Category Archives: Events and Workshops
Social Media Week DC Report: Digital Diplomacy Open House
About a year ago, a handful of embassy communicators got together to share ideas about social media. They had common challenges: small staffs, big communications goals, diverse audiences. Many of them were just beginning to use social media.
That was the beginning of the Digital Diplomacy Coalition, a network of social media users in the diplomatic community in the Washington, DC area. In late May, they launched their Twitter profile and now have more than 600 followers. Now, the communications professionals gather to share ideas and best practices, and this evening, they offered an open house event for Social Media Week DC at the offices of Levick Strategic Communications.
I interviewed diplomatic communicators from the European Union, the United Arab Emirates, Greece, the UK, and Austria at their event tables. All were enthusiastic about the new coalition.
Kara Hadge, Head of Digital Media for the British Council, showed me a campaign called “Our Shared Future.” Our Shared Future aims to improve the public conversation about Muslims and cross-cultural relations in the US and Europe. Part of that communications effort was a free E-book series which has been downloaded more than 2,000 times from the iTunes store.
Senior Communications Officer Anja Mayer shared the Embassy of Austria‘s new Pinterest board, Austria in USA.
It was fascinating to hear their stories about connecting online and off to discuss and share best practices in social media.
Looking for PR interns? GMU Career Fair; Longwood University Spring Job and Internship Fair
Looking for summer interns or entry level public relations professionals?
The PRSSA chapter of George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia is hosting a Communication Career Fair. Companies, associations and government agencies are invited to participate, at no cost. Tables, signage and refreshments will be provided by the Communication Department.
Time: 9:00am -1:00pm
Date: March 21, 2013
Location: Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall
Interview prospective employees, discuss internships, and connect with GMU students interested in PR and marketing careers.
To reserve a table and obtain parking information please email Rasheeda Mitchell at georgemason.prssa@gmail.com.
Also, Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia is actively recruiting employers for internships for their students. They are wonderful to work with. Learn more here: http://www.longwood.edu/career/22366.htm
Longwood is hosting a Spring Job and Internship Fair on February 19.
Whichever you work with, remember, pay your interns, even if they are earning academic credit. It’s the right thing to do, and it’s the law.
Related articles
My Social Media Week DC plans
I am tremendously excited about Social Media Week DC, which takes place February 17-22. Here are the sessions I will be attending. Don’t they sound great? All are free! To register, visit the website.
- Media Relations Breakfast for PR and Social Media Professionals, sponsored by Synaptic Digital
- Get Smart! Make Better Social Media Decisions through Analytics, sponsored by the American Public University System
- Marketing Beyond The Like, sponsored by Facebook Washington, DC
- Crisis Management and Social Media — How Do They Connect?, sponsored by Social Media Club DC
- @StateDept: Leveraging Digital for Public Diplomacy, sponsored by the New America Foundation
- It’s Time to Be Fearless in Social Media, sponsored by the Case Foundation
- Digital Diplomacy Open House, sponsored by the Digital Diplomacy Coalition, Chief, and Levick
- Defining and Measuring Social Media Success in Museums and Arts Organizations, sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution
While you’re there, don’t forget to register for our session!
Related articles
- Register for our Social Media Week DC workshop on podcasting and blogging (fletcher-prince.com)
Register for our Social Media Week DC workshop on podcasting and blogging
Register for our free session at Social Media Week DC.
What’s the one thing you enjoy talking about more than anything else? Some call it a passion, a hobby, a career, a cause, or special interest. Have you thought about sharing that interest online? You can, of course, with a podcast or a blog.
Shared passion creates community, untethered by geographic boundaries. In this free, Social Media Week DC session, full-time podcast producer Ray Ortega and blogger yours truly will show you how to translate your enthusiasm into a blog or podcast.
The event takes place at noon on Tuesday, February 19 at Thomas Jefferson Public Library (main meeting room), 7415 Arlington Boulevard, Falls Church. For those of you who don’t live in the area, I will make the session available live on Livestream — and if the time isn’t convenient for you, I’ll videotape the session and upload it to YouTube.
Here is a little about Ray and me, and our podcasting and blogging backgrounds.
Ray Ortega is a professional podcaster, experienced in producing both audio and video podcasts. He shares his expertise on The Podcaster’s Studio and Podcast Quick Tips.
Ray launched his first podcast in early 2007 (Produce Picker Podcast), a video podcast about how to identify, select and prepare fresh fruits and vegetables. In 2008, Ray and his podcast were featured on celebrity chef Emeril’s television program for the Planet Green channel.
