News

In conjunction with the Public Relations Global Network’s (PRGN) Fall conference, our global network of communicators hosted a panel discussion featuring agency leaders from around the world, discussing “The New World Ahead.” This first time virtual event was attended by nearly 200 communicators around the world.

Moderated by PRWeek magazine’s VP and Editorial Director Steve Barrett, the panel looked at what the 2020s will bring for communications professionals around the world, from PR 4.0 and combining digital and traditional PR, to remote workplaces and building relationships virtually.

Panelists included: PRGN agency principals Andy See, Perspective Strategies, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; David Fuscus, Xenophon Strategies, Washington D.C., USA; Lynn Erasmus, HWB Communications, Cape Town, South Africa; Natacha Clarac, Athenora Consulting, Brussels, Belgium; and Mark Paterson, Currie, Melbourne, Australia.

According to Andy See, PRGN APAC Regional Vice President and founder of PRGN member firm Perspective Strategies in Malaysia, “Today, the market requires the PR and communications industry to reboot and become ‘PR 4.0.’ PR 4.0 is where communication is no longer just two-way or even a dialogue. In fact, stories are co-created and there is no longer a clear distinction between the storyteller and the audience.”

53rd PRGN Conference

The global panel was a public session held in conjunction with PRGN’s fall conference, which was opened by PRGN President Robert Bauer, managing partner of accelent communications of Vienna, Austria. The virtual event was attended by representatives from the 51 PRGN member agencies around the globe.

“In times like these, nothing’s better than thinking about the future from different angles,” said Bauer. “And nothing comes close to the variety of insights that is represented from within our membership.”

Topics discussed among the members included new business development strategies, COVID-19 coping strategies, succession and acquisition strategies, digital solutions and services, virtual events, growth in the Asia-Pacific region and PR agency best practices.

Exclusive Leadership Webinar

As part of the conference, Ken Jacobs, agency consultant, coach, trainer and principal of Jacobs Consulting & Executive Coaching, conducted an exclusive webinar for PRGN members titled: “Leading leaders in uncertain times.”

Jacobs focused his presentation on the single most important job that agency owners and senior executives have: leading their own leaders in the agency with the right mindset and attitude to navigate through uncertain times. He also shared insights gained from interviews done recently with high-ranking leaders at large agencies across the U.S.

PRGN partners typically meet twice a year at member locations around the world to share knowledge and develop global business. Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic and related travel restrictions, PRGN’s Spring 2020 and Autumn 2020 Global Conferences were both held virtually.

Future PRGN conferences are planned for Scottsdale, Arizona, USA and Singapore.

About PRGN

Founded in 1992 by a group of visionary public relations leaders, with approximately 1,000 professionals in 53 locations, PRGN is one of the world’s largest international public relations networks today.

PRGN partners are independent, local, owner-operated public relations and marketing communications firms that share expertise and resources, while providing broad-based comprehensive communications strategies to clients worldwide.

Companies or organizations interested in the services of PRGN’s local agency network can contact Jim Bianchi at jbianchi@bianchipr.com.

PRGN partners typically meet twice a year at member locations around the world to share knowledge and develop global business. Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic and related travel restrictions, PRGN’s Spring 2020 and Autumn 2020 Global Conferences were both held virtually.

In 2021, PRGN’s spring and fall conferences will be virtual, and plans for 2022 call for in-person events in Scottsdale, Arizona, USA and Singapore.