Survey results provide roadmap for 2013 programming activities

In January, the Greater Fort Worth PRSA chapter surveyed its membership about expectations and interests for 2013 programming events including luncheons, professional development workshops, mixers and more. We sent out 182 invitations to the survey, and 57 of you responded, giving us a healthy 31 percent response rate. First, thank you. And second, please know that your chapter leadership has taken your comments to heart.

We learned some interesting things about what’s interesting to our chapter members. Nearly 75 percent of you say you’re looking for education when it comes to your local PRSA programs; while networking and interaction with our peers is important. You’re also looking for the “how-to’s” and those nuggets of wisdom that push you to pursue your career even more effectively and passionately.

When it comes to luncheon programs, some of your top interests were social media strategy; case studies / war stories from our chapter members; promoting digital literacy within our organizations and developing our own personal brands and career paths as public relations professionals.

For professional development workshops, again respondents stressed the importance of learning more about social media strategies and measurement techniques. Our members are also interested in hearing from local media about the state of the newsroom in 2013, along with making more effective presentations and training others to do the same.

In addition to providing feedback on topics for speakers and workshops, respondents also provided valuable feedback about timing of evening events and mixers, which will help several of our committee chairs plan appropriate events that generate value for our members.

Please know that we’re listening, and so far we’re on the right track for 2013. Our first professional development workshop, held last month, focused on the intricacies of social media and was a great success for our chapter by all measures. You can also rest assured that the next half-day workshop, scheduled for October, will certainly focus on one or more of our membership’s top recommended topics. And this month’s luncheon program focuses on how public relations professionals can develop crucial internal relationships that earn them a seat at the leadership table – another key area of interest.

Moving forward, our chapter’s board of directors will continue to use your feedback as our guide for planning effective programs and events for the rest of the year. We’ll also report back to you at the end of 2013 for an assessment of how we measure up. And in the meantime, if you’re struck by an idea for a great program, send it my way: clarkm@trinityra.org. I’ll look forward to hearing from you.