PRSA Announces Microsoft Executive Frank X. Shaw as Keynote Speaker for 2019 International Conference in San Diego

NEW YORK, April 11, 2019 – PRSA, the nation’s leading professional organization serving the communications community, announced today that Frank X. Shaw, Corporate Vice President, Communications, Microsoft Corporation, will be a keynote speaker at the organization’s 2019 International Conference, taking place Oct. 20-22 in San Diego.

An accomplished communications professional with more than 20 years of experience, Shaw will address the topic of “Thriving in the Next Communications Age” during the conference luncheon on Monday, Oct. 21. In his role at Microsoft, Shaw is responsible for defining and managing Microsoft’s communications strategies worldwide; company-wide storytelling, including planning and execution; product PR; consumer marketing; media relations; executive and employee communications; global agency management; and military affairs.

“We are looking forward to have Frank share his expertise and experience with us at our international conference,” said Debra Peterson, APR, 2019 PRSA Chair. “As communicators, we must be able to navigate the impact of rapid technological change, disruption and innovation, and that includes continuing to improve our knowledge base and skillsets to adapt to this rapidly changing environment. Frank will provide valuable insights into how communicators can be successful during this accelerating pace of technological change.”

In 2016, Shaw was recognized by Business Insider as #1 on a listing of the 50 best PR people in the tech industry, describing him as “the go-to PR guy for the many, many reporters who cover Microsoft and [he] has been for years.” He was also awarded a SABRE Award (presented by The Holmes Report) for Outstanding Individual Achievement in 2016. Prior to joining Microsoft in 2009, Shaw was president of the Microsoft account worldwide at Waggener Edstrom Worldwide, where he held key responsibilities for all global PR, communications and influence efforts.

Shaw served in the U.S. Marine Corps, and is a graduate of the Department of Defense Information School. He holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon and is a current board member of the Seattle YMCA.

PRSA’s International Conference provides an unparalleled opportunity for communication professionals to enhance their skill sets and advance their careers through 100+ professional development sessions, world-class speakers, peer networking events, and expansive exhibition hall.

About PRSA
The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) is the nation’s leading professional organization serving the communications community. Founded in 1948, PRSA is the principal advocate for industry excellence and ethical conduct and provides members lifelong learning opportunities and leading-edge resources to enhance professional connections and support them at every stage of their career. With more than 30,000 members, PRSA is collectively represented in all 50 states by 111 Chapters and 14 Professional Interest Sections, and on nearly 375 college and university campuses through its student organization, the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). For more information, please visit www.prsa.org.

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Media Contact:
Rod Granger
(212) 460-0307
rod.granger@prsa.org