FPRA Annual Conference: My Thoughts on Harold Burson's "Dillin Keynote"
On Public Affairs and WW II:
FPRA Founding President John W. Dillin, APR, CPRC would have taken pride in Mr. Burson's roots in the profession. John and six others founded this association in 1938 ... prior to World War II. One of the roles John played in his WW II tour in the Air Force was the development of the public affairs concept in the armed services. He was quite proud of having had a hand in that military communications function.
Women's Dominance of the Public Relations field:
Mr. Burson has witnessed public relations evolve from a field dominated by men to today's 85/15% female/male practitioners. He noted that he felt more gender balance (closer to 50/50) would be in order. You can also see the evolution of the field in the past-president's gavel passing line (not that its scientifically relevant). I'd like to learn what our female practitioners feel is/are the reason(s) for the gender disparity? Are "salary levels" causing men to pursue other professions?
A "Fine" Situation:
Last but not least ... to the individual whose cell phone rang during Mr. Burson's remarks ... they make those things with both a vibrate setting and an on and off switch. I would suggest to the FPRA Board that a $50 fine be levied against anyone whose phone audibly rings in a conference session -- payable to the FPRA Scholarship fund for use in scheduling sessions on telephone etiquette and common courtesy. The Counselor's Network has had such a policy for several years.
