Annual Conference

Our Conference is sponsored by: 

          
 

Our Annual Conference is a day devoted to professional development and connection for school PR professionals across Illinois. Featuring multiple professional development opportunities and a keynote speaker, this conference is a great way to keep up to date with important school PR topics and trends.

This year's conference will be held at Building E, Elgin Community College (1700 Spartan Drive, Corner of Spartan and Lehr) on November 8, 2024. Here is a snapshot of our agenda, and session details can be found below:

  • 8:30 - 9:30: Your Story is Your Superpower with Dirk Tedmon, APR
    Break
  • 10:00 - 10:45: Roundtable Mini Sessions 
    Break
  • 11:00 - 1:30: Annual Communications Awards Luncheon
    Break
  • 2:00 - 2:45: Professional Development Session Block One
    Break
  • 3:00 - 3:45: Professional Development Session Block Two
  • 4:00 - 6:30 PM: INSPRA Afterhours Social - Nick’s Pizza & Pub, 990 S Randall Rd in Elgin, IL
Meet our Keynote Speaker:

Dirk Tedmon, APR, is an accomplished marketing and communications professional with a track record of success. As the Executive Director of Marketing and Communications for Eden Prairie Schools, he leads a team focused on effective and equitable engagement with its community. He is an expert storyteller and strategic thinker, which led to him being named the inaugural National School Communicator of the Year in 2024. His team’s work has been honored with an NSPRA Gold Medallion award, two Golden Achievement awards, and numerous Publications and Digital Media Excellence awards.

Your Story is Your Superpower - Dirk Tedmon, APR (8:30 AM, Siegle Auditorium)
In our role as school communicators, we often get consumed in telling the stories of others. However, our personal stories are not just reflections of our past — they are the keys that unlock our ability to more authentically, empathetically and deeply connect with others. Knowing and owning your story can make you a more effective communicator and enhances your ability to engage and inspire. As you seek to do work that is meaningful and impactful, uncover how your story is your superpower.

Roundtable Session Descriptions:

Tips for Elevating Back-to-School Communications (10:00 AM, Room 100)
With back-to-school still fresh in your mind, now is the perfect time to reflect on and fine-tune your back-to-school communications strategy for next year. Join us as we explore practical tips for communicating essential back-to-school information to all families while prioritizing inclusivity. We'll share real-life examples of how other districts have streamlined their communication efforts and successfully incorporated some of these best practices.

Ten in Ten: Top Ten Things Your Website Needs to Engage Your Community  (10:00 AM, Room 106)
Join Edlio for a fast-paced exploration of the top ten features your school website needs to engage parents, students, and the community! In just ten minutes, we’ll share insights and practical tips to transform your site into a vibrant hub of communication. Let’s make your website the talk of the town!

What Does It Mean to be a Truly Unified Platform?  (10:00 AM, Room Tables)
Can one platform have everything you need to communicate, involve, and collaborate with families? We'll share how ParentSquare’s fully integrated communications and school websites are helping districts across Illinois foster seamless communication and meaningful engagement with their families and students. Attendees will learn how a single platform can unify all communications – with mass notifications, classroom communications, school services, and website/CMS. We'll also save time for questions and feedback about how ParentSquare is working for your district.

 

Afternoon Session Descriptions:

 

Equity and Inclusion:  Beginning the DEI Journey - Adelicia Brienzo (2:00 PM, Room 100)
In this session, participants will learn the importance of examining and co-constructing district practices for a more equitable school system across all departments using a diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging lens. We will explore ways to use both district data and community storytelling to identify and dismantle barriers to authentic engagement. Join in meaningful conversations around change that will create a lasting impact on the communities you serve!

It Takes a Village: Collaborating for Student Success - Denise Barr, APR and Jessica Lombard, Ed.S. (2:00 PM, Room 106)
From parent engagement to community partnerships, Huntley 158 has found unique ways to build trust and transparency with key stakeholders and unite its community. Learn how to leverage these relationships and put face-to-face and two-way communication into action!

How to Make Work-Based Learning Work for You - Dani Brink, Iridia Nevarez, Yvonne Tsagalis (3:00 PM, Room 100)
Through this presentation, you will learn how your school district can implement an effective work-based learning program. Key takeaways will include the importance of embedding work-based learning into all aspects of your district and school environment, how to remove barriers and add flexibility, and how to gain support and develop partnerships for your work-based learning initiatives.

From the Inside Out: The Power of Effective Internal Communications - Justin Dearing, APR (3:00 PM, Room 106)
The key to effective strategic communications is to begin with powerful internal communications. In this presentation, you will learn effective strategies for communications professionals to apply in their district to ensure their staff members feel included and informed. From building a foundation for regular communications, to ensuring buy-in from staff members, to ideas for collaborating with other departments, attendees will leave with strategies and tactics to put into practice immediately.