Champion Partners:

LODGING AT THE GLACIER CANYON LODGE

Rooms are reserved for WSPRA, Wednesday, Nov. 13 and Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024.

Rooms Rates:

• 2 Bedroom Deluxe Glacier Canyon Lodge, $169.00
• Double Queen Couch Glacier Canyon Lodge, $109.00
• Guests can continue their stay Friday and Saturday at a discounted rate of $189 per night (standard room, Double Queen Sofa).

Reservation Instructions:

• Reservations must be made by Monday, October 14, 2024
• Call 1-800-867-9453 and state you are with Leader #A49718
• Rates are subject to applicable state and local taxes (currently 12.25%) in effect at the time of check in, and a taxable $29.95 nightly Resort fee, or current prevailing fee if changed.
• Guests may arrive after 12:00 pm and pre-register to obtain wristbands for the water park even if their room is not ready until check in time. Guests may use the facilities all day on their scheduled departure date.

CONFERENCE COSTS – Registration deadline was October 30^th. If you missed the deadline and would like to attend the conference, contact Debbie Brewster at wsprapresident@gmail.com. We will do our best to accommodate you depending on the date of the request and available space.

Pre-Conference: $60 member/$80 non-member

Full Conference: $250 member/$360 non-member

Thursday only: $230 member/$340 non-member

Spectrum Awards Luncheon Only (Thursday): $40 member/$50 non-member

Special rate for the Full Conference Team of Two (members only from same district):  $465 

  REGISTER  

IF YOU WISH TO INQUIRE ABOUT REGISTRATION AFTER OCTOBER 30^th,  PLEASE CONTACT WSPRA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DEBBIE BREWSTER at wsprapresident@gmail.com.

We have a reciprocal arrangement with MinnSPRA and INSPRA. Members of these two organizations may register for the WSPRA Fall Conference at our member conference rates. If you are a member of MinnSPRA or INSPRA, please email wsprapresident@gmail.com to obtain the reciprocal registration code.

Cancellation Information: A full refund of fees will be made on cancellations received 10 days prior to the start of the convention. Following that date, a 40% administrative fee will be retained. There will be no refund for no-shows or cancellations during the event.

Pre-Conference Sessions (add-on cost to regular conference registration)

Session 1:  Survive & Thrive as New School PR Communicators

Join us for a pre-conference session designed for new school communications and public relations professionals. The focus is on less than 4 years, but all are welcome!

A panel of four experienced WSPRA members will share insights and tips on topics such as: defining your role with administration and the school board; effective communication strategies and building relationships with your community, surviving your first referendum, strategic planning, and Q&A. Plus, you will receive the presentations/handouts from last year’s pre-conference, which includes planning tools; marketing and branding; and crisis communications.

Panel: 
Kimberly Uelmen, Director of Communications, Howard-Suamico School District
Dave Cotey, Director of Communications and Public Relations, School District of New Berlin
Jodi Fiedler, Communications Content Manager, Madison Metropolitan School District
Jenny Ames, Director of Community Education and Communications, School District of River Falls

Session 2: Craft Compelling Video Content Using Just Your Phone
Presenter:  Jake Sturgis, APR, Founder & CEO, Captivate Media + Consulting
Level up your video production skills by learning to plan, record, and share videos that tell your story without professional equipment. This pre-session will walk you through the basics of what makes a good video story. There will be hands-on opportunities to learn how to capture amazing footage with just your phone and how to leverage new editing tools that will take your videos to the next level. We’ll also discuss the changing social media algorithm to help you maximize engagement and views on the content you create.

Dinner on your own – Dining at Wilderness Resort

Welcome Reception, sponsored by       
Meet conference attendees and enjoy complimentary appetizers and desserts. Cash bar, with complimentary drink ticket.  All are welcome to attend this reception, even if you are registering for the conference on Thursday morning.

8:15 am-4:00 pm

8:15-9:45 am    General Session

• Welcome and introduction to the conference
• Keynote presentation: Profile Like the FBI 2.0: Using Psychology to Build Trust and Credibility
  Presented by Sondra Whalen, APR - Director of Student Programs and Communications at Vernon Verona Sherrill Central School District in New York
  Trust is tribal, and today, the opinion of a friend can be worth more than a mountain of professional communications. Enhance your communications skills by learning to leverage psychological principles that build (or restore!) trust and credibility at the community, school, and personal level. Participants will gain valuable insights into fostering cognitive and emotional trust, overcoming subtle psychological barriers, and establishing authentic connections. By the end of the session, attendees will be able to apply scientific insights and data-driven psychological strategies to enrich communications and ensure messaging resonates more profoundly with their target audiences.

9:45-10:15    Resource Fair & Refreshments

• Visit with our WSPRA business partners
• Complete your scavenger hunt to win prizes
• Fill your snackle box!

