Conversations in Public Relations

In this video, Mary Fletcher Jones celebrates the achievement of producing more than 80 Conversations in Public Relations videos presented on YouTube in 2009. Special thanks to all the wonderful guests and to David Hyson for his help and support to make this free and informative series available to our community of professional communicators and students.

In its first year, the videos were viewed more than 8,000 times on YouTube and more than 5,000 times on iTunes. Conversations in Public Relations is also found on Facebook and Wordpress.

Thanks also to Ross Putman for filming and editing the first videos, and to Katie Donohue for designing the Conversations in Public Relations logo and blog masthead.

Conversations in Public Relations is an online video series featuring interviews with Washington, DC area communicators and professional group leaders on topics ranging from social media, networking, employee communications, crisis communications, advertising, event planning, market research, government contracts, and more.

Amy K. Shaw, Associate Director of Public Relations at SNM (http://www.snm.org), shares the results of her organization's amazing success with obtaining media coverage at their annual conference by presenting a well-planned press conference, including the element of a virtual press conference created with Ustream live streaming online video.

To download Amy Shaw's PowerPoint presentation (11 slides) about this press conference, visit http://www.adfero.com/viralvideopdfs/...

Conversations in Public Relations is produced by Mary Fletcher Jones and David Hyson. Recorded December 2009.

If you've ever wondered what kind of work goes into producing a press conference, tune in as SNM's Associate Director of Public Relations Amy Shaw shares best practices for obtaining media coverage. Amy discusses how to connect with reporters, how to hold a virtual press conference, and how to maintain momentum and relationships after the press conference.

Recorded in December 2009. Produced by Mary Fletcher Jones and David Hyson for Conversations in Public Relations.

Meet Barry Reicherter, Senior Vice President and head of Digital and Creative at Widmeyer Communications. Barry shares how he became involved in digital and social media, and talks about his work at Widmeyer http://www.Widmeyer.com

This social media video is part of the Conversations in Public Relations series. Produced October 2009 by Mary Fletcher Jones and David Hyson.

Meet Ben Finzel, Senior Vice President at Widmeyer Communications http://www.Widmeyer.com and head of the PR agency's Public Affairs practice. Ben shares how he got started in public affairs, and what he does now at Widmeyer. He also explains the concept of "power public affairs" and its cross-industry importance.

Produced by Mary Fletcher Jones and David Hyson for Conversations in Public Relations, October 2009.

Barry Reicherter, Senior Vice President at Widmeyer Communications and the Digital and Creative lead fo the public relations agency, shares best practices for employing social media in public affairs campaigns, as well as his views on where social media is heading in the future.

Produced by Mary Fletcher Jones and David Hyson for Conversations in Public Relations, October 2009.

Integrating social media into public affairs campaigns is the topic of this social media video featuring an interview with Ben Finzel, Senior Vice President and public affairs practice lead at Widmeyer Communications http://www.Widmeyer.com

Ben shares his expertise built on more than 20 years of experience in public affairs. Produced October 2009 by Mary Fletcher Jones and David Hyson for Conversations in Public Relations.

Meet Margaret Dunning, Principal and Chief Strategy Officer of Widmeyer Communications, (http://www.widmeyer.com) an independent public relations firm with offices in Washington, DC and New York.

In this inspiring Conversations in Public Relations video interview, Margaret Dunning shares how she got started in communications, and what she likes best about her career. She also describes what her agency responsibilities entail, and reveals her future plans for Widmeyer Communications.

Produced by Mary Fletcher Jones and David Hyson. October 30, 2009.

Margaret Dunning, Principal and Chief Strategy Officer, provides background on Widmeyer Communications, an independent public relations firm with offices in Washington, DC and New York (http://www.Widmeyer.com).

Margaret Dunning also describes the ways in which Widmeyer is different from other agencies.

Part of the Conversations in Public Relations video series. Produced by Mary Fletcher Jones and David Hyson.

Margaret Dunning, Principal and Chief Strategy Officer of Widmeyer Communications http://www.Widmeyer.com, shares job-seeking and career-building advice for young PR professionals in this Conversations in Public Relations video interview.

Conversations in Public Relations is a public relations video series produced by Mary Fletcher Jones and David Hyson.

Recorded October 30, 2009 at Widmeyer Communications, Washington, DC

Meet Karen Untereker, Digital Influence Strategist at Ogilvy Public Relations and the "facilitator" of 10thFlrVending, the hilarious Twitter persona of the vending machine on Ogilvy PR's 10th Floor.

Karen talks about the genesis of 10thFlrVending and its surprising popularity on Twitter.

