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2015 Regional Conference Bid Form Chapters, within each region, with the highest total sum of points from the bid form and interview, will be selected to host spring 2015 Regional Conferences. During the interview, Chapters will have the opportunity to further explain and sell their unique plan shared in the bid form. This form must be typed in Times New Roman 10 point font, with no alterations to the size or format. Logist ics (30 points total) Explain your theme and possible speaker topics (250-word l imit , 10 points) : Utah Valley University is nestled between the towering Wasatch Mountains and the shores of Utah Lake, one hour south of Salt Lake City. With majestic mountain ranges as high as 12,000-feet, the state of Utah adopted “Life Elevated” as its motto. The slogan not only reminds its citizens of a higher precedent but alludes to the legacy and sacrifices of early settlers to achieve an elevated state of being. Like so, the proposed theme of the PRSSA 2015 Regional Conference is PR Elevated: Aspiring to New Heights.

The theme and speaker topics will be focused and centered on promoting the three main objectives of PRSSA: enhancing education, broadening networks, and launching careers. To promote these objectives, the following is a sample of proposed speaker topics:

- Elevating Professional Ethics - Understanding & Elevating Diversity within PR - Leadership: Elevating Others & Yourself - Crisis Communication: Reaching New Heights While Managing A Crisis - Sports PR: What Aspiring PR Professionals Should Know - Entertainment PR: Connecting Brands to the Latest Pop Culture - Elevating Visibility & Relationships via Social Media - PR Measurement: A Heightened Need to Demonstrate ROI - What’s Trending? PESO (Paid, Earned, Shared and Owned) Media - Agency & In-House PR: How to Determine Which Is Best For You - An Inspiring Peak into Public Affairs/Government Relations - Media Relations: New Secrets to Pitch the Press - Nonprofit PR: Elevated PR Strategies & Tactics that Make a Difference

Provide an outl ine and schedule of your event (15 points) : Outl ines that include addit ional value enhancing activ it ies wi l l be awarded 5 addit ional points in this section. For examples, reference the Regional Conference Handbook. The following outline has been created to 1) build upon UVU’s strengths, resources and location, 2) provide unique programming that enhances value through a career fair, tour of local attractions, panels of industry professionals, famous PR professionals as keynote speakers/presenters focusing on PR specialty areas, and speed networking, 3) strengthen the relationship and understanding between PRSSA and PRSA and encourage students to pursue the PRSA Associate Membership upon graduation, 4) facilitate Chapter development through a special Faculty Adviser roundtable session, and 5) balance free time, social and professional events while efficiently using the facilities resources and giving attendees time to move between events.

Thursday, March 12, 2015

3 - 5 p.m. ….. Hotel check-in (Hampton Inn, next to UVU)

5:30- ongoing ….. Conference Registration / Check-in

6 – 7:45 ….. Dinner / Keynote Speaker

8 – 11 p.m. ….. Activities to “Reach New Heights:” Indoor climbing wall, team building “get to know you”

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activities, bowling and games in the new 250,000 sq ft Student Health & Wellness Building.

Friday, March 13, 2015

8:30 a.m. ….. Deluxe Continental Breakfast

9 – 10 ….. Opening General Session: Elevating PR

Welcome & National Update from National Committee Member

Keynote Speaker: Leadership: Elevating Others & Yourself

10:15 – 11:15 ….. Professional Development Break Out Sessions:

1. Crisis Communication: Reaching New Heights While Managing A Crisis

2. Sports PR: What Aspiring PR Professionals Should Know

3. Entertainment PR: Connecting Brands to the Latest Pop Culture

PRSSA Faculty Adviser Roundtable: Discuss best practices, share ideas, create collaboration between Chapters

11:30 – 12:30 ….. Professional Development Break Out Sessions:

