{"id":12662,"date":"2023-07-24T13:11:31","date_gmt":"2023-07-24T17:11:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/progressions.prsa.org\/?p=12662"},"modified":"2023-07-24T13:11:32","modified_gmt":"2023-07-24T17:11:32","slug":"applying-to-host-a-district-conference-everything-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/progressions.prsa.org\/index.php\/2023\/07\/24\/applying-to-host-a-district-conference-everything-you-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Applying to Host a District Conference: Everything You Need To Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Have you ever attended a District Conference<\/a>? Has your Chapter hosted or considered hosting one? Next year could be your Chapter\u2019s chance to host a District Conference! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Interest Form<\/a> to host a District Conference in 2024 is now open. In this article, you\u2019ll find all the information you need to know about the application and selection process, as well as resources and important dates to keep in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WHAT ARE DISTRICT CONFERENCES?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

District Conferences are mini-conferences planned, hosted and attended by PRSSA Chapter members. They are one to three days long and are held every year between February and April in an in-person, hybrid or virtual format. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

District Conferences help attendees stay up to date with the latest industry trends and provide different learning opportunities, such as speaker sessions, networking events, career fairs and company tours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BENEFITS OF HOSTING<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hosting a District Conference is an incredible opportunity to help your Chapter with fundraising, membership recruitment, fostering meaningful connections and professional development. They are also at the forefront of PRSSA brand exposure, member recruitment and overall advancement of the Society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the process of planning the event, conference committee members gain valuable event planning skills, broaden their network, connect with professionals in the industry and enhance their portfolio. Additionally, committee members are able to interact with other District Conference hosts to brainstorm ideas, ask questions and learn together. One of the commonly noted highlights of hosting a conference is becoming friends with people from all over the globe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Host Chapters are also eligible to apply for the Teahan Award<\/a>, which consists of a $300 prize and a plaque for your Chapter. Chapters of any size can apply for the Star Chapter Award<\/a> by meeting specific goals, one of which is hosting or attending a District Conference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

APPLICATION PROCESS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

STEP ONE: INTEREST FORM<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chapters that are considering hosting a District Conference in 2024 should complete the Interest Form<\/a>. This is a non-binding form that is due on Aug. 10, 2023 at 2 p.m. ET. By submitting this form, you\u2019ll be able to show your interest in hosting and receive more information on District Conferences. You\u2019ll also be able to schedule a meeting with me. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

STEP TWO: HOSTING APPLICATION<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On Aug. 11, 2023, the District Conference Hosting Application will go live and must be submitted by all Chapters that want to host a 2024 conference. This is a binding form, which means that selected Chapters must host a District Conference. The District Conference Hosting Application will be due on Sept. 1, 2023 at 2 p.m. ET.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

STEP THREE: VIDEO CALL INTERVIEW<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once your Chapter has submitted the District Conference Hosting Application, I will reach out to schedule a video call interview. This is a great opportunity to explain your unique conference plan. It will be 15 to 30 minutes long and the coordinator is required to participate. Additional planning committee members may join as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Everyone who submits an application will go through this process. All conference formats (in-person, virtual and hybrid) will be considered equally. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

SELECTION<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Host Chapters will be notified that they\u2019ve been selected to host a District Conference in 2024 prior to ICON 2023<\/a>. At least one person from each host Chapter\u2019s committee should attend ICON to connect with fellow host Chapters and start promoting their conference. The District Conference host Chapters will have the opportunity to promote their conference during the Career Development Exhibition by connecting with potential attendees and giving out flyers or any promotional materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hosting a District Conference is a one-of-a-kind experience. Being able to work together with such amazing people is what makes District Conferences so special and fun to plan. There is no better feeling than being at your conference and thinking about everything you have accomplished and learned throughout the previous months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although I just briefly explained what District Conferences are and their application and selection process, it\u2019s important to read the District Conference handbooks for further information:<\/p>\n\n\n\n