Back by Popular Demand: WWPR Brings Back Body Language Expert Janine Driver

Offers Member Price to Other Communication Groups for “You Say More Than You Think”

Just last February Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) offered members and guests "Business Bloopers Successful People Avoid (at all costs)", presented by Janine Driver. She was – to put it mildly – lively and candid.

Now WWPR’s March Professional Development Brown Bag brings her back for “You Say More Tan You Think: Use ‘The New Body Language’ to Get What You Want!”

Driver, who calls herself “the Lyin' Tamer”, says that all successful people know that the ability to detect and react to the split-second signals that skim across people’s bodies hundreds of times each day is crucial to getting what they want in life. When something they are doing isn’t effective, they have learned how to adjust their actions to maximize the moment.

WHEN: Wednesday, March 17th (St. Patrick's Day!) Noon - 2:00 p.m. Bring your own lunch.

WHERE: Reuters, 1333 H St, NW, 5th Floor (Closest Metro: McPherson Square)

REGISTRATION: FREE for members of WWPR, PRSA or IABC; $15 for non-members.

Driver promises you'll learn:

• to control or change the dynamics of any interaction according to your needs and desires,
• the confidence borne of intuitive body language—that all successful people share,
• to strengthen interpersonal relationships, become a stronger leader, manage your nerves better, and attain ambitious new goals,
• to better prepare to perform as a persuasive communicator, problem-solver, and cunning negotiator.

Copies of Driver's new book "YOU SAY MORE THAN YOU THINK: Use “The New Body Language” to Get What You Want!" will be available for purchase (and autographing) after the meeting.

Contact Macie Mulvaney or Lisa Newman, WWPR Professional Development Co-Chairs, at professionaldevelopment@wwpr.org with questions or for more information.

THE CAPITAL PRESS CLUB PRESENTS……"An Evening of Photography"

Black History Photo Exhibit and Reception
Washington, D.C. In Pictures—The Year In Review

The blizzards of 2010 blasted the region and many events, including the original date for this Black History Month program. The CWC rescheduled this photo exhibition chronicling the Black community in 2009 through the eyes of renowned photographers to this week.

Enjoy the exhibited works by standout photographers Jason Miccolo Johnson, Roy Lewis, Marvin Jones and Jim Wells along with a reception of wine and heavy hors d’oeuvres.

WHEN: Wednesday, March 3, 2010 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

WHERE: National Council of Negro Women Headquarters Atrium
633 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC

COST: (purchase tickets ahead)$20 – Capital Press Club Members; $25 – Non-members

Communications that Make a Difference

The college 'career' for many ends as soon as that diploma is safely received in hand. Certainly, there are lifetime relationships developed, "annual giving," reunions and other ways the experience would be kept alive. As an alumna of The American University, I was recently voted onto the AU Alumni Board to assist with developing programs and engagement strategies for the Alumni Programs office to implement. And I must admit, there's nothing like contributing to your alma mater's growth in this capacity.

As communicators, we are often charged with crafting innovative strategies to help our clients engage with their audiences. To me, it seemed only befitting to apply those same skills to enrich one of the most formative places in my development. At a recent dinner held at AU's President's house, it was fascinating to experience the 'sights and sounds' of other board members' colorful lives and careers. Just when you think a life chapter has passed, there comes another opportunity to make a difference. And this seems to be a great one for communicators to shape both past and present.

PRSA International Conference Presentation Submission Deadline Extended

Due to severe weather conditions in many parts of the United States, PRSA has extended the Call for Presentations deadline to February 23.
Showcase your strategies, theories, ideas, research and results at the most dynamic gathering of public relations professionals in the world!
This is your opportunity to share your expertise and network with thousands of Conference attendees while enhancing your leadership profile in the public relations community.
Join us in Washington, D.C., October 16-19, 2010, and experience the excitement, the power, the people and the places of a true capital city. Combine that with the best professional development, influential speakers and networking opportunities, and you’ll be “Powering PRogress.”
PRSA is seeking expert speakers. Are you a public relations or marketing communications professional, educator or expert in a related field — CMO, CEO, CFO, economist, social scientist, futurist, management consultant, journalist, blogger, technologist or editor? Are you a specialist in social media, public affairs, sustainability, design, or research and measurement?

For more information, visit http://www.prsa.org/Conferences/InternationalConference/

Professional Development Opportunity from PRSA-NCC

Jump Start Your Career: Earn Your APR

What is “Jump Start”? Jump Start is an intense, informative and supportive experience that builds a strong foundation for achieving your APR designation. The Jump Start course offered by the National Capital Chapter of PRSA was listed as one of the top professional development activities according to a recent chapter survey. Find out why so many APRs have found Jump Start to be an invaluable part of their preparation! Why should I become an APR? Earning your Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) shows that you are an accomplished practitioner – and can even lead to a boost in salary and title. Your first step on the APR quest is the Jump Start comprehensive overview class, coming up this June.

When: Saturday, March 13, 2010.

Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Where: American Forest Foundation, 1111 19th Street, NW, Suite 780, Washington, DC (AFF is located on 19th Street near L Street, NW) Metro: Farragut North (red line)/Farragut West (blue/orange lines)

Cost: $99 for PRSA-NCC members (before March 8)

$109 for PRSA-NCC members (after March 8)

$129 for non-members

Registration fee includes study binder, breakfast, lunch and full-day course NOTE: There is a $50 surcharge to register on site (space permitting)

To register, visit http://www.kinsail.com/results.asp?p=prsancc&pt=store&GroupID=15205

Questions?: Contact Info: E: SherriCore@aol.com P: (703) 691-8733

Social Media: Navigating the Legal Minefield

Someone on a LinkedIn group recently asked where to go to learn about social media. These days there are so many learning opportunities you have to ask, what aspect of social media?