In 2008, he began work with the American Society for Microbiology to help with their audio and video podcasting efforts and has spent the past five years producing both audio and video podcasts full-time.
Ray speaks frequently about podcasting and was a featured speaker at Blog World and New Media Expo 2012. He has also been interviewed for the following programs and articles
- David Jackson’s – School of Podcasting
- Max Flight’s – Podcasting Passion
- Steven Lee’s – Waves of Tech
- Q&A on the Spreaker blog
- Examiner.com’s – D.C. blogger profile
Mary Fletcher Jones has produced dozens of blogs, YouTube Channels, Facebook Pages, podcasts, and branded Twitter profiles for clients and for her own interests. She has 27 LinkedIn recommendations for her social media and marketing work.
She has launched blogs, pro bono, for The National Capital Chapter of the PRSA, The DC Ad Club, and the Bahrain Coordinating Committee.
Mary has spoken about blogging for Social Media Week DC (view blogging presentation), the DC Government Video Expo, Digital East, TIVA-DC, the UNCF, Capitol Communicator, the DC Podcaster Alliance, the Regatta Hospice Alliance, and George Mason University.
Some of her personal blogs include
- The Fletcher Prince Blog: a blog about marketing, public relations, and social media tips, as well as company news (669 posts).
- Conversations in Public Relations: a blog featuring more than 100 video interviews with Washington, DC area marketing, advertising, and public relations professionals (159 posts).
- Cool Yule: A Christmas Blog: celebrating all things Christmas (125 posts).
- Autumn in Virginia: a blog about Halloween and fall traditions and celebrating ideas (76 posts).
- You Can’t Make This Stuff Up: a life-blog of personal anecdotes and musings (71 posts).
- Human Rights in Bahrain: a blog supporting democratic reforms in the Persian Gulf Kingdom of Bahrain (56 posts).
When she is not blogging or producing YouTube videos, Mary manages Fletcher Prince, named one of the Washington, DC metropolitan area’s top 25 public relations firms by The Washington Business Journal in 2012.
A mother of a teen with autism, she also produces Living Well With Autism, a free online parent support site featuring a website of tips, printable visual schedules and social stories, a Facebook Page, a YouTube video Channel, and podcast.
Before launching Fletcher Prince in 2007, Mary worked in marketing and public relations positions for the American Red Cross, Greater Reston Arts Center and Wolf Trap. She is a member of Washington Women in Public Relations, the Social Media Club, and the DC Podcaster Alliance.
Resolve to network with us in 2013 – full year schedule of Network-and-Lunches
Every month, we get together with a group of communicators and business professionals for lunch. Here’s why you may want to attend the Network-and-Lunch events in 2013…
- Affordable. The
se lunches are free to register and you only pay for the cost of your meal, and chip in for the tip. In many cases, this amounts to between $10 and $15. - Flexible. At Netw0rk-and-Lunch events, you pick your own food. So it’s easy to stay on your diet, or pick a vegetarian option, for example. We picked a variety of cuisines and settings for the monthly lunches, so you’re sure to find something you like.
- Convivial. Our group lunches are small and informal, usually between 4 and 8 people attend. This gives us all the time we want to talk to shop, or talk about other things. You really get to know the people who come to our events. And the people are the best aspect of these events. We attract a diverse group of interesting professionals. You will almost always meet someone new, too.
- Convenient. We schedule these events all over the DC area, soliciting feedback from attendees, and at least half of them are close to Metro stops. We want to make it easy for working people to participate.
- Useful. Got a dilemma at work? Need input on an idea? Our lunches are a perfect opportunity to solicit feedback or get quick answers to your work questions.
- Year-round. Not much happens in July and August in DC, but we still have Network-and-Lunches. It’s a great time to connect, when schedules are typically less hectic.
Network-and-Lunch events take place on the 2nd Tuesday of the month, at noon. Here’s the whole schedule of Network-and-Lunch events for 2013. I hope you will register for many — or all — of them! Register on Eventbrite.
