Public Relations University – Feb. 6

PR University (PRU) is one of the most anticipated professional development events of the year—bringing together top storytellers, public relations strategists, and marketing experts from across Florida and beyond. This full-day seminar is designed to equip today’s communicators with the tools, trends, and insights needed to create powerful stories that resonate.

Whether you’re a seasoned PR practitioner, emerging professional, or student preparing for your future career, PRU offers the knowledge, inspiration, and practical takeaways to elevate your work and strengthen your impact.

Event Details

Date: Friday, February 6, 2026
Time: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Florida SouthWestern State College, Room U-102 – 8099 College Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33919

Featured Panels

• Why Stories Stick: The Neuroscience of Great Communications
  The panelists will discuss how the human brain responds to storytelling in a digital age.
  • Speaker: Lyn Miller | author of “The Allure of Immortality: An American Cult, A Florida Swamp, and a Renegade Prophet”

• Brand Storytelling That Moves People
  The panelists will discuss how to create authentic stories, how to align them with mission, values and audience and provide examples of successful narrative-driven campaigns.
  • Panelist: Holly Boldrin, APR, CPRC | Senior Director of Public Relations, Priority Marketing
  • Panelist: Meredith Dropkin | Grape Vine Communications

• Art of the Craft
  The panelists will focus on the art of storytelling when in a crisis and address ethical storytelling: truth vs spin.
  • Panelist: Eric Jackson, APR | Public Information Officer, City of Sanibel
  • Panelist: Joseph Abreu, APR, CPRC | Chief Communications Officer, Lee County Clerk & Comptroller
  • Panelist: Sarah Rodriguez | Lee County Sheriffs Office

• Hook Rewrite Relay
  This interactive, fast-paced session challenges attendees to turn traditional press release headlines into scroll-stopping hooks for TikTok, Reels, and other short-form content. Through quick rewrite rounds, participants will learn how to shift from clarity to curiosity without changing the message so their stories make people stop, watch, and care.
  
  • Speaker: Renee Stoll, MBA, APR | Director of Communications & Marketing, Conservancy of Southwest Florida

• The Future of Storytelling and Getting Media Coverage
  Arlyn will provide us with insight into the future of storytelling and getting media coverage during a time of fast-paced, competitive, and increasingly digital world.
  
  • Speaker: Arlyn Knox | Co-Founder & CMO, Knox Technology

• The Power of Personal Connection
  Hear from experts about trending AI Technology, security, and legal ramifications, discussing the critical risks and considerations surrounding AI’s rapid growth.
  • Panelist: Eddie Kopp | founder of Sugarshack Sessions
  • Panelist: Alex Casement | Original Sugarshack member
  • Panelist: Gary Rudd | Managing Partner at Sugarshack Downtown

Why Attend PR University?

At PRU, you’ll learn from leading voices in public relations and marketing as they uncover what makes a story stick—across traditional media, digital platforms, AI-enhanced environments, and beyond. Topics include:

• Modern storytelling techniques

• Strategic communication planning

• Media relations best practices

• Ethical considerations in today’s landscape

• How AI is reshaping the future of PR

Don’t miss your chance to reconnect, learn, and grow with fellow communicators across Southwest Florida and the state.

Registration

Early bird pricing available for a limited time!

Who Should Attend

• FPRA Members

• Non-members working in PR, marketing, communications, or storytelling

• College students exploring careers in communications

PRU is an energizing, insight-rich experience designed for anyone looking to elevate their skills and stay ahead in an evolving industry.

PR University 2026—Where stories begin, grow, and create impact.

Event Sponsors

Thank you to our generous sponsors for making this event possible!

• Florida SouthWestern State College
• Priority Marketing
• Publix