1. Elevating Visibility & Relationships via Social Media

2. PR Measurement: A Heightened Need to Demonstrate ROI

3. What’s Trending? PESO (Paid, Earned, Shared and Owned) Media

12:45 – 1:45 ….. Lunch:

Keynote Speaker: Elevating Professional Ethics

2 – 3 ….. Career Fair & Speed Networking with guest speakers and two PRSA Chapters

3:15 – 4:15 ….. Professional Development Break Out Sessions:

1. An Inspiring Peak into Public Affairs/Government Relations

2. Media Relations: New Secrets to Pitch the Press

3. Nonprofit PR: Elevated PR Strategies & Tactics that Make a Difference

3:00 – 3:45 ….. General Session: (panel)

Agency & In-House PR: How to Determine What Is Best For You

4:00 – 4:45 ….. Prepare/dress for snow tubing/sledding

5:00 ….. Leave UVU on charter buses for Soldier Hollow

(A 2002 Winter Olympic Park Venue near Robert Redford’s Sundance Resort)

6:00 ….. Dinner at Soldier Hollow Resort

7:00 ….. Sledding at Soldier Hollow Resort

9:30 ….. Depart Soldier Hollow

10:30 ….. Return to UVU campus

Saturday, March 14, 2015

8:30 ….. Continental Breakfast

Keynote Speaker: Understanding & Elevating Diversity within PR

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10:00 ….. Service Learning Initiative/Project

11:00 ….. Closing General Session Keynote Speaker

12:00 ….. Regional Conference concludes

Provide a detai led outl ine of your budget (5 points) : The following detailed budget is based upon an estimated attendance of 250 people.

ESTIMATED EXPENDITURES

Food Thursday dinner (chicken fajita bar buffet) $13.45

Friday breakfast (deluxe continental) $10.00

Friday lunch (salad and sandwich buffet bar) $13.04

Friday dinner (soldier hollow - hamburgers, fries) $15.18

Saturday breakfast (continental) $7.87

Total cost of food per person $59.54

Total cost of food for 250 people

$14,885.00

UVU Scheduling Fees $2 per person $500.00

Speakers Travel per speaker (for 5 keynote speakers coming from throughout nation)

Airfare $630.00

Hotel $250.00

Food $100.00

Thank you gift $20.00

Speaker fee $-

Total cost per speaker $1,000.00

5 total speakers flying to Utah to speak $5,000.00

Speakers/Presenters from Intermountain West will donate their time/travel

$-

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Thank you gifts for all session speakers (15 at $20) $300.00

UVU Motor Pool 5 UVU vehicles for 3 days, 100 per day $1,500.00

Signage 12 sandwich board posters ($25) $300.00

10 room signs (use Dean's signs) $25.00

75 invitation flyers $150.00

Total signage $475.00

Mailings Invitation packet mailings, 75 at $3 $225.00

Website Use existing UVU PRSSA website $-

Total $-

Swag Printed Conference recycle bag, $5 $1,250.00

Printed program $2.50 $625.00

Nametags, $1.50 (holder, label, lanyard) $375.00

Total $2,250.00

Entertainment / Activities Soldier Hollow Tubing $1,550.00

Buses to Soldier Hollow (6 hrs, 5 buses, $95 hrs per bus) $3,000.00

UVU Rock Wall $500.00

UVU Bowling Alley $600.00

Game center, BBQ/volley court areas $25.00

Total $5,675.00

Online registration Eventbrite charge per person, $2.50 per person $625.00

Reserved parking for speakers $8 per person, per day, 15 parking stalls, 3 days or $2,500 to reserve entire lot

$360.00

Hotel Hampton Inn, 2 nights, 75 rooms blocked at reduced rate $89

$-

Total estimated expense

$31,435.00

Total estimated cost per person $125.74

ESTIMATED INCOME

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Registration Fees $49 per student (early registration)

$12,250.00

$69 per student (regular registration)

