On Friday, October 30th, the 2026 MPRC Annual Conference and Meeting will explore the communications principles that endure, and the skills professionals need to succeed in a changing environment. Through a mix of Maine-based case studies, interactive workshops, and expert-led presentations, attendees will gain practical insight into building trust, measuring impact, managing stakeholder relationships, navigating difficult conversations, and keeping organizations relevant in an increasingly crowded media landscape.
Sessions will examine topics ranging from modern brand stewardship and community engagement to media training, communications measurement, influencer marketing, and reputation management. Attendees will hear firsthand how organizations have rebuilt trust during periods of significant change, how communications leaders have responded when plans did not go as expected, and how professionals can maintain credibility, composure, and strong client relationships under pressure.
Geared for public relations, communications, marketing, and public affairs professionals, as well as students preparing to enter the field, the conference offers actionable ideas, honest conversations, and opportunities to connect with colleagues from across Maine. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, learn from peers, or expand your professional network, you’ll leave with practical takeaways you can apply immediately.

9:00 Registration and Networking, Light Continental Breakfast
10:00 MPRC President’s Welcome and Opening Remarks
10:15 General Session: Grace Under Pressure: Navigating Difficult Conversations
Linda Varrell, APR – President/CEO – Broadreach Public Relations
11:00 Session A: From Campfires to Content Calendars: How Girl Scouts of Maine Keeps a 100-Year-Old Brand Relevant in Modern Maine
Laura Genese, Senior VP of Marketing and Communications, Girl Scouts of Maine

11:00 Session B: Local Voices, Real Results: The New Playbook for Influencer Marketing
Greg Glynn, APR – Founder & CEO of Pliable Marketing
Crystal Brown, Board Member/Chair of Aroma Joe’s Coffee
12:00 Lunch & Networking (45 minutes)
12:45 MPRC Annual Meeting & Awards (15 minutes)
1:00 Panel A: Rebuilding Trust While Implementing Transformative Change
Julie Rabinowitz, Communications Director at General Dynamics – Bath Iron Works
David Hench, Communications Principal at General Dynamics – Bath Iron Works
Jake Harriman, Manager of Facilities Strategic Capital, General Dynamics – Bath Iron Works
David Plumb, Senior Mediator at Consensus Building Institute
1:00 Panel B: When Things Shift: What We Wish We Knew Earlier
Paula Stanton, Vice President of Client Services at Broadreach Public Relations
Ted Varipatis, Director of Communications and Media Relations at Serra Public Affairs
2:00 Session A: Prepared for Anything: A Practical Media Training Workshop for Communications Professionals
T.J. Winick, Founder and President of Essex Strategies
2:00 Session B: Stop Counting What You Did. Start Measuring What Changed
Katie Paine, CEO and Founder, Paine Publishing
3:00 MPRC Closing Remarks & Raffle