Media Breakfast – May 1

Join the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) for one of the most anticipated professional development events of the year — the 2026 Media Breakfast.

Whether you’re looking to strengthen media relationships, stay ahead of evolving newsroom trends, or sharpen your pitching strategy, this event offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from the people shaping Southwest Florida’s news landscape — and to engage with them one-on-one.

Event Details

Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
Time: 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Sundial Beach Resort | 1451 Middle Gulf Dr. Sanibel, FL 33957

Please note: Sanibel access is via toll bridge. LeeWay transponders pay $6; toll-by-plate is $9.

Why Attend?

Communicators are often asking:

How do I get my organization in the news when I don’t have breaking news?
What actually gets a reporter’s attention today?
How can I pitch stories that the media wants to cover?

The Media Breakfast is designed to answer these questions — and more — through candid conversations with journalists and communications leaders who live this work every day.

Program Timeline

• 8:30 a.m. – Registration & Breakfast

• 9:00 a.m. – Welcome & Sponsor Remarks

• 9:15 a.m. – Media’s Role in Our Region’s Recovery

  • John Lai, President, Sanibel Captiva Chamber of Commerce (and Interim President, Greater Fort Myers Chamber

  • Eric Jackson, APR, Public Information Officer, City of Sanibel

• 9:45 a.m. – Media Panel Discussion with regional media

  • Channing Frampton, Gulf Coast News

  • Elizabeth Andarge, WGCU

  • Haley Zarcone, WINK News

  • J. Kyle Foster, The News-Press/Naples Daily News

• 10:30 a.m. – Live Story Pitch Session with Panelists

• 11:30 a.m. – Wrap-Up

Program Highlights

• Regional Recovery Insight
  Hear from John Lai and Eric Jackson, APR, on how strategic media relations supported tourism recovery on Sanibel and Captiva following devastating hurricanes — and what organizations across Southwest Florida can learn from that experience.

• Reporter Panel Discussion
  Journalists from the region’s top outlets will share what they’re looking for, how they work, and how communicators can better support story development and build lasting media relationships. Learn more about our panelists below.

• Pitch Party: Live Story Feedback
  Bring a real story idea and participate in live, one-on-one pitch conversations with panelists. Get direct feedback — and potentially secure a story opportunity.

Meet Your Panelists

Channing Frampton, Gulf Coast News
Emmy-nominated anchor Channing Frampton has reported across Florida since 2016, joining the Gulf Coast News family in 2024. A Robert Morris University honors graduate, he covers major natural disasters, statewide elections, and the COVID-19 recovery, and is recognized by the Florida Association of Broadcast Journalists for excellence in anchoring, reporting, and innovation.

Elizabeth Andarge, WGCU
Elizabeth Andarge is the Culture and Connections Reporter for WGCU, with experience across Washington, D.C., Virginia, South Carolina, and Georgia – a path that eventually led her as far south as she can go. She focuses on community-driven storytelling that builds meaningful connections.

Haley Zarcone, WINK News
Haley Zarcone, a WINK News reporter since 2023, is known for fast, factual storytelling with a strong community focus, bringing Florida roots and experience from Tampa newsrooms to her coverage of Southwest Florida. A University of South Florida graduate, she strives to proudly represent the voices of Southwest Florida.

J. Kyle Foster, The News-Press/Naples Daily News
J. Kyle Foster is a veteran journalist with decades of experience from across the country, including 16 years at Bloomberg News. Based on Marco Island since 2013, where she continues to report, write, and stay active in the community.

Who Should Attend?

• Southwest Florida communications and marketing professionals

• Business owners looking to expand their visibility and media presence

• Employees whose roles include promotion, communications, or storytelling — even if PR isn’t their primary function

• Students interested in communications, media, or marketing

Registration & Pricing

Early Bird (ends April 8):

• $55 FPRA Members

• $65 Non-Members

Regular Registration:

• $65 Members

• $75 Non-Members

Student Rate: $40

Registration includes breakfast, full program access, live pitching opportunities, and beautiful beach views.