Non-profits and Associations

Key Topics and Featured Speakers

• Communicating Facts in the New Era – A discussion on best practices for cutting through noise and delivering timely, evidence-based messaging.
  Leader: Erin O’Malley, Executive Director, Coalition for Trust in Health & Science
  
  
• There’s Too Much Noise – Step-by-step guidance on determining when to issue press releases or statements, engaging with members and audiences, and responding effectively to media requests.
  Leader: Laura Gross, President, Scott Circle Communications
  
  
• Navigating AI in Mission-Driven PR – Ethical considerations in AI adoption, tools for content creation and engagement, and strategies for transparency.
  Leader: Brenda K. Foster, MPA, Senior Vice President & Chief of Innovation, Vanguard Communications
  
  
• The New Media Landscape and the Role of Independent Journalism – Insights into launching a successful independent outlet and how PR professionals can engage effectively with various media platforms.
  Leader: Maura McDonough, Principal, Dewey Square Group
  
  
• The Communicator’s New Playbook: Key Shifts and Strategies for Success – The evolving role of PR professionals, including AI integration, data-driven storytelling, and cross-sector collaboration.
  Leader: Duyen “Jen” Truong, Senior Vice President, PR Operations, Sage Communications
  
  

Interactive, Small-Group Format Drives Engagement

Nearly 60 professionals participated in the event, engaging in small-group discussions to exchange ideas and strategies. Each 20-minute session was followed by a short break, allowing attendees to rotate tables and explore multiple topics.

“These sessions were incredibly productive. With so many shifts in the policy landscape and the challenges we face in delivering critical information to our audiences, the opportunity to learn and grow alongside other communicators is essential right now,” said Kathleen Kennedy Manzo, principal at KKM Strategies. “I felt encouraged and re-energized to learn from both former colleagues and new friends working to support nonprofit organizations as they navigate difficult times. We must continue finding new ways to inform audiences and elevate solutions that create opportunities for all communities.”

For many attendees, the event underscored the importance of peer collaboration in solving real-world communications challenges.

“This session provided turnkey solutions to address the most pressing challenges we encounter as practitioners,” said Alex Budzynski, digital communications manager at Volunteers of America. “The room was full, and the energy at the event was invigorating. Now, more than ever, it’s important to cultivate community and build relationships.”

The interactive format encouraged sharing of best practices, case study discussions, and resource exchange, reinforcing the value of collaboration in the PR field.

“Communications professionals excel in collaboration,” Nance added. “An event like this connects us to valuable ideas and approaches we might not have considered. It was a fantastic opportunity to brainstorm and explore solutions with others facing similar challenges.”

This article was originally published in the Capitol Communicator