March 2026 Newsletter 
President's Report
March always feels like a turning point. The days get a little longer, energy starts to shift, and it’s a great reminder of how important connection is—especially within our PRSA community.
Recently, the executive board spent a half day together focused on connecting, sharing ideas, and planning for the year ahead. Those conversations were focused on one thing: making sure we’re creating meaningful experiences and valuable professional development opportunities for you, our members.
As we look to spring and beyond, there’s a lot to be excited about. From upcoming programs to new ways to connect and learn from one another, I hope you’ll stay engaged—join an event, volunteer, or simply reach out and reconnect with someone in the PRSA community.
PRSA is strongest when our members are involved, and I’m grateful for the energy, ideas, and passion you bring. I’m looking forward to a great spring together and hope to see you soon.
Katie Archer
Programming
upcoming events
Meet the Media - Cleveland Digital Influencers
Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Park Place Technologies, Cleveland, OH
Meet the people behind Cleveland's most viral local culture content! We're excited to welcome a panel of Cleveland's top social media influencers who are making waves online. Guests will have the opportunity to network and share digital storytelling ideas with our experts and other pros from across the Greater Cleveland area.
Whether you’re looking to build your network or just curious about what's next for Cleveland's social media scene, join us to learn more about the trends and strategies being shaped by key players in our vibrant local digital community. Coffee and light refreshments will be served. Additional details on speaker lineup coming soon!
Register here: Meet the Media - Cleveland Digital Influencers Tickets, Tuesday, Mar 31 from 9:30 am to 11 am | Eventbrite
Ready for the APR? Next steps, cost and how to build your support network
Tuesday, April 28 at Noon to 1:00 p.m. - Remote
Learn more about the process and benefits of Accreditation from current APRs. Considering taking the next step in APR Accreditation? Don't miss this information session!
Accredited PR professionals will help demystify the APR process in this interactive virtual forum. We'll discuss recent changes and updates from the Universal Accredition Board and provide tips for success in passing the panel and exam. Local APRs will also be available for further connection and mentorship of candidates.
Free for PRSA members, $25 for guests. View additional accreditation resources at prsacleveland.org.
Register here: Ready for the APR? Next steps, cost and how to build your support network Tickets, Tuesday, Apr 28 from 12 pm to 1 pm EDT | Eventbrite
Monthly Blog
We (and ai) did it: storytelling is great again!
By Charlie Hatch,
It was this month six years ago when Covid came crashing onto American shores, halting business and society as we knew it.
Thought leaders said we entered a “new normal” – one where businesses and individuals would need to “pivot” and become “adaptable.”
Enter March 2026 … and it still feels that way. No, we’re not battling a pandemic, thankfully. But with each passing day – and with each LLM update – things are flipped upside down.
On Feb. 22, Citrini Research published “THE 2028 GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE CRISIS,” highlighting what society might resemble in two years if AI is as innovative as expected. The next day, $700 billion was wiped away on the stock market. (Spark Note’s version: Many of us would lose more than our jobs.)
A month from today, the current preferred LLM will likely be replaced by another – one with better updates and newfound use cases. If it’s not Gemini, it’s Claude. Or – maybe it’s ChatGPT again. (Don’t forget about DeepSeek.)
Yet, amidst this “new normal,” everyone can agree on one thing: Storytelling is important again (for everyone outside of comms).
Back in December, the Wall Street Journal wrote, “Companies Are Desperately Seeking ‘Storytellers.’ Five days later, our mates across the pond at The Guardian said, “Storytellers: how the world’s oldest job became the hottest new corporate job title.” (Note: The world’s oldest job shouldn’t be confused with the world's oldest profession.)
The future is unwritten when it comes to AI’s impact on our jobs and our responsibilities, but it’s clear what we – and brands say – has never been more important.
Mentorship Program
Accelerate Your PR Career with a Mentor
Early-career PR can be exciting and overwhelming. Mastering writing, pitching, and media strategy is essential, but having someone to guide you through real-world challenges can make all the difference.
That’s where the Greater Cleveland PRSA Mentorship Program comes in.
Why It Helps
Mentorship gives you:
- Personalized advice from seasoned PR pros
- Honest, objective feedback
- Practical insights on everything from pitching to crisis comms
How It Works
- Mentees: 1–5 years of experience
- Mentors: 7+ years in the field
- Six-month program with monthly meetups
- Flexible format tailored to each pair
Many participants build connections that last well beyond the program.
Ready to Grow?
Take the next step in your PR journey and build relationships that will support your career for years to come. Learn more: prsacleveland.org/Mentorship_Program
Anniversaries
Congratulations to those who reached another year with the Chapter in February and March!
Reminders
Send your company or professional news!
Do you have company PR, marketing, and/or communications milestones to share with the Chapter? Send your news and updates to Samantha Farland, VP Communications/President Elect at [email protected] to be featured!
interested in speaking opportUNITIES?
Contact Briana Cooper at [email protected] for details.
