University of Texas Student Speaks at International Public Relations Conference in Russia

Paul Brady, a public relations student at the University of Texas at Austin, was one of several students from around the world to speak recently at the Baltic PR Weekend 2003 conference in Saint-Petersburg, Russia. The third-annual public relations conference attracted students, educators and professionals who discussed international topics and trends in the industry. This year's conference focused on ethics in public relations, and is a result of the rapidly growing field of public relations in Russia and Eastern Europe.

Brady was the only student from the United States to speak at the conference, where he discussed the evolution of public relations education in the United States, from its earliest origins as a press agentry function to its latest as a communication-management function. His topic also suggested the importance of having a universal understanding and foundation of public relations ethics when working in an international market. "By attending this conference, I realized that our public relations program is at the forefront of the emerging field of public relations. I was very excited about the opportunity to speak at a conference in such a historic city and to showcase our Program there," said Brady, a senior from Austin.

Several public relations professionals and educators spoke, including Ceyda Aydede, president of the International Public Relations Association (IPRA); Andrew Katell, vice president of Fleishman-Hillard's New York office; and Dr. Donald K. Wright, public relations professor at the University of South Alabama and the 2004 IPRA president. Ron Anderson, a public relations professor in UT's Department of Advertising, said, "Paul's presence at this conference is a great way for him to launch his career before he even graduates, and for professionals and students to learn about how UT's PR Program prepares our majors to compete internationally."

Brady was selected to speak at the Baltic PR Weekend 2003 after submitting his speech to the conference committee, who selected only six speakers to participate in the student's section of the conference. In only its third year, the Baltic PR Weekend is a joint project of the Confederation of Europe for PR (CEPR) and the Russian PR Association (RPRA). The conference was organized by SPN Granat, one of Russia's largest advertising and public relations agencies.

11/7/2003