The ISPRA Spring Conference & Awards Banquet is slated for April 13–14, 2023! The conference is being held at the School Administrators of Iowa (SAI) office in Clive, IA. Register today!
The awards contest entry window has now closed.
Conference Agenda
SAI Office, 12199 Stratford Dr. Clive, Iowa, 50325
April 13, 11 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
11 a.m. Welcome & Sponsor Introductions
11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Rules of Social Media Engagement Workshop – Episode 2023
My, how things have changed in regards to school social media! While navigating the negativity in a highly politicized climate can drain your energy, there is still so much to celebrate. Grab a pep talk from School PR’s biggest cheerleader, Andrea Gribble, SocialSchool4Edu. She’ll break down the proven strategies for social media success and engagement. You’ll learn:
- How to rethink the content shared on social media
- How to build an army of storytellers
- Easy ways to save time
- How to plan your content
- How to boost community engagement
- The latest social trends to help you thrive
12:15–12:45 p.m. Lunch
12:45–1:45 p.m. Workshop Resumes
1:45–2 p.m. Break, Sponsored by Class Intercom
2–3 p.m. Workshop Resumes
3–3:15 p.m. Break, Sponsored by Class Intercom
3:15–3:30 p.m. Closing & Awards Banquet Preview
Awards Banquet
5–8:30 p.m. Social Hour & Awards Banquet, Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, West Des Moines, IA
- Social Hour: 5-6:30 p.m.
- Dinner: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
- Awards: 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Exciting new awards banquet feature! We will have a step-and-repeat banner with a photo kiosk set up so you can capture pics with your PR besties and with your district awards using fun digital props! Sponsored by Finalsite.
April 14, 8 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
8 a.m.–10 a.m. Stakeholder Engagement Workshop
This four-hour training program with Wixted Communication Advisor & Trainer Katie Ward places special emphasis on the messenger aspects of communication, as well as message development and Q & A skills. These tools are especially important in today’s school environment, where emotions can run high and the stakes even higher.
This program combines lecture, small group discussions and video examples. Topics covered include:
- Handling Q & A – Master the art of being candid and clear, while also managing the risk inherent in all Q & A formats. Learn strategies for managing straightforward and difficult questions from stakeholders, colleagues, and reporters to maintain a positive brand image.
- Media Mindset & Editorial Process – Understand how to manage news reporters through relationship-building, knowing the pitfalls of working with the media today and where the interviewee has control in the process. Our program stresses the media as a force multiplier, and the advantages of participating in the process – if properly prepared.
- Facing Difficult Questions – Whether it is a difficult conversation or a high-pressure media opportunity, the ability to answer tough questions in a hostile environment helps leaders to continue to share key messages and raise their leadership profile. Participants will learn the six types of question traps – and how to answer them.
This program will be interactive and delivered in a workshop style. Participants will have the chance to work through group exercises together at their tables; select participants will have the opportunity to complete recorded exercises and receive feedback from the trainer.
10–10:15 a.m. Break, Sponsored by Class Intercom
10:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Workshop Resumes
12:15–12:45 p.m. Lunch
12:45–1:45 p.m. Hot Topic Roundtables
- Choose from hot topics presented in 20-minute mini-sessions by your fellow experts. Three rounds at 20 minutes each. Topics to be announced.
1:45–2 p.m. Break, Sponsored by Class Intercom
2–2:30 p.m. ISPRA Board Meeting
Fee & Lodging Information
Conference Fee for Members—$110
Banquet Fee for Members—$35
Conference Fee for Non-Members—$140
Banquet Fee for Non-Members—$45
Hotel Blocks
Rewind West Des Moines Hilton: Book using this link. Rate is $139.