Media Mashup 2025
Join FPRA Orlando and PRSA Orlando for Media Mashup 2025 on Friday, June 27 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., where public relations, media, and technology collide in the most impactful ways. This year’s program brings together industry leaders, local media, and communications professionals for a half day of high-energy learning and purposeful networking.
🌟 Featured Sessions
Breakfast Keynote:
PR Portals Have Opened: Behind the Launch of Epic Universe
Epic Universe is proof that theme parks don’t orbit around the same old ideas. Come along for an out of this world conversation as they share their integrated PR and communication efforts behind the most highly anticipated theme park in the past 25 years — Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe.
Alyson and Kristen will reveal the strategic PR planning, storytelling, and media engagement that helped build anticipation and buzz around the park’s opening. From immersive world-building to influencer activations and global media rollouts, discover how their team crafted a universe of excitement before the portals even opened.
When you have done PR for one of the most successful theme parks in the world, for close to two decades, there is a lot to unpack. These powerhouses have a lot of wins and lessons learned under their capes. Don’t miss out. This fireside chat will leave you spellbound!
Moderator: Leilani Vaiaoga, Communication Specialist, MetroPlan Orlando
🎙️ Alyson Sologaistoa, APR, CPRC, VP of Public Relations, Universal Orlando Resort
🎙️ Kristen Smith, Director of Public Relations, Universal Orlando Resort
*****
Breakout Session One:
Navigating AI in PR: Ethics, Bias & Practical Application
This two-part session explores how AI is changing the communications industry — and how PR professionals can respond ethically and effectively.
🎙️ Dr. John Licato, Associate Professor of Computer Science and Engineering, University of South Florida
🎙️ Bo Breuklander, Founder, Breuklander Communications
*****
Breakout Session Two:
Modern Day Media Relations: Navigating New Channels and Building Niche Communities
This panel will explore the evolving media landscape and how PR professionals can effectively engage audiences across emerging platforms. From AI's role in content creation to the rise of independent media voices — like podcasters, influencers, Substack writers, etc. — we’ll dive into how modern communicators are creating personal brands, building issue-driven communities, and redefining what media relations looks like.
Moderator: Lou Mongello, Host of WDW Radio
🎙️ Raquel Giorgio, Public Relations Manager, Walt Disney World
🎙️ Maria Wyatt-Uhl, Senior Director of Public Relations, Allied Global Marketing
🎙️Bryan Baquiran, Digital Content Editor, Orange County Convention Center
🎙️Mark Hayes, President, Stockworth Studios
*****
Lunch Keynote:
Not Your Typical Media Outlet: How Public Media Empowers our Community
As a nonprofit news organization, Central Florida Public Media is driven by mission over profit. In this session, Judith will explore how public media is an accessible source of trustworthy local news that encourages respectful conversations, empowers the community to make informed decisions, and creates genuine human connection.
Discover how Central Florida Public Media encourage locals to understand and engage with our community, nation, and world in a respectful way. Judith will also share why public media matters in today’s media landscape and how they are leading a regional news collaborative that brings competing local outlets together to work toward a more informed and engaged Central Florida.
🎙️ Judith Smelser, President & General Manager, Central Florida Public Media
*****
Speed Networking with the Media
What stories do you like to cover? How can I pitch a story to you? How do I get coverage for my story? Meet face-to-face and ask questions with local media journalists in our popular speed networking session.
Matt Trezza, Fox 35 Orlando
Tom Sweeney, Fox 35 Orlando
Caitlin Marlow, Fox 35 Orlando
Cheryn Stone, Central Florida Public Media
Michelle Spitzer, USA Today 10 Best
Farah Paret, Telemundo 31
Asher Wildman, Spectrum News 13
Sasha Teman, Spectrum News 13
Emma Delamo, Spectrum News 13
Allison Walker, Spectrum News 13
Ryan Lynch, Orlando Business Journal
Jorge Velez, Spectrum Noticias
Yanin Hansen, Osceola Star News
Geovany Dias, WFTV
Lou Mongello, WDW Radio
Isaac Babcock, Oviedo Community News
A traditional American breakfast buffet and boxed lunch is included with the purchase of one Media Mashup ticket.
Thank you to our sponsors Experience Kissimmee, Seminole State College, One|One Creative and Drip Communications for helping make this event possible!
