PRSA Memphis Mid-Year Update
Posted on Jul. 9, 2025 / Membership / Subscribe 0
Dear PRSA Memphis,
At the start of 2025, one of my goals for PRSA Memphis was to strengthen our chapter by focusing on three priorities: community, programming, and value. Six months in, we’re already seeing results thanks to your participation and new ideas. We’ve also analyzed the results from our 2025 survey, which revealed:
- Professional development, networking, and exclusive access are most valued, so we’ve been amping up those opportunities.
- Event timing, location, and topic relevance drive attendance. In response, we’ve hosted breakfast gatherings, mixed up our locations, and offered a wide range of subjects and experts.
- While most current members are satisfied, cost remains a common barrier for others. To help address this, we offer a quarterly payment option for membership dues.
Here’s what we’ve accomplished so far, and what’s coming next:
In-Person Programming
We’ve focused on high-value, in-person events that bring our members together to learn and connect, including Communicator of the Year luncheon honoring Mayor Paul Young, a media panel at the Dixon featuring Memphis journalists, and programming on change management and active listening. Stay tuned for our August event on internal communications.
Low-Stakes Networking
Our new roundtable dinner series has become a favorite of our members. We’ve brought together professionals from healthcare, social media, agencies, freelance and non-profits to connect and discuss the latest challenges in their fields.
Upcoming roundtables include:
- Young Professionals
- Internal Communications
- Ethics (in Oxford)
Stay tuned for more roundtable announcements. If you have a suggestion for a topic or location for one of our upcoming dinners, email [email protected]. These small conversations are helping us develop deeper relationships and support each other across sectors and experience levels.
Virtual Programming
Virtual events continue to play an important role in serving our members. February’s Black History Month program was one of our best-attended events to date. We have an upcoming virtual session this Thursday, July 10 covering AI, “A Communicator’s Guide to What’s Next.” Register today.
Mark Your Calendar: Professional Development Workshop in the Fall
We’re excited to announce a half-day professional development workshop on September 30, featuring a mix of national speakers and local communications leaders. Stay tuned for more information.
Expanding Our Regional Reach
This September, we’ll host our first PRSA Memphis event in Oxford, Mississippi, during Ethics Month. It will include both a formal program and an evening roundtable dinner — expanding our reach and presence across our full chapter geography. The educational program will be centered on ethics in public relations and will be held at the University of Mississippi. Students and professionals welcome!
Summer Socials and Member-Led Ideas
We had a great time at our Rock and Dough spring mixer and at the Memphis Made mixer co-hosted with the Memphis Association of Black Journalists. This month, we’re hosting our summer social series with events at the Overton Park Shell, Brooks Museum, and the Metal Museum. We’re also exploring more interactive formats, such as peer-led activities around shared interests like hiking and volunteering.
Inaugural Scholarship Announcement Coming Soon
I’m thrilled to say we’ve selected our inaugural PRSA Memphis scholarship recipient! Stay tuned for the announcement and for more information on how you can help endow this local scholarship for the next generation of communicators.
VOX 2025: Elevating the Experience
Submissions for VOX Awards are now open! Your feedback from the 2024 VOX Awards survey is shaping up for an even better event this year. VOX, scheduled for October 16 at the Pink Palace, will feature a keynote speaker, hearty food and bar offerings, and new categories. We’ll be hosting office hours with our awards chair, prior winners and PRSA Anvil judges to help answer your questions and make your submissions stand out.
Expanding Our Visibility
We’ve made intentional efforts to raise PRSA Memphis’ visibility in the broader creative and communications community. This year, we’ve participated in both The Link Up Memphis and AAF’s Industry Standard, helping to broaden our reach and build stronger partnerships.
Looking Ahead
We’re continuing to build on this momentum with:
- A member-led volunteer opportunity at the St. Jude Walk/Run
- A push for group membership and agency partnerships
- Enhanced onboarding for new and returning members
- Outreach to support our four area PRSSA chapters
We’re also laying the groundwork for 2026, which will be led by Jasmine Phillips. She's strategic and collaborative, and has an incredible vision for next year. I’m excited to work alongside her as we continue to grow our chapter. If you have ideas, want to get involved, or would like to join a committee, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us anytime at [email protected].
Thank you for being part of our community. Your participation is what makes this chapter strong.
Thank you,
Elizabeth Whittington, MBA, APR
President, PRSA Memphis
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