Join us for the 9th Annual Communications Spring Training Workshop on Tuesday, April 29, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company.

This power-packed, full-day event is your chance to learn from top PR and marketing professionals in the Baltimore region.

Gain fresh insights, sharpen your skills and connect with like-minded professionals through engaging workshops and expert-led discussions covering today’s most essential communications strategies.

Program Schedule:

8:30-9:00 a.m. – Continental Breakfast & Power Networking
Start the day with coffee, connections and conversation with fellow PR and marketing pros.

9:00-9:15 a.m. – Opening Remarks
Kick off the day with a warm welcome and a preview of the game-changing insights ahead.

9:15-10:15 a.m. – LinkedIn Like a Pro: Build Influence & Elevate Your Brand with Kara Redman, CEO and Founder,  Backroom
Discover insider strategies to craft a standout LinkedIn profile, grow your network and attract opportunities that matter.

10:15-11:15 a.m. – What’s the Buzz on Bluesky? with Heide Aungst, Director of Marketing & Public Relations, Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland, Baltimore and Elise Armacost, retired Public Affairs Director, Baltimore County Fire Department
Get the scoop on this rising social platform, its potential for PR and media, and whether it should be part of your strategy.

1:15-11:30 a.m. – Break
Take a breather, grab a refreshment and get ready for the next big session.

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Media Goldmine: How to Get Noticed on Qwoted with Shelby Bridges, Director of User Success, Qwoted
Unlock the secrets to using Qwoted to land expert interviews, gain media exposure and position yourself as an industry thought leader.

12:30-1:45 p.m. – Lunch & Keynote: Breaking Into National Media with Donna Leinwand-Leger, former Managing Editor, USA Today
Dine and learn from a top media insider who will share expert tips on securing national press coverage.
*Choose your lunch when registering: Turkey & Cheddar, Grilled Chicken & Avocado BLT, Tomato Basil BLT or Mediterranean Veggie.

1:45-2:45 p.m. – AI & the Future of PR: Game-Changer or Disruptor? with Greg Shaffer, Chief Marketing Officer, GBMC Healthcare
Understand how AI is shaping journalism, PR and content creation. Feel free to bring a laptop or use your smartphone for hands on exercises using generative AI tools.

2:45-3:00p.m. – Closing Remarks: Key Takeaways & Final Thoughts
Wrap up with actionable insights and a game plan to implement everything you’ve learned.

DATE & TIME: Tuesday, April 29, 2025, 8:30 – 9:00 a.m. – Continental Breakfast & Networking; 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Program

LOCATION: Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company, 40 E. Sudbrook Lane, Pikesville, MD 21208
Enter via the museum/community room entrance.

FEE: $60 Members; $90 Future Members. Early Bird Registration is $5 off – must register by April 15. (Cancellations after Friday, April 25, will not be refunded.)