The 33rd Kenneth Owler Smith Symposium, USC Annenberg’s annual overview of the public relations industry, is scheduled for April 20, from 6-7:30 p.m. This year’s theme is “New Reputation,” a discussion about the evolution of corporate reputation and ESG. The program will feature corporate leaders from companies and agencies whose work is making a positive impact on their brands and society. 

This program includes:

• Vincent Stanley, Patagonia’s in-house philosopher, and co-author of its corporate story, “The Responsible Company,” in conversation with a journalist guest
• Fred Cook, director of the USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations and chairman emeritus at Golin, sharing results of USC’s 8th annual Global Communication Report
• A panel discussion about the future of corporate reputation, and what audiences will care most about, with members of the USC Center for PR Board of Advisors and other panelists. See below for details. 

The panel will be led by moderator Chris Deri, chief corporate affairs officer at Weber Shandwick. Panelists include: 

• Catherine Frymark, executive vice president, corporate communications, Mattel
• Jonathan Adeshek, chief communications officer, IBM

The event will begin promptly at 6 p.m., followed by a Q&A session. A hosted reception for USC Annenberg students and alumni, and PRSA and IABC guests will begin at 4:30 p.m. in the Annenberg Forum. RSVP will be required. Food and beverages will be provided. 

As with previous years, the Center for PR will reserve auditorium seats for PR and journalism classes interested in attending. Please reach out to Ron Antonette at usccpr@usc.edu.

RSVP