PAST EVENTS

Behind The Headlines – PR and Media in The Age of AI!

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Get ready for CPRS Toronto’s third installment in our Behind The Headlines series: Public Relations and Media in The Age of AI!

As the use of artificial intelligence continues to evolve, AI in the public relations industry is here to stay.

This interactive workshop, powered by Meltwater, will include insights into how AI is changing the PR and media landscape. We will cover topics including best AI practices and tools, as well as tips for effective prompt writing.

Guest Speakers

Ally MacLellan, Director, Integrated Intelligence & Technology, Proof Strategies

Ally MacLellan is the Director, Integrated Intelligence & Technology at Proof Strategies. She leads the application and integration of the agency’s ecosystem of current and future technologies into communications strategies and day-to-day work. Ally has been with Proof Strategies since May 2016, when she joined as an intern, and has experience in SaaS, media relations, consumer insights, influencer marketing, paid media, analytics and client services. When not testing out the newest AI technologies, Ally can be found outdoors training for her next triathlon!

 

 

Amit Shilton, Senior Director, Corporate & Technology, Agnostic

Amit Shilton is a Senior Director on the Corporate & Technology team at Agnostic. With over a decade in Canada’s largest newsrooms, Amit knows how to tell a story and how to make sure it finds itself in front of the right audiences. Before joining Agnostic, Amit led communications for one of Canada’s largest hospital networks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to that, he served as the Toronto Star’s Toronto Editor and Breaking News Editor, as well as an editor at The Globe and Mail’s Report on Business, The Canadian Press and The National Post.

 

 

DATE:  Thursday, November 21, 2024

TIME:    6pm to 8pm

LOCATION: Meltwater

110 Spadina Avenue, Toronto

Cost:

Free event for members

Non-members $10.00

SOCIAL EVENT
SEPTEMBER 26, 2024

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SOCIAL EVENT

The CPRS Toronto Board of Directors invite you to join us for our Social on September 26th!

Come join us and mingle with industry peers at Elephant & Castle. Your ticket includes drinks and bites as you build connections and relationships with fellow communications professionals, spanning various sectors within the industry.

Act quickly to secure your spot, as we have a limited number of tickets available. We look forward to seeing you at Elephant & Castle for an evening of cheer and good company!

DATE:           Thursday, September 26, 2024

TIME:             6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

LOCATION:   Elephant & Castle | 212 King St West | Toronto, Ontario | M5H 1K5

COST:            $20 Student Members | $25 Members | Non-members $35

REGISTER HERE>>

 

Portfolio Workshop
October 1, 2024

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Get ready to elevate your portfolio! 

The portfolio workshop will show attendees how they can tell their own story through a visual aid that will complement their resume and cover letter. The workshop will hopefully boost attendees’ confidence and provide insight into how they can make their applications stand out and/or inspire their own personal branding efforts. At this workshop, we will have a Canva professional, Gabriela Otero, who understands the dos and dont’s of the program. She will provide examples of portfolios and provide tips on templates, organization, and more. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own laptops and pieces that they would like to add to their portfolio in order to make the most of the workshop. This event is meant to give attendees a hands-on experience where they can ask questions and work with one another to build their portfolios.

Date: Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Time: 6pm – 8pm

Location: Accessible Community Counselling and Employment Services (ACCES)

489 College Street, Suite 100Toronto, ON, M6G 1A5

Cost:

Members $20.00

Non-Members $25.00

REGISTER HERE>

Venue Parter:

Passport to PR – SOLD OUT
September 20, 2024

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Passport to PR

Passport to PR gives you the chance to visit Toronto’s top PR firms, this event is a great opportunity to network and learn from the best people in the public relations field.

Date:   Friday, September 20, 2024

Morning group:

9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.      Proof Strategies (includes Faces of PR Panel)

11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.     Apex PR

Afternoon group:

12:45 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.  Kaiser & Partners (includes Faces of PR Panel)

2:50 p.m. to 3:35 p.m.   Hill & Knowlton Strategies

Members:

Morning or Afternoon Group $15.00

Full day $25.00

Non-members:

Morning or Afternoon Group $20.00

Full day $35.00

SOLD OUT

Behind the Headlines – The Role of Digital in Media 

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Behind The Headlines – The Role of Digital in Media 

We are excited to announce second in CPRS Toronto’s “Behind The Headlines” series, where we will talk about the The Role of Digital in Media taking place on July 17th, 2024 at 6pm in partnership with Meltwater.

