Ben Deutsch’s Post

The previously uncelebrated international PR awards program in the communications industry to recognize high achievement will showcase an unparalleled breadth of the latest communications talent. It will also advocate for truth and integrity in an era of disinformation, by establishing a publicly available rulebook that will enable transparent evaluation of projects including a judging body from 6 continents. This builds on the success of the PRO PR Globe Awards, which has been recognizing the outstanding work of individuals globally for twelve years. PRO PR Globe Awards has a new brand architecture, PRO PR Globe People Achievement Awards, which will continue to be awarded to individuals, and PRO PR Globe Communication Achievement Awards for projects in which private, public, and NGO sector organizations will be able to participate. For the first time in the world, categories are being launched to celebrate communication achievements in the areas intended for universities, national parks, music discography, agriculture, culture and heritage, green industry, auto moto industry, and wine industry, as well as the other 17 categories and two special categories that will celebrate the success of communication projects. Danijel Koletić, founder and president of the organizing committee of the PRO PR Globe Awards, pointed out: "These awards speak of fairness, transparency, and truly high achievements. As a result, we look forward to promoting some of the best work our industry has to offer and the PRO PR Globe Awards will strengthen the reputation of the winners and the communications industry in general. We also know that participation in awards, especially large international programs like this one, offers participants, their clients, and judges extensive networking opportunities as well as access to the best practical cases of practice.'' Applications for the PRO PR Globe Communication Achievement Awards begin on May 17 on the official website: https://awards.pro-pr.com/. The awarding ceremony will traditionally be held in Rome, and the day before the awarding ceremony there will be a conference called PR Roman Forum: ‘’Green Communications, Green Responsibility ESG, Sustainable Heritage.’’

From conceptualisation to determining relevance, communication professionals play a pivotal role in shaping and refining narratives, according to prominent experts and leading figures from the field of public relations and corporate communications. https://lnkd.in/dtb2S__4

So I did a thing... I joined a board!! But not just any board...this one ⬇️ The Impact Communications Institute (ICI). Stories can shape behavior, so how do we ensure they're told through an impact lens? And what does that mean? In 2019, I was speaking in Vancouver at the Dress for Success International Conference and met up with a friend of mine and the Founder of Yulu Public Relations, Melissa Orozco // Social Impact PR. As she poured us a glass of red, we sat down on her couch and she said, "I have to show you something." On her TV, she pulled up a presentation explaining the beginnings of ICI. Immediately I saw the importance and need. When I was in college and navigating my career in communications, no class or even a seminar existed on "Impact Communications." Now "impact" has become a buzzword but what does it mean in practice? ICI is a nonprofit organization created to legitimize, govern, educate, and scale the practice of Impact Communications. When Melissa and I reconnected recently, she shared all the updates on ICI and I knew I wanted to get involved! I'm so honored to sit alongside and learn from incredible fellow board members who have been so welcoming - Tessa Danelesko, Jennifer Shapiro, Michael Kaye 🎗️, DJ Koessler, Abenaa (Abby) Hayes (she/her/hers), Adam Lake, Brad MacAfee, Brandon Wilson, APR, Fellow PRSA, & Jenna Kuchinsky, just to name a few! If you're interested in learning what we're all about, please join a live workshop on "How to Craft an Impact Communications Game Plan" *tomorrow* on May 15. (It will be recorded!) We’ll be diving in using a real-life case study: Lauren Coape-Arnold, Executive Director of the Apollo Opportunity Foundation (AOF), will share the communications challenges and opportunities facing the AOF and invite you to join in a live, collaborative discussion about: ➡️ What to avoid when seeking to stand up new internal initiatives within our organizations ➡️ Lessons you’ve learned from taking bold action at your company ➡️ Best practices for Impact Communications RSVP: https://lnkd.in/eSqHn8hY

Our friends at the CIPR Greater London Group have an event planned we'd love to share with you. Navigating Purpose-led Communications: What’s Next? The world is constantly changing around us, and the expectations and needs for purpose-led communications shifting in response. We are in an election year in which issues can become a lightning rod for culture war politics, and through which we face the likely possibility of an incoming government with new agendas around environmental and social justice concerns. An accelerating climate crisis, geopolitical divisions and rising populism continue to rock the globe. Generational differences and evolving expectations place a growing pressure on brands to take a stance on a range of different issues. And we are also over half-way towards the Sustainable Development Goals’ target of 2030, with significant leaps needed to make the necessary progress in time. Amongst all this complexity, many organisations are taking stock and using this time to rethink how to tell their story in this space. As communications and PR professionals, how can we try to stay ahead of the curve and understand what’s next for the purpose agenda? CIPR Greater London Group and Purpose Union have gathered some of the great thinkers in the purpose communications space in a panel at University College London (UCL) to ask just that, and to help us all to navigate what’s coming. Join the conversation by signing up to attend, with plenty of Q&A and networking time. https://lnkd.in/gfxdDCep