Follow @10thFlrVending http://twitter.com/10thFlrVending for funny updates that also provide a refreshingly authentic look inside one of DC's top PR firms. Follow Karen @unterekless http://twitter.com/unterekless

Produced by Mary Fletcher Jones and David Hyson for Conversations in Public Relations.

Tune in for a fascinating discussion with Sarah Temple, Senior Vice President of Social Marketing at Ogilvy Public Relations. Sarah explains how social marketing campaigns can tackle important social issues, and presents some best practices from Ogilvy's illustrious work in this area.

Sarah was recently honored as a nominee for Washington PR Woman of the Year by Washington Women in Public Relations.

Produced by Mary Fletcher Jones and David Hyson for Conversations in Public Relations.

Meet Jessica Berk Ross, Ruder Finn Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Washington, DC office. In this interview with Mary Fletcher Jones, Jessica shares what she loves about her job, and the qualities that make Ruder Finn an outstanding public relations agency to work for.

This segment is part of a series profiling public relations agencies in Washington, DC. for Conversations in Public Relations. Produced by Mary Fletcher Jones. Direction by David Hyson. View all episodes on YouTube and http://www.prconversations.wordpress.com

Sara Latham, Senior Vice President of Healthcare at the Washington, DC office of Ruder Finn (http://www.ruderfinn.com) talks about her background in public relations and explains why healthcare public relations has become such a hot field in PR today.

Your host for this episode of Conversations in Public Relations is Mary Fletcher Jones. Direction by David Hyson. View all episodes on YouTube and http://www.prconversations.wordpress.com

Brian Perry is an Account Coordinator at the Washington, DC office of Ruder Finn, one of the world's largest independent public relations agencies. Listen as this young professional describes how he began his career in public relations, what it's like to work for an agency, and tips for landing a PR agency job.

Brian also talks about Ruder Finn's innovative environmental PR practice.

Your host for this episode of Conversations in Public Relations is Mary Fletcher Jones. Direction by David Hyson. View all episodes on YouTube and http://www.prconversations.wordpress....

Dallas Lawrence provides suggestions for how corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations can use social media to build online communities of support that can be called on during a crisis. He mentions the usefulness of building positive relationships with bloggers, Twitter users, and groups of people on social networks. As chair of Levick Strategic Communications Digital Media Practice, Dallas Lawrence leads a team that provides high-profile corporate, government, and non-profit clients with effective online reputation management, crisis response and social media engagement programs.

Dallas blogs for "Bulletproof: The Blog on Crisis Communications" http://www.bulletproofblog.com.

Follow Dallas on Twitter @DallasLawrence

Produced by Mary Fletcher Jones for Conversations in Public Relations. Direction by David Hyson.

Dallas Lawrence, chair of Levick Strategic Communications Digital Media Practice, shares best practices for using social media to build online communities of support. Dallas leads a team that provides high-profile corporate, government, and non-profit clients with effective online reputation management, crisis response and social media engagement programs. He also blogs for "Bulletproof: The Blog on Crisis Communications" http://www.bulletproofblog.com . Follow Dallas on Twitter @DallasLawrence

Produced by Mary Fletcher Jones. Direction by David Hyson.

Meet Dallas Lawrence, a public relations professional with expertise in using digital and social media for reputation management and crisis response. As chair of Levick Strategic Communications Digital Media Practice, Dallas Lawrence leads a team that provides high-profile corporate, government, and non-profit clients with effective online reputation management, crisis response and social media engagement programs.

Dallas blogs for "Bulletproof: The Blog on Crisis Communications" http://www.bulletproofblog.com.

Follow Dallas on Twitter @DallasLawrence

Produced by Mary Fletcher Jones. Direction by David Hyson.

Meghan Sager, Online Analyst for New Media Strategies, has worked for three communications agencies since graduating from college a few years ago. This young PR professional describes how working for a PR agency is different from working in internal communications, and provides advice for those seeking a position with a PR or communications agency.

Produced by Mary Fletcher Jones for Conversations in Public Relations. September 2009.

In this 3-1/2 minute Conversations in Public Relations video, Jennifer Collins of The Event Planning Group (http://www.tepgevents.com) offers advice for communicators tasked with planning a major special event or meeting. Jennifer's philosophy is that special events can be the most powerful form of communications.

Produced by Mary Fletcher Jones for Conversations in Public Relations (http://prconversations.wordpress.com)

Jennifer Collins of The Event Planning Group believes (http://www.tepgevents.com) that events and meetings are the most powerful form of communications. In this Conversations in Public Relations video, Mary Fletcher Jones interviews this public relations and event planning professional.

Jennifer provides useful event planning advice for communicators.

