Buffalo Niagara's annual 'Sunrise Seminar Series' focuses on 'Building Buffalo'

The Buffalo Niagara Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America will present its annual "Sunrise Seminar" series themed "Building Buffalo" on Aug. 6, 13, 20 and 27 from 8 to 9 a.m. at the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, 665 Main St., Suite 200. Register online at www.prsabuffaloniagara.org or call 716-508-0277.

This year's "Sunrise Seminars" explores the role communication and public relations can play in Buffalo's resurgence and development. Topics for the four programs range from government and public affairs to social media and tourism marketing, as well as perspectives from specialty media to the way new buildings can define a new vision for the city.

"What better time than right now to learn by examining the momentum in downtown Buffalo?" said Tony Astran, APR, 2014 president of PRSA Buffalo Niagara Chapter. "We've brought together a diverse and impressive mix of communication leaders throughout the city, and invite the entire region to join in these discussions."

In-person registration begins at 7:45 a.m. each Wednesday. A special "bundle package" is on sale now, allowing members to attend all four sessions for $50 and non-members to attend for $110. Individual session costs are $25 for members, $40 for nonmembers, free for PRSSA students, and $15 for non-PRSSA students. Prices will be discounted at $10 a ticket for those who register during designated early-bird time frames. Visit www.prsabuffaloniagara.org to check deadlines for early bird registration.

A light continental breakfast will be provided for each session. Parking has been arranged at St. Michael's Church (651 Washington St.), across from Buffalo Niagara Partnership. It is easiest to enter the lot from behind the church, on Ellicott Street.

Wednesday, Aug. 6 - 'Building Buffalo: Government and Public Affairs Communication'

Participants will engage in a panel discussion about how public relations and communication professionals can effectively work with local leaders to help them promote the city's resurgence, and how these leaders' own communication teams deliver the message of Buffalo's growth to the community and beyond. Learn about the inside track to government and public affairs communication - including career paths, best practices for reaching local leaders, and shared visions for Buffalo's continued renaissance.

Speakers include:

•Peter Anderson, press secretary for Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz

•Theresa Kennedy, communications director for Rep. Brian Higgins

•Earl V. Wells III, president of e3communications

Wednesday, Aug. 13 - "Building Buffalo: Marketing Buffalo through Social Media"

This session will focus on marketing Buffalo through social media networks and features a diverse group of practitioners.

Discussion topics include:

•A look at Buffalo's selling points.

•Overcoming stereotypes when dealing with people from outside Buffalo.

•Success stories from the "city of good neighbors."

•The excitement presented to communications professionals due to Buffalo's resurgence.

•Conveying the excitement of Buffalo's resurgence through social media.

Speakers include:

•Peter Burakowski, senior marketing manager, 43North

•Steve Cichon, president and CEO, Buffalo Stories LLC

•Marti Gorman, executive director, Buffalo Citybration

•Ed Healy, vice president of marketing, Visit Buffalo Niagara

Wednesday, Aug. 20 - "Building Buffalo: Perspectives on Specialty Media"

This session - part presentation, part panel discussion, part Q&A - presents public relations professionals with an opportunity to learn what matters most to niche populations and how to better communicate with them.

Speakers include:

•Tim Moran, editor, OutCome Buffalo

•Edwin Martinez, owner, Panorama Hispano

•Eva Doyle, columnist, Buffalo Criterion

Wednesday, Aug. 27: "Building Buffalo: Building (and Rebuilding) Buffalo"

From HARBORCENTER and the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus to the Hotel Lafayette and several downtown loft conversions, high-profile building projects are reshaping Buffalo and paving the way for its resurgence. Hear from a panel of expert public relations leaders who are promoting these new development projects and helping to define a new vision for Buffalo.

Discussion topics include:

•An overview of various development and construction projects occurring around the city and their impact on its economic vitality.

•How panelists create, package and share key messages about these important projects to the public and key stakeholders.

•How those messages and projects are shaping a collective vision for Buffalo's future.

Moderator:

•Patrick Finan, founder/principal, Block Club; co-founder, City Dining Cards

Speakers include:

•Erin Carmina, director of business development, marketing and public relations, Carmina Wood Morris PC

•Ellen Goldbaum, senior medical editor, University at Buffalo

•Don Heins, communications manager, HARBORCENTER

Founded in 1963, the Buffalo Niagara Chapter has nearly 200 members representing all areas of business and industry, including corporate, nonprofit, government, counseling firms, educational institutions and professional service firms. Sponsors of the PRSA Buffalo Niagara Chapter include Eric Mower + Associates, PR Newswire and Univera Healthcare.

Follow the Buffalo Niagara Chapter on Twitter @PRSABuffNiag and on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/PRSABuffNiag.