Newsletter
August 2026 
Letter from the President
One of the things I've come to appreciate during my time on the PRSA Iowa Board is how much happens behind the scenes. Whether it's a professional development program, networking event, scholarship opportunity, or OctoPRfest, none of these experiences happen on their own.
With registration now open for OctoPRfest, I've been reminded just how much time, energy and creativity our volunteers invest throughout the year. Most members see the finished product. Fewer see the hours, planning calls, brainstorming sessions and behind-the-scenes coordination that make it possible. From identifying speakers and securing sponsors to coordinating logistics and shaping the attendee experience, OctoPRfest is one of the most visible examples of that effort. As PRSA Iowa's signature event, it provides valuable learning and networking opportunities for communications professionals across Iowa.
As you consider your professional development plans this fall, I encourage you to register for OctoPRfest. And, while you're at it, take a moment to thank a board member or volunteer for their contributions to help make PRSA Iowa possible. If you're looking for a way to give back, I'd also encourage you to explore opportunities to get involved with the chapter.
After all, the strength of PRSA Iowa has always come from the people willing to invest in its success.
Cheers!
Phillip Nicolino, APR
President
PRSA Iowa Board of Directors
Upcoming Events
August Luncheon – AI and Search: Impacts and Evolving Strategies
When: August 13, 2026, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Our highly anticipated August luncheon is already open for registration! Search is evolving from a list of links into a real-time conversation. Learn what this means for PR professionals as audiences swap Google for AI chatbots and social discovery, the "old school" keyword strategy is no longer enough to keep brands visible. Register now to secure your spot.
Friday FYI: Tips to Ensure Stakeholders Seek Your Ethical Counsel
When: September 11, 2026, 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Where: Virtual
In today’s environment, communications professionals are increasingly expected to navigate complex stakeholder expectations, reputation risks, and rapidly evolving conversations around sustainability, social impact, and corporate responsibility. Be sure to register for this webinar event to learn how strategic communications and public relations leaders can move beyond messaging to become trusted advisors inside their organizations.
OctoPRfest News
PRSA Iowa OctoPRfest 2026
When: Oct. 1, 2026, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Sammons Financial, West Des Moines, IA
This must-attend, one-day conference delivers everything public relations, communications and marketing professionals of all levels and backgrounds need to strengthen their skills and expand their networks. The event will feature a dynamic blend of national, regional and local speakers who will share their expertise and insights on the most pressing and significant trends shaping today's media landscape. Register now for early bird pricing!
Ethics Column
Looking for guidance as you deploy AI agents? Check out ethical standard advisory #22
AI agents are beginning to move beyond generating content to making decisions and taking action on behalf of organizations. As these technologies evolve, so do the ethical responsibilities of communications professionals.
PRSA's Board of Ethics and Professional Standards (BEPS) has released Ethical Standard Advisory (ESA) #22: AI Agents and Public Relations to help communicators navigate this emerging landscape while upholding transparency, accountability, accuracy, fairness and public trust.
Explore ESA #22 (esa-22.pdf) and learn how ethical principles can guide the responsible use of AI agents in public relations.
Jane Keairns, APR, and Dawn Buzunski, APR
Chapter delegates
Member Profile
This month, we’re spotlighting Sarah Buckley, APR, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Community Involvement at EMC Insurance. Learn more about Sarah, her career path, and how she got involved in PRSA.
Job Bank
If you're looking for a qualified communications professional to fill a position, make sure to use the PRSA Iowa Chapter Job Bank! PRSA members pay $25 per post, and non-members pay $50 per post. Submit a position for the Job Bank.
Current job listings:
Member Updates
Membership Anniversaries
In each issue of this newsletter, we recognize PRSA Iowa Chapter members who are celebrating milestone PRSA anniversaries. Congratulations to the following individuals who celebrated or will celebrate milestone anniversaries this month.
5 years
Tierney Israel
Caitlyn Lamm, APR
Alex Wilson
1 year
Lori Bochner
Laura Crowell
Morgan Hawk
Tim Paluch
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