Join the Emerald Coast Public Relations Organization (ECPRO) for “Press Pass to Public Information Officer,” a compelling Lunch and Learn session that explores the evolving world of communication through the eyes of those who have lived it from both sides.

Our guest speakers, Nick Tomecek and Devon Ravine, both former NWF Daily News journalists turned Public Information Officers, will share insights from their journeys, covering breaking news in the newsroom to now crafting strategic messaging for local government.

Instagram Reels allows businesses and organizations to reach a wider audience through engaging, short-form video content. Brands can use Reels to enhance visibility, increase follower growth, and foster a stronger connection with their audience. Our guest speaker is Cali Hlavac, Digital Marketing Specialist and Entrepreneur, Sassy Tangerine Creative and To Do in Destin.

With younger professionals bringing fresh digital strategies and seasoned team members offering deep industry insights, a deliberate approach to communication ensures that knowledge flows seamlessly between them. Our guest speakers for this event are Shantelle Dedicke, President and Chief Creative Officer, and Jacie Chandler, Digital Coordinator, of Frances Roy Agency.

ECPRO Presents a Panel Discussion on “Local News in Okaloosa County” Featuring Local Reporters

Local news serves as the backbone of communities worldwide, providing essential information that impacts daily lives. The significance of local journalism cannot be overstated, as it fosters community engagement, holds local authorities accountable, and helps maintain an informed citizenry. Please join ECPRO for a Lunch and Learn on April 8, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce.

ECPRO Presents “Amplify Your Voice, Share Your Story” featuring Dr. Monica Sanford, DNP, host of The Monica Sanford Show on March 11, 2025.

Her team’s Every School Day Counts campaign was awarded Best of Show at the 2024 Lantern Awards. Now hear from Jean Cook, APR, from the Mississippi Department of Education on this award-winning campaign. Join us for the Q1 SPRF Professional Development Webinar on February 19 at 2:00 p.m. CST.

ECPRO Presents "Turning Words Into Action” Featuring Samantha Sanabria, Conversion Copywriter and Owner of Period and Pen, February 11, 2025.

Join ECPRO members and guests for our annual holiday party at Longhorn Steakhouse in Fort Walton Beach on Tuesday, December 10, at 6:00 pm.

Join ECPRO for "Handcrafting Your Book" by author and speaker, the legendary Bill Matthews, on November 12 at 11:30 am at the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce.

Join ECPRO’s Lunch & Learn featuring guest speakers, Laura Hussey and Will Estell, in “Married to Media” on October 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Greater Ft. Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce!

Register for our third Leadership Lab Q&A panel on Tuesday, September 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce. Our panel participants, Faith Ellisor, Kelly Jasen, Neko Stubblefield, and Chanda Ryan, will provide professional insights and answer questions covering the areas of public relations, marketing, and business leadership.

Join ECPRO guests and members on Tuesday, August 13 from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm for Eddie Mansfield’s presentation on “Messages that Matter” at the Greater Ft. Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce.

Join ECPRO’s Lunch & Learn featuring guest speaker, Edward Mitchell III, who will provide headshots (10:30 to 11:30 a.m.) and a photography workshop (11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) on Tuesday, July 9 at the Greater Ft. Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce. Space is limited - register in advance!

Join Emerald Coast Public Relations Organization (ECPRO)’s June Lunch & Learn featuring guest speaker, Skip Orth, who will give a presentation on effectively marketing your brand.

Skip Orth is an entrepreneur who has started several businesses and is currently the owner and CEO of Father and Son Pest and Lawn Solutions, a multi-million-dollar lawn and pest business in Northwest Florida.

Register for our second Leadership Lab Q&A panel on Tuesday, May 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce. Our panel participants, Willie Collins, Kari Painter, Randall Forsythe, and Vatema Ivy, will provide professional insights and answer questions covering the areas of public relations, marketing, and business leadership.

Join Emerald Coast Public Relations Organization (ECPRO)’s April Lunch & Learn featuring guest speaker, Darra Flanagan, who will give a presentation on social responsibility and community engagement.

Join Emerald Coast Public Relations Organization (ECPRO)’s March Lunch & Learn featuring guest speaker, Tim Bolduc, who will give a presentation focused on developing leaders.

Join Emerald Coast Public Relations Organization (ECPRO)’s February Lunch & Learn featuring guest speaker, Sam Poppell, who will give a presentation focused on effective storytelling and measurement.

Join ECPRO for its Leadership Lab Q&A panel on Tuesday, January 9 at the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce. The guests, which include Stephanie Wedel, Skip Orth, Chris Torres, and Tiffany Orner, will provide professional insights and answer questions covering the areas of public relations, marketing and business leadership.

You’re invited to our annual holiday party on December 5 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the Bob Hope Village Welcome Center in Ft. Walton Beach! Tickets for the event, which includes a dinner, a holiday gift exchange, Christmas-themed trivia, and ‘Carol-oke,’ are $35 per person or $65 per couple. Join us for a jolly good networking time!

Join Emerald Coast Public Relations Organization (ECPRO)’s November Lunch & Learn featuring guest speaker, Shawn Nickel, who will give a presentation focused on career development and the provision of practical advice.

Join ECPRO’s October Lunch & Learn featuring guest speaker, Dr. Randy Bobbitt, who will give a presentation entitled, “Public Relations Ethics: What You Do When No One is Watching.” Dr. Bobbitt will cover five salient themes that concern ethical conduct in PR.

Join us for Emerald Coast Public Relations Organization (ECPRO)’s September Lunch & Learn featuring guest speaker, Sabrina McLaughlin, APR, who will speak about “Messages That Matter: Measuring Engagement, Results, & Perception.”

Join us for Emerald Coast Public Relations Organization (ECPRO)’s August Lunch & Learn featuring guest speaker, Lisa Darnell, APR, who will speak about the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR). Her presentation is entitled, "APR: 5 W’s, an H and a bonus Who."

Meet the ECPRO Board and mingle with our August featured speaker, Lisa Darnell, APR on August 7 from 5:30-6:30pm at the Island hotel! This complimentary after hours networking event is open to the public and capacity is limited to the first 100 who RSVP through Eventbrite.

Join us for Emerald Coast Public Relations Organization (ECPRO)’s July's Lunch & Learn with guest speaker, Maureen Bierman, who will speak about the importance of internal communications in PR.

ECPRO’s June Lunch & Learn Speaker is Amariles Rosado, who will cover the role of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in public relations.

ECPRO’s May Lunch and Learn Speaker is Willie Collins, who will provide practical career advice for any age.

Join us for Emerald Coast Public Relations Organization (ECPRO)’s April Lunch & Learn with guest speaker, Christie Solomon, MBA, who will identify 10 components of a proactive crisis communication plan that every organization should have on-hand. Although predicting a true crisis is nearly impossible, the consequences of one can be mitigated with a proactive, forward-looking crisis management plan.