Each spring the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) host regional activities which take place across the country. Planned, staffed and hosted by local chapters, these activities contain a variety of events that will allow attendees to improve networks, skills and abilities. This year, out of 25 nominations, 11 were selected and Drexel PRSSA was one of them.

The event titled “Bizarre PR” will be held on April 10, 2010. The idea was stemmed from the supposed “Curse of Philadelphia” which began when a gentleman’s agreement was broken in 1984. Up to this point, Philadelphia had kept its promise that no building would be taller than the brim of William Penn’s hat on top of City Hall. When One Liberty Place was built, it towered over the statue and the curse began. Over the next 24 years, zero Philadelphia sports teams won a championship. In 2008, the new tallest Philadelphia building, The Comcast Center, placed a mini statue of William Penn on top. Some say this reversed the curse and soon enough the Philadelphia Phillies won the World Series.

This experience inspired Drexel PRSSA to build an event around businesses which take part in bizarre publicity. The event specifically invites 13 colleges in the region to come listen to and interact with professionals who have experience in the Bizarre PR world. The event will be publicized nationally through PRSSA headquarters and will reach thousands of PR students across the country.

The day will consist of a key note speaker, breakout sessions, mini wing-bowl lunch, and corporate stunts panel. The night will include a social open to Philly PRSA, PPRA and IABC Philadelphia members so that students can network with professionals in their field. Both events are open to the public and anyone interested in PR, prices are to be determined depending on the amount of sponsorship/donations the group receives.

The planning members of Drexel PRSSA are looking for help from their professional mentors.  If your business is able to contribute through a donation or if you are qualified to speak on a “Bizarre PR” activity/business/event, please contact Frannie DeFranco, Drexel PRSSA President, via email at Drexel.prssa@gmail.com or by phone at 570.236.4850. Your support to make this event successful will help reinforce Philadelphia’s PR presence nationally, and contribute to the success of a local college student organization.