It is refreshing to have read Peter van der Schyff's positive reaction to a PRISA-organised event. I should like to join him in congratulating Margi Moscardi and her team - but, in this instance as regards the recent PRISA Golden Jubilee Conference.

After many months of bubble, toil and double trouble the 4th International PR Festival - as it was called and hosted by PRISA and the Global Alliance - finally happened in Cape Town during May 2007. There were many disappointments in terms of back-up and sponsorship, but there were also incredible support from individuals that culminated in one of the most successful PRISA international events ever.

I must mention, upfront, the ABSA Bank sponsorship that came at the last moment and ensured that the conference ended up only in the red of that helpful institution’s corporate colour. Other sponsors were the Services SETA, PR News Wire, Escom, Dow Jones and BAT Nigeria. Our sincerest thanks go to all of these kind organisations that made the event unforgettable for all whom attended.

Probably the most impressive aspect of the PRISA Golden Jubilee Conference was, in contrast to previous international initiatives, that at least 50% of the 253 delegates were PRISA members. But, in order to hear the voices of those who participated, the remainder of my message is simply a compilation of delegates’ remarks.

It was an interesting mix of informative topics and all the speakers were excellent. The conference organisers did a wonderful job to have selected experienced speakers who really know their subject matter very well and are well informed and knowledgeable. Good content was matched with good presentation and the speakers were most articulate and had a wealth of information to pass on. While a broad spectrum was covered each presentation was very topical, well prepared, inspirational and most empowering. It was indeed a very valuable and an amazing experience with presentations running like clockwork.

The conference created excellent opportunities for networking and with the ultimate benefit that PRISA’s Golden Jubilee was celebrated as an international conference, which gave participants an opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of Public Relations and Communication Management at a global level.

Overall stunning. The planning, the human relations of the support staff and the general ambience created by the organisers were super. Bravo PRISA Staff, Brava Margi!

So, there you have it, from the horses’ mouths!


Mixael de Kock, APR (PRISA) M IPRA
President & Chairman, Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa (PRISA)

I'm a passionate volunteer and I heartly agree - get involved. PRISA is the organisation we need for our profession and only we can make it work. Supporting National Office initiatives is but one opportunity and we get so much in return. I'm in, where are the rest of you?

You are so right - you cannot get if you are not prepared to give. And, all professional bodies are about volunteerism, about its members taking responsibility for the profession and ownership of its future.

Mixael

If you were such a serious PR professional, you wouldn't have the time to be attending fatuous conferences on stuff that most working PR professionals have to know anyway. PRISA has no clue what the real issues in the industry are right now, and even if it did, wouldn't have any idea how to address them. The world of PR has changed immeasurably since PRISA last looked. Start adding some real value, and people might take you a little more seriously.

Lebo, you may think that you don't need PRISA, but you certainly urgently need a course in "copywrite" to understand all about "copyright"!
Your response really says it all.