Meghan Sager has more than 800 followers on Twitters (@meggiepoo). In this Conversations in Public Relations video, the social media professional shares the secrets of her online success. She also provides tips to communicators for using Facebook effectively.

Produced by Mary Fletcher Jones for Conversations in Public Relations, September 2009. For more information about this video series, please visit http://prconversations.wordpress.com

Meet Sandra Wills Hannon, Ph.D., APR, public relations professional and market research expert. Sandra is founder of The Hannon Group (http://www.thehannongroup.com) and provides public relations and market research services to a wide variety of clients.

Learn what communicators should know about market research-based communications strategies in this Conversations in Public Relations video produced by Mary Fletcher Jones. September 2009.

In this Conversations in Public Relations video interview, Sandra Wills Hannon, Ph.D., APR, discusses what is essential to know about communications strategy and market research. Learn more about her company, The Hannon Group at http://www.thehannongroup.com

Produced by Mary Fletcher Jones. September 2009.

Barbara Burfeind is the President of the National Capital Chapter of the Public Relations Society (http://prsa-ncc.org), a professional organization in Washington, DC of more than 1400 members. In this Conversations in Public Relations video, Barbara shares her leadership experiences and why she believes it's important for area communicators to join PRSA-NCC.

Produced by Mary Fletcher Jones. September 2009.

Radio public relations is the topic of this Conversations in Public Relations interview with Susan Matthews Apgood of News Generation (http://www.newsgeneration.com).

Produced by Mary Fletcher Jones. September 2009.

Barbara Burfeind, APR, has had an illustrious career in public affairs with the U.S. Navy. She now heads Defense Visual Information in the Department of Defense.

In this video, she discusses the power of photographic images to inform. She also explains how working in military public affairs is different from other paths in public relations.

Barbara is also President of the National Capital Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America and talks about her experiences in that leadership role in another Conversations in Public Relations video.

Have you wondered how communicators and agencies obtain federal contracts? Would you like to get on the GSA Schedule? This video interview features Jim Krol, Vice President of Xenophon Strategies, a communications firm headquartered in Washington, DC. Jim will talk about the GSA Schedule, and the business opportunities it presents for communications professionals.

Jim manages a GSA scheduled contract for Xenophon. Xenophon (http://www.XenophonStrategies.com) is particularly distinguished as the winner of the 2009 Silver Anvil Award for Public Affairs Campaign of the Year.

Jim formerly worked for GSA, and managed the agency's national public relations and marketing efforts.

This video is part of the series Conversations in Public Relations, produced by Mary Fletcher Jones. Please visit the Conversations in Public Relations blog http://prconversations.wordpress.com

Would you like to obtain a federal contract? Working for the federal government can be a lucrative proposition for public relations agencies, advertising agencies, marketing firms, and creative services firms, as well as independent consultants.

However, the process of getting on the GSA Schedule is complex and competitive. In this Conversations in Public Relations video interview, Marissa Levin, CEO of Information Experts (http://www.InformationExperts.com) and DC Women's Entrepreneurship Examiner for Examiner.com (http://www.Examiner.com/x-12152-DC-Womens-Entrepreneurship-Examiner) provides helpful tips for communicators who would like to obtain federal agency clients.

Meet Rachel Maleh, a DC communicator and VP of Public Awareness at VSA arts, a nonprofit organization that celebrates the artistic achievements of people with disabilities.

In this video interview with Mary Fletcher Jones, Rachel shares her career experiences in nonprofit public relations. Topics discussed include the benefits of working for a nonprofit organization, how working for a nonprofit organization is different from working for a company or PR agency, and how to obtain a job in nonprofit public relations.

To learn more about VSA arts, please visit http://www.vsarts.org

Produced by Fletcher Prince for Conversations in Public Relations http://prconversations.wordpress.com

In this short video, Carolyn Kelley Klinger describes the personal and professional benefits of belonging to the Society for Technical Communication, a professional membership association.

Her insights would also apply to the value of membership in other communications organizations, as well.

Produced by Mary Fletcher Jones for the video series, Conversations in Public Relations.

Carolyn Kelley Klinger talks about the benefits of belonging to the Society for Technical Communication. She provides information about the 400-member Washington, DC chapter's events and activities, and describes how to become a member of this 50-year-old professional association.

For more information, please visit http://www.STCWDC.org

Part of a series on professional organizations for Washington, DC communicators. Produced by Mary Fletcher Jones for the video series, Conversations in Public Relations. Please visit the blog http://prconversations.wordpress.com

Correction: in the introduction, Mary erroneously mentions that Carolyn manages the chapter's competions, when she actually manages the chapter's competition PR.

