News: UnPRecedented, the PRIA’s national conference, will take place virtually in October

THE Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA) National Conference 2021, unPRecedented, Australia’s most prestigious communications industry event, will be held over five consecutive days from Monday, 11 October to Friday, 15 October.

With a new strategic direction spearheaded by recently-appointed CEO Louise Harland-Cox, the PRIA conference looks to build on the association’s key mission – to support and develop Australia’s best communicators by delivering industry-leading training, networking, and knowledge.

“The calibre and breadth of our speakers is outstanding this year,” said PRIA CEO Louise Harland-Cox. “The last year has forged extraordinary leadership, innovation and social change, and we want to explore what that means for our industry.”

To meet the unPRecedented challenges the industry has faced, this year’s conference plans to redefine the virtual format for world-class content, discussion, and networking delivery. The optimised online format also allows the PRIA to deliver on the promise to ensure an equal opportunity for industry members and professionals across rural and regional areas.

After more than a year of unPRecedented challenges, this year’s event promises to cut through the buzzwords, cliches and jargon at a time when clear, strategic communication has never been more important.

Attendees will hear from seasoned communicators who have weathered the storm, expert insights into leveraging opportunities and new voices identifying fresh perspectives to take on whatever’s next.

Some of the world-class participants in this year’s conference include:

unPRecedented Innovation:

• Keiran Schneemann, director of government affairs, AstraZeneca
• Luke Schepen, executive manager, strategy, marketing and corporate affairs, CBA
• Chloe Browne, head of communications, ANZ, Airbnb
• Dan Jordan, head of PR (ANZ), DiDi
• Shane Allison, CEO and founder, Public Address
• Joe Satari, head of consumer communications, Deliveroo

unPRecedented Perspectives:

• Clancy Overell and Errol Parker, The Beetoota Advocate
• Zoe Daniels, former US Bureau chief and author of Greetings From Trumpland
• Tim Duggan, founder and editor-at-large, Junkee Media
• Shannon Kenna, assistant secretary communications, Commonwealth Treasury
• Anita Godbeer, GM PR, content and consumer marketing, Tourism Australia
• Arun Sudhaman, CEO and editor-in-chief, PRovoke Media

unPRecedented Leadership:

• Zach Kitschke, CMO, Canva
• Matt Davis, CEO, Salvos Stores
• Hayley Kerrigan, global head of brand and communications, SafetyCulture
• Bessie Hassan, global head of communications, Finder
• Skye Lambley, group MD, Herd MSL
• Peter O’Sullivan, GM group external communications, Woolworths
• Joanna Arnold, CEO, Access Intelligence

unPRecedented Social Change:

• Felicity Glennie-Holmes, executive director, Communications and Marketing, WWF
• Mitch Wallis, founder and CEO, Heart On My Sleeve
• Dr Marianne Sison, RMIT
• Jenny Muir, principal adviser, engagement and communication, National Mental Health Commission
• James Wright, global CEO, Red Havas

PRIA national president Leigh McClusky added, “Our speakers have been at the leading edge of change and will bring incredible insight into the forces that have and will continue to shape the communications industry”.