President's Report

One of the things I've been most grateful for during the first six months of my presidency has been the opportunity to connect with so many of you – longtime members, first-time attendees and everyone in between.

This year, our board has been intentional about creating spaces where communications professionals can connect, exchange ideas and learn from one another.

Over the past two months, we've had the opportunity to gather for our Meet the Media Mixer and our coffee with the Las Vegas Review-Journal's VegasBusiness team. Both events brought together professionals from across industries, experience levels and organizations, and most importantly, sparked conversations and new connections. It has been especially exciting to welcome so many new faces, as well as members we haven't seen in some time.

If you've attended one of our recent events, thank you for being part of our community. And if you've never attended a PRSA Las Vegas event (or it's simply been a while!), please don't hesitate to introduce yourself to me or any member of our board. We are here to be a resource, whether you have questions about the profession, ethics, tools or simply want to connect with fellow communicators.

As we look ahead to the second half of the year, I'm excited for the opportunities we'll have to continue learning from one another through upcoming programming, including our August communications roundtable and September ethics panel. I'm also looking forward to celebrating the incredible work being produced by communicators across Southern Nevada as we mark the 30th anniversary of the Pinnacle Awards in October. 

Thank you for your continued engagement and support of PRSA Las Vegas.

Cheers,
Courtney Fogle, APR

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Upcoming Events

"What's in Your Toolbox?" Communications Roundtable
August 6, 2026 | 4:30- 6 p.m. | Circus Circus Hotel & Casino

Join fellow PR, communications and marketing professionals for a casual, interactive discussion focused on the tools, technologies and workflows shaping our work today. This peer-to-peer roundtable is designed to spark conversation, share practical ideas and create opportunities to learn from one another. Whether you're actively using AI and other tools every day or simply curious about what others are trying, come ready to share, ask questions or just listen and learn. 

Tickets: $20 Members | $30 Future Members
Register Today

Navigating the Gray: Real-World Ethics for Communicators
September 17, 2026 | 8-9:30 a.m. | Select Health

As communicators, we're often asked to make tough decisions – balancing organizational goals, stakeholder expectations and professional values. But what happens when the answer isn't black and white?

Join PRSA Las Vegas during Ethics Month for a lively conversation grounded in the PRSA Code of Ethics as experts from communications, journalism and public ethics explore the real-world dilemmas professionals face every day. From transparency and advocacy to accountability and credibility, panelists will discuss how ethical decision-making shapes trust and strengthens our profession. 

Moderated by Jennifer McDonnell, APR, Ethics Chair for PRSA Las Vegas, the panel will feature Kevin Stoker, Ph.D., UNLV, with additional panelists to be announced soon.

Tickets: $20 Members | $30 Future Members
Register Today

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Recent Events

Thank you to everyone who joined us for two fantastic networking events over the past month!

Our annual Meet the Media & Influencer Networking Mixer welcomed our largest turnout of 2026, bringing together PR professionals, journalists, content creators and influencers for an evening of meaningful conversations, new connections and future story opportunities.

We continued the momentum at our Coffee with PRSA event featuring the Las Vegas Review-Journal's VegasBusiness editorial team. Members enjoyed an informal discussion about the publication's renewed focus on Southern Nevada business news, the stories and sources editors are seeking, and how to build stronger relationships with local media. 

We appreciate everyone who attended and helped make these events such a success. We look forward to seeing you at another PRSA Las Vegas event soon!

Coffee with PRSA & The Review Journals' VegasBusiness

Networking & Happy Hour Mixer - Meet the Media & Influencers

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Pinnacle Awards

PRSA Las Vegas Pinnacle Awards Celebrate 30 Years: October 28, 2026

Thank you to everyone who submitted entries for the 2026 PRSA Las Vegas Pinnacle Awards. Entry submissions have now closed, and a reciprocal PRSA chapter will begin judging the outstanding work submitted by communications professionals across Southern Nevada.

This year marks a special milestone as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Pinnacle Awards. For three decades, the program has recognized the strategic, creative and impactful work that continues to elevate our profession and strengthen our community.

We look forward to celebrating this year's finalists and winners at the Pinnacle Awards ceremony on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. Tickets will be available soon.

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Thought Leadership

Thought Leadership: Influencer Partnerships

In this month’s thought leadership feature, our chapter programming director, Matthew Swope, vice president of public relations at MassMedia, explores how communicators can move beyond simply executing influencer campaigns to becoming true strategic partners. From uncovering the real business objective to creating more authentic creator experiences, Matt shares practical insights on building influencer partnerships that drive meaningful results rather than simply checking a box. Read the full blog. →

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Member Spotlight

This month we're introducing one of our newest members, Eric Duran-Valle, a media communications specialist at Vegas PBS, and a writer, audio producer, educator, and community volunteer.

Since joining PRSA Las Vegas in January, Eric has embraced opportunities to strengthen his professional skills while connecting with Southern Nevada's communications community. In our Member Spotlight, he shares why he believes trust is at the heart of effective public relations, how his work spans public broadcasting, education, and the arts, and why one simple word—"hello"—can open doors to meaningful relationships.

Read the full blog to learn more about Eric's career and his advice for communications professionals looking to grow their careers and community impact.

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Programming Spotlight

Did You Know? PRSA Learning Included With Your Membership ⭐
Your PRSA membership includes free access to more than 80 live and on-demand virtual learning programs through PRSA Learning! From webinars and workshops to certificate programs and professional development resources, PRSA offers opportunities to sharpen your skills at every stage of your career. Log in to your MyPRSA account and click on "Professional Development" to explore.

PRSA National: New and Renewed Member Welcome Webinar
July 7 at 11 a.m. PT | Zoom
Are you new to PRSA — or know someone who recently joined? Encourage them to attend PRSA's New Member Welcome Webinar on July 7. This session provides an overview of PRSA benefits, programs and resources while helping new members make the most of their membership from day one. Register HERE. 

PRSA ICON 2026 | October 18-20, 2026 | Orlando
Get ready for the largest gathering of communicators under the sun! PRSA ICON 2026 takes place in Orlando, FL October 18-20, bringing together communications professionals from across the country for three days of networking and professional development. Whether you're looking to expand your network, sharpen your strategic skills or discover what's next for the profession, ICON offers an opportunity to connect with fellow communicators and gain fresh perspectives you can put to work immediately.

PRSA National Update: APR Fees Increase July 1
If earning your Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) is one of your professional development goals this year, now is the time to get started. PRSA National is increasing APR fees on July 1, 2026. Members who enroll before then can take advantage of current pricing, plus additional savings and benefits from National, including:

An APR reinforces your strategic expertise, professional credibility and a commitment to excellence in public relations. Interested in learning more about the APR process? Contact Gretchen Papez, APR ([email protected]) for additional information and resources.

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Job Listings

Looking for a new opportunity?

Check out these current job openings on our Job Board:

Public Information & Engagement Officer (RTC of Southern Nevada)

PR Account Executive (B&P Advertising, Media & Public Relations)

Internal Communications Specialist (Maverik)

If you're hiring, we're happy to share job openings with our PRSA Las Vegas community. Post a job on our website and it may also be featured on social media or in this monthly newsletter.

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Thank You To Our Sponsor

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