Benefits of PRPLI in the Workplace

By Charmise Woodside-Desire

During my time as a board member of PRPLI, I have enjoyed many engaging programs that have provided valuable insight in my role as a PR professional. Such sessions featured industry professionals who provided key tips and strategies to help everyone increase their reach and be more effective in assisting their organization.

As the Communications Director at the Hofstra University Museum of Art, I have received great information from PRPLI  event speakers and presenters about how to effectively pitch your programs and events to the media. Often my day-to-day duties, involve reaching out to internal and external stakeholders to inform them of museum special events. I often have taken notes at PRPLI events and then look for opportunities to implement the tips that have been shared. An example is a PRPLI program that focused on storytelling and the methodology in doing it in a way that speaks to the connection between your initiative and your targeted audience. Many attendees gained valuable insights and strategies into how you turn an event theme into a story that connects to others and entices them to learn more. Other programs covered how to function as a PR Professional during a crisis and another program focused on how to properly pitch the media. In each instance, industry professionals are part of the panel discussion and are always receptive to audience questions. I have found being in attendance at various PRPLI programs has given me essential information that I can use immediately.

Besides our exhibitions and public programs, the Hofstra University Museum of Art has a very active presence in working with Hofstra students, local school districts, and community groups. The Museum is open to the public year round Tuesday – Friday from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Saturday-Sunday from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.; closed weekends from mid-May through Labor Day. There are two galleries that feature new exhibitions during the fall and spring semesters. Besides taking a closer look at the exhibitions on view, we offer family exploration activities for children from age 5-12 to do with an adult companion. There are a host of public programs that engage diverse audiences.

Please feel free to stop by the Museum and check out our exhibitions in person or visit our website at hofstra.edu/museum to browse our family programming options and our new online collection portal.  You can also stay engaged with the Museum through our various social media pages: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. We look forward to meeting visitors of all ages as we encourage them to “engage beyond the frame”.