This panel series will touch on today’s ever-changing media landscape directly from its source. Our panellists, comprising seasoned Canadian journalists, will share their expertise and provide #publicrelations professionals with a new perspective on #mediarelations. The first in this four-part series covered the Dos and Don’ts of pitching. Follow up events will include discussion about the new age of #AI, and the future of the #media industry as a whole.

Introducing our panelists and moderator for today’s second instalment in CPRS Toronto’s Behind The Headlines panel series, The Role of Digital in Media. 

 

Today’s panel will touch on today’s ever-changing media landscape directly from its source. Our panellists, comprising seasoned Canadian journalists, will share their expertise and provide public relations professionals with a new perspective on media relations. 

 

Moderator:

  • Bunmi Adeoye 

 Panelists: 

Takara Small 

Takara Small covers technology and business for a variety of national and international publications. She is a technology contributor for CBC (national), BBC World News (North America). She is also pursuing a SANS cybersecurity certification. Takara hosts CBC series “Death in Cryptoland” about a crypto-tycoon, and Sony Entertainment podcast “They Did That” about the movers, shakers and innovators that changed our world. She is also the founder of VentureKids Canada, an award-winning nonprofit that provides coding classes and startup workshops to youth living in underserved communities.

Mishal Cazmi 

Mishal Cazmi is an award-winning writer, editor and content strategist with over a decade of experience working in print and digital media within the lifestyle space covering beauty, fashion and entertainment. In addition to being on the mastheads of Hello! Canada and Glow magazine, she’s written for some of Canada’s top publications. As a consultant, she’s also helped brands shape their voice, and worked with agencies to develop campaign ideas. In her current role at Pinterest, she leads editorial on the global Originals team, working on all original content and curation, along with heading up the workstream for public figures. She regularly appears on The Social as an on-air beauty expert. She also has a newsletter called Small Joys about all the little things that bring joy, featuring curated recommendations, musings and interviews. 

Brandon Gonez

Brandon Gonez is the CEO/Founder of Gonez Media Inc (GMI), founded in November 2020 and is now Canada’s fastest-growing online news & entertainment company. GMI has disrupted the media landscape by creating and acquiring informative and entertaining media brands such as The Brandon Gonez Show and Now Toronto. Both platforms have become the go-to spaces where the biggest names in news and entertainment come for sit-down interviews. These names include Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, R&B sensation Jully Black, Dancehall superstar Shenseea and international dance duo Les Twins, just to name a few.

 

As one of the country’s most beloved broadcasters, Brandon has redefined the media industry by creating must-watch content for audiences right at their fingertips. Prior to the launch of his new business, Brandon was a reporter and anchor at CP24 where he delivered daily coverage of the most significant breaking news unfolding across the Greater Toronto Area and the country. Gonez joined the CP24 team in January 2019 from CTV’s national morning show, YOUR MORNING but actually started his career in Northwest British Columbia as a video journalist for CFTK-TV News. He has worked all across the country for some of Canada’s biggest legacy networks. Hailing from Toronto, but raised in Brampton, Ont., Gonez is a graduate of York University with a B.A. degree in Communications and a certificate in Television and Radio broadcasting from Seneca College.

Corinne Perez-Abergel

Corinne Perez-Abergel is a Senior Account Director on the Consumer + Lifestyle team at Proof Strategies. Working in public relations since 2011, Corinne has led award-winning campaigns and specializes in events, red carpets, media relations and influencer programming. Corinne helped to launch the first ever Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards and has worked with brands like MaxMara, Nike, Adidas, Free People, L’Oreal, L’Occitane on Provence, SOCAN Awards, and many more. 

DATE:   Wednesday, July 17, 2024

TIME:    6pm to 8pm

LOCATION: Meltwater – 110 Spadina Avenue. 6th floor, Toronto

Free event for members and non-member

REGISTER HERE>>

CPRS Toronto Annual General Meeting – July 30, 2024

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June 14, 2024

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

In accordance with the Bylaws of CPRS Toronto Inc., the following is the official notice of the Annual General Meeting.

DATE:           Tuesday, July 30, 2024

TIME:            12:00 p.m.

PLACE:          Zoom (Link will be emailed) Register Here

Reports will be received from all committees; directors will be elected and general business of the Society will be discussed.

