Conference organizer Kane Consulting says that it’s now a “brave new world” in public relations. And to help managers of local businesses and PR practitioners alike better understand how “new hybrid media forms” are changing the game, it’s organized an event that includes a national speaker who’s an expert on the subject.
Called “PR 2.0: The New Tools of the Trade,” the event will be held Monday July 13 from 8:00 am till 4:00 pm at the Westin Galleria, 3201 Galleria, in Edina, MN 55435. 
The keynote presenter is Jason Kintzler, founder and CEO of PitchEngine, “a social media release service” that enables PR professionals to package stories and share them with journalists, bloggers, and influencers via the social web.
Jennifer Kane, founder of Kane Consulting (pictured here at left with colleague Kary Delaria), said in announcing the event, “If you’re in the business of sharing facts, telling stories, starting conversations, and monitoring dialogue about your company or client, this is stuff you need to know.” 
The conference will also feature eight breakout sessions reflecting the most cutting edge and innovative thinking on how to navigate this rapidly changing industry.
Breakout sessions include:
• “Using Social Media Behind the Firewall” – Gary Koelling, Best Buy, and Cameron Gross, GreaterThan Media, a consultant to Best Buy.
• “Pitching Using New Media Tools” – Eva Keiser, Senior Vice President, Risdell McKinney Public Relations.
• “Online Reputation Management” – Greg Swan, Digital Strategy Manager, Weber Shandwick Digital Communications.
• “Incorporating Podcasts and Video Into Your Marketing and PR Mix” – Albert Maruggi, founder of Provident Partners and Producer of the Marketing Edge podcast.
• “Self Publishing for PR” – Arik Hanson, ACH Communications/Chief Blogger, Communications Conversations.
• “How to Monitor Your Brand Through Social Media Channels” – Connie Benson, Chief Community Officer, Techrigy.
• “Optimizing Content of Press Releases and Beyond” – Jolina Pettice, Senior Account Manager, TopRank Online Marketing.
• “Small Brands. Big Results” – Blois Olson, Executive Vice President, Tunheim Partners.
In addition, there will be open lab periods where attendees can network with others and explore new online PR and marketing tools and applications.
The organizers tell me that remaining space is limited, but registration may still be available as you read this. To register and see the list of those attending to date, here’s the PR 2.0 event registration page. You can also see the press release for the event here: a PitchEngine release, of course!
Can’t make the event but still want to schmooze?
You’re in luck. Kane Consulting also announced they’re holding a “TweetUp” after the conference from 6:00 to 9:00 pm at Tavern on France! You may have seen some buzz about this on our local Social Media Breakfast (SMBmsp) site — well, now it’s official. It’s your chance to meet Jason Kintzler of PitchEngine and hob-nob with the local PR digerati. But you must RSVP here for the TweetUp. It’s open to all. There’s no cost to attend this evening gathering, and you can simpy order food and drinks off the menu.
See ya there!