$75 early bird professional registration

$95 regular professional registration

Corporate Sponsorships 3 sponsors at $2,500 level $7,500.00

5 sponsors at $1000 level $5,000.00

10 sponsors at $500 level $5,000.00

UVU Sponsorships Dean's Office $5,000.00

Comm Dept $500.00

Total estimated income

$35,250.00

Total estimated profit after expenses

$3,815.00

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Registration & Part ic ipants (25 points total) Describe your registrat ion process and cancelation pol icy (250-word l imit , 5 points) : The following registration and cancelation policy is designed to provide an easy-to-use, simple, streamlined process for attendees. UVU utilizes the online event registration process provided by Eventbrite. Having obtained the approval and support of UVU’s Administration for this Regional Conference, an onsite team of UVU full time staff will provide support and assistance in creating and maintaining the online registration system. Eventbrite will be used for registration, payment of registration fees via credit card, and collecting needed personal information from each attendee (name, email, name of university, phone number, Twitter handle, emergency contact information, etc.)

The following registration categories and procedures will be used:

• Registration will open Nov. 1, 2014 and close Feb.20, 2015. • PRSSA Member (early bird registration): A discounted registration fee will be provided for paid PRSSA

members who register for the conference before Jan. 20, 2015. If the registration fee is paid by this date, the cost will be $49.00.

• PRSSA Member: PRSSA members who register for the conference after Jan. 20, 2015 but before Feb. 20, 2015 will be charged a registration fee of $69.00.

• College Students: College students who do not belong to PRSSA will be charged $69.00. • High School Students: High school students who register anytime between the registration dates will be

charged $49.00. • PR Industry Professionals (early bird registration): A discounted registration fee will be provided for PR

industry professionals who register for the conference before Jan. 20, 2015. If the registration fee is paid by this date, the cost will be $75.00.

• PR Industry Professionals. PR industry professionals who register for the conference after Jan. 20, 2015 but before Feb. 20, 2015 will be charged a registration fee of $95.00.

Cancellations and Refunds:

• For a full refund, UVU PRSSA must receive your cancellation in writing, postmarked by Feb. 23, 2015 at: UVU PRSSA, Fax: 801-863-7287; Mail: UVU PRSSA, MS 142, 800 W. University Parkway, Orem, Utah 84058.

List al l local PRSSA Chapters that you wil l proactively invite to attend (5 points) : The following universities and colleges within our region who have a PRSSA Chapter will be proactively invited to attend the UVU PRSSA Regional Conference. A few schools listed do not have a PRSSA Chapter, but do have an academic PR program.

Arizona

Arizona State University

NAU

California

California State

Loyola Marymount

University of California

Pacific

Pepperdine

San Francisco

Santa Clara

SDSU

Stanford

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Touro University

USC

UCLA

Colorado

Colorado University

Idaho

BYU-I

Boise ST.

Idaho State University

Nevada

UNEVADA Reno

UNLV

Oregon

Oregon

Utah

BYU Utah Valley University Snow College SUU University of Utah Utah St. Weber Westminster Describe your attendance goals and how you wil l achieve them (350-word l imit , 15 points) : The target audience for this Regional Conference consists of college students, high school students and PRSA industry professionals. The attendance goal for each category is as follows:

• College students: 250 people • High School students: 25 people • PRSA industry professionals: 25 people

We believe the attendance goals are realistic due to the convenient, physical location of UVU. Seven of the targeted invited universities, which comprise over 650+ PR students, are within a two-hour drive of UVU. Nearly every invited university is within a four-hour drive or a short one-hour airplane ride to the Salt Lake City International Airport.

To achieve our college student attendance goals, communication, advertising and promotional efforts will include, but not be limited to:

• Personal invitations delivered to each Chapter attending the PRSSA National Conference in October. • Distribution of a conference teaser video highlighting activities, speakers and dates will be sent to every

university via email and promoted via YouTube, Facebook and Twitter. • The creation of a conference hashtag (#prELEVATED) will link the conference website, Facebook,

YouTube and Twitter conversations. • Conducting personal phone calls with each president of each invited Chapter. • Conducting personal phone calls with every PRSSA Faculty and Professional Adviser for each invited

Chapter. • Mailing invitation letters with printed promotional posters and flyers to each invited university.