In preparation for the AGM the following documents are available:

  • AGM 2024 AGENDA
  • AGM 2024 PROXY FORM
  • AGM 2024 NOMINATION ELECTION PROCESS
  • AGM 2024 NOMINATIONS FORM
  • AGM 2024 SLATE
  • AGM 2023 MINUTES
  • AUDIT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2023
  • FINANCIAL REPORTS AS OF JUNE 2024

The 2024 financial statements will be available once the audit is complete.

A hard copy of the AGM package will not be mailed to members.

If you are unable to attend the meeting, please complete the Proxy form and email before July 16, 2024.

Sincerely,

Erin Griffin, Secretary

 

REGISTER HERE>>

Discussing new insights to navigate the changing Canadian health & media ecosystem

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Discussing new insights to navigate the changing Canadian health & media ecosystem

Wednesday, May 22, 2024, 12 to 1 p.m. ET (English only) on Zoom

IABC Toronto and CPRS Toronto invite you to join the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) for an engaging discussion on the evolving media landscape and the profound influence of social media disruption on the distribution of high-quality health information.

Health communicators are experiencing a systemic change in the way Canadians receive and interact with information about health care and the health system, including a rise in health-related misinformation.

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA), in collaboration with Abacus Data, is working to understand the impact of this pervasive shift – and to finding solutions to inform what communicators can do about it.

The event will feature Abacus Data CEO David Coletto who will take us all through the results followed by a panel of health care communication experts, including CMA Media Vice-President, Sophie Nadeau.

David Coletto is founder, Chair & CEO of Abacus Data a full-service market research and strategy firm based in Ottawa and Toronto. With over a decade and a half of experience in the industry, David founded Abacus 13 years ago and since then David has become one of Canada’s most respected social researchers regularly commenting on politics, the labour market, and consumer behaviour.

He earned a PhD in Political Science from the University of Calgary in 2010 is an adjunct professor at Carleton University.

He is the host and producer of inFocus with David Coletto a podcast that explores the intersection of public opinion, politics, public policy, and consumer behaviour.

He’s a foodie, cyclist, and an avid traveler

Sophie Nadeau is the Vice-President of CMA Media, an initiative of the Canadian Medical Association, working to support, create, and promote trusted health system context and solutions in the Canadian media ecosystem. With more than 25 years of experience in media and communications, her work navigating newsrooms, boardrooms and the complicated world

of storytelling and strategic communications has fueled her media expertise and her passion to advocate for a healthy information environment.

With stints in political journalism, public sector communications, six years advising U.S. State Department diplomats under the Obama Administration and nearly a decade in corporate communications supporting Canada’s top businesses and leaders, her unique professional path offers her a rich education in the complexities of story, power, influence, and audience behaviour through the lens of the Canadian media ecosystem.

Sophie’s an avid writer, walker, and photographer. She’s also a mom to a 12-year-old daughter who ensures she’s always plugged into the best memes and earworm-worthy TikTok music.

Fees:

  • $25: IABC and CPRS members ($28.25 with HST)
  • $30: Non-members ($33.90 with HST)

REGISTER HERE>>

PR TO PR

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Wondering how to navigate the changing landscape in the Canadian Public Relations industry? 

CPRS Toronto, supported by Proof Strategies, brings you PERMANENT RESIDENCE TO PUBLIC RELATIONS – an informative discussion to help you chart your course for a successful career in PR in Canada.

Join us for an in-person event as we uncover firsthand insights from those who have walked the same path from securing Canadian Permanent Residence to a career in Public Relations.

The stellar panel will unpack everything a new entrant in the industry needs to succeed in the Canadian PR sector. From up-skilling to make that dream placement, to tips and tricks on the best moves, and understanding the diversity of roles in the realm of PR.

Ask all your burning questions about what a PR career looks like in Canada when you’re a new Canadian.

Also, this is an exclusive chance to network with your peers!

Speakers: 

Tanzila Ahmed – Consultant, Talent Strategy and Operations

Tanzila Ahmed has over six years of experience in the talent acquisition space, in the banking, CPG, and government sectors. In her current role as Talent Strategy & Operations Consultant, she reviews changes in legislation affecting recruitment and ensures processes, practices and training are in place, to ensure TA compliance. Prior to her current role, she was a Regional Lead for Talent Acquisition at Weston Foods, where she led several diversity and inclusion initiatives as well as recruitment for multiple functions and regions. Tanzila holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree, with a specialization in accounting from Rotman School of Management (University of Toronto).

