:

Anne Marie Levis, President & Creative Director of Funk/Levis

“I see helping students start their career as an important part of being a PR professional. It’s not enough to just be an example. I believe in actively connecting with students, offering internships and being a resource for them as they navigate their careers.”

About Anne Marie Levis:
Anne Marie Levis is a branding and communications professional with 20+ years of experience in brand development, public relations, advertising and marketing. Levis earned a bachelor’s degree in business and marketing from California State University, Chico and an MBA in marketing from the University of Oregon. She is currently the president & creative director at Funk/Levis & Associates, a brand design agency in Eugene, Oregon. Recently, she received her Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) from the Public Relations Society of America, the highest level of certification for public relations professionals.

 

Amy Rosenberg, President of Veracity Agency

“I hope that my podcast for PR professionals, called PR talk, aspires to inspire others in the industry. By interviewing members of the media—like OregonLive.com, KINK fm, and USA Today—I aim to make PR more approachable and easy. Cold-calling a reporter can sometimes seem like a very daunting task! But after listening to the PR Talk interviews hopefully, it is a little easier to reach out. Beyond getting tips for the “right way” to do PR, listeners can get to know the media by overhearing casual free-flowing conversations covering everything from personal lives and hobbies to how our media friends got their big professional breaks. I also hope that this podcast serves the media by enticing PR people to clean up their professional act.”

 

Ann Smith, Founder & President of A.wordsmith

“I’m extremely proud to own and run A.wordsmith, an all-women public relations firm in Portland. I founded the firm in spring of 2009 and since that time it has grown into a 10-person team with many of the region’s most respected companies as clients. As PR counselors we don’t settle for “good enough.” We’re always pushing the boundaries and looking for new and different ways to achieve the kind of results that knock our clients’ socks off. At the same time, we care about each other, our culture and ensuring that A.wordsmith is a great place to come to work every day. A.wordsmith was named one of Portland’s Top PR Firms for the past three consecutive years by the Portland Business Journal; was recognized as a Top Marketing Firm in 2011 and 2012; and named a Top Women-Owned Business from 2013-2017. In 2017 and 2018, we joined the ranks of Portland’s Fastest Growing Privately Held Companies, and we have been recognized by Expertise and Everything-PR as one of Portland’s top agencies.”

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Exploring Food and Bev PR in Portland

By Sierra Goodman

Portland, Oregon has become a “foodie” paradise with craft microbreweries, a flourishing wine scene, food carts galore, and intriguing restaurants and shops such as Salt & Straw with their quirky ice cream flavors.

Portland’s thriving food culture has increased demand for food and beverage public relations services. If you’re looking for a career in food and bev PR in the City of Roses, you’re in luck! There are a few employment routes to take such as specialty, big agency and in-house options. Here’s what you can expect from each route:

Speciality Food and Bev PR Agencies
Portland is unique in that there are a multitude of specialty food and bev PR agencies, most of which specialize in Portland and Oregon-based clients.

Maxwell represents Pacific Foods, Dave’s Killer Bread and Kettle Chips among many specialty food products and brands. Little Green Pickle represents some of the top Portland restaurants such as Pok Pok, Irving Street Kitchen and Mother’s along with tourism, events and artisan products. Harvest PR is an agency that specializes in farming and agriculture and works with several wineries, natural and organic food companies, and dairy and produce brands.

If you want to promote food and drink all day every day, then a specialty agency may be the best fit for you.

Agencies with Food and Bev Accounts
If you need variety in your life, agencies such as Edelman and LANE work with an array of clients including those in the food and bev sectors. Edelman and LANE (Finn Partners) are global agencies, however, their Portland locations work with local clients along with national brands.

Edelman has a food and bev branch called Edible, and they represent brands such as Starbucks, Olive Garden and Florida Citrus among many others. LANE represents Oregon brands such as 10 Barrel Brewing and Dutch Brothers and nationally recognized brands such as Tree Top Apple Sauce and Steaz Green Tea.

