Time to go

So, we're beyond the fence-sitters and the financially strapped.

Now, I'm left with only this: Will you kick yourself for missing it?

I'm speaking, of course, about the PRSA 2009 International Conference set to begin this weekend in San Diego.

If you haven't heard the latest news: Admiral Mike Mullen, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is a last-minute addition to the Monday general session. Whoa. How many times have we seen the Chairman at an event like this? How many times has he been speaking in public?

The other last-minute addition is to Sunday's opening session when guest speaker Arianna Huffington interviews health-care advocate Wendell Potter, APR.

OK, so the military has one of the biggest public affairs/public information departments and the head guy is speaking to us. On top of that, we have one of the biggest "insiders" to how the health care debate is being scripted.

And, you are not going?

Single-day tickets are still available. Bargain hotel room rates still available. Airline travel is still cheap.

You have to ask yourself: What is the one thing that will give me a truly competitive advantage going into 2010? How about this conference?

80+ sessions over four days. Exclusive speakers. Networking with thousands of your colleagues. No audio tapes for sale - so you must go in person to gain the advantage.