 

 

 

Martha Mora Nova Senior Consultant, Proof Strategies

Originally from Cartagena, Colombia, Martha moved to Toronto in 2019 to pursue advanced studies at Seneca College. There, she obtained a diploma in International Business, complementing her BA in Political Science and minor in journalism from the University of Los Andes, Colombia. Prior to relocating to Toronto, Martha worked at the International Affairs Office at Bogotá City Hall. Martha joined Proof in 2021 as an Account Coordinator and has since progressed to Senior Consultant.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ann Mathew Founder, Brown Girls Thriving

Ann Mathew is the Founder of Brown Girls Thriving, an organization that creates a safe space for South Asian women to build intentional friendships and feel empowered to create the life we want for ourselves, rather than what’s expected of us. Ann is passionate about advocating for mental health, getting out of her comfort zone, and empowering women to invest in themselves and their community. Beyond Brown Girls Thriving, Ann also provides social media consulting for brands to grow their audience with intention and authenticity. Outside of work, you can find Ann enjoying nature hikes, solo traveling, and enjoying RnB concerts!

 

 

Moderator: Bora Caglayan – Consultant, Proof Strategies

Born and raised in Istanbul, Bora moved to Toronto to pursue his undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto. Following his graduation and after holding numerous positions across various agencies in Toronto as a PR and Marketing professional, he is currently working as a Consultant at Proof Strategies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date: Thursday, May 23, 2024

Location: Proof Strategies, 33 Bloor St. East, Suite 900, Toronto, Ontario M4W 3H1

Time: 6 pm

Cost:

Members: $20.00 + hst

Student Members: $15.00 + hst

Non-Members: $30.00 + hst

REGISTER HERE>>

Thank you to our supporter.

Beyond the Headlines

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Beyong the Headlines

In today’s fractured media landscape, Canadian journalists are out numbered by PR professionals and are increasingly taking on multiple beats. As PR professionals, we seek to double down on placing stories for maximum brand exposure, yet journalists are receiving an over whelmingly large volume of pitches.

Join us for a candid discussion titled Beyond the Headlines about the dos and don’ts of media outreach in Canada straight from the source – the media.

Our lineup of media professionals includes:

Lauren Toffan, Chase Producer/Writer, CTV News

Lauren is a passionate journalist and storyteller. She is currently a staff Chase Producer with CTV News Channel but she has taken on several roles working as a segment producer and writer in both breaking news and current affairs programming. Before joining CTV, she wore many hats working at CBC, ranging from digital reporter for CBC Windsor, Associate Producer for CBC’s Parliamentary Bureau and writer for CBC’s Power and Politics. She has strong news judgement, excellent storytelling skills and frequently selects pitches and conducts interviews each day. She is fascinated with the changing media landscape and hopes to contribute her skills and keep telling great stories for years to come.

Truc Nguyen, Freelance writer and editor

Truc Nguyen is aToronto-based freelance writer and full-time communications professional whose work has appeared in Elle Canada, FASHION, Toronto Life, Refinery29 and The Globe and Mail. Previously, she worked in the fashion and market departments of Teen Vogue and Vogue Living, and as a senior editor at Flare, where she styled celebrities such as Selena Gomez and Grimes for the magazine’s cover stories.

Mali Raja, Staff writer, Corus Entertainment

Mali is involved in all things content-related and acts as the face in front of and behind the camera for a number of brands in Canada. At Corus Entertainment, she creates video-first content, regularly contributes written articles and manages influencers for brands such as Slice, HGTV Canada, Food Network Canada,Showcase, History, Global TV and previously ET Canada and Complex Canada. In her free time, she is a freelance UGC creator and social media manager with a focus on fashion, food and lifestyle.

The panel will be moderated by Rasha Fawakhiri, Principal, RF Communications.

Date: Thursday, April 25, 2024

Time: 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm (EST)

Location: Virtual (Zoom)

To register for this event, please click here

Registration Fees:

First 20 Members/Student Members FREE

Members – $10.00 + HST

Non-Members – $15.00 + HST

Student Members – $10.00 + HST

Students Non-Members – $15.00 + HST

Check out CPRS Toronto’s LinkedIn and Instagram accounts for updates.

We’re looking forward to seeing you there!

PR Sparks 2024

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PR SPARKS 2024

PR Sparks gives you the chance to visit Toronto’s top PR firms. This event is a great opportunity to network and learn from the best people in the public relations field.

Veritas (10 am to 12 pm)

Agnostic (1:30 pm to 3:30 pm)

Costs:

Student Members $15.00

Non-Members $20.00

Registration here