`

PUBLIC RELATIONS
AT WESTMINSTER COLLEGE
TURNS 30!
Request for Proposal

MAY 2, 2016
MADISON ZERFOSS AND LINDSAY SCHICH

Table of Contents
Introduction............................................................................................................................... 2
Client Vision ........................................................................................................................ 2
Our Vision .......................................................................................................................... 2
Fall 2018 Events ........................................................................................................................ 4
Event Critical Paths ............................................................................................................. 5
Event Promotional Materials ............................................................................................... 8
Event Budgets ................................................................................................................... 13
Spring 2019 Events.................................................................................................................. 14
Event Critical Paths ........................................................................................................... 15
Event Budgets ................................................................................................................... 18
Event Guest List ............................................................................................................... 20
Event Promotional Materials ............................................................................................. 22
Event Description .............................................................................................................. 25
Risk Management Policy ....................................................................................................... 31
Event Sponsors ........................................................................................................................ 34
Event Evaluation ..................................................................................................................... 36
Proposed Final Budget ............................................................................................................ 37
Appendix: Works Cited .......................................................................................................... 38

Introduction
Why: To promote public relations as a major to students on campus and to celebrate the major
turning 30 years old at Westminster
Who: All students, faculty, with primary focus on public relations students, faculty, and alumni
When: Fall 2018/Spring 2019
Where: Westminster College
What: Fundraising and promotional events for the students and faculty on campus during the
Fall 2018 semester followed by an event focused on the recognition of public relations students,
faculty, and alumni during the Spring of 2019
Event Goals: The purpose of the events in the fall semester are to promote the public relations
major to the entire student body at Westminster College in hopes to educate those who are
unsure of public relations is. In addition to raising awareness, by hosting several smaller
fundraising events in the fall, PRSSA, public relations students, and the public relations
department, can raise money to host a commemorative reception in the spring to recognize the
public relations students, faculty, and alumni who have helped develop the program over the past
thirty years. Following the short reception, there will be a mystery dinner for all alumni and
students on campus to attend.
Key Public Targeted: Westminster students, faculty and public relations alumni

Clients Vision for the Celebration

The department hopes to create a larger scale event to encourage alumni to return to campus with
a direct tie to public relations at Westminster. Smaller events dispersed throughout the academic
year, instead of one larger gala event, would raise the overall profile of the major on campus,
particularly to the students and faculty who may not know what public relations is or how it
could be applicable to their everyday lives. The department also hopes to commemorate their
30th birthday in a fun and entertaining manner.

Our Vision for the Celebration

The entire PR Turning 30 event is split into two different semesters each with a different
focus. During the fall of 2018, the main goal is to focus on promoting, educating and fundraising
on campus. PRSSA and the public relations department should plan to host one event each
month that could act as a fundraiser while educating the students on campus about public
relations and all it has to offer.
Throughout the fall semester, two panel discussions, one trivia tournament, and one agency visit
will be open to all of campus to promote and educate the students about public relations is. The
objective of each of these events is to increase attendance and awareness over the course of the
semester.

After fundraising, in the spring of 2019, PRSSA could focus on hosting a reception in honor of
faculty, past and present, as well as all public relations alumni and current students with a major
or minor in public relations. The event will feature keynote speaker(s), such as the head of the
department, prestigious alumni, the president of PRSSA as well as an alumni panel. This event
would be rewarding for those in public relations to network and listen to past experiences.
Existing public relations awards can be presented during this reception, as well as new honors
and awards.
Following the reception, there will be a murder mystery dinner for students as well as alumni to
attend. Our vision for the murder mystery dinner is to create an enjoyable and interactive
experience to engage alumni and public relations, marketing and communication studies
students. This murder mystery script will incorporate the history of the public relations major at
Westminster College and important alumni into the murder mystery. This experience will play
of the connections made earlier in the day at the Professional Networking Symposium and
potentially foster new, or strengthen current, relationships.

