Annual MSPRA Conference

Registration Now Open!

2025 MSPRA Annual Conference: Cherry Picking for School PR Success

Join us on Tuesday, March 11, and Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Traverse City—the Cherry Capital of the World—for this dynamic, information-packed gathering of school PR professionals featuring hand-picked strategies for impactful communication with national and state school PR experts. At this year’s exciting annual conference, we’ll lean into what’s next for school communicators and discover sweet solutions for successful School PR.

Plus, there will be time to cultivate connections with region colleagues, honor award winners and so much more as we gather in Traverse City.

Member Early Bird Registration: $300 (ends February 11, 2025)
Member Regular Registration: $350 (February 12, 2025, through March 4, 2025).
Non-member Registration: $450 (through March 4, 2025).

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations made within two weeks of the conference will incur a $25 cancellation fee.

Join MSPRA and Save!

Are you a non-member planning to attend the 2025 MSPRA Annual Conference? Join MSPRA today and save on your conference registration!

As a member, you’ll enjoy discounted rates for all events, including our Annual Conference as well as two Drive-In Conferences held throughout the year. Plus, you'll receive exclusive member benefits!

Don't miss out on savings, networking and professional growth—Join Today!

Conference Schedule & Timing

The conference begins on Tuesday, March 11, at 8 am with registration and light breakfast followed by the program at 8:45 am and ends on Wednesday, March 12, at 12:35 pm.

Light breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner is provided on Tuesday, March 11. A hot breakfast is provided on Wednesday, March 12. (Wednesday lunch is on your own.)

Tuesday, March 11

Time	Activity
9:00 a.m.	Welcome Message
9:05 a.m.	Changing the Narrative w/ NSPRA President Heidi Vega, APR - Explore how to reshape and redefine your school’s story.
10:05 a.m.	Break
10:10 a.m.	Amplifying Student Voices in District Communications- A unique student panel featuring real stories and insights.
11:15 a.m.	Common Emergency Terminology -Learn about the upcoming requirements for common terminology emergency protocols.
12:15 p.m.	Lunch & Networking
1:00 p.m.	MSPRA Annual Meeting
1:20 p.m.	Counseling is Cool: Mental Health Tips for School PR Pros –Practical advice on mental health and wellness in school PR.
2:20 p.m.	Break
2:30 p.m.	Breakout Sessions: Turning 'What If?' Into Reality: A Playbook for a Successful Bond Campaign 100 Days to a New School Superintendent The Importance of Message – Overcome barriers with clear, effective communication. What does it REALLY mean? – Practical tips for making sense of digital metrics.
3:15 p.m.	Break
3:30 p.m.	Regional Meetings - Cultivating Conversations & Relationships
4:30 p.m.	Breakout Sessions: In Class Is Where It’s At: Awareness Campaign for Chronic Absenteeism How to Take Your School Photos from Mid to Magnificent Securing Resources for Bright Futures – Non-homestead campaigns & addressing naysayers.
6:00 p.m.	Dinner, Awards Recognition, and Evening Networking

Wednesday, March 12

Time	Activity
7:30 a.m.	Welcome Introduction to the Professional Learning Community around DEI
8:15 a.m.	Your Story is Your Superpower w/ NSPRA Communicator of the Year 2024 Dirk Tedmon, APR - Harness the power of storytelling to make an impact.
9:15 a.m.	Break
9:25 a.m.	MSPRA Superpower Panel - A panel discussion with super school communicators.
10:35 a.m.	Breakout Sessions: Google Tools and Tips Elevating Voices – Navigate meaningful conversations in challenging situations.
11:30 a.m.	Hit a Homerun with Your Marketing Tactics Tips from the Traverse City Pit Spitters
12:30 p.m.	Closing Remarks

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa

Want to book a hotel room at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa for the conference?

Call (231) 534-6001 and speak with a reservations agent to book your accommodations. Mention "MSPRA Annual Conference" or the group code "MSPRA25" to take advantage of the group rate. Visit Grand Traverse Resort - MSPRA Reservations to make, change or cancel your reservations online anytime.

To submit a tax-exempt form for the hotel, you can do so after confirming a room by attaching it to an email with your confirmation code and sending it to Grand Traverse Information.

Note: The resort requires a deposit of one-night’s room rate at the time of booking. The reservation deposit will be refunded, less a $25 processing fee with notice of cancellation at least 72 hours prior to arrival.