2025 NCPRSA Strategic Communications Conference

In a world where digital transformation is moving faster than a viral social media post or breaking news story, PR professionals are stepping up to the plate – crafting strategies to capture audiences, generate results and rise above the noise. Join NCPRSA for the can’t-miss 2025 Strategic Communications Conference, “Future Forward: The Fusion of Human Creativity and Digital Evolution,” to discover how today’s evolving technology and digital media landscape best integrate with the human touch to drive forward-thinking solutions and foster innovation.

PR and communications professionals – from agencies and nonprofits to private corporations and independent practitioners – will experience a full day of thought-provoking keynotes, breakout sessions and networking opportunities, learning strategies to balance AI with human interaction, skillfully tailor outreach to journalists, engage niche audiences on social media, and more. Whether you're new to the industry or a seasoned practitioner, this conference offers a unique opportunity to learn from trailblazers who are defining authentic connection amidst the digital evolution, propelling North Carolina’s PR industry forward into its next chapter.

OPENING KEYNOTE

The Human Edge in the Age of Machines: Why AI Alone Won’t Save Your Company

Speaker: Greg Boone, CEO, Walk West

Breakout Session #1: Choose to attend one of the following three sessions:

• PR + ChatGPT: What Works, What Fails and What to Try Next / Speaker: Mikaya Thurmond, CEO, Milan Public Relations
• Lights, Camera, Connection: Bringing In-Person Energy to Your Virtual Presentations / Speaker: Valonda Calloway ("The TV Lady"), spokesperson, TV Host and actor
• Help or Hype? How to Use AI Strategically in Crisis Response / Speaker: Stephanie Llorente, founder, Prep Communications

Breakout Session #2: Choose to attend one of the following three sessions:

• Junk the Jargon: A Modern Framework for Clearer, Smarter Storytelling / Speaker: Evan Boyer, principal, Leaders PR

• Is It Time to Add AEO to Your Communication Strategy? / Speaker: Carrie Cousins, vice president, LeadPoint Digital

• From Gut to Data: A No-Budget Approach to Audience Targeting with AI + Strategy / Speakers: Children's Home Society of North Carolina's Roxanne Raynor, director or marketing, and Kristina Geddings, digital strategy manager

Breakout Session #3: Choose to attend one of the following three sessions:

• Behind the Headlines: The Role of AI in Today's Newsroom - National Association of Black Journalists RDU Panel / Panelists TBA

• Smarter Public Affairs: Integrating Technology and the Human Touch / Speakers: Kate Payne , principal, Kate Catlin Payne LLC and Jenny Bo, co-founder and president, Roboro

• Human+: Using Technology to Amplify Human Creativity / Speaker: Jake Coltrane, associate creative director, French / West / Vaughan

AFTERNOON KEYNOTE

When a Dynasty Falls: The Murdaugh Scandal in the Digital Age

Speaker: Valerie Bauerlein, national affairs reporter, The Wall Street Journal, and New York Times best-selling author

Info: Welcome from Victoria Moore, senior account executive, Largemouth Communications and NCPRSA president-elect and conference chair

Info: Opening Keynote Speaker: Greg Boone, CEO, Walk West

Info: NCPRSA's InSpire Awards honor our region’s most successful and innovative communications programs from the past year. Communications professionals from agencies, corporate, nonprofits, associations and government offices, as well as solo practitioners across our area, produce outstanding work and achieve fantastic results each year. The InSpire Awards celebrate the best campaigns, projects and initiatives in our region!

Info: Afternoon Keynote Speaker: Valerie Bauerlein, National Affairs Reporter, The Wall Street Journal

Info: PR for Good is an initiative that explores the powerful intersection of public relations and community impact. In this session, you'll gain insight into how strategic communication can elevate meaningful causes — and hear perspectives from those working behind the scenes to bring these efforts to life.

Join us to learn more about the vision behind PR for Good, its role in supporting purpose-driven work, and how small actions can lead to lasting change.

Info: David Hamilton, director of communications, North
America at Lenovo and NCPRSA president

Host or Publisher North Carolina Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (NCPRSA)