The MIPAA Business Academy annual PR Masterclass seeks to present ideas that challenge the status quo and provide strategic insights into future developments. It is appropriate for all members, and their guests, including those at a senior level.

Two top level speakers are confirmed:

- Professor Tom Watson, Bournemouth University Media School (who will talk about Excellence in PR with a focus on future leadership competencies)

- Simon Sproule, communications director, Renault-Nissan Alliance (who will focus on Local-Global perspectives and particularly the future direction of the PR-marketing relationship)

Two other strategic sessions will include perspectives on global media-PR developments and a moderated panel discussion looking at gaining control and managing global reputational impacts.  Details of the final line up to be confirmed shortly.

The PR Masterclass is open to MIPAA members, guests and non-members.  Book your place via the online booking form at www.mipaa.com and follow the site’s quick link to pay by credit card.

• to introduce new ideas and developments to MIPAA members
• to encourage members to explore and adopt social media in their strategic PR communications

Before each workshop, those signing up are curious although a little skeptical about the value of social media.  During each workshop – and we’ve averaged 2-3 per year – attendees often start out feeling rather cynical; questioning the value of learning new skills, spending time on additional activities and proving the effectiveness of such tools.

After each workshop we see more members get involved – some becoming real enthusiasts, developing business opportunities, becoming advocates for social media or just putting a toe in the water to explore for themselves.  It is clear that even if someone decides not to progress with social media further at this time, the workshops help members feel more confident and able to consider the pros and cons for themselves.

This means the workshops also serve as a valuable buffer against the hype that often faces PR practitioners when it comes to social media – as well as opening up a window onto a new way of thinking about modern communications.

Yesterday we held our second social media workshop in 2010 – this one providing real skills development.  The following two posts were written during the workshop by two teams who had one hour to write a blog post which needed to include a photograph (found online or taken with a digital phone camera) and/or video (using a Flip camera) – which they then Tweeted using @mipaa, and needed to reTweet after setting up or using one of the team’s Twitter accounts.

The outcome was pretty impressive for such a speed trial of new skills development – but with earlier sessions on how to get involved (with some background information and debate on why/whether to get involved), it is clear that it doesn’t take long to have a go.

One of the best things was that two of the day’s sessions were delivered by MIPAA members who had themselves got involved in social media in the last couple of years as a result of previous MIPAA workshops.  Thanks to Andy Francis [@Andy_Francis] and Jeremy Clarke [@LawsonClarke] – who explained their reasons for adopting Twitter in particular and helped demonstrate the business value in a way that was relevant to others with busy PR lives.

We’re working on our next series of workshops – which will include further consideration of social media (among other skills and professional development needs).  Please leave a comment if you’ve any thoughts on ideas on future workshop ideas.

Social media is easy

Like a bowl of fruit, social media comes in all sorts of shapes, sizes and flavours. Take your pick, try some and tuck in. But remember your five-a-day and keep some variety in your diet.

We’re taking part in a practical session on social media with the Motor Industry Public Affairs Association (@mipaa) and this is our first time using the blogosphere.

You can see our video below or on You Tube (social media is easy).

If we can do it, so can you – and if you’re like to see more about social media then why not read about the social media space. http://bit.ly/uRYlo

MIPAA recommends live Twitter feeds for tonight’s Leadership debate

MIPAA members are attending a MIPAA social Media workshop and are currently debating how social networking can work for an organisation and a brand as an additional communication tool.  Discussion soon came round to yesterdays trending ‘biggoted woman’ story.  It was the most was topical thing on Twitter today – no real surprise. Perhaps politicians should be utilising social media more during their debates to get real time opinions, instead of as a means of disseminating their propaganda.

Why not take this a step further? Why not have a projected twitter feed at the live debate tonight? Surely that would be a good way of judging what people really think rather than reading the ‘selective’ interpretation of tomorrow’s press. Real opinions, real people, in real time.

*Motor Industry Public Affairs Association

Megan Greenwood and Jodie Gee from Borkowski looking at the importance of monitoring online conversation, how to react, consequences of not listening and benefits of listening – with a focus on how PR folk can monitor with simple, cost-effective devices, such as Tweetdeck

Andy Francis, Performance PR [@andy_francis] offering insight from his personal and professional experience in using and creating buzz via micro-blogging (particularly Twitter)

Heather Yaxley, Greenbanana (and MIPAA) delivering a hands-on activity to set up and write a blog, get noticed on social networks and upload/seed multi-media materials (using PCs, smart phones and Flip cameras)

Jeremy Clarke, LawsonClarke [@lawsonclarke] detailing a case study to demonstrate how to deliver creative online campaigns

We will upload here advice relating to relevant tools and techniques and links to any presentations. Those taking part will be encouraged to get involved on the day via wifi enabled laptops, iPhone, Blackberry (or other smart phone), Flip camera or similar – and you can join in live on the day via Twitter – follow @mipaa or #mipaa.