Chapter History
The Las Vegas Valley Chapter (LVVC) of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) dates back to 1975, when it was called the Nevada Chapter of PRSA. By 1983, the chapter had approximately a half-dozen members and its future was in jeopardy. In early 1984, several members of the chapter persuaded the national delegation at the annual PRSA conference to allow Nevada to retain its chapter status.
Fully aware of its predicament, the Nevada Chapter of PRSA held its first meeting at Bingo Palace (now Palace Station) in April 1985. By the end of the year, the chapter had 15 members in southern Nevada and five in Reno. That same year, as membership interest increased, two separate chapters were formed: Desert Sands Chapter in southern Nevada and the Sierra Chapter in Reno. The Desert Sands Chapter changed its name in 1998 to the Las Vegas Valley Chapter and by 2000, the local organization boasted more than 100 members for the first time, making it one of the fastest growing chapters in the country.
Today, the Las Vegas Valley Chapter provides a variety of benefits beyond monthly luncheon seminars with guest speakers. Other activities include professional development workshops, membership mixers, a job board, an APR Ready to Roll program, and an annual awards competition called the Pinnacle Awards that honors the region's best public relations strategies and tactics.
One of the most important figures associated with the local PRSA Chapter has been Roger Buehrer, APR, Fellow PRSA. From its inception, Buehrer has been involved in sustainability and growth of the chapter, from membership to programs. In 2000, the Board of Directors voted unanimously to honor Buehrer with a lifetime achievement award for his commitment to the local organization and public relations profession. Today, the Roger Buehrer Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to the profession over an extended period of time.
The Las Vegas Valley Chapter is committed to developing the profession throughout southern Nevada and educating individuals about the benefits of public relations. More than one-third of members have achieved the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) status, making the chapter one of the leaders in the country for supporting and emphasizing this important step in professional development. The Las Vegas Valley Chapter also works closely with the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapters at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and Nevada State University.
The Las Vegas Valley Chapter has been honored to host the PRSA Western District Conference multiple times throughout the years, including in 2005 at the Stardust Resort & Casino, in 2011 at the Venetian Resort & Casino, and most recently in 2021 at the Flamingo Hotel & Casino.
To learn more about the Las Vegas Valley Chapter's events and activities, please visit the Newsletter Archive to browse newsletters from 2005 to the present.
