Attending PRSSA ICON, the ultimate international conference for public relations students, can be a game-changing experience for your chapter and yourself. It's an opportunity to learn from industry leaders, network with professionals and other students, and gain invaluable skills that will help you succeed in your future career. However, attending a conference can be expensive, which is why fundraising is a crucial aspect of preparing for ICON.
Here are some tips and tricks for fundraising for your chapter's trip to PRSSA ICON:
Start Early
The earlier you start fundraising, the more time you have to reach your goals. Start by setting a fundraising goal and breaking it into smaller, achievable targets. This will help you stay on track and motivate your team.
Host a Fundraising Event
Hosting a fundraising event is a great way to engage your community and raise money. Consider organizing a bake sale, car wash, or silent auction. You can also partner with local businesses to host a charity night or receive a portion of their profits for a certain period of time. PRSSA National has a slew of unique ideas in its fundraising and sponsorship guide. Get creative!
Sell Merchandise
Selling merchandise representing your chapter or PRSSA ICON can be a great way to raise funds. T-shirts, hats, and other items can be sold to members and supporters to raise money. To maximize your sales, ensure the items are of good quality and design. Our chapter has had great success using platforms like Bonfire to manage our t-shirt sales without the hassle of delivery. This way, we can focus on promoting our fundraising efforts and generating more sales.
Apply for Grants and Scholarships
Many grants and scholarships are available to help fund student trips to conferences like PRSSA ICON. Check with your university student government association, department, or career center for available funding opportunities. PRSSA National also offers scholarships for ICON. Check those out now!
Utilize Corporate Sponsorship
Corporate sponsorship is a great way to raise funds for your trip. Identify companies that align with PRSSA's mission and goals and reach out to them with a proposal for sponsorship. In return, you can offer advertising opportunities, recognition, or other benefits.
Host a Virtual Event
Hosting a virtual fundraising event is an effective way to engage a wider audience beyond your local community. Consider hosting a virtual trivia night, talent show, or webinar featuring industry leaders. You can sell tickets to access exclusive content or have a donate button available during the event. This is a great way to incorporate fundraising into existing programming without planning a separate event solely for raising money.
Utilize Online Tools
In today's digital age, online fundraising platforms are a great way to reach a wider audience and make it easy for people to support your cause. Websites like GoFundMe, Kickstarter, and Indiegogo allow you to set up a page and share it on social media to collect donations from friends, family, and strangers. This is a great way to raise funds individually, separate from chapter efforts.
Tap into Alumni Networks
Your chapter's alumni network can be an excellent resource for fundraising. Reach out to alumni who have attended PRSSA ICON in the past and ask for their support. Alumni may be willing to donate or share your fundraising page with their own networks. You can also consider creating an alumni-specific fundraising campaign to engage this group specifically.
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Attending PRSSA ICON is an incredible opportunity for your chapter to learn, network, and gain valuable skills, but it does require a financial investment. With the help of these fundraising tips and tricks, you can raise the necessary funds to make the most of your conference experience. Don't miss this chance to boost your chapter's professional development and enhance your future career prospects.
If you'd like additional support to help your chapter fundraise for PRSSA ICON, we're here to help! Our committee members are available to attend your upcoming chapter meeting and provide guidance on successful fundraising strategies. Simply email us at PRSSA@memphis.edu to request a committee member to attend your meeting.
Ready to register for ICON? Visit this link: https://www.prsa.org/prsa/events/prssa-2023-international-conference