How to Pack for International Conference
The PRSSA International Conference is a four-day experience where students get the opportunity to network with professionals and learn more about the public relations profession. As the Conference Committee, we are so excited to host this year’s Conference in sunny and beautiful San Diego.
San Diego is known for its bright, sunny beach weather. In the fall, the city tends to hover around 80 degrees, but it’s important to remember the sea breeze. Despite the hotter temperature, being near the ocean brings a cool breeze, so be prepared with a light sweater. This, along with several other items mentioned below, should help you pack for Conference this fall.
There is a variety of Conference programming where you’ll need to be dressed in business attire, but being in California, it’s also important to pack some comfortable casual attire.
Conference Panels and Networking Event Attire:
Throughout the Conference, there will be countless learning opportunities through panels and sessions. It is encouraged that attendees dress in business casual or business professional attire. This may include slacks, button-downs, ties, pant-suits, dresses, skirts or blouses. Although the attire is professional, don’t hesitate to add your style into your Conference look book. Be bold and be confident in your attire and this will speak volumes to your professional persona.
California Bonfire Mixer Attire:
The mixer is one of the most highly anticipated parts of the Conference. This is the time when members from different Chapters get to know each other in a more relaxed setting. In true SoCal fashion, we will be kicking off the Conference with a bonfire-themed mixer. The evening will be full of burning flames as the sounds of waves and smell of the ocean drown out your other senses. As Californian’s, we usually spend these types of nights dressed in sweats, shorts, hoodies or anything that will keep us warm and comfortable. So we invite all attendees to stay casual. Dress up in your college hoodies and enjoy the excellent company.
Awards Dinner Attire:
If you’ve attended Conference before, you’ll know that the Awards Dinner is often a night to remember. There we celebrate PRSSA, its members and the accomplishments of our Society. Since this is a more professional evening, we recommend wearing suits and dresses.
Post-Conference Attire:
Although Conference is jampacked with fantastic programming, we highly encourage our attendees to explore “The Finest City in America.” Aside from your blazers, don’t forget to pack some casual clothes. Pack a light jacket since it gets breezy, and some of your coolest sneakers.
These are some of our suggestions on what to pack for Conference. However, to ensure you’re prepared, be sure to follow us on social media and keep track of your email for more Conference updates. Make sure to register by Sept. 6 to receive our special early bird rate.
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An aspiring public relations and communications professional, Kristen Cuaresma has played an active role in her campus community and her local PRSA and PRSSA organizations.
In spring 2018, Kristen Cuaresma was elected leader of one of the largest communications organizations at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF). As president of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), she leads a team of dedicated individuals with a goal of helping their students gain all of the skills and resources they need to be successful.
At the start of her term, Cuaresma and her team created a bid for the PRSSA 2019 International Conference, set to be held in San Diego, California. As a result, she also proudly serves as the programs director for Conference.
Since her first year of university, Cuaresma has been an active member of PRSSA. A part of several committees, an attendee of the PRSSA National Conference for the past three years, account coordinator and executive of the CSUF PRSSA’s on-campus Student-run Firm, Titan Public Relations, and vice president of university relations for CSUF PRSSA, she also has volunteered for various organizations. She also has served as the delegate for the PRSSA 2017 National Assembly. In addition to her avid work with CSUF PRSSA, Cuaresma was a part of the team that put on CSUF PRSSA’s sold-out 2018 Regional Conference, “Next Generation PR.”
Cuaresma has recently completed an internship with Rocket Science Media Group, conducting research, analytics and creating content for various clients including beauty, music education, system processes and motorcycles.
With two years left studying communications with an emphasis in public relations and minoring in cinema television arts, Cuaresma continues her academic journey in her passion for communications.
