Next year’s conference is scheduled for Aug. 8-11, 2010, at Naples Grande Beach Resort in Naples, Fla. We hope you will join us!

Emily Desmery is FPRA’s summer 2009 intern. She is a rising sophomore at William Smith College in upstate New York and in her capacity at FPRA’s state office in Sarasota has been instrumental in planning the conference. From calling speakers to arranging meals to designing conference materials, Emily has helped ensure everything runs smoothly here in Boca Raton. Her experience with FPRA and life under the Florida sun has inspired her to make a strategic move: next spring, Emily will enroll at the University of Tampa to complete her studies in public relations. Thanks for all your hard work Emily, and good luck at UT!

As promised, here are the photos from Tuesday night’s Golden Image Awards gala.

Click here to see the entire photoset.

At last night’s Golden Image Awards gala, the FPRA 2008 Annual Conference Blog was honored with an Award of Distinction and a Judges’ Award.

In 2008, Chris Gent led a volunteer blog team — Suzanne Dameron, Kelly Donovan, Melissa Filipkowski, Amanda Forbes, Dr. Allen Moore, APR and Paul Ramey, APR – came together to produce the blog for the 70th FPRA Annual Conference. The blog enjoyed tremendous success, drawing 2,570 unique visitors during the 3-day conference that generated 8,810 page views. The blog also boasted 85 posted articles, 122 visitor comments, 515 photos and two hallway interview podcasts.

Thanks to FPRA Executive Committee and FPRA state office for supporting and encouraging this endeavor!

We couldn’t resist posting this photo of Rick Oppenheim, APR, CPRC, of the Capital Chapter. Rumors are that Rick is able to run his entire Tallahassee-based agency from the conference using his Bluetooth headset and iPhone. We’re impressed, Rick!

Thanks to those who came out for tonight’s Social Media Social, sponsored by Kidd PR. The event featured appetizers and drinks — including the Tweet-tini and the Flickr Kicker. Attendees used their cell phones and smart devices to participate in social media contests and games.

A framed letter from Florida Governor Charlie Crist presented to this year’s Vice President of Annual Conference, Karen Smittle, APR, CPRC.

The presentation of the Dillin Dessert was sponsored in part by the Dick Pope/Polk County Chapter President Kris Keprios.

Semi Sweet Belgium Chocolate, Caramel Sauce, Chocolate Sponge Cake with a Caramel and Coffee Reduction.

Here’s a link to some additional photos.

Thanks to everyone who participated in today’s golf clinic and tournament at the Boca Raton Resort’s private course. Click here for the complete photoset. The players included:

Team #1
Susan Naugle
Rita Michel
Brian Jennings

Team #2
Stephanie Jennings
Mike Snyder
David Hart

Team #3
Rick Oppenheim, APR, CPRC
Joseph Gallagher
Jan Luongo, APR, CPRC
Rebecca Searcy

Team #4
Steve Shepherd
Courtney Holmes
Steve Smittle
Melissa Berlin

Team #5
Trish Ridgway-Kapustka, APR, CPRC
Steve Kapustka
Josh Hallett
Geo Ropert

Team #6
Roger Pynn
Shelley Pynn

Team #7
Sheridan Becht, APR
Gay Finkelman

Team #8
Lisa Malone, APR, CPRC
Kevin Hoshstrasser

and the winners were…

18-Hole Division
1st place – Team #2
2nd place – Team Team #1

9-Hole Division
1st place – Team #6

Longest Drive (Women) – Rita Michel
Longest Drive (Men) – Brian Jennings
Straightest Drive (Women) – Trish Ridgeway-Kapustka, APR, CPRC
Straighted Drive (Men) – Geo Ropert

Thanks to the Executive Women’s Golf Association for sponsoring this year’s event. And a special thanks goes out to Alexander and Desiré Shepherd (pictured below), children of Steve Shepherd, who served as our golf outing photographers.