Click the link to register. Ticket sales end on June 23: FPRA Orlando / PRSA Orlando Media Mashup 2025 Tickets, Fri, Jun 27, 2025 at 8:00 AM | Eventbrite
The Power of Strategic Communication in Transportation
Join us for an engaging conversation on the power of strategic communications and public relations in shaping the future of transportation across Central Florida.
This panel will highlight how communicators are building trust, managing public perception, and elevating the visibility of major mobility and infrastructure projects. Hear from seasoned professionals who are leading the narrative around transportation challenges, innovations, and community impact.
Moderator: Roy Reid, APR, CPRC – Chapter President
Panelists:
Kenyatta Lee, Chief of External Affairs, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority
Ashley Blasewitz, APR, Director of Media Relations, Brightline
Bob O’Malley, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, Orlando Economic Partnership
Virginia Whittington, Director of Regional Partnerships, Metro Plan Orlando
Racquel Asa, Sr. Director, External Affairs, Central Florida Expressway Authority
Thank you to our program sponsor: &Barr
Spring Social - FPRA Orlando & UCF Quotes
Spring is a time of renewal and new things are headed your way! Join us for our combined Spring Social with UCF Quotes on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 from 4:30-7:30 pm at Osphere Neighborhood Grill and Bar in Downtown Orlando on Lake Eola. At this social, you will be able to catch up with other FPRA Orlando chapter members as well as network with prospective members and students from the UCF Quotes chapter.
Learn more about the Spring Social here and please register to ensure you have secured your spot: Spring Social - FPRA Orlando & UCF Quotes Tickets, Tue, Mar 11, 2025 at 4:30 PM | Eventbrite
If you have any questions, please reach out to VP of Membership Events, Leilani Vaiaoga at Leilani.Vaiaoga@MetroPlanOrlando.gov.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Rebranding Space: How Space Florida is Shaping a New Narrative for a Changing Industry
We have entered a new era in the space industry that extends beyond just exploration to include commercial ventures and tourism. As Florida's aerospace finance and development authority, Space Florida is leading the charge in building a thriving space ecosystem to support a booming industry that is expected to reach $1.8 trillion in value within the next decade.
Hear from Alayna Curry, Director of Public Relations at Space Florida, about how they are leveraging strategic PR to reshape public perception and drive sustained growth across the state and beyond.
Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1222953188909?aff=oddtdtcreator
FPRA and PRSA Orlando Spring APR Workshops
Are you considering obtaining your accreditation in public relations (APR)? Join our Spring prep courses in partnership with PRSA Orlando to learn about the process and hear from seasoned APR professionals.
The APR credential demonstrates your commitment to the field of public relations, sets you apart from your peers, and ensures you stay current with industry best practices. Courses are offered virtually and will take place on Mondays from Feb. 3 through March 31.
Upcoming sessions:
Feb. 3: Public Relations: A Management Function + Overview of APR Process
Feb. 10: Ethics and Law
Feb. 17: RPIE Part 1
Feb. 24: RPIE Part 2
March 10: Managing Relationships
March 24: Leading the PR Function
Members need to sign up for each session individually. Click the session links to register.
If you have any questions, please reach out to VP of Credentialing, Melisa Vanderpol, APR at melisa.vanderpol@optum.com.
Holiday Mixer
Join us at Maxine’s on Shine for a members-only holiday mixer! Enjoy a festive evening filled with great food and even better company. We can’t wait to see you there!
Transforming Internal Communications with EQ
Join us for an insightful event on the future of workplace communication as Gen Z is set to outnumber Baby Boomers in the office by the end of 2024.
Discover how AdventHealth leaders have revolutionized their internal communications by incorporating the "Entertainment Quotient" (EQ) to engage this new generation of employees. Learn practical strategies for evolving traditional internal comms to better connect with Gen Z and drive meaningful results.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and transform your communication approach for the workforce of tomorrow!
Florida Fall New Member Mixer
What does a Florida Fall New Member Mixer look like? Stay tuned for registration details as the occasion grows closer. Until then, mark your calendars and save the date – Tuesday, October 15, 2024 / 5-7:30 pm!
Fall 2024 APR Virtual Prep Courses
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.