Join the Philadelphia Public Relations Association for a virtual Lunch & Learn featuring members of the Villanova University Public Relations team. This session will spotlight how regional communications teams are navigating some of Philadelphia’s most high-profile PR moments and what fellow PR professionals can learn from their approach.

Villanova’s team will share a behind-the-scenes case study on their preparation for and response to the announcement of the Pope and his connection to the university. From advance planning and internal coordination to managing a surge of media interest across regional, national and international outlets, this conversation will explore what it takes to respond effectively when a major news moment hits.

Topics will include proactive preparation (including spokesperson readiness and key messaging), managing inbound media requests at scale, leveraging positive attention beyond reactive media response, and lessons learned that could inform future high-profile situations.

Whether you work in corporate communications, higher education, agency PR, or nonprofit communications, you’ll leave with practical insights on planning, agility, and reputation management in real time.

Speakers and Moderator

Moderator: Melissa Paone, Executive Director of Marketing & Communications at Neumann University and Past President of PPRA

Speakers: Krissy Woods, Director of Public Relations at Villanova University and Kenny Ayres, Assistant Director of Public Relations at Villanova University