Registration is open! Back again for its 16th year — the Valley Publicity Summit, Presented by SPJ, returns Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019, to Barrett, the Honors College, at Arizona State University in Tempe. A lot happens in a year: journalists’ assignments and PR professionals’ client lists keep changing. PR pros: Be a part of what’s become the greatest Saturday morning in Valley media-PR relations, with discussions and “speed pitching” sessions to learn how to best pitch local media, Register and get more info here.

COVID-19 PROTOCOLS: We strongly recommend ASU’s COVID-19 protocols at this event. As of early October, those protocols recommend (1) wearing masks outdoors when physical distancing is not possible and (2) that participants be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus.

As of Oct. 14, here’s a list of media professionals expected to join us at this year’s Valley Publicity Summit:

Sondra Barr, managing editor. Epic Kids

Natasha Beal, owner/publisher of Eculeus Group Publishing (North Phoenix News, North Tatum Times, North 32nd News, Scottsdale North News, The Scottsdale Standard, The Upper Westsider and Epic Kids) and managing editor Michelle (“Shelly”) Talsma Everson

Jason W. Brooks, reporter, Buckeye Independent, Independent Newsmedia

Erin Edgemon, managing editor, Phoenix Business Journal

Christine Goodfriend, producer, KSAZ-TV Fox 10

Susan Lanier Graham, editor, North Peoria Lifestyle magazine; publisher/editor-in-chief, Wander with Wonder

Debra Utacia Krol, environmental, Indigenous and science issues, Arizona Republic/azcentral.com

Al Macias, news director, KJZZ-FM (NPR)

Adrian McIntyre, PhD, Valley Business Radio, PHX.fm

Kelly Mixer, editor and senior reporter, Queen Creek Sun Times

George Obi, producer, KSAZ-TV Fox 10

Patrick O’Grady, managing editor, Independent Newsmedia, including the Daily Independent in the West Valley and weekly community newspapers Valleywide

Jeff Popovich, content producer, Arizona’s Family Foodie, AZ Family KTVK 3TV | KPHO CBS 5

Rebecca Rhoades, AZ Big Media and several lifestyle publications

Madison Rutherford, associate editor, PHOENIX magazine

Jill Schildhouse, freelance writer/editor

Colleen Sparks, editor, North Central News

Teresa K. Traverse, managing editor, Sedona Monthly; freelance writer and editor

We will list more participating journalists as they are secured. NOTE: While every effort is made to ensure the participation of journalists who have agreed to be part of this year’s Summit, circumstances beyond SPJ’s control may result in changes to the list of participating journalists. We will make sincere efforts to keep the list of participating journalists current. Journalists interested in participating may inquire with Sherry Butler, sbutler@slbcom.com

COVID-19 PROTOCOLS: We strongly recommend ASU’s COVID-19 protocols at this event. As of early October, those protocols recommend (1) wearing masks outdoors when physical distancing is not possible and (2) that participants be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus.

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