These larger agencies with food and bev accounts mimic smaller agencies allowing employees to have an intimate feel and the opportunity to work on food and bev accounts while gaining experience in other sectors as well.

In-House Food and Bev
It is common for PR professionals to move from agency to in-house after working with one company for a long period of time. In Portland, in-house food and bev PR can involve working for the Tillamook Cheese Co. Working in-house may seem more static compared to agency life which is why and creative PR team is important to keep the company’s product or service fresh.

In-house PR work involves knowing the ins and outs of a company in order to incorporate storytelling and maintain consistency. Depending on the company, you’re more likely to be involved with the company’s CSR initiatives and crisis communication prep and execution which is why it is important to know and reflect the company’s core values.

Portland provides numerous opportunities to explore food and bev PR whether it is specialty, big agency or in-house. The city’s unique foodie culture allows for collaboration with both local businesses and national companies. The food and bev scene is a reflection of those who inhabit Portland and the surrounding area and as a result, there is a diverse food and beverage PR field to go with it.

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1 agency, 2 agencies, 3 agencies, 4: A summary of PRSSA’s Fall 2017 Portland Development Tour

By Sierra Goodman

Public relations agencies are like snowflakes; no two are the same. Some specialize in business-to-business and some in business-to-consumer. Others combine PR strategy with advertising and digital. Boutique agencies may have a team of 10 while a large agency may have hundreds of team members.

During Fall term, members of the University of Oregon’s PRSSA chapter explored four agencies in Portland including LANE, Gallatin, Gard, and Edelman. Each agency offered something different as far as future employment. In case you couldn’t make it, here is a summary of the agencies we visited:

Lane PR

Lane PR is headquartered in Portland with locations in New York City and Seattle. In 2011, the agency was acquired by Finn Partners, a global marketing communications firm. At the Portland location, they represent companies in the local food and beverage and financial sectors including 10 Barrel Brewing Co. and Umpqua Bank. Their focus is on B2B and B2C relations for business and sales success through platforms such as investor relations and social media marketing. Wendy Lane Stevens, president and founder, commonly asks interviewees to walk her through their resume, explaining their academic and work choices from senior year in high school to present day. Knowing your own story and having a business mindset will serve you well at Lane.  

Gallatin

If you are interested in public affairs, Gallatin is the place for you. They specialize in business, government, politics and media. A job at Gallatin involves plenty of community outreach and communication to help clients initiate change. Some specific campaigns involved crisis communication after a NW Portland building explosion in 2016 and event planning for a gathering of Portland’s female restaurant owners. At Gallatin, President Dan Lavey, says that he is looking for personality and independence when hiring interns. The agency regularly hires interns each year so make sure to look out for future opportunities and set up an informational interview.

Gard

Gard Communications is an advertising and public relations firm well-versed in crisis communications. They have local, national and global clients that they work with closely to ensure a strategic plan that works best for them. Advancement of brand reputation and defensive tactics give the agency an edge in times of serious crisis and marketing management. This agency is ideal for people who work well under pressure and in a fast-paced environment.

Edelman

Edelman is the largest public relations agency in the world and ranges in a variety of sectors such as technology, brand, corporate, public affairs and just about everything in between. Their Portland location is small with 50 employees compared to other locations like their New York office with 500 employees. With locations all over the world, they give employers an opportunity to work abroad to experience different cultures. Edelman is proud to say they are a leader of earned media. Although employees are encouraged to diversify themselves in different fields and projects they tend to hire off of people’s niches such as healthcare, technology and digital. As we heard on all four tours, Edelman was no exception saying that excellent writing skills are imperative to have in the PR industry.

PRSSA’s Development Tours offer a unique experience to students by providing a window into specific agencies and PR sectors. They are especially helpful in narrowing down your job search down the road by helping students learn more about what their life might look like in a job outside of UO.

