OCPRSA’s Events Offer Professional Development Content, Access To Top Regional Industry Speakers, Premier Networking, Entertainment, And More!

Spend the morning with leaders across sectors as we gain fresh perspectives and insights through a series of evocative conversations about DE&I initiatives at the intersection of public affairs, communications, and business. Leave with new insights you can incorporate in your work and community. Together, we’re connecting communities.

Enjoy a keynote address from global DE&I, communications and branding leader Chance Patterson and a panel discussion from civic, nonprofit and business leaders. We’ll learn how investing in DE&I programs can lead to improved creativity, innovation, and experiences while addressing issues of discrimination and inequality.

No refunds after October 31.

Learn more and register here!
For a discounted CAPIO rate, use code: DEI2023

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Weathering the Culture Wars: PR Lessons Learned in the Era of Backlash
Chancellor “Chance” Patterson, Esq., Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategic Advisor, Idea Hall

Today’s media environment attracts a constant flow of news about the so-called Culture Wars, posing unprecedented threats to corporate reputation. Instant backlash can emerge from a single social media post, quote or press release. What can leaders do to prepare and confront in real-time the looming (and perhaps inevitable) scrutiny that can lead to a communications crisis? Chance Patterson of Idea Hall will share lessons learned in his career advising global brands, celebrities and cultural leaders navigating DEI and corporate reputation challenges.

About Chance
Chance applies more than 20 years of experience in organizational culture, diversity, equity and inclusion, entertainment branding, global communications, investor relations and lobbying to help leaders and organizations unlock new financial, social impact and personal growth opportunities. Chance currently serves as DEI strategic advisor to Idea Hall as well as a variety of educational, social justice and corporate organizations including The Martin Luther King Center for Nonviolent Social Change, Mental Health America, Classy, National Association for Public Opinion Research, EY, SkillsVR and Sister Cities International.

Chance led PR, marketing, investor relations and lobbying with XM and SiriusXM Radio. He later joined Discovery Communications, leading global marketing communications. Following Discovery’s investment with Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Studios to form OWN, Chance served as Oprah’s personal publicist while overseeing all press, social media, branding and social impact/philanthropy. Chance serves as Of Counsel with a Chicago-based firm specializing in social impact and social entrepreneur law. A graduate of Boston University and Boston University School of Law, Chance was born in Ohio and now resides in Greenwich, Conn.