Local media/PR veterans team up to offer Pitched Perfect PR on May 9, sharing tips for achieving coverage and buzz to fuel growth
Local PR and media powerhouses Michelle Mekky and Mika Stambaugh are joining forces to lead a one-of-a-kind training opportunity that will give professionals of all backgrounds essential tools, tips and knowledge for promoting their business, brand, client or cause. The industry veterans will provide insight on strategic and effective public relations and media outreach during the inaugural, all-day Pitched Perfect PR seminar on Thursday, May 9.
Mekky, a Northwest suburban resident, who is president and founder of Mekky Media Relations, says storytelling and PR are essential parts of achieving success and growth in virtually any industry.
“I know that busy professionals recognize the value of generating attention, buzz and media coverage, but many are overwhelmed by the thought of crafting their story and getting it out to the public. They might not know where or how to begin, and that’s where we come in,” she says.
Stambaugh, founder and president of The MAS Ink, says she and Mekky have “insightful knowledge and inspiration to share, based on many years of experience in Chicago-area newsrooms and PR agencies.”
Stambaugh, a Crystal Lake native, says participants also will learn insider information and industry expertise from the just-announced slate of speakers and media celebrities, including Lisa Fielding of WBBM Newsradio, Dan Ponce of WGN TV, Shia Kapos of POLITICO Illinois, Cortney Hall of NBC Chicago and Chicago Today, and Emmy-winning producer Cindy Patrasso.
There is still space available for Pitched Perfect, and tickets can be purchased at pitchedperfectpr.com.
The seminar takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 9, at TeamWorking by TechNexus (20 N. Wacker, 12th Floor, Chicago). The day includes fun and valuable networking opportunities, with breakfast, lunch and happy hour included in the agenda.
Pitched Perfect is for PR and communications professionals, but also for anyone who wants to become a better storyteller and speaker and learn how to get their message out to the public. Organizers call it “a game-changing learning opportunity,” with six need-to-know educational seminars that can help anyone achieve impactful results:
• The art of storytelling and developing compelling messaging that resonates.
• Writing for PR purposes.
• Pitching your story and landing coverage. (i.e. getting the attention of busy producers, editors, writers and news desks).
• The important role of social media and influencer outreach in getting noticed.
Presenting your best self (media training and public speaking tips).
• Communicating in times of crisis.
In addition to being founders of their own successful PR firms, Mekky and Stambaugh have both worked in newsrooms, covered news in Chicago and around the state, held top leadership positions at PR agencies, acted as spokespeople for high-profile individuals and launched brands and businesses through PR campaigns and events. They share valuable insider knowledge on PR and media relations, crisis communications, broadcast journalism, personal branding, nonprofit fundraising, media training and public speaking, and more.