The World Public Relations Forum (WPRF), initiated in 2001 in Rome, seeks to unify and link public relations professionals and the Global Alliance member associations representing them.

For the first time in history the WPRF will be coming to Australia - hosted by the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA) and coinciding with their annual national conference. Held every two years, the forum brings together the world's leading communicators to present new methods, research and ideas in the field of professional communication.

The WPRF has become a unique networking opportunity to gather public relations professionals with academics and students from around the globe - and in the process achieve important outcomes for the advancement of the profession and share good practice. Outcomes at previous conferences have included the Manifesto on Public Relations and Diversity issued at the 2nd WPRF held in Trieste, Italy 2004, and the Letter of Brazil, presented after the 3rd WPRF in Brasilia, 2006.

There is a consistent focus on ethics and regulation standards in Global Public Relations and Communication Management present at each of the Forums. Noted speakers at previous forums have included Dr Klaus Schwab, World Economic Forum founder and Executive Chairman who delivered the distinguished Capstone address in 2010 on 'A post-crisis approach to corporate responsibility'.

Global Alliance for PR and Communication Management Chair Elect Daniel Tisch announced Australia as the host for the 2012 Forum at the 2010 PRIA National Conference in Darwin.

Mr Tisch said the PRIA bid, submitted at the 2010 World Public Relations Forum in Stockholm, stood out from the rest.

'Australia is one of the world's most advanced and innovative public relations markets and PRIA's bid was both comprehensive and compelling.' Mr Tisch said. 'The Global Alliance is excited to join PRIA in welcoming the world's top communicators to Melbourne in 2012.'

Former National PRIA President Robina Xavier said the 2012 event in Melbourne would increase the recognition and value of public relations in Australia. 'The 2012 World Public Relations Forum will bring public relations to the fore and go a long way towards advocating its value in Australian workplaces and communities and enhance professionalism,' Ms Xavier said.

 

'We're very proud the 2012 event will be held in Melbourne and look forward to welcoming the world's professional communicators to Australia to continue the global discussion on key issues that impact our practice.'

Melbourne Convention Visitor Bureau Chief Executive Office Sandra Chipchase said hosting the 2012 World Public Relations Forum is a coup for Melbourne.

'MCVB is delighted to have worked with the PRIA to secure this prestigious business event for Melbourne,' Ms Chipchase said.

'We look forward to welcoming public relations professionals from around the world to Melbourne, providing an opportunity to share local PR knowledge, and adding to this by sharing industry best practice and ideas garnered from hundreds of people from around the world.'

Join us at the 7th World Public Relations Forum in Melbourne, 18-20 November 2012, and shape the next era of public relations. 

 

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