About the 2015 PRIA National Conference

Conference Theme: Huge Transformations Click here to go to the online registration Click here to visit the accommodation portal

Public Relations has the power to help bring about huge transformations in the world around us, how we live and the way we work. The work of PR Practitioners covers the full gamut, from inspirational community engagement to coping with disasters and crises; from climate change to domestic violence; from how best to communicate about the great issues of our day to campaigns which make us healthier and happier; and from corporate and organisational success to innovative strategic decisions about complex communications environments. The PRIA National Conference brings together practitioners, international communication experts, business innovators and government leaders to discuss the real-world case-studies, leading-edge research, latest innovations and creative best practice examples which characterise huge transformations. The learning is designed to explore 3 key questions:

• Where have we come from?
• Where are we at now?
• Where to next?

So far PRIA have announce the following industry and thought leaders as part of our line-up for the conference:

• Hon. Kate Warner AM, Governor of Tasmania
• Michael Rowland, Co-presenter, ABC News Breakfast on ABC1 and ABC News24
• Sjaakie Adriaans, Local Laws Coordinator, Mildura Rural City Council
• Alisa Bowen, Group Director, Digital Product and Development at News Corporation Australia
• David Chalke, Strategy Planner, AustraliaSCAN
• Sarah Cruickshank, A/Executive Director, Strategic Communications and Events, Government Announcement and Initiatives, Department of Premier and Cabinet NSW
• Stephen Donnelly, Assistant State Secretary, ALP Victoria
• Alison Hassel, Public Relations Manager, Zoos South Australia
• David Hearn, Director, Federal Government Media Relations at Mitchells
• ​Melanie Irons, Psychology PhD candidate at the University of Tasmania
• Stephen Large, CEO Port Arthur Historic Sites Management Authority
• Bill Lark, Founder of Lark Distillery
• Anne Leadbeater, Strategic Project Manager, Murrindindi Shire Council, Victoria
• Susan Redden Makatoa, Group Managing Director (Corporate), Ogilvy Public Relations
• Nicole Matejic, Social Media Monster, EO Info Ops HQ
• Amanda McKenzie, CEO at Climate Council
• Chris Savage, Business Growth Specialist, The Savage Company

The full program of speakers will be announced over the coming weeks. PLEASE NOTE: We encourage you to book your travel (if applicable) returning home on Wednesday 28 October, as Tuesday afternoon’s program will feature some world-class content and speakers. Flights departing Hobart are also more frequent in the morning that in the afternoon.

2015 PRIA MasterClass

The PRIA MasterClass will visit 3 fantastic quintessentially Tasmanian locations throughout the day. A networking lunch will be sandwiched by two sessions (morning and afternoon) of hard-hitting professional learning led by an industry leader. More details are to be confirmed.

Host City – Hobart, Tasmania

Hobart is a city of complementary contradictions that embodies the ‘Huge Transformations’ theme. With a contrasting blend of history, modern and heritage scenery, combined with traditional culture and eccentric oddities, Australia’s second oldest capital city has changed dramatically in recent years. Ranking fourth in in the world’s “Top 10 Regions in the World to Visit in 2015” in the Lonely traveller’s ‘Best in Travel 2015’ publication, there’s never been a better time to visit.

Click here to go to the online registration

Please check online for conference price rates for 26 & 27 October 2015