THE LINK | AUGUST 2026 
From the President
From the President — August 2026
Public relations is full of moments that can easily pass without celebration. We solve problems, build trust, change behavior, and then move on to the next challenge.
As summer winds down, I invite you to take time to reflect on your best work from the year so far. Revisit past Best in Show and Silver Anvil winners for inspiration, then join us in September as Padilla shares the strategy behind its 2026 Classics Best in Show campaign for Seafood from Norway.
My August ask is simple: recognize your impact. Great campaigns deserve to be celebrated — and the stories behind them can inspire our entire profession.
Warmly,
Grete Lavrenz, MA, APR
Register for 2026 Classics “Best in Show” Webinar
Articles
So You Want to Be a Book Author?
PR professionals are natural storytellers — but how do you turn an idea into a published book? Hear from local communicators who have done it as they share their writing journeys, publishing insights and practical advice. Stay afterward for a Happy Hour open to everyone.
Wednesday, Aug. 12 | 4 - 7 p.m.
Avoiding Ethical Minefields
Ethical decision-making is becoming more complex for communications professionals.
Join Minnesota PRSA for Avoiding Ethical Minefields: Real-World Solutions for Navigating Modern PR Dilemmas.
This half-day program features keynote presentations, an interactive ethics panel, networking opportunities and APR maintenance credits.
Thursday, Sept. 10 | 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Best in Show: The Catch Behind the Campaign
Discover how Padilla's 2026 Minnesota PRSA Classics Best in Show-winning Sea-To-Table Restaurant Week campaign transformed consumer behavior and boosted sales for Seafood from Norway. Hear from the award-winning team behind the campaign and gain ideas to strengthen your next Minnesota PRSA Classics award entry.
Wednesday, Sept. 23 | 12 - 1 p.m.
Black Business Month: How PR pros can move from awareness to action
Every August, organizations highlight Black-owned businesses through social media posts, profiles and recognition campaigns. While media coverage, storytelling and social amplification matter and can build awareness, it’s not enough.
Learn about ways PR pros can move from performative recognition to action, and make a difference.
Learn more about Black Business Month
Modern Media Relations in the AI and Creator Economy
Today’s communications professionals are expected to navigate an increasingly complex landscape that includes digital media, social platforms, influencers, podcasts, AI-driven tools and the creator economy while also breaking through crowded news cycles and shrinking attention spans.
Learn real-world strategies for building modern media campaigns that drive visibility, credibility and audience engagement.
Wednesdays in September and October | 2 - 3 p.m.
Learn more about PRSA’s newest certificate program
Insights, Benchmarks and Ways to Strengthen your Strategy
Public relations is evolving faster than ever. Between generative AI, misinformation and shrinking budgets, PR pros are being asked to do more — and prove more — with less.
Meltwater’s 2026 State of PR report reveals how over 1,100 global communications professionals are responding to these challenges and redefining what success looks like.
Mark Your Calendars
- Wednesday, Aug. 12: Career Coffee: Chapter One – So You Want to Be an Author
- Thursday, Aug. 20: How to Build a Brand that’s Bigger than its Brief (Virtual AMA Café)
- Thursday, Sept. 10: Avoiding Ethical Minefields: Real-World Solutions for Navigating Modern PR Dilemmas
- Thursday, Sept. 17: No Click Marketing (Virtual AMA Café)
- Wednesday, Sept. 23: The Catch of the Year – The Story Behind Seafood from Norway's Best in Show “Net Win”
- Monday, Sept. 28: Remembering Margaret Ann Hennen (details announced soon!)
- Wednesday, Oct. 21: Professional Communicators Octoberfest