Fall 2018
Over the course of the fall semester, the public relations department can host one event each
month to increase awareness, knowledge and involvement on the entire campus.
In September, one distinguished alum will be invited back to campus to speak about public
relations. This event can have a panel discussion with students who can explain to others on
campus what public relations is and how it can be related to other majors and interests on
campus. This event will be called How Does PR Apply to You? and can be presented as a cocurricular activity for first-year students to attend. The event will be held in one of the
Witherspoon rooms, chairs will be set up, and a table for panelists to sit in the front of the room.
The main purpose of this event is to inform and educate Westminster students about public
relations.
In October, the public relations department can host a trivia tournament based on public relations
events and what is happening in the news around the world. Westminster students can create
teams and participate to win a prize basket donated by local sponsors. Possible sponsors could
include, Pizza Joes, Mugsies Coffee House, El Canelo, the Tavern on the Square, the Apple
Castle, the Titan Club and more. Westminster College could donate t-shirts, and Sheetz, Dunkin
Donuts or other gift cards can be purchased with the budget. The goal of this activity is to
incorporate public relations in a fun and interactive way for all students, regardless of their major
In November, PRSSA will host a public relations industry focused panel discussion. Alumni
from different fields, such as corporate, non-profit, healthcare, entertainment and government
public relations, could speak on the differences between their daily lives. This event be
beneficial to all public relations majors and minors, and it could educate the rest of the students
at Westminster on all public relations has to offer.
In December, all of campus will be invited to attend an agency visit sponsored by PRSSA. All
students on campus will have the opportunity to see behind-the-scenes at a well-known
corporation. Members of PRSSA can vote on an industry to visit, and they offer sign-ups to the
rest of campus. Campus vans will be needed to transport students. The locations to visit may
include VisitPittsburgh, Beyond Spots & Dots, and Gatesman + Dave.

Fall 2018: Critical Paths

COMPLETION HOW DOES PR RELATE TO ME TASK
DATE
Determine event goals and objectives
9/3/2018
Establish budget
Establish possible keynote speaker list
Reserve Witherspoon room
9/4/2018
Reserve AV equipment
Contact possible speakers
9/5/2018
Request table and chairs
9/12/2018
Create campus flyers
Hang campus flyers
9/14/2018
Send first campus-wide email
9/17/2018
Hang TUB sign
9/19/2018
Prepare final agenda
9/20/2018
Print speaker name tags
9/21/2018
Confirm with speakers
9/25/2018
Confirm with AV, tables, chairs
Send reminder email
9/26/2018
Purchase cookies/refreshments
9/27/2018
Check set-up/AV check
Set-up/Arrange chairs
Return AV equipment
9/28/2018
Evaluation Meeting
10/01/1/2018
Write/Send speaker thank-you cards
10/02/2018

PERSON
RESPONSIBLE
Group Meeting
Group Meeting
Group Meeting
Madison
Madison
Lindsay
Madison
Lindsay
Lindsay
Madison
Madison
Lindsay
Lindsay
Madison
Madison
Madison
Lindsay
Madison
Madison
Lindsay
Group Meeting
Madison

COMPLETION TRIVIA TOURNAMENT TASK

DATE
Determine event goals and objectives
10/04/2018
Determine event budget
Request Berlin Lounge
10/05/2018
Meet with potential prize sponsors
10/08/2018
Create and hang TUB sign
10/10/2018
Create and hang flyers
Send campus email
TUB sit (for money and teams)
10/17/2018
TUB sit (for money and teams)
10/18/2018
TUB sit (for money and teams)
10/19/2018
Request AV, tables and chairs
10/22/2018
Create questions/answers
Confirm with sponsors
10/24/2018
Collect prize basket
10/25/2018
Print answers sheets
10/26/18
Create question PowerPoint
Set-up, check AV
10/29/2018
Run team sign-in
Write and send sponsor thank-you
10/31/2018
Evaluation Meeting
11/02/2018

PERSON
RESPONSIBLE
Group Meeting
Group Meeting
Madison
Lindsay, Madison
Madison
Lindsay
Lindsay
Madison
Madison
Madison
Lindsay
Group Meeting
Madison
Lindsay
Lindsay
Madison
Lindsay
Lindsay
Madison
Group Meeting

