July 2026 Newsletter 
President's Report
Summer is shaping up to be an exciting season for NMPRSA, with opportunities to learn, connect and celebrate the incredible work happening across New Mexico's communications community. Whether you're looking to sharpen your skills, expand your professional network or showcase your team's accomplishments, the next few months offer something for everyone.
As we prepare for our annual Media Roundtable on July 29, the Cumbre Awards and the launch of our new Strategic Communications Summit on September 25, I encourage you to stay engaged and invite a colleague to join you. These programs reflect our commitment to providing meaningful professional development and creating connections.
Thank you for being part of our chapter. Your participation, ideas and support continue to strengthen our profession, and we look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events.
April Hale, President
NMPRSA
Honoring New Mexico's PR Profession
There's still time to earn recognition for your best communications work through the 2026 Cumbre Awards. Don't miss these important dates:
- Standard award-entry deadline: Sunday, July 12 at 11:59 p.m.
- LATE/Final Deadline: Sunday, July 19 at 11:59 p.m. Late entries will incur a $25 fee per submission.
- We are now accepting nominations for our Top PR Professionals. Start considering nominations prior to the August 12 deadline.
Details about submissions and an explanation of the judging scoring criteria is available at nmprsa.org/Cumbre_Awards.
Resources to Craft Your Award Submissions:
- Watch this free webinar for tips on how to craft your entry. Learn how strategic storytelling transformed Sinaute Media's award-winning campaigns into three Best-in-Show and Anvil honors.
- Use this AI Helper tool when preparing your entry and reference this template to get your nomination started.
- Direct additional questions to Cumbre Awards Co-Chair Steve Carr at [email protected] or [email protected]. Please include Cumbre Awards in the subject line of the email.
Save the Date
The Pinnacle of PR & Communications
Strategic Communications Summit + Cumbre Awards Event
Friday, September 25 | Albuquerque
Mark your calendar for a full day dedicated to the future of communications. NMPRSA's inaugural Strategic Communications Summit will bring together professionals from public relations, marketing, advertising, digital media and organizational leadership to explore emerging trends, share ideas and strengthen our profession. The day will conclude with the Cumbre Awards, celebrating the best communications work from across New Mexico.
We want your input
We're currently shaping the summit agenda and need your feedback and ideas. Please take a few minutes to complete our planning survey and tell us what topics, speakers and experiences would provide the greatest value to you as an NMPRSA member.
Meet the Press Roundtable
Wednesday, July 29 | 5–7 p.m.
UNM Jackson Student Center
$20 NMPRSA members | $25 non-members | FREE for students
Seating is limited. REGISTER TODAY!
Join NMPRSA for one of our most popular annual programs. Hear directly from media professionals about what they're covering, how they prefer to work with communications professionals and the trends shaping today's news environment.
Forget sitting in the audience. This interactive event puts you at the table with reporters, editors, producers, and news leaders from across New Mexico. Through a series of rotating roundtable conversations, you'll have the opportunity to ask questions, exchange ideas, and gain candid insights into today's rapidly changing media landscape.
PRSA News and Events
The 2026 PRSA Travel & Tourism Conference in Albuquerque was a big success! Check out photos and stories at instagram.com/prsatravel.
The following PRSA webinars and courses are designed to provide practical insights, enhance skills, and foster industry connections throughout the year. Most are free to members.
How to Improve AI Visibility With Press Releases & Syndicated Articles
July 9, 12:00 – 12:30 p.m.
Expanding Your PR Playbook: Lessons From the World of Sports
July 15, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Bend, Don't Break: How Adaptability Is Redefining the Future of Tech PR
Aug. 25, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.