About Us
For more than 50 years, PRSA Las Vegas has served as Southern Nevada's leading professional organization for public relations, communications, and marketing professionals.
Founded in 1975 as the Nevada Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), the chapter has grown from a small group of dedicated practitioners into a vibrant community of more than 100 communications professionals representing corporations, agencies, nonprofit organizations, government entities, educational institutions, and professional associations throughout the region.
The chapter's history reflects the growth of both the communications profession and Southern Nevada itself. In the early 1980s, the chapter faced significant challenges and nearly lost its charter due to declining membership. Through the dedication of local leaders and volunteers, the chapter successfully rebuilt and expanded. In 1985, the Nevada Chapter split into two organizations: the Desert Sands Chapter in Southern Nevada and the Sierra Chapter in Northern Nevada. The Southern Nevada chapter was renamed the Las Vegas Valley Chapter in 1998 and surpassed 100 members for the first time in 2000, becoming one of the fastest-growing PRSA chapters in the nation.
Today, PRSA Las Vegas provides opportunities for communications professionals at every stage of their careers to connect, learn, and grow. The chapter hosts regular professional development programs, networking events, workshops, and its signature annual awards competition, the Pinnacle Awards, which recognizes excellence in public relations and communications across Southern Nevada.
The chapter is also a strong advocate for professional development and ethical practice. PRSA Las Vegas has long been recognized as a leader in supporting Accreditation in Public Relations (APR), with a significant percentage of members earning the credential. The chapter works closely with Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapters at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and Nevada State University to support and develop the next generation of communications professionals.
Throughout its history, PRSA Las Vegas has played an important role within the broader PRSA community, hosting the PRSA Western District Conference on multiple occasions and bringing communications professionals from across the western United States to Southern Nevada.
One of the chapter's most influential leaders was Roger Buehrer, APR, Fellow PRSA, whose commitment to membership growth, professional development, and chapter sustainability helped shape the organization for decades. In recognition of his contributions, the chapter established the Roger Buehrer Lifetime Achievement Award, which continues to honor individuals who have made lasting contributions to the public relations profession.
As part of the Public Relations Society of America, the world's largest professional organization for public relations and communications practitioners, PRSA Las Vegas remains committed to advancing the profession, fostering meaningful connections, and supporting communications excellence throughout Southern Nevada.
Milestones:
- 1975: Founded as Nevada Chapter of PRSA
- 1995: Restructured into separate chapters: Desert Sands (Southern Nevada) and Sierra (Reno)
- 1996: Launched Pinnacle Awards program
- 1998: Renamed Las Vegas Valley Chapter
- 2000: Surpassed 100 members
- 2005, 2011, 2021: Hosted PRSA Western District Conference
- 2020: Established APR Ready to Roll Program
- 2025: Celebrated 50th anniversary
- 2026: 30th Annual Pinnacle Awards
