{"id":12952,"date":"2024-04-23T13:28:05","date_gmt":"2024-04-23T17:28:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/progressions.prsa.org\/?p=12952"},"modified":"2024-04-23T13:28:06","modified_gmt":"2024-04-23T17:28:06","slug":"tu-invitational-conference-recap-authenticity-and-accountability-wins-votes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/progressions.prsa.org\/index.php\/2024\/04\/23\/tu-invitational-conference-recap-authenticity-and-accountability-wins-votes\/","title":{"rendered":"TU Invitational Conference Recap: Authenticity and Accountability Wins Votes\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Among the highest and most powerful individuals in the government, there is someone in the background curating their image. They may not always be recognized but deserve the same amount of credit as the elected official.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Temple University\u2019s Public Relations Student Society of America hosted its TU Invitational Conference on Saturday, April 6, 2024. This year’s theme was \u201cPRoltics,\u201d focusing on the field of communications within government and politics and was held at Temple University\u2019s Center City Campus in Philadelphia. Speakers from all different backgrounds enlightened attendees with their past experiences and thoughts on the current state of communication politics. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Breakout Session Takeaways:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Communications Director for Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson, Vincent Thompson, noted the importance of allowing your public officials to be themselves. This allows the individual to create their own brand and following based on authenticity. In relation to crisis communications, Thompson believes it\u2019s okay to admit fault. We all make mistakes and it’s easier to fess up than to cover up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keynote Speaker Brendan McPhillips, Senior Advisor for Joe Biden’s campaign in Pennsylvania, spoke about his experiences of being a campaign manager for several public officials. He expressed the value of representing a candidate you truly believe in. He asks himself, why does a candidate want to run, and do they want to make a difference? Do they have a true platform to run on?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

McPhillips vocalizes the idea of \u201cdefining your opponent before they define you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

District Director for Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, Lauren Cox, expressed her thoughts on the importance of media in government communication with five keys to success. Cox suggested those in positions with the media need to be careful of what is said. It is okay to wait to get the right information, compared to sharing something that is not 100% correct. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Build Relationships<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Work Quickly\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Commit to Accuracy\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Be Transparent<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Take Accountability<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Overall Takeaways: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n