PRSA Iowa Chapter

That’s a wrap on OctoPRfest 2026 🍂

Thank you to everyone who made OctoPRfest a success! It was a great day full of learning and networking with real-time tools and knowledge attendees can put into practice.

We’re already looking forward to next year!

A big thank-you to the sponsors who are helping make OctoPRfest possible! 🍂 We’re grateful for the organizations that continue to support PRSA Iowa and our professional community.

This year's sponsors:
- Casey's
- Corteva Agriscience
- Drake School of Journalism and Mass Communication
- Hy-Vee
- Iowa Farm Bureau
- Iowa Pork Producers Association
- Iowa State University Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication
- LS2group
- Meyocks
- Sammons Financial Group Companies
- The Stelter Company
- Trilix

We have two pros from Wixted & Company speaking at this year's OctoPRfest! 🍂

Lauri Freking, Lead Trainer &Training Innovation Advisor, and Andy Garman, Senior Trainer and Communications Advisor, are leading a session titled, "Communicating Change: It Doesn’t Have to be Hard."

Continuous change is becoming business as usual, yet it is often perceived as negative, but the research tells a different story. This session dives into the research and the importance of how you communicate through change, and the impact it will have on acceptance, understanding, and trust. Participants will get an introduction to our Change Communication Blueprint, an audience-centered framework that helps leaders communicate strategically by focusing on what to say and when to say it. The session also examines the role of psychological safety as foundational to helping leaders strengthen culture and support their people through change.

Get registered for OctoPRfest: bit.ly/PRSA-Iowa-OctoPRfest2026

Learn more about Wixted 👇
thinkwixted.com
Wixted & Company
linkedin.com/company/wixted-&-company

Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)'s very own CEO, Matt Marcial, CAE, APR, is speaking alongside Heide Harrell in the opening fireside chat at OctoPRfest. 🍂

Matt and Heide invite you to join them for a candid and engaging conversation as they share insights on the evolving communications landscape and the strategic priorities shaping PRSA's direction.

This unique fireside chat offers members the opportunity to hear firsthand about industry trends, leadership development, and the value of professional community in a rapidly changing world. Attendees will be able to ask questions and learn how PRSA is positioning communications professionals for success while advancing the profession's impact, relevance and influence across industries nationwide.

Get registered for OctoPRfest: https://lnkd.in/g5H-5tDu

Learn more about Matt 👇
LinkedIn.com/in/matthewmarcial

We're TWO WEEKS out from OctoPRfest 2026! 🍂

Join us Oct. 1 at Sammons Financial Group in West Des Moines! You’ll hear from local, regional, and national leaders about the topics shaping PR and communications today, from AI and PR ethics to brand storytelling, change communication, and so much more.

Bring the whole team and get registered today: bit.ly/PRSA-Iowa-OctoPRfest2026

Looking for a different way to network with fellow PR and communications pros? 🤝

Join PRSA Iowa for an evening of giving back at the YMCA Supportive Housing Campus on Oct. 19! We’ll kick things off with a quick tour, then roll up our sleeves to sort donations, stock the pantry, organize supplies, and more.

It’s a chance to connect with industry peers in a setting that’s a little different — while making a difference in our community. 💙

TOMORROW is your last day to get early bird pricing for OctoPRfest 2026. Take advantage of discounted rates for our premiere event by registering today!

Don't miss out on early bird pricing for this can't-miss event!

If you're a strategic communicator who wants to grow your skillset, connect with other pros, and bring fresh ideas back to your team, OctoPRfest is an event you can't afford to miss. Make sure you register by next Friday, Sept. 11, for discounted pricing!

Learn more and register here: https://bit.ly/PRSA-Iowa-OctoPRfest2026

Meet the opening keynote speaker for this year's OctoPRfest! 🍂

Heide Harrell, APR, is the Director of Communications at Central Arkansas Water AND the 2026 PRSA National Chair. She's leading the keynote titled "An Exclusive Fireside Chat with the PRSA National Chair and CEO."

This unique fireside chat will be a candid and engaging conversation with Heide as she shares insights on the evolving communications landscape and the strategic priorities shaping PRSA's direction. It'll offer members the opportunity to hear firsthand about industry trends, leadership development, and the value of professional community in a rapidly changing world. Attendees will be able to ask questions and learn how PRSA is positioning communications professionals for success while advancing the profession's impact, relevance, and influence across industries nationwide.

Get registered for OctoPRfest: https://lnkd.in/g5H-5tDu

Learn more about Heide 👇
PRSA.org
carkw.com
Heide Pingley Harrell
LinkedIn.com/in/heideharrellapr

Don’t forget to register for our Friday FYI next week if you haven’t already! It’s a virtual event that’s free to EVERYONE (members, non-members, and students!) with great insights from two seasoned APR pros.

Register here: https://lnkd.in/gqrtFDRu

Join Jane Keairns, APR and Dawn Buzynski, APR for this FREE virtual event as they explore how strategic communications and public relations leaders can move beyond messaging to become trusted advisors within their organizations.

This event is free and open to both members and non-members! While there’s no cost to attend, we do ask that you register so we can send you the event link. (Registration link in comments)

We hope to see you there!

Don't miss out on early bird pricing for this can't-miss event!

If you're a strategic communicator who wants to grow your skillset, connect with other pros, and bring fresh ideas back to your team, OctoPRfest is an event you can't afford to miss. Make sure you register by next Friday, Sept. 11, for discounted pricing!

Learn more and register here: https://bit.ly/PRSA-Iowa-OctoPRfest2026