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• Skype and/or FaceTime the Executive Board members from each invited Chapter.

In addition, contact has already been made with the PRSSA Faculty Advisers and PRSSA presidents in the major universities located in Utah so they are aware of this bid and the potential dates for the Regional Conference.

To achieve our high school student attendance goals, 18 high schools within a 30-minute drive of UVU have been identified. Outreach to these schools will involve the same tactics involved in our outreach to the invited universities.

To achieve our PRSA industry professional attendance goals, we will work closely with the two very active PRSA Chapters located within a 30-minute drive of UVU – Utah Valley PRSA and Salt Lake City PRSA. The UVU PRSSA president serves on the Executive Board for both Chapters and will personally invite and promote the Executive Boards and will announce the conference at the monthly PRSA lunches.

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Promotions (20 points total) Create a t imeline for your Regional Conference promotional plan (10 points): Phase I: Awareness (October 10-14): The “Awareness” phase is designed to target the specific universities that we anticipate will attend the Regional Conference. Awareness will be created by, but is not limited to:

• The Conference website and social media platforms will go live when the national announcement is made. • Printed invitations personally delivered to all Chapter attendees and Faculty Advisers who will be at the

2014 National Conference in Washington, D.C. • Custom QR codes will be included on the printed invitation linking to the conference website and

conference video. • To complement and coincide with the National PRSSA announcement of the Regional Conference host

schools, a UVU announcement will be sent via social media to all invited universities.

Phase II: Consideration (October 15-31): The “Consideration” phase is designed to influence and persuade schools, chapters, and professionals to attend the 2015 Regional Conference by driving traffic to the conference website and social media channels. These promotional efforts include, but are not limited to:

• The distribution of printed advertising and promotional kits to invited PRSSA Chapters, PRSA Chapters, and state colleges.

• Performing personal phone calls with invited PRSSA Chapter presidents. • Delivering and/or mailing an invitation letter, promotional posters, fliers, and itinerary to every invited

school. • Skype and/or FaceTime with PRSSA Executive Board members from invited universities. • Perform personal phone calls with every Faculty and Professional Adviser in each respective school.

Phase III: Advocacy (Nov. 1-Dec. 31) Enlisting the help of other committed colleges and universities helps make this Advocacy phase a success. Derived from the Diffusion of Innovation and Elaboration Likelihood Theories, the “Advocacy” phase relies upon already committed universities, colleges, and Chapters to champion and promote the conference through:

• Engaging in the Regional Conference Twitter chats. • Social media “giveaways” and drawings in relation to the Regional Conference. • PR professional and student spotlights will be placed on the Conference website and social media platforms

to highlight those who will be attending the Conference.

Phase IV: Final Push (Jan. 1-Feb. 20): This “Final push” phase allows for the Conference Committee to make any final promotional efforts to engage potential conference attendees, as well as make personal contact with everyone who has registered.

• A weekly social media countdown will build anticipation and urgency to register. • Speakers will be highlighted through short video commercials that will be distributed online and via social

media. • Personal phone calls and visits to local universities will take place. • Reminders will be sent to all local PRSA members and local high school advisers and counselors.

Describe how you would promote your Regional Conference at the PRSSA 2014 National Conference (200-word l imit , 5 points): UVU PRSSA will be represented at the 2014 National Conference by 20 PRSSA students and our Faculty Adviser. Among our 20 students will be the Regional Conference chair, co-chair, promotions coordinator, communications director and social media director. These, along with all the other UVU students, plan to attend the Regional Conference Workshop on Friday, Oct. 10.