COMPLETION PR INDUSTRY PANEL DISCUSSION

DATE
Determine event goals and objectives
11/05/2018
Determine event budget
Request Berlin Lounge
11/06/2018
Contact possible speakers
Create TUB sign
11/12/2018
Request microphones
Finalize speaker list
11/16/2018
Create and hang flyers
11/19/2018
Add event to campus calendar
Send campus wide email
11/26/2018
Confirm with speakers
11/27/2018
Confirm with AV
11/18/2018
Check sound, set-up
11/29/2018
Send speaker thank-you cards
12/3/2015
Evaluation meeting

PERSON
RESPONSIBLE
Group Meeting
Group Meeting
Madison
Lindsay
Lindsay
Lindsay
Madison
Madison
Madison
Lindsay
Lindsay
Madison
Madison
Lindsay
Group Meeting

COMPLETION INDUSTRY VISIT TASKS

DATE
Determine event goals and objectives
11/12/2018
Determine event budget
Determine desired industry visits
Contact industries for visits
11/13/2018
Confirm industry visit
11/16/2018
Send campus email
11/19/2018
Create and hang TUB sign
11/20/2018
TUB sit for sign-up
11/27/2018
TUB sit for sign-up
11/28/2018
Request campus van(s)
11/29/2018
Contact industry with number of students
11/30/2018
Confirm with industry
12/7/2018
Confirm campus van
Send reminder email to sign-ups
Fill vans with gas (if necessary)
Print directions, charge GPS
Log mileage
12/8/2018
Submit mileage payment to business office
12/10/2018
Evaluation Meeting
12/11/2018
Write and send thank-you cards to industry

PERSON
RESPONSIBLE
Group Meeting
Group Meeting
Group Meeting
Madison
Madison
Lindsay
Lindsay
Madison
Madison
Lindsay
Lindsay
Madison
Madison
Lindsay
Madison
Lindsay
Madison
Lindsay
Group Meeting
Madison

Fall 2018: Promotional Materials

How Does Public Relations Relate To Me?

TUB Sign example

Social Media Advertising

Campus email example

Trivia Tournament

TUB Sign example

Social Media Advertising

Campus email example

Public Relations Industry Panel Discussion

TUB Sign example

Social Media Advertising

Campus email example

Public Relations Industry Visit in Pittsburgh

TUB Sign example

Social Media Advertising

Campus email example

Fall 2018: Budgets

HOW DOES PUBLIC RELATIONS APPLY TO ME?
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111

Expense
Water
Lemonade (8 quarts)*
Pitchers (in-kind donation from Sodexo)
Cookies (62 count)
Paper plates (200 count)*
Napkins (600 count)*
Table covering *
Cups ($2.58 for 54 count)*
Social Media Advertising
Fliers
TUB Sign
Venue (Witherspoon Rooms)
Total Expense

Cost
$0
($2.26)
$0.00
($19.94)
($4.84)
($4.84)
($2.00)
($5.16)
$0
($2)
$0
$0
($41)

* denotes item is included in works cited

PANEL DISCUSSION
Expense
200 Popcorn (free in Club Room)
201 Refreshments (free in Club Room)
202 Social Media Advertising
203 TUB sign
204 Fliers
205 Venue (Berlin Lounge)
206 Gift Cards for Speakers
Total Expense

Cost
$0
$0.00
$0
$0
($2)
$0
($40)
($42)

TRIVIA TOURNAMENT
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309

400
401

Expense
Trivia Answer Sheet
Popcorn and Drinks, Club Room
Tables and Chairs
Prize baskets, in-kind donations
Gift Cards for winners ($10x3)
Pencils/Pens, 60 ct.*
Social Media Advertising
TUB sign
Fliers
Venue (TUB or McKelvey patio)
Subtotal
Revenue
Cost per person ($4x10)
Cost per team ($9x5)
Subtotal
Total Expense

Cost
($5)
$0.00
$0.00
$0
($30)
($5)
$0
$0
($2)
$0
($42)
Amount
$40
$45
$85
$43

INDUSTRY VISIT
Expense
Van Rental (two vans; 57.9 miles there and back)
Social Media Advertising
TUB sign
Fliers
Venue (TUB or McKelvey patio)
Subtotal
Revenue
600 Cost per person $5 (20)
Subtotal
Total Expense
500
501
502
503
504