Applications for the Winter term Professional Development Tour to Seattle go live Monday, Jan. 8. Visit prssa.uoregon.edu/tours to learn more and apply.

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My Discussion with our Dean

By Kate Templeton

As a junior in college, I am very focused on learning how to prepare myself for a future career as a public relations professional. I imagine many of you are also pondering and planning what steps you should be taking while you are still a student to best set yourself up for success after graduation. Fortunately, as journalism and communication students, we have access to many outstanding resources for guidance. For this week’s blog, I decided to ask an expert. I reached out to the SOJC Dean, Juan-Carlos Molleda, to hear his perspective and recommendations on what to do to be a successful public relations student. He provided me with some incredible insight and advice. Below are some highlights of our discussion.

How can students make the most out of their time as a UO PR student?

Dean Molleda explained that actively participating in classes is extremely important. Students who ask questions, engage in class discussions and interact with faculty are able to gain more than those who just show up to lectures. He also went on to explain that getting involved in extracurricular activities outside of a student’s major is essential, too. He feels that in our ever-changing world, it is important to be knowledgeable about global issues and to be up-to-date on current events in the news. Dean Molleda suggests getting involved in a variety of activities on and around campus to become a more informed citizen.

What are some things PR students can do to set them up for success while in college?

While students are still in school, Dean Molleda recommends actively networking. He explained that networking is a necessity when trying to maintain relationships and establish solid connections. He also emphasizes that one should not be solely focused on getting multiple internships while in college, but the importance of doing high-quality work and having successes while at these internships. This will help students create real world networks that will help them post-graduation. Dean Molleda also suggested utilizing the many resources that Allen Hall offers. For example, guest speakers that come and speak to student groups are a great way to learn about a field of interest, and a way to network with a professional who is actually in that field.

What are must haves when looking at resumes of PR students?

A student’s resume can completely make or break them when applying for jobs. Dean Molleda stresses the importance of having a clean and clear resume, with absolutely no typos. He also reiterates the importance of having unique experiences on the resume. Having solid work experience is a must, but having additional and diverse skills is equally as crucial. Employers want to hire people with skills; they want to see if PR students have the capability to work with various software programs, social media, analytics, etc. Dean Molleda states that “Internships are important, but students need additional skills, experiences and expertise to really make their resume and portfolio stand out amongst the rest.”

What are some things all PR students should know about the field?

In a workplace, the term ‘public relations’ isn’t always used. Dean Molleda explains that there are an array of different titles other than PR used in the real world. The job title could possibly be called public affairs, corporate communication, communication specialist, project manager, etc. He explained that because of the many career possibilities for PR students, it is imperative to be familiar with the variety of jobs students can apply for and obtain. Dean Molleda explains that “We are in a golden age of PR because of technology, so it is extremely important to understand technology and all of its uses.” The basics are still needed in PR: writing, speaking, presentation, critical thinking, etc. But being proficient with technology is now a necessity in the field. To close the interview, Dean Molleda gave one last great piece of advice. He said there is one specific word he likes to use when explaining what a PR professional needs to have in order to be successful in the field, and that word is ‘resilience.’ Having resilience is a valuable skill because it shows that a person will work hard and use all their abilities to get the job done, no matter the obstacles they may face.

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How Studying Abroad Will Help You Professionally

By Kate Templeton

When most students imagine studying abroad, they probably picture exploring a foreign country and making lasting memories with new friends. However, studying abroad can actually help students gain professional connections and develop important skills that can positively impact their future. Last summer, I was fortunate to have an opportunity to study abroad. After what felt like months of researching different programs, countries and courses, I finally decided to spend six weeks studying in London. The program I chose was offered through the University of Oregon, and it provided me with an incredible opportunity to spend the summer with 60 other journalism and public relations students. While abroad, I gained valuable skills that have already greatly benefited my life as a PR student, and will help me reach my ultimate career goals.