- January 8: Fairview Park Marriott, Ellipse Lounge, Falls Church, VA
- February 12: RT’s Restaurant, Alexandria, VA (Mardi Gras)
- March 12: The Tabard Inn, Washington, DC (Metro: Dupont Circle)
- April 9: Neisha Thai, Washington, DC (Metro: Tenleytown-AU)
- May 14: Taverna Cretekou, Alexandria, VA (Old Town)
- June 11: Lia’s, Chevy Chase, MD (Metro: Friendship Hts)
- July 9: Silver Diner, Falls Church, VA (Merrifield area)
- August 13: National Gallery of Art, Cascade Cafe, Washington, DC (Metro: Archives)
- September 10: Lebanese Taverna, Bethesda, MD (Metro: Bethesda)
- October 8: Olive Garden, Tysons Corner, VA
- November 12: Cactus Cantina, Washington, DC (Cathedral area)
- December 10: Clyde’s, Chevy Chase, MD (Metro: Friendship Hts.)
Celebrating a year of networking lunches
At the beginning of this year, I was thinking about how I enjoyed many of the networking events I attended, but I felt frustrated at not being able to have more extended conversations with the fascinating professionals I met. I was also starting to “meet” people through social media — through the Fletcher Prince Twitter profile, blog, and Facebook Page — but I hadn’t met many of these new friends in person.
That’s when I decided to experiment with having monthly networking lunches, keeping the group size small (10 or under) so we could really connect. David and I organized events in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. We used Eventbrite for registration and promotion, and we were happy with it. It’s also free, if your event is free. A terrific, organizing and social tool.
Connie Rhind, David Hyson, Susan Rink, and Robert Udowitz
I think the experiment was a big success. We didn’t charge for the lunches; everyone just paid their own way. For the most part, we selected restaurants where lunch would cost $15 or less. Sometimes the turnout was low because some people didn’t show, but every lunch felt like a winner because that just gave us more of a chance to share and talk. And the company, conversations and food were always excellent! Thanks to everyone who shared lunch with David and me this year.
Here’s where we went -
- February – Mardi Gras lunch at RT’s Restaurant in Alexandria, VA (Creole/Cajun)
- March – Cherry Blossom lunch at Teaism in Washington, DC (Japanese)
- April – Lunch at Jaleo in Bethesda, MD (Spanish)
- May – Lunch at Pilin Thai in Falls Church, VA (Thai)
- June – Lunch at Spice Xing in Rockville, MD (Indian)
- July – Lunch at La Madeleine in Alexandria, VA (French)
- August – Lunch at Silver Diner in Falls Church, VA (American diner)
- September – Lunch at Whitlow’s on Wilson in Arlington, VA (American pub)
- October and November lunches were cancelled because of illness
- December – Holiday lunch at Clyde’s in Chevy Chase, MD (American)
Today, we are having the last lunch of 2012, at noon, at Clyde’s in Chevy Chase, Maryland. It’s “officially” sold out but we’ll make room for you if you show up.
We sponsor all kinds of events, from free seminars to mini golf tournaments, to get-together lunches and parties. Like us on Facebook to keep tabs on what we’ll be doing in 2013!
Presenting at GV Expo 2012
Look for me, Mary Fletcher Jones, at the Government Video Expo tomorrow and Wednesday at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC.
I will be speaking on how to use social media effectively on Tuesday from 2:30 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. On Wednesday morning, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., I will be presenting a practical approach to social media measurement. You can find me in Room 209A.
See you there!
For your calendar — upcoming PR and business networking holiday events
Tuesday, December 4
IPRA Holiday Luncheon
Maggiano’s, Tysons Galleria, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Network with independent public relations practitioners in the DC area over chicken parmigiana and ravioli at the annual IPRA holiday luncheon.
Tips: This event typically draws around 40-50 independents in their 40s to 60s who have known each other for several years, and attend the lunch annually, as well as a few sponsors and the occasional newcomer. Men wear dark suits and Christmas ties, ladies wear festive suits, or holiday sweaters. A collection is taken for charity, so bring a checkbook. Good networking and terrific food, and almost no one checks their Blackberry at the table (refreshing). Register for the event ($35/$45).
WWPR Chocolate Holiday Party
Co Co. Sala Lounge and Chocolate Boutique, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Join Washington Women in Public Relations for their Chocolate Holiday party in Washington, DC, featuring drinks, appetizers, and chocolate!
Tips: Both men and women attend these events, but they’re usually attended primarily by fashionably attired, well-heeled female PR pros in their 20s and 30s, as well as a few seasoned pros with great connections. A mannerly bunch, and a friendly crowd to newbies. Register for the event ($12/$25).
Wednesday, December 5
The One Party
Current, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Tonight is the local PR/Advertising industry’s biggest holiday bash, The One Party. The multi-sponsored party typically draws about 200 people.