10:15-11:15    Breakout Session #1 (choose one of the following)

Don’t Let Legal Issues Get You Down
Presenters: Shana Lewis and Laura Pedersen, Attorneys and Shareholders with Renning Lewis & Lacy, s.c.
Attorneys Shana R. Lewis and Laura Pedersen will provide an overview of two legal issues attracting significant attention in Wisconsin Public School Districts in the last 6 months – Title IX and Act 10. They will also offer a refresher and some helpful tips on processing public records requests in accordance with the Wisconsin Public Records Law.

Create Your Crisis Communications Plan
Presenter: Terri McHugh, APR, Executive Director of Community Relations School District 54, Schaumburg, IL
When a crisis strikes, people will look to your district for timely, transparent communication. Are you ready? In this working lab, spend 60 minutes developing, or fine tuning your crisis communications plan in collaboration with others in the room. Bring your laptop and be prepared to access templates, scripts and other communication tools as a starting point to crafting a plan that supports your school community. This is not a case study, but an opportunity to prepare for possible scenarios.

Uniting Visions: Achieving Consensus for Long-Term Financial and Facility Decisions within Your School Board and Community
Presenters: Kevin Hickman, Senior Client Executive, Nexus, and Dave Novy, District Administrator, Brodhead School District
Uniting Visions: Achieving Consensus for Long-Term Financial and Facility Decisions within Your School Board and Community"" is a comprehensive approach to fostering collaboration among school board members, administrators, teachers, parents, and the broader community.

2024 Social Media Trends & Instagram Reels: What Works Now
Presenter: Andrea Gribble, Founder, #SocialSchool4EDU
Social media is constantly evolving, and what worked yesterday might not work today. In this must-attend session, we'll cover the latest trends in school social media, focusing on what’s in and what’s out for 2024. Learn how to adapt to algorithm changes, enhance your storytelling, and effectively engage your audience. We’ll also take a dive into Instagram and Facebook Reels, providing you with practical strategies and time-saving tips to create impactful, on-brand short-form videos. Grab examples from across the country and leave with the confidence to use them in your district immediately!

11:15-11:45    Resource Fair

• Visit with our WSPRA business partners
• Complete your scavenger hunt to win prizes

11:45-1:15    Spectrum Awards Luncheon (included with registration), sponsored by   

1:30-2:30    Breakout Session #2 (choose one of the following)

Digital Detox: Smooth out your digital presence when your job depends on staying connected
Presenter: Melissa McConnell Manager, Professional Development & Member Engagement, NSPRA
"Digital Detox" doesn't have to mean completely staying away from technology, especially when using technology plays a significant role in #SchoolPR! However, preserving our mental bandwidth merits attention and action. Get tips, tactics and strategies to use on phones and laptops, so we can all carve out space to be present with family and friends, stay informed as needed for your career, and recognize when we have reached our own limits.

Superintendents Unplugged: Real Talk on Collaboration Success for School Communicators and Superintendents
Presenters: Sarah O'Donnell, MS IMC, Director of Communications Cory Hirsbrunner, Ed.D., Superintendent – Stevens Point Area Public Schools
Join us for an insightful session designed for school communications professionals seeking to enhance their collaborative efforts with superintendents. This presentation will provide practical strategies to strengthen relationships, align communications goals with district leadership, and navigate the challenges of educational communications. Gain insights into the superintendent's perspective and learn how to become an indispensable part of your district's leadership team.

Profile Like the FBI: Establishing Your Professional Credibility with Data & Behavioral Science
Presenter: Sondra Whalen, APR - Director of Student Programs and Communications at Vernon Verona Sherrill Central School District in New York
Overcome imposter syndrome and elevate your professional reputation! In this interactive session, we will leverage data and behavioral science to enhance your credibility in school public relations. Dive deep into building workplace trust, objectively assessing your skills, and implementing strategies for professional growth. Participants will walk away with actionable tools, including a personalized communications report card and a professional development plan, to boost their professional profile.

DEI with Disney: Building a "Whole New World" of Belonging
Presenter: Dirk Tedmon, APR, Executive Director of Marketing & Communications, Eden Prairie Schools, Eden Prairie, MN (2024 NSPRA School Communicator of the Year)
Embark on a journey to advance inclusion and belonging in your schools. In this session, we'll explore how to make schools more welcoming for all with some inspiration from classic Disney songs. You'll leave with actionable strategies to build "A Whole New World" in your district where every story is valued and celebrated.

2:30-3:00    Resource Fair & Refreshments

• Visit our WSPRA business partners!
• Complete your scavenger hunt to win prizes
• Enjoy afternoon refreshments

3:00-4:00   Breakout Session #3 (choose one of the following)

Take Your Photography to the NEXT LEVEL ⬆️
Presenter: Travis Judell, Communications Specialist, School District of Holmen
Join us for a dynamic training session designed to elevate your photography skills. This hands-on workshop will cover essential photo tips, techniques for capturing better photos, and comprehensive editing in Lightroom. Learn how the School District of Holmen uses tools such as Lightroom and advanced editing techniques to make photos stand out from the rest. Gain practical experience in both photography and photo editing, ensuring you leave equipped with the skills to take your photography to new heights.