Here is why you should consider studying abroad:

  1. Make Connections

The professors in my London program were much different than the professors we have in the states. Two of my professors worked for the BBC, one in radio and one in television. Interacting with professors who are also working professionals from a different country with diverse experiences helps students gain new perspectives in the world of public relations. As students, we are advised to make connections and build professional networks. Having the chance to be in small, interactive and engaging classroom settings with professors who have their own unique professional connections opens up more possibilities for networking. One of my study abroad professors actually wrote me a letter of recommendation for a job!

  1. Gain New Skills

My study abroad courses provided a great deal of experiential learning. We had amazing opportunities to attend a variety of theatre productions, dances, museums and sporting events. Through the classes, I learned how to effectively write news releases, news stories, critical reviews, blogs and features. I reviewed events and performances and learned how to critically and clearly explain what I had seen. Being a strong writer is important for PR professionals. Students who study abroad get the opportunity to dramatically improve their writing skills and become more compelling and effective communicators.

  1. Learn About New Companies/Businesses

During my program, I had the opportunity to tour different businesses in the heart of London. I was able to see firsthand the role that public relations and journalism have in organizations like Chelsea Football Club, Ticketmaster, the BBC, the Olympic Games and many more. Being able to experience what it would be like to actually work in a communications field for these huge organizations opened my eyes to the many different possibilities that are out there for public relations majors. The hands-on atmosphere in studying abroad is key in showing students how professionals in these fields work and find successes.

  1. Grow Your PR Portfolio

While abroad, the classwork we did was very special. My program offered classes that required writing, photography and videography. Students left the program with multiple original pieces of work that showcased a variety of media platforms. The coursework created while abroad is extremely beneficial in differentiating and enhancing PR portfolios in comparison to other portfolios.

  1. Experience a Different Culture

And finally, it wouldn’t be a study abroad experience without fully immersing into an entirely new and different culture. When students are able to say that they successfully lived in a new country while also taking classes, this demonstrates personal growth and perseverance. Study abroad students come back to their colleges and universities with a life changing experience that helps them mature personally, professionally and culturally.

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Five Characteristics of Gen Z and How They are Changing PR

By Kate Miller

Breaking news: Most students attending college right now are not millennials, even though older people still categorize us as millennials. According to The Huffington Post, if you were born in 1995 or later you are part of “Gen Z.” Sorry to all of the thirty somethings who still want to relate to college kids. A “millennial” is a person who is or becomes a young adult in the year 2000.

Although many of us thought we were millennials up until recently, there are some key differences between us and “true millennials.”

  1. We are global.

Since our generation grew up with technology, Gen Zer’s relate closer with internet users across the world than the generations above. We are considered the first to be fully global: meaning we think, relate and interact with a global mindset. Ask yourself if you could go a week without your device or even a day? Huffington Post found 40 percent of Gen Z self-identifies as “digital device addicts.” This is contributing to the change in strategic marketing strategies across the board.

Think about how many TV ads Starbucks put out about the new unicorn frappuccino. I have yet to see one. There very well could be, but Starbucks is targeting “Gen-zennials” a Ketchum term for the cohort of 16-24 year olds in between generations. This Starbucks campaign is meant to be instagrammed.

We are a generation that has device dependency that leaves little time for TV consumption, and little interest for traditional advertising and news consumption causing brands to have to change their strategy. When marketing products, keep in mind that times have changed and Gen Z relates to diversity and responds to visuals. If you are starting a campaign, make sure to tailor it to social media and make sure it is sharable.

  1. We are individuals.

Generational hipsters were born social and started developing a brand for themselves from a young age. Myspace, Tumblr, Musically, Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, Reddit, Weheartit, Vine etc.; 92 percent of Gen Z has a digital footprint. Local coffee shops, #exploregon and thrifting have become a generational norm. Gen Z looks for uniqueness in their brand and what they consume. They are focused on being different, embracing globalization and diversity.

