PRSA Tampa Bay PD Day - Where Connections Take Flight
Posted on Aug. 24, 2026 / Subscribe 0
By Kiran Malik
PR is all about connections. How you make them, nurture them and maintain them can make all the difference in your career and your life. That message was woven throughout PRSA Tampa Bay’s Professional Development Day on Aug. 20 at Tampa International Airport, where communicators gathered for a full day of learning, inspiration and, of course, connection. It was a full house, and attendees came ready to learn, network and maybe enjoy a little extra magic in their coffee.
Coffee, Connections and a Full House
The day kicked off with conversations flowing at Kahwa Coffee, one of our sponsor’s pop-up coffee shop that quickly became a crowd favorite. The star was the Ripples machine, which printed custom designs directly onto coffee foam. It was a fun reminder that even the smallest details can create memorable experiences.
Thank you also to our sponsors, LSF, Tampa International Airport, and The University of Tampa’s M.A. in Social and Emerging Media program for helping make this day possible.
Turning Cold Contacts Into Warm Bonds
Christopher Liddell, a Best of the Bay-winning host, Broadway performer and theatre artist with more than 25 years of stage experience, knew exactly how to keep everyone’s attention.
With his theatre charm on full display, Liddell shared stories from his career and connected the discipline and precision of elite performance to the communications profession. His message about relationship-building was especially powerful.
“PR turns cold contacts into warm bonds.”
For communicators who spend their days pitching stories, building relationships and creating trust, that line captured what public relations should really be about.
Leading Yourself With Kindness
Laura Weiner-Kiser, founder and CEO of Change by Challenge and a certified stress and mindset coach, gave us a needed reminder that leadership begins with how we lead ourselves.
“The most hurtful noise comes from inside. It’s time for a jail break from your mental prison,” she emphasized.
And for many of us, the current CEO of our lives, us, is not always kind to us. That is something worth changing.
“Manage internal noise to impact external chaos. Talk is easy. Integration is the work. Your values aren’t a list of words. They’re a set of behaviors you have to build and repeat.”
Her message resonated with a room full of busy professionals accustomed to managing deadlines, crises and competing priorities, and sometimes putting ourselves on the back burner.
Leadership, Growth and the PRSA Connection
The afternoon was anchored by an insightful fireside chat featuring Angela Walters Eveillard, MBA, APR, the 2027 Chair for the PRSA National Board of Directors and Jennifer Dunn, MA, APR, the Sunshine District Director on the Board of Directors of PRSA National, moderated by Kaley Infield, MA, APR, the PRSA Sunshine District Chair.
Their conversation reinforced the incredible value of being part of the PRSA. From networking that turned into lifelong friendships to career opportunities that began with a PRSA connection, their experiences showed how professional relationships can shape an entire career.
We also learned that 49 local communications graduates have received scholarships from PRSA Tampa Bay as the chapter continues to work hard to cultivate the next generation of communicators.
For students beginning their professional journeys, there is also great value in joining the PRSSA Tampa Bay chapter. The connections you make today can become the relationships that support you throughout your career.
Ideas, Content and Getting Results
The day featured an impressive lineup of speakers, each bringing a unique perspective to the evolving communications profession.
Danielle Vona, founder and chief thinker of The Marketing Posse and former chief marketing officer at Bloomin’ Brands and Sonic Drive-In, brought her extensive marketing expertise and entrepreneurial perspective to the conversation. Her work helping brands move faster and drive real results offered valuable insights for communicators navigating an increasingly competitive landscape.
Camille C. Knox, founder and chief content officer of Write Knox Press, also shared wisdom drawn from more than 20 years as an author and journalist. Her experience with CBS News, the Tampa Bay Times and Snopes, along with her leadership as a former president of the Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists, made her perspective on storytelling and content especially meaningful.
A High-Flying Finish
Beau Zimmer wrapped up the day on a high-flying note by highlighting the value of video and visual storytelling.
One key takeaway? Make it easy for journalists. Providing b-roll and easy access to compelling visuals can help put your stories front and center. In a fast-moving media environment, removing barriers can make all the difference.
The Connections That Keep Us Going
From coffee foam creations to career conversations, Professional Development Day was a reminder that our industry is powered by people. We make connections. We turn them into relationships. And sometimes, those relationships turn into friendships, opportunities and careers we never expected.
If you are looking to grow your network, sharpen your skills and connect with some of the best communications professionals in Tampa Bay, join us at PRSA Tampa Bay.
And don’t miss our upcoming event: From Concept to Roar: How Busch Gardens Brought Lion & Hyena Ridge to Life. September 17, 2026. 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM.
To learn more about PRSA Tampa Bay or register for the event, visit PRSA Tampa Bay.
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