Ontario-based communication leader Mirko Petricevic, CMP® is this weekend’s #WeLeadComms honoree. Mirko is the founder of ink-stainedwretches.org and journalismfilmfestival.com. In his words: “Doing comms is difficult work. Leading comms is even harder. That’s not only because of the heavy lifting needed to initiate and implement communications campaigns with purpose: It’s because leading isn’t always popular with bosses and co-workers.  In my role as communications director for a university college a few years ago, I led our response to the growing Black Lives Matter protests following the murder of George Floyd. Rather than simply issuing a public statement, I spurred an effort to align our response with our stated institutional mission and values. After all, what our organizations do means a lot more than what they say. In light of the #StopHateForProfit campaign — which called on corporations to suspend advertising on Facebook in an effort to encourage Meta to be more diligent about curbing racism on its platform — we re-examined our use of Facebook. We immediately suspended advertising on Facebook and Instagram, and limited other types of engagement (posting, liking, sharing) while we examined alternative platforms. After more than a year of discernment, we adopted a balanced approach: We severely restricted the use of Facebook and Instagram — being more critical users of social media — but didn’t abandon them completely. The move was difficult for some administrators to support and resisted by co-workers who worried our projects wouldn’t be well-promoted. But, in the end, the school’s leaders chose to align the institution’s actions with its values. Leadership isn’t always easy, nor will it be appreciated by all of your co-workers. So, do your research. Believe in your recommendations. Educate and coach key decision-makers. And take solace in serving your institution to the best of your professional ability. For details, read the news release: https://lnkd.in/eMDibESU +++ As communication professionals, we have remarkable stories to share, that highlight how communication can transform and reimagine. Communication creates discovery, possibility, opportunity and so much more. IABC World Conference, taking place 23-26 June in Chicago, is your opportunity to connect with communication professionals from around the globe, hear from industry experts during exceptional sessions and gain knowledge that is career-elevating for you and for your organization. #WeLeadComms followers and members can attend at the member rate by using the discount code WELEADCOMMS. Learn more and register to attend at wc.iabc.com.

At Rochester CUSD #3A, effective communication is a top priority. As Superintendent, I've witnessed the growing demand for transparent and engaging messaging with our stakeholders. To meet this need head-on, we've prioritized strategic communication. Transparent and engaging messaging is crucial for fostering trust and support. By adding our Director of Communications position we have enhanced our strategic communication plans. Discover more in this article about: Crafting a Detailed Job Description: Learn the importance of outlining clear responsibilities and expectations to attract the right candidates for communication roles. Strategic Onboarding for Success: Explore how integrating new hires into daily operations and connecting them with supportive communities can amplify their impact. https://lnkd.in/gkUCJexU AASA, The School Superintendents Association National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) INSPRA (Illinois Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association) SchoolCEO Apptegy SWPR Group

The last day of August is my first lecture day on public relations at the University of the Philippines in Manila. 👨🏫 Kicking off this semester with the first class discussion was nothing short of invigorating. The students' energy was palpable, reflected in their insightful contributions to the discussion. They rated the session a 4.78 ⭐ out of 5—high enough to confirm that we're off to a good start—but what truly resonated with me were their key takeaways, summed up below by AI from all their responses: 1. Outputs vs. Outcomes: Outputs are the tasks we control; outcomes are the long-term impacts shaped by stakeholder perception. 2. Stakeholder Significance: PR isn't just about managing an organization's image—it's about understanding and engaging stakeholders who are critical to its success. 3. PR’s Complexity: PR is more intricate than it appears, demanding strategic effort and targeted persuasion. 4. PR Foundations: A strong product or service is essential—no amount of PR can cover up for a product that stinks. Effective PR builds relationships that matter to both organizations and society. 5. Image vs. Reputation: Image and reputation differ; while image can be managed, reputation requires time and collective effort to build. 6. Beyond Publicity: PR is about forging connections and building rapport, leading to meaningful, long-term relationships. 7. Purposeful PR: PR is about creating positive, non-manipulative relationships with the target publics, focusing on performance and lasting impact. 8. Knowing Your Audience: Identifying your true target audience is crucial—“general public” is rarely specific enough to be effective. 9. Depth of PR: PR extends far beyond publicity stunts, encompassing deep strategic implications that resonate with both organizations and their target publics. These early reflections suggest that students are starting to grasp the foundational mindset essential for navigating the complexities of PR. This makes me excited for upcoming discussions on PR case studies in class. 📚 For PR practitioners out there, which learning highlight from the students resonated with you?

Want to know a hack that will help you improve your competency in Comms and PR? Get the books in the CIPR’s PR in Practice series. I first discovered the gem in this collection as a masters student. The Public Affairs in Practice book was the recommended reading for the Public Affairs module and I was so blown away by how comprehensive and practical the content was. I have three titles under the collection and the experience has been the same. They contain valuable theoretical and practical information that every Comms person will find useful. Even though it is mostly UK/Euro-centric in terms of examples and scenarios, the principles and frameworks apply globally. Here are some titles you may particularly want to check out in the collection: - The PR Professional’s Handbook - Planning and Managing Public Relations Campaigns - Writing Skills for Public Relations - Ethics in Public Relations - Internal Communications - Evaluating Public Relations - Crisis, Issues and Reputation Management - PR and Communication in Local Government and Public Services PS - I buy my books from Amazon. It does cost quite a bit when you convert to Naira, however I do believe it’s worth the investment. If you work in an agency or consulting business, maybe talk to your senior leaders about having a Comms/ PR library with these books available to all staff? Just an idea 😊

Great read on the evolving role of communications professionals. It's not just about press releases anymore - it's about navigating a complex media landscape, building trust, and ensuring accuracy. Here's to the storytellers, the truth-seekers, and the bridge-builders in a world that desperately needs clear and ethical communication. #publicrelations #strategiccommunications #AI #commslife #highered"