Usually, it is used to welcoming members into its own organisation. Today, however, the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) is officially welcomed as an institutional member of the European Public Relations Education and Research Association (EUPRERA), an autonomous organisation of almost 500 members from 40 countries.

EUPRERA’s interest lies in advancing academic research and knowledge in strategic communications. Consequently the PRCA, which promotes all aspects of public relations and communications work, is well-positioned to contribute to thought leadership and important discussion spanning across the UK to Europe. This interaction is particularly pertinent given the Brexit vote and a need to reassure communicators of the ongoing relevance of their position.

Sue Wolstenholme MPRCA, managing director for Ashley Public Relations Ltd, is the PRCA’s representative within EUPRERA, formerly representing the CIPR. Previously also the EUPRERA president for two years, and leading its jury to find the best research in communication annually for 18 years, Wolstenholme is well-placed to manage the interaction between the PRCA and EUPRERA. Wolstenholme says, “I’m delighted to be representing PRCA to my colleagues in EUPRERA and hope to encourage many of them to become involved in a number of PRCA’s initiatives."

“We are very pleased to become members of EUREPRA, which provides a hugely important role in the development of new innovative ideas in the field of PR and communications,” says Francis Ingham MPRCA, director general of the PRCA. “It is especially pleasing that we do so led by Sue, who comes with an in-depth knowledge of the association.”

The EUPRERA annual conference takes place on September 27-29 and is organised by by Aarhus University, Denmark, on the theme 'Challenging public relations research and practice.' 

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