In this short video, Carolyn Kelley Klinger describes the personal and professional benefits and uses of Facebook.

Produced by Mary Fletcher Jones for the video series, Conversations in Public Relations.

Hear two distinctly different views from Washington, DC area communicators who both use gadgets in their public relations work. Featured in this three-minute Conversations in Public Relations Video are Heathere Evans-Keenan and Jeff Ghannam. Produced by Mary Fletcher Jones.

Heathere Evans-Keenan, Washington, DC area public relations professional and owner of Keenan PR, opines on the value of integrating marketing and public relations in this two-minute video from Conversations in Public Relations.

Tune in to hear Heathere's valuable insights!

Join Conversations in Public Relations as we meet Jeff Ghannam, President-Elect of the National Capital Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. Jeff shares some of the many reasons why Washington, DC metropolitan area public relations professionals should join the association. He also shares his thoughts on the practice of public relations.

Jeff has more than 20 years of experience in corporate and non-profit communications and journalism. As vice-president of communications at the Biotechnology Institute, an Arlington, Va.-based nonprofit organization that promotes biotechnology education, he is responsible for leading the strategic and day-to-day communications initiatives for the organization.

Mary Fletcher Jones is your host.

Two Washington, DC area professionals at different stages in their careers reveal why they blog and share the benefits of blogging for communicators.

Featuring commentary from Kate Perrin and Larissa Fair. Produced by Mary Fletcher Jones for Conversations in Public Relations (2009).

Join Conversations in Public Relations as we meet Heathere Evans-Keenan, founder of the award-winning agency Keenan PR, PR Woman of the Year Honoree, and former PRSA-NCC President.

Heathere recently moderated a PRSA-NCC panel discussion on how to demonstrate the value of public relations and shares many valuable tips in this video. Produced by Mary Fletcher Jones (April 2009).

In this 2-1/2 minute Conversations in Public Relations video, 5 Washington, DC area communicators share how they connect with others, personally and professionally, using a variety of social media.

Featured are Jeff Ghannam, Heathere Evans-Keenan, Tomeka Rawlings, Larissa Fair, and Sabrina Kidwai.

Produced by Mary Fletcher Jones, April 2009.

In this video interview, meet Tomeka Rawlings, President of the DC chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC-DC) and a Washington, DC area communications consultant. Tomeka shares her thoughts on communications today and how communicators can remain competitive. She describes the benefits of membership in IABC-DC, and talks about her goals for the direction of the membership organization.

This video is part of the Conversations in Public Relations series produced by Mary Fletcher Jones.

Meet Sabrina Kidwai, a local public relations professional and the volunteer organizer of many well-organized, local DC networking and professional development events for PR professionals.

PROnet seeks to engage young professionals in PR professional development activities and networking events. However, these events are open to professionals at any stage of in their careers.

Sabrina is co-chair of the local PROnet committee, which is part of the Public Relations Society of America, National Capital Chapter.

Mary Fletcher Jones is your host for this episode of Conversations in Public Relations, part of a video series.

Margery Kraus received the 2006 Washington PR Woman of the Year Award from Washington Women in Public Relations. In this short video, she shares memories of that special day and reflects on the significance of the award to her, personally and professionally.

This video is part of a series of videos honoring Washington PR Women of the Year, in celebration of the award's 20th anniversary in 2009.

How will President Obama's Administration affect the practice of public affairs in Washington? Will it be business as usual? Or should we expect sweeping changes? Margery Kraus, President and CEO of APCO Worldwide, discusses this topic in this short video from Conversations in Public Relations.

Margery Kraus, 2006 Washington PR Woman of the Year, is president and chief executive officer of APCO Worldwide, a global consulting firm headquartered in Washington, D.C which specializes in public affairs, communication and business consulting for major multinationals.

Tune in to Conversations in Public Relations as Margery Kraus and Mary Fletcher Jones talk about women and public relations.

Join Conversations in Public Relations as we meet Karen Riordan, the president of the DC Ad Club (www.dcadclub.com), the professional membership association for advertising professionals in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Learn about the activities of this well-organized group. Video by Mary Fletcher Jones.

Join Conversations in Public Relations as we meet Karen Riordan, President of the DC Ad Club and President of the advertising firm, Arnold Worldwide.

Karen talks about the state of advertising today and describes what advertising professionals need to know to stay in the game. She also explains how public relations and advertising are complementary in an integrated marketing strategy.

Mary Fletcher Jones is your host for this video series about communications professionals and organizations in the Washington, DC area.

