PAST EVENTS

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

 

CPRS Toronto Spring Mixer

900 900 Lois Marsh

The sun is shining bright, signaling that it’s time to step out and embrace the warmth. The CPRS Toronto Board of Directors invites you to join us for our Spring Social on May 1st! Come mingle with industry peers and executives at Watson’s Toronto.

Your ticket includes drinks and bites as you build connections and relationships with fellow communications professionals spanning the industry. Let’s raise a glass to celebrate the achievements of the first quarter and toast to the sunny, warm days awaiting us ahead.

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

DATE:           Wednesday, May 1, 2024

TIME:             6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

LOCATION:   Watson’s, 398 Richmond Street West

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

ACE AWARDS GALA

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ACE AWARDS GALA – JUNE 6, 2024

Get ready to celebrate as we roll out the red carpet for this year’s CPRS Toronto ACE Awards – PRom EDITION!

Join us for a star-studded evening of glitz, glam, and PR excellence as we celebrate the shining stars of our industry. From jaw-dropping campaigns to groundbreaking strategies, it’s time to honour our PR colleagues who have worked and wowed us all year long!

Get your tickets now to secure your spot at the CPRS Toronto ACE Awards – PRom EDITION.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Date: Thursday, June 6, 2024

Time: 5:30PM EST

Where: The Carlu, 444 Yonge Street, Toronto

Costs:

Members: $175 + HST

Non-members: $195 + HST

Student Members: $95 + HST

Non Student Members: $100 + HST

Table of 10: $1,750 + HST

Crafting a Winning ACE Award Submission

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Crafting a Winning ACE Award Submission 

The Achieving Communications Excellence (ACE) Awards has celebrated Toronto’s talented and innovative public relations community for over twenty years. An ACE Award is synonymous with talented insight and skillful execution, helping to raise the winner’s profile, generate new business opportunities, and elevate the profession across organizations and sectors.

Join us for our upcoming webinar to learn more about the CPRS Toronto ACE Awards submission requirements along with strategies and tips on developing a winning entry. The session will be delivered by past judges and winners who will provide firsthand insights on being successful.

Event details:

Date: Tuesday, February 13, 2024

Time: 12:00-1:00pm

Location: Virtual (via Zoom)

Members, non-members and students are invited to join this free session.

To register for this event, please click here.

We hope to see you there!

 

Beyond the Message – Celebrating Black History Month

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This Black History Month, seize the opportunity to elevate your understanding of PR and communication.

Join us for our upcoming event, Beyond the Message – Celebrating Black History Month, as we explore awe-inspiring storytelling that not only talk the talk but walk the walk. Together, we’ll look at some of the most inspiring PR and Communications campaigns that successfully resonated with the essence of Black history and culture.

Best part? You will also get tips and best practices on how to create your own campaigns that embody diversity, equity, and inclusion focused on celebrating Black History.

Our stellar lineup of Guest Contributors includes industry luminaries who have shaped the landscape are:

Daniella Etienne, Owner, Le Code Switch Agency

With over two decades in strategic marketing and program development, Daniella Etienne, a daughter of Haitian immigrants, focuses on the inclusivity question in the business landscape. Committed to lifelong learning, she strives to provide equitable access to knowledge and opportunities. A cultural and diversity expert, her career journey includes managing partnerships at Universal Music Canada and leading global marketing campaigns at Pandora. Currently, with the Federal Anti-Racism Secretariat, Daniella champions narratives that center on equity-deserving communities. In 2022, she founded Le Code Switch, a bilingual inclusive marketing agency. Awarded for anti-racism contributions, Daniella is a respected communications specialist and board member at Racial Equity Screen Office (RESO), working with various clients, including supporting the marketing and copywriting efforts of the Inclusion Now Office at McCarthy Tétrault to name a few, shaping equitable change while upholding her guiding principle: “Nothing about us without us”.

Renee Weekes Duncan, Senior Vice President, Golin Canada

Renee Weekes Duncan is a strategic integrated communications leader adept at devising robust, meaningful and creative strategic campaigns that make a major impact and deliver tangible results.

As a senior vice-president at Golin Canada, she’s created, managed and implemented PR, D&I, influencer, social media and content programs, including leading D&I communications at Rogers.

She specializes in relationship building, developing campaigns that drive impact, and has worked with high-profile brands across North America such as Nike, P&G, RBC, CBC and Nestle.

In 2017, she co-founded Code Black Communicator Network, an organization created to provide a space for learning, growing and knowledge exchange for Black communications professionals.

Lesli Fairweather, Senior Marketing Manager, Roots

Lesli Fairweather is a marketing professional with a passion for crafting compelling brand stories and driving strategic growth. With over 17 years of experience working within a Marketing and PR capacity, her proven track record of success has been honed through her experiences in both the Canadian and U.S. markets. Lesli has successfully overseen marketing initiatives for renowned brands such as, Sephora, NARS, BareMinerals, and Lacoste Footwear.

Specializing in executing omni-channel communication strategies, Lesli currently leads PR and Social Media at Roots, and brings a unique blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and leadership. Whether it’s shaping a brand’s tone, optimizing budgets, or fostering innovative collaborations, Lesli thrives on creating impactful and sustainable brand experiences.

These influential voices will share their success stories, strategies, and tips. Don’t miss this chance to connect, learn, and celebrate Black History.

Event details 

Date: Thursday, February 8, 2024

Time: 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm.

Location: Zoom

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

To register for this event, please click here

We hope to see you there!

PASSPORT TO PR – JANUARY 19, 2024 – SOLD OUT

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PASSPORT TO PR

JANUARY 19, 2024

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.

Morning Session:

9:00 am to 9:45 am     Edelman/Dove

10:40 am to 11:25 am   Talk Shop

12:15 pm to 12:45 pm   Middle Child

Afternoon Session:

2:00 pm to 2:45 pm     Proof

3:00 pm to 3:45 pm     Edery & Lord

4:45 pm to 5:30 pm     1Milk2Sugars

Costs:

Morning or Afternoon Session:

Student Members $15.00

Non-Members $20.00

Full Day:

Student Members $25.00

Non-Members $30.00