About

The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) is the nation’s leading professional organization for the communications community. For more than 70 years, PRSA has been an advocate for industry excellence and ethical conduct, providing members with lifelong professional development resources and opportunities to build professional connections throughout their careers. 

Locally, the Buffalo Niagara Chapter connects public relations and communications professionals from across Western New York, providing value to our members through programs, webinars and other events, awards and recognition opportunities, advocacy efforts and more.

About PRSA

Chartered in 1947, PRSA is the world’s largest organization for communications professionals. With nearly 30,000 members, PRSA is represented by 110 chapters nationwide and 14 professional interest sections. In addition, nearly 375 college and university campuses host chapters of PRSA’s student organization, the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA).  

Nationally, PRSA provides members with a wealth of innovative professional development programs and resources to enhance their knowledge at every stage of their career. In addition, by earning PRSA’s Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) credential, PR practitioners can position themselves as leaders and mentors in the competitive and ever-evolving communications field.

PRSA National Statement on Public Relations

PRSA National Member Code of Ethics

The Buffalo Niagara Chapter

Founded in 1963, the Buffalo Niagara Chapter now has more than 110 members representing a variety of sectors, including agencies, nonprofits, major corporations and emerging startups, along with organizations in such industries as health care, law, education and more. Our members gain access to an online job bank and member directory, as well as discounts on chapter programs, invitations to members-only events and resources from PRSA National.

PRSA Buffalo Niagara is part of PRSA’s Northeast District, which also includes the Rochester, Finger Lakes, Central New York, Capital Region, Boston, Southeastern New England and Yankee chapters.

Join PRSA Buffalo Niagara

Networking and Professional Development

Through networking events and workshops, the Buffalo Niagara Chapter brings together everyone from entry-level professionals to independent practitioners to senior-level leaders. 

To help members develop and enhance their skills, we host several professional development programs each year, tackling topics relevant to today’s practitioner, including social media, diversity, equity and inclusion, strategic communication, crisis communication and media relations. In addition, our members enjoy happy hours and other informal opportunities to meet one another and build relationships.

Signature Events

Each year, the Buffalo Niagara Chapter recognizes the programs, projects and people that strengthen and sharpen our profession at the Excalibur Awards. Established in 1990, the Excaliburs recognize the best of the best in Western New York communications and allow members and friends to celebrate their colleagues and the impact their work has on our community. 

Every summer, the chapter hosts the Sunrise Seminars, a workshop series that takes a deep dive into a communications topic and provides attendees with valuable takeaways. Past series have focused on digital marketing and analytics, PR challenges in various industries, creative storytelling, executive leadership and communications, and more.

Volunteering

Looking to get involved? Beyond joining PRSA Buffalo Niagara and attending events, the best way to network and make the most of your membership is to dive in and join a committee. 

Chapter committees include Membership, Sponsorship/Scholarship, Accreditation, Excalibur Awards, Programming and E-Communications. The time commitment varies by committee, and we are happy to accommodate your schedule and interests. For more information, contact us at [email protected].

Contact The Chapter