2025 NCPRSA Strategic Communications Conference

Fri Nov 21 2025 at 08:00 am to 03:00 pm UTC-05:00

McKimmon Center | Raleigh

North Carolina Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (NCPRSA)
Publisher/HostNorth Carolina Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (NCPRSA)
2025 NCPRSA Strategic Communications Conference
Advertisement
Join us for our 2025 Strategic Comms Conference, "Future Forward: The Fusion of Human Creativity and Digital Evolution," on Friday, Nov. 21.
About this Event

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


Agenda

🕑: 08:00 AM - 09:00 AM
Registration/Breakfast
Host: Victoria Moore

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


🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:50 AM
The Human Edge in the Age of Machines: Why AI Alone Won’t Save Your Company
Host: Greg Boone

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


🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Breakout Session #1
🕑: 10:40 AM - 11:10 AM
Breakout Session #2
🕑: 11:20 AM - 11:50 AM
Breakout Session #3
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
InSpire Awards Luncheon

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!


🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:50 PM
When a Dynasty Falls: The Murdaugh Scandal in the Digital Age
Host: Valerie Bauerlein

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


🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:50 PM
PR for Good Panel Discussion

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.


🕑: 02:50 PM - 03:00 PM
Closing Remarks
Host: David Hamilton

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


Advertisement

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

McKimmon Center, 1101 Gorman Street, Raleigh, United States

Tickets

USD 28.52 to USD 684.77

Sharing is Caring:

More Events in Raleigh

ROME (formerly of Sublime with Rome)
Thu, 20 Nov at 08:00 pm ROME (formerly of Sublime with Rome)

Lincoln Theatre

Rome Ramirez at Lincoln Theatre Raleigh
Thu, 20 Nov at 08:00 pm Rome Ramirez at Lincoln Theatre Raleigh

Lincoln Theatre Raleigh

Ted Alexandro at Goodnights Comedy Club
Thu, 20 Nov at 08:00 pm Ted Alexandro at Goodnights Comedy Club

Goodnights Comedy Club

Pierre Bensusan Concert
Thu, 20 Nov at 08:30 pm Pierre Bensusan Concert

556 Pylon Drive

Rome
Fri, 21 Nov at 01:00 am Rome

Lincoln Theatre Raleigh

Florida State Seminoles at NC State Wolfpack Football
Fri, 21 Nov at 08:30 am Florida State Seminoles at NC State Wolfpack Football

Carter-Finley Stadium

eXp - What's on your mind? - Meet with your B.I.Cs
Fri, 21 Nov at 09:30 am eXp - What's on your mind? - Meet with your B.I.Cs

Car Space Raleigh | Private Social Club, Greens Dairy Road, Raleigh, NC, USA

They Are Gutting a Body of Water
Fri, 21 Nov at 07:00 pm They Are Gutting a Body of Water

Kings

George Janko
Fri, 21 Nov at 07:00 pm George Janko

Fletcher Opera Theater At Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts

Layz
Fri, 21 Nov at 07:00 pm Layz

The Underground - Raleigh

35th Annual FV Junior Woman's Club Charity Ball: Enchanting Masquerade
Fri, 21 Nov at 07:00 pm 35th Annual FV Junior Woman's Club Charity Ball: Enchanting Masquerade

The Pavilion at Carriage Farm

Raleigh is Happening!

Never miss your favorite happenings again!

Explore Raleigh Events