Being unique is trendy. This is creating even more need for PR professionals to target messaging to specific groups due to the expansive individuality and diversity of this generation. Take a look at Lynda.com and Facebook blueprint. In order to strategically target Gen Z, it is becoming essential to understand your target market and to use paid media as an advantage for your brand.

  1. We are constantly multitasking.

Due to the constant speed of social media, especially on channels like Snapchat and Vine, Gen Z is developing a shorter attention span. There is an instant gratification expectation. We are reshaping the way PR professionals are setting up campaigns because when we are doing five things at once there is a lack of observation and attention to detail that PR professionals pride themselves in. It takes a visual appeal to grab the attention of a Gen Z. But this should not dismiss the work ethic of Gen Z and the way they are reshaping the classroom and workplace in PR.

Gen Z has created a shift within the work and play boundaries, multitasking is increasing productivity for offices, and making work environments more desirable due to the blurred lines. This requires PR professionals to step up their game and target audiences in a compelling and relatable way. When creating messaging keep it short and sweet because your messaging is getting read in between a scroll.

  1. We are self-starters.

Because Gen Z was immersed in technology growing up, they are thinking entrepreneurially. Gen Z likes independence, they are self-starters and 72 percent of teens in Gen Z desire to start their own business one day. A lot of what has shaped Gen Z is growing up in the recession in 2008 which is apparent in how much they value experiences and how frugal they are with their money.

Gen Z is not seeing the value in higher education like previous generations and employers are predicting more young adults go straight into the workforce. The cost versus gain to of school does not seem to be paying off in comparison to the loans Gen Zer’s will be paying off long after.

Gen Z values efficiency and knowledge is included. If there is a way for them to learn something in a more affordable, timely manner that is less traditional, they will most likely take that route. When targeting this audience taking an approach like Starbucks’ unicorn drink, five days only, for a drink most consumers wouldn’t traditionally purchase, not only makes Gen Z want to consume because of the uniqueness, but the limited time increases value for Gen Zer’s.

  1. We have high expectations.

Gen Z expects brands to be loyal to them instead of the other way around. They want to feel appreciated. If they do not feel valued and appreciated they will take their loyalty somewhere else. Because Gen Z has grown up in a culture of innovation and technological advancements, they now expect this level of innovation instead of being amazed by how incredibly advanced technology truly is. As a PR person, sharing the values of the brand and how much you value your customers through messaging is crucial.

Gen Z is changing the PR and marketing world dramatically, causing us to be more strategic and technological when running campaigns. As a Gen Zer, I am sure some of these findings are relatable. Keep in mind now more than ever the importance of targeting.

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VR and PR: Ready or Not, Here it Comes

Talia Smith

The public relations (PR) field may involve more than press releases and social media in the near future. With virtual reality (VR) gearing up for a mainstream audience, brands are already starting to see VR’s potential for producing creative and innovative PR campaigns.

Donna Davis, Director of the Strategic Communication Master’s Program at University of Oregon, is researching the positive psychological effects of VR.

“I think the public relations industry can’t ignore what’s happening in VR and AR (augmented reality),” said Davis. “We’re moving to an experience economy where audiences, especially younger audiences, are demanding ways to engage with brands.”

At this point, VR is only viable to certain brands with the right budget but that could be changing rapidly as the price of VR technology continues to fall. Before you go out and buy an Oculus Rift headset, let’s see which brands are using VR technology successfully to create an effective PR strategy.

Toms
Toms is a shoe company with a one-for-one business model; for every pair of shoes sold, Toms donates a pair to a child in need in over 70 countries. Toms created a VR experience to let viewers see what it is like to deliver shoes to a school in Peru. We learn about the story of nine-year-old, Julio, who walks several miles to school every day on a dirt road. We are immersed into this giving trip as we see 360 degrees of the dirt road, the school, Julio’s house and more.

