Annual Minnesota PRSA Conference Will Feature Former AT&T Communications Leader and CNN.com Executive Producer.

MINNEAPOLIS -- Two internationally known speakers will headline the one-day 2004 Professional Practices Conference presented by the Minnesota chapter of the Public Relations Society of Americas (PRSA) Sept. 15 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Minneapolis.

Dick Martin, former executive vice president of public relations for AT&T, is the luncheon keynote speaker. Martin's presentation, "Say Goodbye to the Rah-Rah Brotherhood and Sisterhood: Hard-won Lessons from the Telecom War," will highlight his witness to the greatest technological change and business upheaval within any modern-day American industry. Martin was in his role at AT&T for more than three decades. The American Management Association will publish his book, Tough Calls -- AT&T and Lessons Learned in the Telecom Wars, this Oct.

The conference's breakfast keynote speaker will be Mitch Gelman, senior vice president and executive producer for CNN.com. When Ted Turner founded Cable News Network (CNN) in 1980, it was hailed as an innovative resource for news from around the world. Globally, through its combined branded networks and services, CNN is available to more than 1 billion people in more than 220 nations. Gelman, who has worked at CNN world headquarters in Atlanta since 2001, will explain how and why CNN is as relevant and important today as it's ever been.

Featuring a strong lineup of presenters from leading local and national businesses, the conference -- centered on the theme of "one plan, one goal, one reputation, one conference" -- addresses topics and strategies for every practitioner regardless of employer type or business communications experience. The conference offers a Master's Track, which includes discussions and sessions aimed at senior-level communications professionals, a Skills Track, and roundtable discussions exploring team-building, multicultural marketing and communication, media relations, communication measurement, writing, business ethics, crisis communications and client services.

All prepaid registrants will receive complimentary parking. To register, visit www.mnprsa.com or call 651-917-6244.

Minnesota PRSA is among the top 10 largest chapters of the international Public Relations Society of America. The chapter is composed of more than 440 corporate, agency, non-profit and government public relations professionals who are among 20,000 members nationwide.