Tips: It’s loud and the drink lines are long, and no one ever dances, but it’s the event to see and be seen, and admission includes two drinks and sushi. A mix of ages and backgrounds, this event skews to the young and hip advertising/creative set. Almost everyone behaves. Bring cards, but this one’s mostly for the photo-ops. Register for the event ($45/$55).
Monday, December 10
PRSA-NCC Holiday Party
Carmine’s, 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. Join the National Capital Chapter of the PRSA for holiday networking, drinks and Italian hors d’oeuvres in Washington, DC.
Tips: Expect to network with a suited and mature crowd of about 50 PR professionals who know each other well. There are typically chapter award giveaways, as well. Better for chapter insiders. Register for the event ($40/$55).
Wednesday, December 12
AWC-DC Holiday Tea
Willard Intercontinental, 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Indulge in a Holiday Tea, including vanilla cranberry scones, tea sandwiches, and petits fours, in the Peacock Room with AWC-DC (Association for Women in Communications, DC Chapter) PRofessional Solutions, LLC CEO Kate Perrin will be the keynote speaker.
Tips: A powerhouse of influential and classy women at all stages in their careers in the most refined setting in Washington. Dress to impress, and mute your mobile at this one. Register for the event ($45/$55).
Washington Network Group Holiday Networking Reception
Lima Restaurant and Lounge, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Cash bar and complimentary appetizers. Register for the event ($15/$30).
Wednesday, December 19
Social Media Club DC Holiday Happy Hour
Cause-The Philanthropub, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. $10. Millenial group. Information and registration.
Check out these other business-related holiday events in the Washington, DC area
Saturday, December 1
Ad2DC Holiday Pub Crawl and Ugly Sweater Contest
Various locations, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. Free; buy your own. Millenial group. More information and registration.
Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce 30th Anniversary Celebration
Sheraton Reston Hotel, 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. $175. More information and registration.
Tuesday, December 4
Arlington Chamber of Commerce Holiday on Tap
World of Beer, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. $20. Information and registration.
Loudoun Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Networking Social
O’Malley’s Pub/Holiday Inn, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. $15 Information and registration.
What’s Next DC Holiday Meetup
Public Bar in DC, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. $15. Information and registration.
Wednesday, December 5
Washington DC Chamber of Commerce Holiday Business Networking Reception
Hay-Adams Hotel, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. ($40/$65). More information and registration.
Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce Holiday Reception
Hilton McLean/Tyson’s Corner, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. ($50/$100). More information and registration.
Tech the Halls Holiday Party (Multiple tech organization sponsors)
Opera Ultra Lounge in DC, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. $25. More information and registration.
Thursday, December 6
Prince William Chamber of Commerce Silent Night and Holiday Auction
Old Town Manassas Candy Factory, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. More information and registration.
Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce Holiday Mixer
Community Business Partnership, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Free. More information and registration.
National Association of Women Business Owners, Greater DC Chapter, Holiday Party
Tysons Corner Marriott, 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. $75/$90. More information and registration.
Alliance for Women in Media, National Capital Area Affiliate, Holiday Affair
NAB Broadcasters Hall of Fame in DC, 6 p.m. $20 More information and registration.
RefreshDC Holiday Happy Hour
Bread and Brew, Free. 7 p.m. More information and registration.
Friday, December 7
TIVA-DC Holiday Party
Wisconsin Place Community Recreation Center, 7 pm – 10 pm, $25. More information and registration.
Tuesday, December 11
George Mason University Business Roundtable Holiday Happy Hour
Pomodoro in Vienna, 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. Free. More information and registration.
Thursday, December 13
Greater Merrifield Business Association Holiday Luncheon and Auction
Courtyard by Marriott/Dunn Loring, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. $25. More information and registration.
SMPS DC Holiday Party (Society for Marketing Professionals, DC Chapter)
Bistro Bis at the Hotel George in DC, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 pm. $75/$95. More information and registration.
Women in Technology Holiday Party
Gannett Building, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. ($45/$65) More information and registration.
Saturday, December 15
Online News Association Holiday Party
Solly’s in DC. 7 p.m. $5. More information and registration.
Tuesday, December 18
Capital Area Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce VA Holiday Event
Sheraton Pentagon City, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Free. More information and registration.
For more holiday events in the Washington, DC area, refer to my holiday event listing on my other blog, Cool Yule.