Ten Ways to Communicate Complex Topics
Presenters: Chris Thompson, Chief Strategy Officer; Eric Hagen and Erin Kokta, Communications Specialists  for Elmbrook -- School District of Elmbrook
Have you been asked recently to communicate your District’s change to science-based reading, describe the impact of rising healthcare costs on the budget, or address some other complex topic in simple language to your stakeholders? During this session we will offer tips, tools and examples of ways to simplify messaging, as well as encourage attendees to share their challenges and successes. Simplifying complex topics is something we can all get better at - let’s improve together!

5 to Thrive: 10 Tips to a Mental Health and Well-Being Campaign
Presenters: Jodi Fiedler, Communications Content Manager, Madison Metropolitan School District, and Chelsea Janke, Vice President Integrated Marketing CEL Marketing PR Design
Explore the mental health and well-being campaign that earned a prestigious 2024 NSPRA Golden Achievement Award. This session will provide insights into the top 10 tips from the award-winning initiative, designed to streamline messaging and enhance student access to mental health support. Learn how this innovative branding and communications strategy successfully shifted focus toward proactive approaches to promote well-being. Find out how you can implement these strategies in your work.

Proceed with Caution: Using AI Tools in your Video Workflow
Presenter:  Jake Sturgis, APR, Founder & CEO, Captivate Media + Consulting
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can make parts of the video production process take seconds instead of hours. As helpful as these tools are, they also present challenges, including ethical concerns, data privacy issues, and the risk of over-reliance on technology. In this presentation, we’ll explore the transformative role of video and AI in school communications. You'll learn how AI-driven tools can enhance video production efficiency and creativity. This session aims to equip school communicators with a balanced understanding of the opportunities and limitations of integrating AI into your video strategies, ensuring you can harness its potential responsibly and effectively.

Networking Reception: Hip Trivia, sponsored by               

Get ready for a fun, interactive night of trivia! But wait! This is unlike any trivia you've seen in the past. Our host, Dan Deibert, has been a professional comedian and trivia host for over 30 years! Check it out!

• Network with conference attendees and business partners.
• Complimentary appetizers and desserts will be provided.
• Cash bar, with complimentary drink ticket

8:30 am-12:00 noon

8:30-9:45 am    General Session

• Welcome and orientation to the day
• Keynote presentation: Finding Your Leadership Voice: Surviving and Thriving in School Communications
  Presenter: Dr. Dennis Pauli, Superintendent, Edgerton School District
  Everyone has a leadership voice, whether they know it or not. From the most quiet to the most gregarious, we all have the ability to lead others. The 5 Voices is designed to help every individual discover their leadership voice and be empowered to use it effectively. School public relations professionals face the challenges of balancing today's public school realities while fighting to stay healthy, hopeful and high performing across all circles of influence (self, family, team, organization and community). The 5 Voices serves as an important lever to develop new skills and support the ever changing school environment. During this fast paced and interactive session participants will leave with the tools to inspire others and maximize your influence.

9:45-10:00 am    Break

10:00-11:45 am    Survivor’s Toolkit (Roundtable Discussions)

Get valuable ideas to add to your school public relations toolkit. Gather some practical ideas in a time-saving format. Choose three 30-minute sessions from the following topics (more will be added as they are confirmed):

• Accessibility Island: Collaborating to Avoid Getting Voted Off – website accessibility challenges facing schools and districts (Jon Ballard, CEO, Foremost Media)
• Advocacy and School Funding: PR Strategies for Legislative Success (Molly Loucks, Chief of Communications, Mequon-Thiensville School District)
• Branding your School District (LeaAnn Odekirk, Owner, LO Consulting Services LLC)
• Decoding School Finance to your Community (Stacy Tapp,  Chief of Communication & Community Engagement, Racine Unified School District)
• Enrollment Marketing (Kate Brown, Director of Marketing and Communications, Waterford Union High School)
• Engaging Diverse Families: Insights from a Wisconsin District Leader (Amanda Dempsey, Vice President Inside Sales, ParentSquare and Ashley Duchemin, Marketing & Communications Director, Delavan-Darien School District)
• Engaging Your Community (Jerry Kemper, School Perceptions, Project Manager; Cari Stoltz, Director of Marketing and Communications, Richland School District)
• Graphic Design Tips & Tricks So Easy You Can Do It! (Nathan Chow, Owner, Foundry)
• ​Media Relations: Building a Strong Partnership (Emily DeBaker, Chief of Staff, Racine Unified School District)
• Navigating Legal Pitfalls (Dan Unertl, Attorney, Attoles Law, S.C.)
• Navigating the Unexpected: Strategies to Enhance you Crisis Communication Plan (Sarah O’Donnell, Director of Communications, Stevens Point Area Public School District)
• The 5 Gears: How to Be Present and Productive When There is Never Enough Time (Dr. Dennis Pauli, Superintendent, Edgerton School District)

MORE SURVIVOR’S TOOLKIT ROUNDTABLE INFORMATION

11:45 am-12 noon    Prizes and Closing Remarks

Connect with WSPRA members at the conference.

Get up-to-the-minute updates.

Join the WhatsApp Group: 2024 WSPRA Conference.