The National Conference will be the promotional launch date to create awareness and excitement. The Regional Conference website and social media platforms will be live so National Conference attendees can view Conference materials, subscribe/follow the social media and sign up to receive email updates.

A Tweet will be sent via the National Conference hashtag to point attendees to the Regional Conference Twitter/Facebook, website, and YouTube video.

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Printed invitations (containing a QR code linking to the Regional Conference website) will personally be delivered by UVU PRSSA students to each of the delegations from the invited universities. The face-to-face personal contact will create and strengthen relationships between the Chapters and increase the likelihood of those Chapters to attend the Regional Conference. As friendships are made, UVU students plan to invite the invited Chapters to play/see the D.C. sites together during the National Conference down time. By strengthening personal relationships, attendees will go back home to their Chapters and spread the excitement and news about the Regional Conference.

Describe how you wil l promote your Regional Conference using social media (250-word l imit , 5 points): The social media strategy will complement and follow the same pattern and design as the promotional and advertising strategy. All social media content will be scheduled in advance to follow these four phases:

1. Awareness 2. Consideration 3. Advocacy 4. Final Push

A social media calendar will be created to strategically time and convey the Regional Conference key messages.

The objective of the social media efforts will be to drive interaction, impressions, and create open lines of communication for the Regional Conference invitees and attendees. We will use the following platforms:

• Facebook • Twitter • Instagram • YouTube • Google+ • Website

Although the format and medium of the social media efforts will be different, depending on the channel, the message will remain consistent and constant – highlighting conference themes, hashtags, keynote speakers, lodging, hospitality, nightlife and conference activities, entertainment, and online registration process.

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National Init iat ives (20 points total) Describe what tactic(s) you wil l use to incorporate High School/Community Col lege Outreach into your Regional Conference. (250-word l imit , 10 points) The enclosed list of high schools are within a 30-minute drive of UVU. Academic counselors, Student Council advisers, and speech & debate team coaches have been identified at each school. These individuals will receive a personal phone call inviting them and their students to attend the Regional Conference. Printed invitations, posters and flyers will be personally delivered to each school and will be distributed to high school students who participate in student council, speech/debate, and business related clubs. UVU will encourage high school advisors/teachers to provide extra credit for students to attend the Regional Conference.

Regarding community colleges, we’ve included targeted colleges in our master list of invited universities, previously referenced.

Invited High Schools:

• Lone Peak • Mountain Crest • Orem • Pleasant Grove • Timpanogos • Maple Mountain • Landmark • Payson • Salem Hills • Spanish Fork • Springville • Provo • Timpview • Jordan • American Fork • Lehi • West Lake • Alta • Brighton • Hillcrest

Describe ways you could incorporate other National Init iat ives (www.prssa.org/about/Join/init iat ives.html) into your Regional Conference (250-word l imit , 10 points) . Diversity Initiative: At UVU, students and faculty are passionate about incorporating diversity in the field of PR. We welcome fresh perspective, and thrive off of the collaborative efforts of every student. During the 2015 Regional Conference, there will be included a breakout session with a speaker demonstrating the difference that diversity can make in the field of public relations.

Ethics and Community Service Initiative: Along with an appreciation of diversity comes a strict moral code of ethics and service. In addition to a conference session titled, “Elevating Ethics,” the conference will host a meaningful and impactful service project to demonstrate the integrity and high standards of the profession of public relations, as well as the professionals who work in public relations. The project, yet to be finalized, will involve PRSA members.

PRSA / PRSSA Relationships: It is an underlying initiative of UVU PRSSA to promote a healthy and smooth transition from PRSSA to become a contributing PRSA member. UVU PRSSA recognizes the benefits for both the profession, and the professional and will allocate time during the conference for PRSA professionals to meet, mingle, and network with the ambitious conference attendees.

