Opinion by: District 112 Public Relations Manager
Kenneth Gustilo
The PR for Success Conference, held on October 12 at
GridAKL
, was a resounding success, bringing together professionals from various industries and fellow Toastmasters from District 112 and beyond. This event was designed to provide participants with valuable insights into public relations, storytelling, communication, and leadership. It was an engaging and inspiring day filled with interactive workshops, dynamic presentations, and plenty of networking opportunities, both in-person and virtually.
Who Can Benefit from the PR for Success Conference?
- Business Professionals: Whether you're in marketing, public relations, or a managerial role, this conference offers valuable insights into effective communication and leadership. You'll learn how to sharpen your PR strategies, enhance your storytelling, and build stronger connections with your audience or team.
- Entrepreneurs and Startups: For those running their own businesses, the PR for Success Conference provides practical tools and strategies to promote your brand, engage with clients, and stand out in a competitive market. The sessions on storytelling and building a brand identity are particularly valuable for creating meaningful connections with your target audience.
- Toastmasters Members: This conference was tailored to help Toastmasters improve their public speaking, communication, and leadership skills. From learning how to tell compelling stories to building a strong personal brand, participants gained actionable strategies to apply in both their professional and Toastmasters journeys.
- Aspiring Leaders: If you’re looking to enhance your leadership skills, this event is perfect for you. The workshops focused on communication, team-building, and how to use storytelling as a powerful leadership tool. These insights are especially beneficial for those who want to lead teams more effectively or prepare for leadership roles.
- Community Leaders and Non-Profit Organizations: The conference also catered to individuals working in community organizations and non-profits. It offered strategies for public engagement, storytelling, and outreach—key elements for building stronger relationships with stakeholders and promoting causes.
Keynote Speakers and Masterclass Presenters
The day was packed with incredible insights from distinguished presenters and industry leaders, covering a wide range of topics from membership engagement to marketing strategies. Some of the standout masterclasses included:
- Masterclass 1 – Customer-Centric Club Culture:
Neil Stichbury
kicked off the event with an engaging keynote on fostering a customer-centric environment within Toastmasters clubs.
- Masterclass 2 – Membership Magic:
Tim Muhundan
and
Deepshikha (Dee) Vyas
shared their expertise on transforming interest into engagement and mastering the member journey through exceptional customer experience.
- Masterclass 3 – Marketing and Branding:
Sarah Wilson
explored the importance of club culture and target markets, while
Kenneth Gustilo
introduced the power of Canva for visual branding, and
Elizabeth Viljoen
emphasized the responsibility of members in representing the Toastmasters brand.
- Masterclass 4 – How to Tell Our Stories: Award-winning author
Vince Ford
captivated the audience with a powerful session on connection through storytelling, with Mark Adams and
Suresh Paleti
highlighting case histories and the use of stories to attract members.
- Masterclass 5 – Member Experience: A panel discussion led by Toni Sharp, Mike Diggins,
James E.
,
John O'Leary, DTM
, and
Sandeep Kinge
focused on making clubs more accessible to all.
- Masterclass 6 – Where to Tell Our Stories:
Dr Fred Angels Musika
led the charge on social media marketing, while Mike Diggins and Kenneth Gustilo shared insights on digital presence through websites, Google, and systematic marketing.
- Masterclass 7 – Keeping Members and Your Energy:
Sheryl Dickerson
energized attendees with her talk on maintaining enthusiasm and motivation within clubs.
- Masterclass 8 – Ending Exceptionally Well:
Elizabeth Viljoen
closed with actionable strategies for concluding meetings and projects on a high note.
Special Thanks
We would also like to express our deep appreciation to the following individuals:
-
Rob Wightman DTM
,
Mike Diggins
DTM, Sandy Hu DTM,
Richard Perkins
DTM, and Toni Sharp QSM DTM for their invaluable contributions.
-
Mark Tweedale
DTM for serving as our fantastic Master of Ceremonies.
-
Meegan Herewini
for leading the opening Karakia and providing crucial support throughout the event.
-
Marcus Bristol
,
John O'Leary, DTM
,
Kenneth Gustilo
, and
Mayflor Navales
for their technical setup, timekeeping, and behind-the-scenes efforts to ensure a seamless experience.
Venue Appreciation
A special thank you to
GridAKL
for hosting us in such an inspiring and tech-forward venue. Your space helped create an energetic atmosphere that truly elevated the event.
Why Attend the Next PR for Success Conference?
If you’re looking to boost your public speaking, communication, or leadership skills, the PR for Success Conference is an event you don’t want to miss. It provides real-world, practical advice that can help you advance in your career, improve your leadership capabilities, and make a positive impact in your community or business.
With sessions led by experienced professionals like Vince Ford, participants left with a wealth of knowledge, ready to take their skills to the next level.
Join Us Next Time!
Whether you're a business professional, entrepreneur, Toastmaster, or aspiring leader, the PR for Success Conference is an invaluable opportunity for growth. Stay tuned for future events and be part of an inspiring community that helps individuals enhance their communication and leadership skills. Together, we can continue to grow and succeed!
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