PRSA Rochester Connect - May
Programs and Events
Upcoming PRSA Rochester Programs and Events
Coffee & Conversation: State of DEI in PR
Join colleagues for an engaging discussion over a morning coffee in Layali's private conference room. We'll discuss best practices, case studies, how PR professionals' role in DEI initiatives has changed and evolved, and how we continue to represent diverse communities in our work. Register here.
When: May 22, 8:30 - 10 a.m.
Where: Layali Coffee House, 942 Jefferson Road, Rochester, NY
2026 PRism Awards Ceremony
Don’t miss our biggest annual event. Get your ticket now and get ready to see the best of our community’s work from this past year. Register here.
When: June 10, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Where: Jackrabbit Club, 40 Anderson Ave, Rochester, NY 14607
Communicating with PRide: A Special Pride Month Panel
How can communications and PR professionals meaningfully engage with LGBTQ+ audiences with authenticity, respect, and impact year-round? We invite the community to a panel and cocktail hour at Flora Bar as we celebrate Pride Month and shine a light on how LGBTQ+ visibility persists through challenging times. Stay tuned for details on registration.
When: June 18, 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Where: Flora, 190 Monroe Ave., Rochester, NY
Event Recaps
Inside The 13WHAM Newsroom: Tour & Q&A
We got some great insights on deepening the relationships between ourselves and our colleagues in local news during this lively conversation and tour. Thank you to the 13WHAM newsroom for hosting us!
PRSA Committee Fair
Thanks to everyone who came out to browse all the great committees we have and to meet current committee members!
Missed the event? You can still get involved! See our list of committees here, and talk to us about what interests you: [email protected].
What is the APR and why does it matter?
April was APR Month, and if you’ve ever wondered what the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) actually is, you’re not alone.
The APR is a professional credential that demonstrates your knowledge, experience and commitment to ethical, strategic public relations. It’s not about being “perfect” at PR. It’s about showing that you already practice the fundamentals every day — research, planning, execution and evaluation — and that you can think strategically about the work you do.
Here in our chapter, 18 of our 110+ members have earned their APR. They’ll tell you the same thing: the process didn’t change who they are as professionals. It strengthened what they were already doing.
Some pursue the APR to gain a competitive edge. Others want to build confidence, sharpen their strategic thinking, or validate their experience. Many find it reignites their passion for the profession.
If you’ve ever…
📊 led a campaign from idea to evaluation
💬 advised leadership or served as a strategic partner
🚨 managed an issue or navigated a crisis
📈 measured results and used data to inform decisions
…you’re already doing APR-level work.
The credential helps you refine it, articulate it and stand behind it.
Curious if it’s right for you? Explore the resources available on the PRSA and/or Universal Accreditation websites, then reach out to our chapter’s APR/Ethics Chair, Iva Petrosino to start a conversation. You may be closer than you think.