It's not only the military and government who are worried about legal issues involved with social media, so here's a timely topic presented by Capitol Communicator, (the online community/e-news source, as opposed to the Capital Communicators Group (CCG), the informal professional group for PR and PA professionals, whose program on Wednesday the 24th about communicating green issues and social responsibility is highlighted below).

This is more expensive than most opportunities we highlight in The Buzz, but hey, it's still cheap compared to a lawyer's hourly rates!

Social Media: Navigating the Legal Minefield
WHEN: Thursday, February 25th, 12:00 noon - 1:30 p.m.
WHERE: MDB Communications ~ exclusive event sponsors
1730 M St, NW Suite 800 Washington, DC
COST: $65 ~ register

The rapid explosion of social media as a marketing and communications tool brings with it a myriad of legal issues and implications for organizations, agencies and their clients. This 90-minute luncheon seminar aims to help you maximize the potential benefits of the social media revolution and protect against its inherent legal risks.

John Feldman, Partner, and Drew Boortz, Associate, of the law firm of Reed Smith, LLP, will discuss practical, action-oriented guidelines related to advertising and marketing. Included is a summary of Reed Smith, LLP's new publication “Network Interference—A Legal Guide to the Commercial Risks and Rewards of the Social Media Phenomenon”, which covers advertising & marketing; commercial litigation; data privacy & security; employment practices; government contracts & investigations; insurance recovery; litigation, evidence & privilege; product liability; securities; and trademarks.

Snow's Over! Let's Get Back to Business!

So many things were cancelled last week, so many offices closed. Let's get back on track with some upcoming professional development activities!

NEXT CCG LUNCHEON: WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24th
Noon to 1:30 p.m.

Bar Louie ~ 701 7th Street, NW Washington (Metro Red Line Gallery Place/Chinatown)
Cost: $20, cash only (exact change appreciated)
RSVP required: CapitalCommunicator@gmail.com

Greener Than You Think
U.S. Postal Service employees are instantly recognizable in their distinctive blue uniforms. But did you know the Postal Service is also earning distinction as one of the greenest "companies" in the country?

The USPS has been a green innovator since 1899 when it tested it its first electric mail delivery vehicle. In addition, the Postal Service is the only mailing and shipping company in the country to be "Cradle to Cradle™" certified for its environmentally friendly shipping supplies.

Join the Capital Communicators Group (CCG) to hear Sam Pulcrano, Postal Service Vice President for Sustainability, talk about what the Postal Service is doing to leave a greener footprint across America, and how the agency is telling its green story -- including shouting it from a certain green rooftop in New York City!

REMINDER: WWPR PROGRAM THIS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17th

Noon to 2:00 p.m.

National Education Association ~ 1201 16th Street NW, Chanin Auditorium - Side A (Closest Metro: McPherson Square)

Cost: This is a "brown bag" lunch, FREE for WWPR & PRSA members; $15 others. NEA has a cafeteria and carry-out where you can buy lunch

RSVP Required

"Mind the Gap": A Washington Women in PR Panel About Bridging the Generational Gap

This has recently shown up as a hot topic in several places. The speaker and moderator is Heather R. Huhman, founder and president of Come Recommended. A panel discussion with Baby Boomers, Gen Xers and Millennials will follow.

Thoth Deadlines Announced for 2010

Start thinking about your PRSA-NCC 2010 Thoth entry. Here are the early bird and standard deadlines:

EARLY BIRD FEES

Received by Friday, June 4, 2010

*PRSA-NCC Members: $75 for first entry, $55 for subsequent entries

*Non-NCC Members: $95 for first entry, $75 for subsequent entries

STANDARD FEES

Received June 5-18, 2010

*PRSA-NCC Members: $95 for first entry, $75 for subsequent entries

*Non-NCC Members: $115 for first entry, $95 for subsequent entries

WHAT ARE THE THOTH AWARDS?

Named for the Egyptian god of communication, the Thoth (pronounced “tot”) Awards recognize the most outstanding, strategic public relations programs and components developed and produced in the Greater Washington area. Achievements are recognized in 31 categories, including 13 program categories that celebrate the very best PR campaigns and 18 component categories that highlight top accomplishments in PR tactics. The Public Relations Society of America’s National Capital Chapter (PRSA-NCC) sponsors the Thoth competition to recognize and reward outstanding achievement in public relations and to encourage continued excellence in the field. Finalists in each category will be notified by e-mail in August following judging of the Thoth entries by senior practitioners. From these finalists, the Thoth Award and the Award of Excellence winners will be announced at the Thoth Award’s program scheduled to take place in September 2010.

Did you enter PRSA’s National Silver Anvil or Bronze Anvil Awards program?If so, please note that the Thoth program and components category definitions and contest requirements closely follow the PRSA Silver and Bronze Anvil awards. By taking a little extra time to repurpose your Anvil entry for submission in the Thoth Awards competition, you’ll be maximizing your chance of winning an award and gaining recognition for your outstanding work.

IABC February meeting cancelled due to snow

With another major snowstorm expected in the Washington metro region, IABC Washington has cancelled its February meeting, which had been scheduled for Thursday, February 11.  IABC will present the same program in the same location next month:

New Frontiers in Strategic Communication
March 11, 5:30pm -8:30pm
Hyatt Regency Bethesda

Speaking will be featuring Christine Nyirjesy Bragale, ABC, managing director at Weber Merritt Public Affairs, and Jeffrey Brooke, ABC, director of employee communication at the United States Government Printing Office.   Go to the link above to register or for more detailed information.

UPDATE:  IABC reports that if you've registered for the Feb. event, your registration fee will carry over to the March event; you can contact IABC at iabcdc@aol.com or 703-267-2322 for more information or with questions.