Craig Newmark, Founder of Craigslist, to Deliver Keynote Address at PRSA 2008 International Conference for Public Relations and Communications Professionals
Newmark, Creator of the Noncommercial Community Bulletin Board and
Top-10 Internet Company, Will Share His Views on the Future of Online
Community and Commerce
NEW YORK--(Business Wire)--
The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) announced today
that Craig Newmark, founder of Craigslist, will be a keynote speaker
at the PRSA 2008 International Conference, Oct. 25-28, in Detroit.
Newmark will deliver the keynote address during the Conference's
General Session on Sunday, Oct. 26. The PRSA International Conference
is considered the world's foremost event for public relations and
communications professionals.
"Craig Newmark is one of social media's chief pioneers, moving
from visionary to legend in a few short years," said PRSA Chair & CEO
Jeffrey Julin, APR. "With Craigslist, he has not only become a
household name, but also defined a new brand of online communication
that has benefited millions around the world."
Craig Newmark
Newmark created the concept behind Craigslist in 1995 as a simple
e-mail exchange service from his bedroom computer. Today, the site has
about 10 billion page views per month, about 35 million unique
visitors and serves more than 550 cities in 55 countries. As huge as
the site has become, it remains a model of modesty and community
service, remaining true to its motto of "Give people a break."
While chairman of the company, which was incorporated in 1999,
Newmark continues to work full time as a customer service
representative, fighting off spammers, scammers, bad New York
apartment listers and other evildoers. Holding 25 years of experience
as a Web-oriented software engineer, Newmark worked for IBM for 18
years, as well as for Charles Schwab & Co. He holds a master's degree
in computer science.
PRSA 2008 International Conference
Newmark's keynote address spotlights the theme of the PRSA 2008
International Conference, "The Point of Connection." This public
relations and communications conference will offer more than 100
comprehensive Professional Development sessions led by more than 200
experts in a variety of public relations strategies and techniques.
Sessions are divided into tracks designed for optimal learning and a
focus on expertise specific to targeted members of the audience:
Innovative Strategies; Effective Tactics and Techniques;
Specialization and Practice Areas; and The Connected Profession.
Public relations and communications professionals can gain insider
strategies and techniques on the hottest topics, including social
media, new media, emerging technologies, green marketing, crisis
communications, sustainability, reputation, branding, integrated
communications -- and much more.
General Motors announced earlier this year that it will be the
premier sponsor of the PRSA 2008 International Conference. To date,
more than 45 corporations, universities and other organizations have
signed on to support the Conference. Visit www.prsa.org/conf2008 to
view the full Conference schedule and download a PDF of the Conference
brochure. The Web site provides a Conference overview, news about
keynote speakers, program details, registration information,
sponsorship opportunities, hotel and travel options, and more. As the
Conference date draws near, additional information will be added.
Online registration is now open. Register today at early bird prices
and save $200.
Other Keynote Speakers
Mitch Albom, best-selling author of "Tuesdays with Morrie," "For
One More Day," and "The Five People You Meet in Heaven"; sports
columnist and popular radio show host and ESPN analyst; founder of
metropolitan Detroit-area charities, The Dream Fund, A Time to Help
and S.A.Y. Detroit.
Penelope Trunk, author of "Brazen Careerist: The New Rules for
Success," the guide to successfully navigating the modern workplace;
blogger of the popular "Brazen Careerist: Advice at the Intersection
of Work and Life"; and syndicated columnist at the Boston Globe.
Bob Lutz, General Motors vice chairman of global product
development; blogging enthusiast on GM's "Fastlane Blog," where he
engages customers, car enthusiasts and GM executives, and receives
voluminous visitor comments and feedback.
About the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)
The Public Relations Society of America (www.prsa.org),
headquartered in New York City, is the world's largest organization
for public relations professionals with nearly 32,000 professional and
student members. PRSA is organized into 109 Chapters and 10 Districts
nationwide, and 19 Professional Interest Sections and Affinity Groups,
which represent business and industry, counseling firms, independent
practitioners, military, government, associations, hospitals, schools,
professional services firms and nonprofit organizations. The Public
Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) has 296 Chapters at
colleges and universities throughout the United States, and one
Chapter in Argentina.
The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)
Joe DeRupo, 212-460-1495
joseph.derupo@prsa.org
Copyright Business Wire 2008