Why it worked
Toms facilitated organic empathy. While other media such as writing, photography and videography can certainly convey empathy to stakeholders, there is no comparison to actually experiencing what it is like to bring barefoot school children new shoes. Toms created a new path for VR as a philanthropic tool for nonprofits and charitable for-profit companies. Consumers can experience where their purchase or donation is making a positive impact.

Marriott
Marriott introduced VR as a game changer in the travel and hospitality sectors. Marriott representatives set up a VR experience outside of city hall in New York City to capture recently wed couples as they exited the courthouse, presumably to go on a honeymoon or to at least start planning one. Marriott created a VR experience allowing the brides and grooms to teleport from London to Hawaii while wearing a headset. The hotel company insinuated to the newlyweds that there is a Marriott wherever they choose to spend their honeymoon.

Why it worked
Virtual reality provides travelers the ability to experience a destination through a pair of goggles. It will be interesting to watch VR’s role in the travel industry as VR provides customers the ability to travel around the world without getting on a plane. Instead of choosing a hotel blindly, you can virtually step inside one and walk around. It is an experience given most justice in 360 degrees.

Boursin
This upscale soft cheese company used VR to take viewers on a roller coaster ride through a well-stocked refrigerator. In the perspective of being just a few inches tall, the virtual roller coaster ride zooms past packages of Boursin cheese and fresh ingredients. Consumers begin to catch on to the idea that Boursin belongs in a healthy, well-stocked refrigerator. Towards the end, the interactive adventure weaves around champagne bottles, signifying the soft cheese company is an elite snack.

Why it worked
Boursin was one of the firsts to pioneer a VR experience within food and beverage. The novelty of the video earned Boursin a Masters of Marketing award for its creative approach to promoting a product you might not initially associate as a perfect candidate for VR content.

As strategic storytellers, it is our job to determine which media platforms will best tell the story of a particular client and produce the best results. While we may not be the ones coding a VR script, we may be the ones drawing up a storyboard or writing the copy for your brand’s VR experience. Virtual reality is proving to be a fruitful option for customer engagement and virality.

“Increasingly agencies are looking at ways to build interactive content in VR that places their clients’ brands in the center of the experience,” said Davis. “Ready or not, it’s coming!”

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A Checkup with Healthcare PR

Erica Freeze

Have you considered a profession in the healthcare industry? Public relations is vital to promoting and improving the reputations of organizations in this sector. What makes healthcare unique is that it is constantly changing and evolving. Think you are ready for the challenge? Keep reading to learn more about this unique sector of public relations.

In a fast-paced industry such as healthcare, organizations need to have a voice in the marketplace. Healthcare is constantly evolving as new science and technology emerges, and it is important that organizations stand out. Healthcare companies can invest in a public relations partner, such as an agency, to create a communication strategy that positions the organization as an innovative leader while increasing demand. Healthcare providers may also have an in-house staff which manages communication between patients and the hospital itself.

Public relations practitioners in the healthcare field are responsible for managing many relationships ranging between the hospital, its clients, visitors and stakeholders. In-house practitioners may work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), psychiatric facilities and community health centers, according to the Health Careers Center. Those who work in an agency may take on a variety of clients who are in these fields. Practitioners in both fields act as guides for an organization and help in making important decisions regarding an organization’s communication strategy. Especially within the healthcare industry, there are many rules and regulations that constantly change and practitioners must communicate any changes with the client. They are also vital in providing recommendations and advice to the client.

Whether in house or at an agency, public relations professionals in the healthcare industry help tell the stories of groundbreaking research and new innovations to help put their clients name out. Healthcare providers create technology and medicines that can potentially improve quality of life all over the world. Healthcare public relations practitioners have many target audiences to remember, and must reach beyond communication between the organization and the client. Suppliers are very important because they must also have a desire to positively impact the health care system and wish to partner with your organization. Because of this, public relations employees in the healthcare industry must approach each target public differently.

