What would you like to see more/less of on The Capital Buzz in 2011?

Help us make some New Year's resolutions here at The Capital Buzz, by telling us what you'd like to see more of (or less of) on the blog in 2011.

Our core focus is public relations and communications professional development events in the Washington, DC area, but we'd like your feedback about topics, types of stories, resources and more.

Share your insights in the comments so we can start the new year right...and enjoy your holidays!

Washington Women in Public Relations Annual Meeting and Board Induction Lunch with Keynote Shashi Bellamkonda

Please join WWPR for our annual business meeting, where we will induct the in-coming board. We're excited to announce our new pro bono client, as well. Lunch will be served.

Shashi Bellamkonda, the Social Media Swami, is our keynote speaker. As Director of Social Media (or Social Media Swami as he’s known) at Network Solutions, Shashi is responsible for implementing and executing strategies for all social media initiatives, reputation management, small business outreach, brand development and evangelism. In this position he has helped Network Solutions aggressively move into the online space to actively listen to and interact with its customers. This push paid off when Network Solutions won the 2008 and 2010 SNCR (Society for New Communications Research) Award of Excellence for Online Reputation Management/Corporate Division. The Swami, one of Washingtonian’s Top 100 Tech Titans, is a self-described “Internet junkie” and prolific Twitterer, blogger, and product innovator.

Members and non-members are welcome.

Register at: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?llr=zynwdtdab&oeidk=a07e388fdl50f77e618

PR Independents' Lunch on January 6

The PRSA-NCC independent practitioners section (IPRA) has a great program lined up for January 6: Transitioning from Journalism to PR: Secrets from the Other Side.

With newsrooms shrinking, many journalists are making the transition into PR. Two journalists who have made a successful transition - Debbi Jarvis, Vice President, Corporate Communications, Pepco Holdings, Inc., formerly of NBC4; and Sally Squires, Senior Vice President, Director of Health and Wellness Communications, Weber Shandwick,formerly of The Washington Post - will discuss what made them decide to leave journalism, how they determined PR was the right next step, what lessons they learned as journalists that helped them make the transition to PR, and, alternatively, some of the challenges they faced in moving from journalism to PR. More details...

Holiday Celebration with PRSA-NCC!

Holiday Celebration with PRSA-NCC

Monday, Dec. 13, 6-8pm
One Lounge
1606 20th Street NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 299-0909

Metro: Dupont Circle

Join capital area PR leaders in celebrating a truly special year in Washington PR history. Come network and enjoy great food and drinks at one of Dupont Circle's newest dining hotspots!

The recipients of PRSA-NCC’s Young Professional Award and the Diamond Award will be recognized.

Cash contributions to the Salvation Army will be encouraged.

Light fare and refreshments will be served.

Cost: $35 PRSA and WWPR members; $55 nonmembers, Register here

Tips and Take-Aways from DC's Top Media Trainers on Wednesday, December 8

Presented by the PRSA-NCC Professional Development Committee
December 8, 2010 from 8:00 – 10:00 a.m.
U.S. Navy Memorial & Heritage Center701 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20004 Metro: Navy Memorial/Archives (yellow/green lines)
Cost: $35 PRSA and WWPR members; 55/non-members; 10/students/retirees; additional $10 at the door Register Here

Hear from DC’s top media trainers as they discuss how they've prepared executives, thought leaders and PR professionals to be effective spokespeople for their organizations. In this timely workshop, you’ll find out:

• What’s involved in prepping your boss (or yourself) to do an interview, be on camera or give a major speech.
• The common pitfalls spokespeople fall into when doing an interview and how to avoid them.
• How to get across your key points, no matter what the question or medium.
• When you may need a media trainer, and what to look for in choosing one.

Walk away from this session with valuable new insights, and learn why having a skilled and articulate spokesperson is still one of the best ways of delivering your message in Washington. Our panel of seasoned professionals will provide practical tips and take-aways that you can put to use immediately in your media relations.
Speakers:

• Heathere Evans-Keenan, APR, Founder, Keenan PR, Inc.
• Susan Peterson, Founder and President, The Communication Center
• Denise Harrington, Senior Consultant, CommCore Consulting Group
• Moderator Jay Morris, Senior Vice President/Marketing & Communications, National Association of Federal Credit Unions