I recently had the privilege of attending the world’s largest festival of Reputation Management professionals, PRAXIS 2023, Public Relations And Corporate Communications India Summit. A remarkable two-day event that brought together over 500 PR experts from India’s major metros and beyond. The name, PRAXIS, carries the meaning of ‘to act’ or ‘to do’ in Latin, and it lived up to this motto by offering a platform for professionals to gather, learn, share, and engage. Beyond the insightful sessions, PRAXIS also added a touch of liveliness with a captivating live music performance on the first night.

Key Takeaways 

1. Storytelling: One of the most profound takeaways from PRAXIS 2023 for me, was the art of storytelling in public relations. Throughout the event, it was fascinating to witness how speakers from both India and overseas strategically built narratives that not only engaged the audience but also left a lasting impact.One standout session was the address by Roopa Unnikrishnan, Senior Vice President of Strategy & Corporate Development at IDEX Corporation, on ‘How Business Strategy Can Supercharge Your PR Efforts.’ The speaker skillfully weaved together elements of corporate strategy and PR, emphasising the critical role PR plays in shaping a company’s reputation. Her engaging narrative, filled with case studies and practical insights, served as a masterclass in aligning PR efforts with broader business objectives, and it left the audience inspired to adopt a more strategic approach to their PR endeavours.Another compelling session that stood out to me was ‘Horizon Scanning: How PR can Help Anticipate Future Trends’ by Farzana Baduel, CEO of Curzon PR where the speaker took us on a journey into the world of PR’s predictive capabilities, emphasising the importance of staying ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving landscape. It provided a testament to the fact that effective PR is not just about managing the present but also about shaping the future.

2. Networking and Collaboration: The summit provided an exceptional opportunity for networking and collaboration. Meeting fellow professionals, exchanging ideas, and forming connections that transcend geographical boundaries was invaluable. The sense of camaraderie and shared purpose among attendees was palpable, reaffirming the importance of collaboration in the PR industry.

3. Diversity and Inclusivity: It was heartening to witness the rich tapestry of individuals from various cultures and backgrounds coming together as part of the PR fraternity. This diversity not only added immense value but also brought a vibrant spectrum of perspectives, enriching the industry in a myriad of ways. It underscored the importance of inclusivity and highlighted how the collective strength of different voices and experiences can truly colour and enhance the field of public relations. 

Attending PRAXIS 2023 was an insightful and enriching experience. The summit very successfully provided a platform to learn from some of the brightest minds in the industry. The event was a powerful reminder of the artistry inherent in effective PR and the transformative potential of strategic storytelling in amplifying PR initiatives and yielding concrete outcomes. It left us all in attendance not only inspired but also well-informed and eager – to put into practice the invaluable insights we had acquired during those two remarkable days.