June 2026 Newsletter 
Calendar of Events
Free Event This Week!
If I Knew Then What I Know Now: Meet The Pros Who Built Cincinnati's PR Community
Date: Thursday, June 18, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Location: Sam Adams Taproom OTR, 1727 Logan Street, Cincinnati OH 45202 (corner of Central Parkway & Logan Street).
No charge to attend, but registration is requested. Snacks provided; cash bar available.
What to Expect: Don’t miss this rare opportunity to meet and mingle with some of Cincinnati’s most accomplished PR pros, past presidents, current chapter leaders and newer members. Come for happy hour and chat around the room to hear Cincy PR stories and lessons learned for a long and rewarding PR career.
Co-presented by the Cincinnati PRSA New Pros Committee.
Special thanks to food sponsor Scooter Media and host site Sam Adams Taproom OTR.
2026 Blacksmith Awards Virtual Info Session
Date: Friday, June 26, 1 - 2 p.m.
Location: Virtual
What to Expect: Join us for a free virtual info session covering this year’s updates to the Blacksmith Awards and the 2026 Chapter Banquet. Hear from past winners and judges, who will share insights and tips for crafting a standout entry. Attendees will also receive a discount on one Blacksmith entry and be entered to win a complimentary ticket to the Chapter Banquet.
Save The Date!
Double Feature! Non-Profit PR speaker and Queen City Book Bank Volunteer Event
Date: August 19
Location: Queen City Book Bank, 1200 Gest St, Cincinnati, OH 45203
Kick off the morning with a professional development session, Mission vs. Margin: What Nonprofit and For-Profit Communicators Can Learn From Each Other (9–10 a.m.), exploring how PR pros can bridge strategies across sectors—from storytelling and media relations to trust-building and crisis communications.
Then, stay to make an impact: from 10 a.m.–noon, join fellow PRSA volunteers for a hands-on community service project at Queen City Book Bank, including a behind-the-scenes tour and support with book sorting and organization.
Watch for more details and registration information coming soon!
Ethics Moment
Ethics Moment: Is Native Advertising Eroding Trust?
By Shara Clark, APR, Cincinnati PRSA Ethics Director
Audiences have become exceptionally good at ignoring advertising, and media outlets have been creative about finding other ways to monetize content to support their operations. This includes all types of native advertising opportunities. By blending sponsored content into the look and feel of editorial platforms, native ads deliver a less disruptive experience for the reader and often stronger engagement.
As the lines between journalism, marketing and branded storytelling continue to blur, communicators face an important question, are native ads quietly eroding credibility?
Reads and Resources
On the Blog: Top 8 Takeaways from May’s Media Training Strategies Panel
By Melissa Currence
In May 2026, PRSA Cincinnati brought together experienced reporters, agency leaders, and veteran trainers to share practical advice for preparing spokespeople and shaping media coverage.
Thanks to our panelists Evan Millward, communications consultant and longtime TV news anchor; Regina Carswell Russo, founder and CEO of RRight Now Communications and Lauren Vogel, APR, VP of client services at Scooter Media; and moderator Cincinnati PRSA’s president elect, David Honchul, APR, Fellow PRSA.
Here are the eight most actionable takeaways communications pros should use right away.
PRSA East Central District shines the Chapter Spotlight on Cincinnati PRSA
For the month of June, the PRSA East Central District shines the Chapter Spotlight on Cincinnati PRSA! Check it out for some fun facts, history and quotes from Chapter President, Suzanne Boys!
Take a small step to get involved! 
We’re forming a committee to help shape chapter monthly programming. It’s an easy, meaningful way to support the Cincinnati chapter with only a minimal time commitment. Contact Holly Sulek Ingram, APR at [email protected]
PRSA Public Affairs & Government Section hosting 2026 Summit in Covington - June 24-26
This event, held at Embassy Suites by Hilton Cincinnati RiverCenter, is more than just a conference for government communicators. It's perfect for those of us at the local, state or federal, of course, but also a great opportunity for those in the military, first responder, non-profit, environmental, utility or agency capacities.
Kudos and Congrats
Did you land a new job? Were you recognized for your outstanding work? Did your pitch land a great media placement? Please write to [email protected]
Job Listings
Are you trying to fill a role in your organization? Are you seeking a new position? Check out the Cincinnati PRSA Job Board! Positions are posted for three months. Check out open positions or fill out the form to post your open role today.