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Chapter Development Session: A special professional development session for PRSSA Faculty Advisers will be held during the Regional Conference. The roundtable will provide Faculty Advisers an opportunity to get to know each other, to share best practices and ideas, and to create collaborations between Chapters.

High School Outreach: See previous section describing the personal outreach to local high schools.

Sponsorship (15 points total) Describe your sponsorship outreach plans (250-word l imit , 15 points) : To significantly offset the expenses for attendees, a significant sponsorship campaign will launch the moment UVU is notified as being the host for the Regional Conference.

In preparation for this sponsorship campaign, UVU has built strong and lasting relationships with local and national organizations. Knowing the key decision makers at 25-targeted PR related organizations, UVU is prepared to request their financial support. Many of the potential sponsoring organizations have previously donated to the UVU PRSSA Chapter.

Additionally, we have received approval and support from UVU’s Development & Fundraising Foundation. They are willing and available to help the UVU PRSSA Chapter outreach to potential sponsors, provide training to students, and even accompany the students to meet and visit with the potential sponsors. In partnership with the Foundation, UVU PRSSA has the financial accounts and required university paperwork ready so funds can correctly be deposited and sponsors can receive a tax-deductible donation.

Sponsors will have a choice to donate at one of three levels:

• Platinum: $2,500 sponsorship • Gold: $1000 sponsorship • Silver: $500 sponsorship

Each level will provide specific benefits and exposure for each sponsor.

Each sponsor will be contacted by a responsible, articulate and prepared UVU PRSSA student. A formal letter of request on university letterhead explaining the Regional Conference, benefits of sponsorship, etc. will be provided to each sponsor.

Regarding the sponsorship timeline, we are prepared to work with each sponsor and their budgets so they can pay and/or receive the tax-deductible donation in either the 2014 or 2015 fiscal year. The deadline to receive sponsorship donations is February 20, 2015.

In hopeful anticipation of receiving the bid, $5,500 has already been committed by two sponsors.

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Regional Conference Committee (0 points total) Provide a biography of the Regional Conference coordinator (250-word l imit) : INSERT BIO INSERT NAME is supported by an active and energetic PRSSA Chapter. Created only five years ago, UVU PRSSA has been preparing to host a Regional Conference by attending 5 National Conferences, 3 Regional Conferences, 4 National Assemblies and 4 Leadership Rallies. Learning best practices with each of these opportunities, UVU PRSSA was recognized with the 2013 Dr. F.H. Teahan Chapter Award for Outstanding Chapter. In 2012, the UVU PRSSA Faculty Adviser was recognized with the Dr. F.H. Teahan Award for Outstanding Faculty Adviser. As a Star Chapter recipient each year since its founding, UVU PRSSA is 120+ strong student organization that is committed to a successful 2015 Regional Conference.

Provide the contact information below for other Chapter members who wil l assist with this event: Name: Reagan Nickl Phone: 801-678-2660 Email: reagnickl@gmail.com Name: Eric Serdar Phone: 801-651-6158 Email: eserdar1990@gmail.com Name: Chelsea Tolman Phone: 801-369-7038 Email: chelseat707@gmail.com Name: Haley Richards Phone: 801-520-0631 Email: haleyallyson@hotmail.com Name: Casey Schow Phone: 801-380-8351 Email: schow.casey@gmail.com Name: Yohanna Videki Phone: 801-691-6248 Email: yohanna.videki@gmail.com Provide at least s ix different t ime blocks when you are avai lable for an interview with the vice president of Regional Conferences between Monday, Sept. 8 and Friday, Sept. 19: 1. Tuesday, September 9, 10:00 – 11:00 am MST

2.Thursday, September 11, 10:00 – 11:00 am MST

3.Tuesday, September 16, 10:00 – 11:00 am MST

4. Thursday, September 18, 10:00 – 11:00 am MST

5. Friday, September 12, 9:00 – 10:00 am MST

6. Friday, September 19, 9:00 – 10:00 am MST