Join FPRA Orlando and PRSA Orlando for Media Mashup 2025 on Friday, June 27 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., where public relations, media, and technology collide in the most impactful ways. This year’s program brings together industry leaders, local media, and communications professionals for a half day of high-energy learning and purposeful networking.
🌟 Featured Sessions
Breakfast Keynote:
PR Portals Have Opened: Behind the Launch of Epic Universe
Epic Universe is proof that theme parks don’t orbit around the same old ideas. Come along for an out of this world conversation as they share their integrated PR and communication efforts behind the most highly anticipated theme park in the past 25 years — Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe.
Alyson and Kristen will reveal the strategic PR planning, storytelling, and media engagement that helped build anticipation and buzz around the park’s opening. From immersive world-building to influencer activations and global media rollouts, discover how their team crafted a universe of excitement before the portals even opened.
When you have done PR for one of the most successful theme parks in the world, for close to two decades, there is a lot to unpack. These powerhouses have a lot of wins and lessons learned under their capes. Don’t miss out. This fireside chat will leave you spellbound!
Moderator: Leilani Vaiaoga, Communication Specialist, MetroPlan Orlando
🎙️ Alyson Sologaistoa, APR, CPRC, VP of Public Relations, Universal Orlando Resort
🎙️ Kristen Smith, Director of Public Relations, Universal Orlando Resort
*****
Breakout Session One:
Navigating AI in PR: Ethics, Bias & Practical Application
This two-part session explores how AI is changing the communications industry — and how PR professionals can respond ethically and effectively.
🎙️ Dr. John Licato, Associate Professor of Computer Science and Engineering, University of South Florida
🎙️ Bo Breuklander, Founder, Breuklander Communications
*****
Breakout Session Two:
Modern Day Media Relations: Navigating New Channels and Building Niche Communities
This panel will explore the evolving media landscape and how PR professionals can effectively engage audiences across emerging platforms. From AI's role in content creation to the rise of independent media voices — like podcasters, influencers, Substack writers, etc. — we’ll dive into how modern communicators are creating personal brands, building issue-driven communities, and redefining what media relations looks like.
Moderator: Lou Mongello, Host of WDW Radio
🎙️ Raquel Giorgio, Public Relations Manager, Walt Disney World
🎙️ Maria Wyatt-Uhl, Senior Director of Public Relations, Allied Global Marketing
🎙️Bryan Baquiran, Digital Content Editor, Orange County Convention Center
🎙️Mark Hayes, President, Stockworth Studios
*****
Lunch Keynote:
Not Your Typical Media Outlet: How Public Media Empowers our Community
As a nonprofit news organization, Central Florida Public Media is driven by mission over profit. In this session, Judith will explore how public media is an accessible source of trustworthy local news that encourages respectful conversations, empowers the community to make informed decisions, and creates genuine human connection.
Discover how Central Florida Public Media encourage locals to understand and engage with our community, nation, and world in a respectful way. Judith will also share why public media matters in today’s media landscape and how they are leading a regional news collaborative that brings competing local outlets together to work toward a more informed and engaged Central Florida.
🎙️ Judith Smelser, President & General Manager, Central Florida Public Media
*****
Speed Networking with the Media
What stories do you like to cover? How can I pitch a story to you? How do I get coverage for my story? Meet face-to-face and ask questions with local media journalists in our popular speed networking session.
Matt Trezza, Fox 35 Orlando
Tom Sweeney, Fox 35 Orlando
Caitlin Marlow, Fox 35 Orlando
Cheryn Stone, Central Florida Public Media
Michelle Spitzer, USA Today 10 Best
Farah Paret, Telemundo 31
Asher Wildman, Spectrum News 13
Sasha Teman, Spectrum News 13
Emma Delamo, Spectrum News 13
Allison Walker, Spectrum News 13
Ryan Lynch, Orlando Business Journal
Jorge Velez, Spectrum Noticias
Yanin Hansen, Osceola Star News
Geovany Dias, WFTV
Lou Mongello, WDW Radio
Isaac Babcock, Oviedo Community News
A traditional American breakfast buffet and boxed lunch is included with the purchase of one Media Mashup ticket.
Thank you to our sponsors Experience Kissimmee, Seminole State College, One|One Creative and Drip Communications for helping make this event possible!
Click the link to register. Ticket sales end on June 23: FPRA Orlando / PRSA Orlando Media Mashup 2025 Tickets, Fri, Jun 27, 2025 at 8:00 AM | Eventbrite