Join Conversations in Public Relations as we meet Kate Perrin, owner of the Washington, DC area's only public relations staffing firm, PRofessional Solutions. Kate planned the first Washington PR Woman of the Year Award, and is a former President of Washington Women in Public Relations. She also writes for the blog, "The Capital Buzz."

Host and Video: Mary Fletcher Jones.

Tune into this 3-minute video to hear the favorite public relations organizations of DC Communicators. Featured are Robert Deigh, Susan Rink, Marilynn Deane Mendell, and Colby Cox. Produced by Conversations in Public Relations.

In this three-minute video, five experienced Washington, DC communicators share valuable advice for young professionals beginning a career in public relations. Their counsel also applies to those re-entering the workforce. Featured are Robert Deigh, Marilynn Deane Mendell, Robert Udowitz, Susan Rink, and Mary Fletcher Jones. Part of the Conversations in Public Relations video series. Video and direction by Fletcher Prince's Ross Putman.

Social media applications help PR professionals manage their work and personal lives. In this 1-1/2 minute Conversations in Public Relations video, hear these public relations professionals talk about their favorite social media apps.

What gadget can you not live without? Tune in to this two-minute Conversations in Public Relations video to hear the favorite gadgets of four public relations professionals. Featured in this video are Robert Deigh, Robert Udowitz, Mary Fletcher Jones, and Colby Cox.

In this 2-minute video, meet four DC communicators who share their public relations predictions for 2009. To view the entire video series and associated blog, please visit http://www.prconversations.wordpress.com. Video and direction by Fletcher Prince's Ross Putman.

Traditional Methods of PR -- what's still effective? Hear five veteran Washington, DC communicators voice their opinions on the most effective traditional communications methods today in this three-minute video.

Featured in this video are Susan Rink, Marilynn Deane Mendell, Robert Udowitz, Robert Deigh, and Mary Fletcher Jones. Part of the Conversations in Public Relations video series. Video by Fletcher Prince's Ross Putman.

Join Conversations in Public Relations as we meet Carolyn Tieger, 2005 Washington PR Woman of the Year and Partner and Managing Director with the public relations firm, Porter Novelli. Carolyn is considered one of the top public affairs strategists in the country. In this video interview, learn more about this fascinating public relations professional, and hear her recollection of the day she won the Washington PR Woman of the Year Award. Mary Fletcher Jones is your host for this episode in a series of videos about public relations professionals in the Washington, DC area.

Join Conversations in Public Relations as we turn the tables and interview the host! In this three-minute episode, Fletcher Prince public relations specialist Kristen Powers interviews Mary Fletcher Jones, host of Conversations in Public Relations and co-owner of the communications firm, Fletcher Prince. Hear Marys views on public relations and the invaluable contributions of interns. Host: Kristen Powers; video and direction by Ross Putman.

Join Conversations in Public Relations as we meet Robert Udowitz, a Washington, DC public relations practitioner with more than 25 years of experience in communications. Robert is also the sponsorship co-chair of the National Capital Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. Your host is Mary Fletcher Jones. Video and direction by Ross Putman.

Join Conversations in Public Relations as we meet Robert Deigh, a Washington, DC public relations practitioner and author of the ultimate public relations guide, How Come No One Knows About Us?

Host: Mary Fletcher Jones. Video and Direction by Ross Putman.

Join Conversations in Public Relations as we meet Susan Rink of Rink Strategic Communications, a Washington, DC area public relations professional. This 2-1/2 minute video introduces you to this employee communications expert. Look for Susan in upcoming commentary videos. To learn more, please visit http://prconversations.wordpress.com/2009/01/26/presenting-susan-rink/

Host: Mary Fletcher Jones. Direction and Video: Ross Putman.

Join Conversations in Public Relations as we interview a young public relations professional at the beginning of her career, Kristen Powers. Hear her fresh and unique perspective on public relations work today. Kristen began working for Fletcher Prince as an intern and public relations specialist, and now works in employee communications for Northrop Grumman. Host: Mary Fletcher Jones. Video and direction: Ross Putman.

Join Conversations in Public Relations as we meet Colby Cox, an Account Executive with Marketwire. Marketwire is a leading news wire service offering a number of services for busy communications professionals. Colby will introduce us to Marketwires innovative product, Social Media 2.0, which transforms the conventional press release into a social media tool with the power to reach people online.

For more information about Marketwires services in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, contact Colby at (202) 664-1003, or visit www.Marketwire.com. In the U.S. and Canada, call 800-774-WIRE (9473).

Your host for this interview is Mary Fletcher Jones. Video and direction by David Hyson.

In this 1-1/2 minute video, Mary Fletcher Jones introduces the series, “Conversation in Public Relations,” featuring interviews with Washington, DC communicators.