About the event
Whether you have already chosen a career path or are still considering your options, here’s your chance to learn more about what you need to succeed in public relations/communications. This speed-networking event allows you to sit down with at least three expert communicators working in a specific industry - for example, agency, government or not-for-profit. Each will answer your questions on working in such areas as media relations, corporate communications, marketing, and social media.

There will also be time to mix and mingle with other expert guests and expand your PR/communications network. Plus, complimentary finger foods will be served. Use the links to get more information on each professional and keep updated by following @CPRSOttawaGat.

Registration information

All students – members and non-members – are welcome, but our members pay a special rate. So if you're not yet a CPRS student member, join now to access our reduced rate for events and other benefits.

Location

When you arrive at St Brigid's Centre for the Arts, please enter on the Cumberland Street side. Please look for a CPRS banner and blue light, and follow the stairs to the bottom level. 

Participants 

Arts

Rosemary Thompson, Media and Performing Arts Executive, National Arts Centre

Agency

Jim Armour, Vice President, Summa Strategies Canada Inc.

Sherrilynne Starkie, Vice President and Ashlea McGrath Consultant, Thornley Fallis

Stacey Sauvé, Marketing Communications Advisor, Accurate 

Association

Allister Hain, Director, Communications, Chemistry Industry Association of Canada

Sarah Thirnbeck, Community Manager, Canadian Real Estate Association

Julia Kent Manager, Public Affairs, and Kayla Fitzpatrick Public Affairs Coordinator, Canadian Automobile Association

Political

Mathieu Gravel, Director, Issues and Outreach, Office of Mayor Watson

Community Not for Profit

Barry Keegan Senior Manager, Public Relations and Andrée Dion, Manager, Media Relations and Communication, United Way of Ottawa

Crown Corporation

Phil Legault Manager, Media Relations and Anick Losier, Director, Media Relations Canada Post

Government / Government Organization

Jason LaMontagne Manager, Communication Services, and Stephanie Rochefort, Communication Services Officer, Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Canada

Jocelyne Turner, Communications Strategist, City of Ottawa

Chris Walters, Director of Communications, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) 

Education

Melanie Gruer, Executive Director, Communications Directorate, University of Ottawa

Marketing

Claire Mills, Managing Director / Senior Consultant, Centre of Excellence for Public Sector Marketing

Maxine Patenaude, Account Executive, Digital / PR & Social Media, McMillan

Health

Ross Fitzgerald, External Communications Specialist, Canadian Blood Services

Jane-Diane Fraser, Manager of Corporate Communications, and Stephanie Lawrence, Senior Communications Manager, Heart and Stroke Foundation 

Calline Au Communications Officer and Judy Brown, Director, Communications, Queensway Carleton Hospital

Technology

Laura Slater, Marketing Programs Specialist and David Gauthier Customer Communications Specialist, Nuvyyo 

Registrants agree to receive email communication regarding this and other CPRS Ottawa-Gatineau events. Registrants may opt out at any time by choosing "unsubscribe" in any email message or by sending an email titled "unsubscribe" to info@cprsottawa.ca.