Empowering Excellence: TXST PRSSA at ICON 2023

By Emily Codina

erc103@txstate.edu

Amid the vibrant city of Nashville, Tennessee, four members of Texas State University's PRSSA chapter embarked on a journey representing the Lone Star State at this year's ICON, hosted by the Memphis PRSSA chapter. This dynamic event is no ordinary conference; it's the PRSSA National Conference, ICON, that brings together budding public relations professionals from across the nation for several days of learning, networking, and inspiration.

What is ICON?

ICON is the PRSSA's annual flagship event, showcasing the lively landscape of the public relations industry. It's a unique opportunity for students to delve into the world of PR and gain insights that go beyond the classroom. From engaging workshops to enlightening keynote speakers, ICON is designed to empower the next generation of PR professionals.

The conference typically features a diverse lineup of industry leaders, successful PR practitioners, and notable speakers who share their knowledge and experiences. For students, ICON offers a platform to learn from the best, network with fellow PR enthusiasts, and gain a deeper understanding of what the PR world has in store for them.

Empowering Excellence

This year, TXST PRSSA was proud to send four of its members to ICON 2023. They embarked on a journey to Nashville, ready to immerse themselves in a sea of PR wisdom and professional development. The conference promised to be more than just an educational experience; it was a chance to witness the power of PR in action and to connect with the brightest minds in the field.

A Perspective from a TXST PRSSA Member

Mikasa McKnight, one of the TXST PRSSA members who attended ICON, shared her thoughts: "ICON was a great experience. I had never been to a professional conference, and ICON set the bar high. I got to interact with and learn from many professionals in the industry, which gave me an idea of what I should expect when I break into the world of PR."

Mikasa's experience reflects the core purpose of ICON: to provide students with a glimpse into their future careers in PR. The conference equips students with insights, knowledge, and connections that will shape their professional journey.

A Journey of Learning and Networking

Andrea Estela, another attendee, found ICON to be "amazing, transformative, and a blessing." She highlights the importance of networking and embracing change in the PR field: "Honestly, there are too many takeaways to count. But some of my biggest takeaways from professionals last weekend were to keep asking what's next, keep your curiosity high, and stay aware and ahead of the game by using AI."

Andrea's experience emphasizes that ICON isn't just about learning; it's about staying ahead of the curve and exploring the transformative power of technology in PR.

Words of Wisdom from PR Professionals

The students at ICON were not just spectators; they were active participants in their learning journey. They had the privilege of hearing from PR professionals who shared valuable insights. As one student put it, "We understood that, as young professionals, we don't have to feel pressured to fit in just because we're new to this industry. After all, we want to belong, and we can do that by staying true to ourselves and identifying the value we bring to the PR world."

Reflection on ICON

Hayley Ibarra, Vice President of Professional Development for TXST PRSSA, highlighted the invaluable advice offered at ICON: "Everywhere you go, someone is always trying to send you a message, and as communicators, we need to find better ways of delivering that message. Take a broad view of internal communications and select the best channel to deliver the message. 'What do the employees need from us?' Because if we give them what they need, we'll get a little more attention from them."

ICON: A Platform for Learning and Growth

ICON 2023 was more than just a conference; it was a transformative experience for TXST PRSSA members. Their journey to Nashville allowed them to gain valuable knowledge, build professional relationships, and develop a deeper understanding of the ever-evolving world of PR.