Four opportunities to increase your knowledge are coming up soon:

  • The PRSA Professional Development Conference Sept. 20,
  • SHLA's Training and Tradeshow Sept. 21,
  • Missouri Governor's Conference on Tourism Oct. 11-13,
  • CVB's Social Media 101 Workshop Oct. 13.

Here are the details:

PRSA Professional Development Conference – Sept. 20

The Southwest Missouri Chapter of Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) is hosting a professional development conference, “Listen Up! Network. Get Engaged,” 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 20 at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, 202 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway.

David Grossman, ABC, APR, Fellow PRSA, founder and CEO of The Grossman Group in Chicago, will talk about the importance of getting communication “right” and will provide proven practical insights, methods and tools to enhance results and ensure overall organizational engagement.

Sheri Hawkins, owner of 2balance in Springfield will discuss best practices when it comes to etiquette in today’s business world.

Mike Koehler, president and chief strategist of Smirk New Media in Oklahoma City, will delve into best practices and the how-to’s for effective online brand monitoring and engagement through social media networking. There will also be an extreme networking session which will allow students and professionals to meet and learn from one another.

This event is open to public relations and marketing professionals and students. To register, visit www.swmoprsa.org.  For more information about the event, contact Claire Faucett at claire@springfieldchamber.com.

SHLA Training and Tradeshow – Sept. 21

The Springfield Hotel Lodging Association will have its annual Training & Tradeshow in lieu of the group’s regular meeting in September. Training: brought to you by Heligonix is a must if you are trying to keep up with social media, 2pm to 4pm.

Tradeshow: If you are an Allied member, this is your opportunity to showcase yourself and your business, 4pm to 6pm.

Please RSVP by using this link by Monday, Sept. 19: http://www.shla.com/mtg_rsvp_seminar.asp.

Missouri Governor’s Conference on Tourism – Oct. 11-13

The Missouri Governor’s Conference on Tourism always strives to meet the needs of all members of Missouri's tourism industry--no matter what size your tourism business might be.

“This conference is not just for the big business of tourism or for the Convention and Visitors’ Bureaus (CVBs) in Missouri,” says Lori Simms, deputy director of marketing for the Division of Tourism. “First, many of the challenges that face the small guys are what the big entities face daily. For example, we have sessions that address the principles of public relations and creative messaging, tips on mastering successful partnerships, and ideas for how to build a better cultural tourism experience. Those ideas traverse all sizes of organizations and attractions!”

Beside the sessions already mentioned, there is information on crisis management, better understanding of Trip Advisor, social media and the anatomy of Internet strategies. There are experts there to help you build better strategic and marketing plans; they'll show you how to use marketing research for more effective advertising. All this is topped off with how you can use group travel, golf and gaming initiatives to enhance your marketing efforts and build your tourism business. Check out this year’s agenda at http://custapp.marketvolt.com/link/7PnfoGYnl5?CM=0&X=PREVIEW.

So, whether you are the smallest CVB in Missouri or the biggest; the most successful tourism attraction in Missouri or one that is just starting; the tiniest museum or the largest; a big city restaurant or hotel or that hidden-away treasure in the country -- this year’s Missouri Governor’s Conference on Tourism has it all!

It is just waiting for you to register today! To register for the 2011 Missouri Governor's Conference on Tourism go to http://custapp.marketvolt.com/link/1lqxaaCg9s?CM=0&X=PREVIEW.

CVB’s Social Media 101 – Oct. 13

Registration is underway for a free Social Media 101 seminar presented by Sean Dixon, interactive media manager for the CVB. The seminar is designed for beginners who want to set up a Twitter account or Facebook page.

Two sessions are scheduled. Session I is from 9-10:30am and Session II is 10:30am-noon on Oct. 13. The location is at the MSU Hospitality and Restaurant Administration Department computer lab in room 440 of the Professional Building at Kimbrough Avenue and Cherry Street.

Space is limited for this hands-on seminar so register early!

To sign up, send an e-mail to swade@springfieldmo.org. Be sure to indicate if you are attending Session I or Session II.