Public relations is important in health care, where both patients and clients can feel vulnerable. As a practitioner in this sector, you will be working with your coworkers to ultimately develop  communication to help your publics feel safe and as though their time and money are being used to better society overall. Think this is interesting? Check out healthcare agencies or providers in areas that you want to work and start networking!

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What I Learned from Going to the Grammys

By Talia Smith

On the same premises where Adele broke her award in half, where Beyoncé’s performance slayed and where Bruno Mars paid tribute to Prince, I was fortunate enough to be behind the scenes learning about the role of a publicist.

In my last blog post, I talked about the lead-up to working the 59th Annual Grammy Awards with Sugar Mountain PR (SMPR). Five of our clients at SMPR were nominated for Grammys in the children’s category. Now that it’s all over, I thought I’d talk about what it was like being there.

I arrived at the L.A. Convention Center around 11 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 12. The children’s category was announced during the pre-telecast which airs online in the afternoon. I was told to meet our clients on the red carpet, which I realized was harder to find than I thought, despite it being bright red.

Security guards stood by the entrance checking the credentials hanging around my neck. I gained access to three more checkpoints until I reached the last one where I was directed into a narrow tunnel of black curtains. When I popped out on the other side, I saw the red carpet being vacuumed and a large sign that read “Welcome to the Grammy Awards.”

I breathed a sigh of relief because I knew I was in the right spot. I indulged in a few selfies as I waited for SMPR owner, Beth Blenz-Clucas; publicist, KC Mancebo, and our clients to arrive. KC, who also represents acts like Dave Grohl and Coldplay, offered to let me shadow her for the day, since my boss, Beth, had tickets to the actual Grammy show.

When the nominated musicians arrived, we waited in line until the red carpet media tent opened. Beth and KC told me about their plan to pitch the media inside. Our pitching points were 1) we have access to all of the nominees in the children’s category, 2) they’re all independent artists, and 3) they’re friends.

When the entrance to the media tent opened, the artists and their teams poured in. To my left, I saw a sleek backdrop with the Grammy logo stretching the entire length of the tent. To my right, I saw barricades stretching the entire other side of the tent with journalists, photographers and media people standing behind. Beth and KC divided and conquered as they pitched the different outlets, securing interviews with Pop Sugar and Grammy.com. I was responsible for rounding up the artists and bringing them to the correct interview locations.

After the artists wrapped up their interviews and completed their photographed walk down the red carpet, the parade led to the Microsoft Theater where the Grammy winners were to be announced. Beth accompanied her clients into the theater while KC brought me to the publicist lounge.

The lounge had a large TV surrounded by tables and chairs occupied by publicists with their laptops open. After each winner was announced, different publicists would jump out of their chairs cheering for their client, receiving claps from others in the room as if to say, Congratulations! We all know how hard you worked to make this happen.

When it came time for the children’s category to be announced, KC and I moved to the table directly in front of the TV, staring intensely. The name of each nominated children’s artist was read followed by, “…and the Grammy goes to Secret Agent 23 Skidoo.” The hip-hop children’s group won. We saw the band accept their award and give a speech. KC informed me that they would be coming up the escalator to the lounge soon.

We greeted and congratulated the band when they arrived, then brought them to their photography studio, where the classic Grammy photos with the gray backdrop were taken, and then to the press room to answer questions.

As we all made it out of the press room, we were welcomed into the winner’s lounge. KC, Beth and I clinked a glass of champagne because our work for the day was over. Although I was finished for the day, I still stuck around to watch the major celebrities arrive on the red carpet that evening and watch the live show from the lounge.

The important role of a publicist became even more apparent to me. Beth and KC did not miss a beat when offering their clients instructions, advice and a plan to navigate the media on the red carpet and in the press room. To me, it seemed like publicists are the bridge that connects the talent to the media, making sure the interaction goes as smoothly and as advantageously as possible.