NEW YORK (July 16, 2008) — The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) announced today that Craig Newmark, founder of Craigslist, will be a keynote speaker at the PRSA 2008 International Conference, Oct. 25–28, in Detroit. Newmark will deliver the keynote address during the Conference’s General Session on Sunday, Oct. 26. The PRSA International Conference is considered the world’s foremost event for public relations and communications professionals.
“Craig Newmark is one of social media’s chief pioneers, moving from visionary to legend in a few short years,” said PRSA Chair & CEO Jeffrey Julin, APR. “With Craigslist, he has not only become a household name, but also defined a new brand of online communication that has benefited millions around the world.”
Craig Newmark
Newmark created the concept behind Craigslist in 1995 as a simple e-mail exchange service from his bedroom computer. Today, the site has about 10 billion page views per month, about 35 million unique visitors and serves more than 550 cities in 55 countries. As huge as the site has become, it remains a model of modesty and community service, remaining true to its motto of “Give people a break.”
While chairman of the company, which was incorporated in 1999, Newmark continues to work full time as a customer service representative, fighting off spammers, scammers, bad New York apartment listers and other evildoers. Holding 25 years of experience as a Web-oriented software engineer, Newmark worked for IBM for 18 years, as well as for Charles Schwab & Co. He holds a master’s degree in computer science.
PRSA 2008 International Conference
Newmark’s keynote address spotlights the theme of the PRSA 2008 International Conference, “The Point of Connection.” This public relations and communications conference will offer more than 100 comprehensive Professional Development sessions led by more than 200 experts in a variety of public relations strategies and techniques. Sessions are divided into tracks designed for optimal learning and a focus on expertise specific to targeted members of the audience: Innovative Strategies; Effective Tactics and Techniques; Specialization and Practice Areas; and The Connected Profession. Public relations and communications professionals can gain insider strategies and techniques on the hottest topics, including social media, new media, emerging technologies, green marketing, crisis communications, sustainability, reputation, branding, integrated communications — and much more.
General Motors announced earlier this year that it will be the premier sponsor of the PRSA 2008 International Conference. To date, more than 45 corporations, universities and other organizations have signed on to support the Conference. Visit http://www.prsa.org/conf2008/ to view the full Conference schedule and download a PDF of the Conference brochure. The Web site provides a Conference overview, news about keynote speakers, program details, registration information, sponsorship opportunities, hotel and travel options, and more. As the Conference date draws near, additional information will be added. Online registration is now open. Register today at early bird prices and save $200.
Other Keynote Speakers
Mitch Albom, best-selling author of “Tuesdays with Morrie,” “For One More Day,” and “The Five People You Meet in Heaven;” sports columnist and popular radio show host and ESPN analyst; founder of metropolitan Detroit-area charities, The Dream Fund, A Time to Help and S.A.Y. Detroit.
Penelope Trunk, author of “Brazen Careerist: The New Rules for Success,” the guide to successfully navigating the modern workplace; blogger of the popular “Brazen Careerist: Advice at the Intersection of Work and Life;” and syndicated columnist at the Boston Globe.
Bob Lutz, General Motors vice chairman of global product development; blogging enthusiast on GM’s “Fastlane Blog,” where he engages customers, car enthusiasts and GM executives, and receives voluminous visitor comments and feedback.
About the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)
The Public Relations Society of America, headquartered in New York City, is the world’s largest organization for public relations professionals with nearly 32,000 professional and student members. PRSA is organized into 109 Chapters and 10 Districts nationwide, and 19 Professional Interest Sections and Affinity Groups, which represent business and industry, counseling firms, independent practitioners, military, government, associations, hospitals, schools, professional services firms and nonprofit organizations. The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) has 296 Chapters at colleges and universities throughout the United States, and one Chapter in Argentina.
