Highlights From ICON 2021; an Award for Strategies & Tactics

This issue is dedicated, in part, to a recap of ICON 2021, PRSA’s annual conference, held virtually again this year.

PRSA provided nearly 100 hours of programming via keynote speakers, panel discussions and workshops from Oct. 4-20.

For me, a highlight came on Oct. 20, as I was pleased to moderate a conversation titled “Inside Delta’s First-Class Response to the Pandemic.” During the hour-long session, I talked with three communications executives from Delta — Trebor Banstetter, Kristin Seay and Karla Zientowski — about the airline’s response during the pandemic.

In March 2020, revenues dropped by 95 percent, and Delta’s brand, reputation and future were on the line. With limited resources and at a remarkable pace, the airline harnessed its innovative spirit to focus on customers’ and employees’ safety, comfort and security in a multi-approached campaign, and the campaign was a 2021 Silver Anvil finalist.

You may find a recap of the conversation on PRsay. ICON registrants can also watch all of the virtual sessions through Dec. 31 via the Whova platform.

Meanwhile, if you like to plan ahead, ICON 2022 will take place on Nov. 12-15 at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas.

Association honors

I’m pleased to report that Strategies & Tactics   earning Silver in the Monthly Professional Society Magazine category.

The TRENDY Awards honor the best marketing and communications pieces in the association and nonprofit community. Judges looked at “the suitability for the audience, design attributes, quality of production, quality of content and use of up-to-date information.”

We were recognized on Oct. 28 when Association Trends held its virtual Salute to Association Excellence. In our category, the American Health Law Association took the Gold. 

This honor is the second major award for Strategies & Tactics since its debut in January 2018.

In 2019, we received the Silver in the Newspaper/General Excellence category at the 39th Annual Excel Awards. The program, created by Association Media & Publishing, highlights achievements in association media, publishing and communications.

Thank you to everyone who contributes to Strategies & Tactics and our mission of providing lifelong learning to PRSA members. I’m grateful to all our contributors for sharing their expertise with us in 2021.

And none of this would be possible without the support of PRSA’s leadership, especially our talented editorial team: Managing Editor Amy Jacques and Art Director Erika Kendra.

Holiday greetings

Look for our 2022 editorial calendar online in the weeks ahead. We welcome your story ideas and bylined contributions to Strategies & Tactics and PRsay in 2022.

Now here’s to a happy and healthy holiday season to you and your families. Thanks to all of you for being part of PRSA. 

Hope to see you in person in the New Year!