As the outgoing PPRA president, I wanted to share my reflections on our last year without taking up time from the busy program at our recent Annual Meeting Reception, so I decided to put a Top 10 list together for our blog.

Some of you may recall that 2016 is “My (Leap) Year of Firsts” – meaning I’m daring myself to try something new for the first time every single day this year.  Since PPRA’s calendar year is mid-year to mid-year, here are my Top 10 firsts from our 2015-2016 PPRA programming year:

1. Founding the PPRA Sylvia Kauders 50-Year Club
2. Jeff Jubelirer’s Hall of Fame Luncheon
3. Mayor Nutter performing Rapper’s Delight and Mighty Writer Christian Precise reading her poetry at the Gold Medal Luncheon
4. Greeting Card Workshop at Magic Gardens
5. Launching the Firm Founders Series
6. Grape Expectations outdoor fashion sketches at City Tavern
7. Launching Networking 101 at CBS 3
8. The “Meet the Messengers” breakfast panel with Mayor Kenney’s communications team
9. “Kicking” off our exclusive in-studio breakfast program at CBS 3 with Margaret Cronan (and our matching boots)
10. Lu Ann Cahn (a.k.a. the inspiration behind the “firsts”) interviewing Philadelphia Media Network Publisher Terry Egger

There were a lot more highlights, but the reason I’m emphasizing these experiences is because they were all “firsts” for PPRA.  We were not afraid to take risks and try some things differently.  For example, we revamped PResence – PPRA’s monthly e-newsletter – and the open rate has nearly peaked at 50 percent.  What were your favorite #PPRAfirsts from this year?

Furthermore, I would like to sincerely thank our PPRA members for their support and dedication.  It truly has been amazing to experience these “firsts” and grow with my PPRA family.  Thanks to all for the memories that will last.      

Meredith Z. Avakian-Hardaway is the immediate past-president of the Philadelphia Public Relations Association and director of communications and marketing at the Philadelphia Bar Association.  Connect with her on LinkedIn or follow her on Twitter at @MZApoetry.