How unfortunate that the Public Relations Institute of SA (PRISA) has had to postpone its annual national conference due to low bookings. But for a body tasked with communications to issue a statement citing the recent xenophobic violence and "unrest" (its words) in Gauteng as the sole reason for low bookings, is highly irresponsible and so damaging to our country's image in a climate when most other marketing and communications organisations are busy with damage control for 2010 and just getting on with the job in these challenging times. PRISA tried a new format for the conference this year, with a complicated programme that included topics not strictly related directly to the PR industry. And what with the current strain on the economy, the high annual fees and training in the industry by organisations such as PRISA and other industry related events, it is no wonder there was a low turnout, especially when the programme seemed to miss the mark somewhat. Industry organisations like PRISA need to stick to the knitting in economically-challenged times like this and focus on training and real needs in the industry, not four-day conferences that appeal to a minority. I doubt very much that the fact that fear of travelling to Gauteng - as claimed by PRISA - is the main reason for local PR practitioners not turning up. My extremely full work diary - including a host of clients from around the country - would belie that fact alone. In fact, those events that took place in the week of the worst of the violence, remained oversubscribed. On a happier note, Bizcommunity.com wants to know what you think of us! Our reader survey launches today - with prizes for all who take part, thanks to our sponsor, Token Secrets. Your opinion and input will help inform exciting developments planned for later this year.
Keep warm! Louise Marsland, editor: editor@bizcommunity.com. All marketing news to: marketingnews@bizcommunity.com. Responses to this column welcome on our blog: http://blog.bizcommunity.com.