The Waynesburg University branch of the Public Relations Students Society of America (PRSSA) took its annual trip to attend the ICON conference in Anaheim, California on Oct. 15-17.

The conference is held over a span of three days, and is put on by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) in order for public relations majors and others to attend presentations and visit panels that allow the students to learn more about the skills and strategies of PR, as well as forming connections within the field.

PRSSA Chapter President, Sydney Smiley was one of the attendees in Anaheim, along with other Waynesburg University students PRSSA members.

“ICON brings so many diverse voices and fresh perspectives together. I love that I can sit in one room and hear PR professionals discuss innovative strategies, while in another session, learn about ethical dilemmas and industry standards that push us to improve,” Smiley said. “The networking opportunities are also amazing; you get to meet mentors and potential collaborators who genuinely care about the future of PR and want to share their experiences.”

Smiley mentioned how impactful this trip was because of the fact that she was able to, “immerse herself in a setting filled with professionals who live and breathe public relations.”As the PRSSA president at Waynesburg University, she was able to build on the skills she already has to better the PR program at Waynesburg. Storytelling techniques, crisis management strategies and effective communication methods are just a few of the skills she spoke on diving into over her three day experience. 

Diana Hernandez, another PR major at Waynesburg University, had a similar experience at the conference. 

“It was nice being able to meet so many people in the public relations field, between students and professionals and just being able to connect, relate and learn from each other,” Hernandez said. 

Waynesburg University’s Public Relations program continuously has hands-on opportunities for the students in order for them to not only experience what PR skills they need, but to see first hand how the world of PR works.

“Programs like ICON have really set the foundation for hands-on experience by giving me exposure to real-world issues and by teaching me how to adapt and think on my feet,” Smiley said. “They’ve shown me the importance of strong research and impactful writing in PR, and I’m excited to apply those lessons to my career. I’m also very thankful to Professor Richard Kause and the Department of Communication for providing an experience like this to cap off my senior year—it’s truly helped shape my direction for the future.”

The ICON conference will be held in Washington D.C. next year and PRSSA plans to attend. Having the conference in a new area every year allows students to make connections around the country rather than in one state.

“I look forward to being able to connect with others on the east coast and actually be around people close to where we live,” said Hernandez, who is from New Jersey.

ICON progresses each year when it comes to organizations brought in to speak and activities held for the students through those organizations. PRSSA’s connection and involvement with ICON is what makes Waynesburg University’s PR program what it is and the program looks to grow each year through these conferences.