Newsletter
June 2026 
Letter from the President
May is a month that quietly carries a lot of meaning.
It’s Small Business Month, a time to remind ourselves of the expertise, confidence, and professionalism demonstrated by individual practitioners, consultants, and agency owners across our profession. It’s also Mental Health Awareness Month, which underscores the importance of building habits, support systems, and space for reflection that allow us to sustain both our work and ourselves over the long term. And it’s National Military Appreciation Month, an opportunity to recognize the service members, veterans, and military families in our PRSA community and beyond.
Taken together, these themes reinforce something fundamental: public relations isn’t just about strategy or storytelling—it’s about people. The people we serve, the people we work alongside, and the people we continue to learn from.
That’s why I’m especially excited about PRSA Iowa’s quarterly meeting on May 13. If you haven’t registered yet, there’s still time—and this is one you won’t want to miss. We’re welcoming two outstanding leaders from Edelman for an in person presentation on the 2026 Edelman Trust Barometer, offering insights on trust, credibility, and the evolving expectations placed on communicators. The event is open to both members and non members, with a virtual option available for those unable to join in person.
I’ve had the opportunity to work in the trenches with both presenters, and I can say with confidence: you’ll walk away with practical perspective, not just data points.
I hope you’ll join us on May 13.
Cheers,
Phillip Nicolino, APR
President
PRSA Iowa Board of Directors
Upcoming Events
FREE PRSA Iowa and AMA Iowa Member Social
When: July 9, 2026, 4:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Where: Paws & Pints
Join PRSA Iowa and AMA Iowa for a fun evening of networking, conversation, and community at Paws & Pints! Whether you’re hoping to grow your network or reconnect with industry peers, this joint social event is the perfect opportunity to connect. Not a member of either organization? No problem! Come learn more about both groups while meeting local communications and marketing professionals. Learn more and register here.
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.
Event Recap
Thank you to Dana Schwartz and Haley Fry from Edelman Smithfield for joining us at our May luncheon! They shared key insights from the 2026 Edelman Trust Barometer and how we can apply those findings in our roles as communicators. We also had the opportunity to recognize our scholarship recipients during the luncheon. Congratulations to all of this year’s recipients!
Don't Miss Out: PRSA Midwest District Conference
Bold Communicators in the Bold North
When: June 24 – 26, 2026
Where: Minneapolis, Minnesota
You’re in luck — there’s still time to register for the PRSA Midwest District Conference! This multi-day experience will feature dynamic keynotes, thought-provoking sessions, and opportunities to connect with peers from across the Midwest. Learn more and get registered by June 10!
OctoPRfest News
Save the Date: OctoPRfest is Oct. 1, 2026
Save the date for PRSA Iowa's signature event — OctoPRfest — on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 at Sammons Financial Group in 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.
Watch for registration details and early bird specials coming soon!
Ethics Column
Navigating Copyright Challenges in the Age of AI
As the landscape of public relations evolves, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in creative processes is becoming more common. It’s important that PR professionals understand how to navigate these complexities for protecting both themselves and the organizations they represent. Read the key practices PR professionals should keep in mind to help minimize the risk of copyright infringement.
Member Profile
This month, we’re spotlighting Jamie Jackson, Associate PR Director at Anthologic. Learn more about Jamie, 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.
Kelly Fluharty, APR – 35 years
Tori Clausen – 5 years
Kassi Hoxmeier – 5 years
Savannah Eadens – 1 year
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