Cost
($116)
$0
$0
($2)
$0
($118)
Amount
$100
$100
($18)

Spring 2019
In the spring of 2019, the public relations department and PRSSA will host a reception event,
inviting current public relations students, faculty and alumni to celebrate public relations turning
30 years old at Westminster.
This reception will take place in the Lakeview Witherspoon room. Round tables with white
tablecloths will be spread throughout the room. A long white table can sit at the front of the room
for the panel discussion, along with a podium for the keynote speaker and speakers throughout.
The purpose of the reception is to celebrate the major turning thirty years old at Westminster by
honoring those who have and had a direct connection and appreciation for the program.
Throughout the planning and invitation process, the public relations department would attempt to
develop an honorary scholarship to be given to a worthy student at the reception. The reception
will begin with a keynote speaker and panel discussions from alumni, faculty and senior public
relations majors. Awards and recognition can be given to students and faculty. The evening can
honor Dr. James Perkins and Dr. Deborah Mitchell for starting the program thirty years ago. If
possible, we would like to honor several public relations students through various scholarships
funded by alumni.
This event will take place on Saturday, April 13, following the Professional Networking
Symposium. Public relations students and alumni can attend the reception at 5 p.m. after the
Networking Symposium ends. The reception will last one hour and the murder mystery dinner
will begin at 6 p.m., and the event will be open to all of the campus if the alumni, public relations
majors and minors do not fill all of the spots.
The murder mystery dinner will be public relations themed, and it will incorporate the names of
important people and places that were important to the history of public relations at Westminster
College. The event will take place in both of the Witherspoon rooms, and it will have a similar
layout to the reception.

Spring Reception and Murder Mystery: Critical Path

COMPLETION
DATE
4/14/2018

TASK

4/21/2018

Create basic event and preparation timeline

4/25/2018

Establish event theme/identity

Agree on event objective and goals

Agreed on event budget and allocations
Select venue and catering options

Establish volunteer recruitment parameters

5/9/2018

6/8/2018
6/14/2018
6/18/2018
6/24/2018
6/30/2018
7/1/2018

Design marketing plan

Sign venue and catering contracts
Design marketing campaign materials
Request raffle basket donations
Order murder mystery kit
Send promotional materials to printers
Recruit volunteers
Design invitations
Recruit local sponsors
Apply for necessary permits
Adapt murder mystery kit

7/14/2018
7/16/2018
7/29/2018

Research suppliers and vendors

Review invitations and send to printers
Develop first draft of the guest list

8/5/2018
8/20/2018

Refine budget
Reserve Witherspoon rooms and technical
equipment
Refine guest list
Develop floor plan
Contact potential event hosts, speakers
Draft photography consent forms and waivers
Design event environment
Revise event timeline and/or budget
Research and apply for security
Begin marketing and PR campaigns

9/5/2018
9/19/2018
9/28/2018
10/13/2018
10/16/2018
11/18/2018
12/14/2018

Design additional event materials

PERSON
RESPONSIBLE
Group Meeting
Group Meeting
Lindsay and
Madison
Lindsay and
Madison
Lindsay and
Madison
Lindsay and
Madison
Lindsay and
Madison
Lindsay
Lindsay
Madison
Madison
Madison
Lindsay
Lindsay
Madison
Lindsay
Lindsay and
Madison
Madison
Lindsay
Lindsay and
Madison
Madison
Lindsay
Madison
Lindsay
Lindsay
Madison
Lindsay
Madison
Madison
Lindsay and
Madison
Lindsay

12/21/2018
12/23/2018
12/29/2019
1/14/2019
2/4/2019
2/6/2019

2/14/2019

2/21/2019

2/24/2019

3/1/2019

3/3/2019
3/8/2019
3/11/2019
3/18/2019
3/25/2019
3/27/2019
3/28/2019
4/1/2019

4/2/2019
4/4/2019
4/7/2019

4/11/2019

Draft event order and program design

Confirm event hosts and speakers, sign contracts
Sign any outstanding contracts and/or permits
Set up hotel accommodations, if necessary
Book catering and beverage tastings
Discuss scholarship sponsors
Additional time to catch up on tasks

Madison
Madison
Madison
Lindsay
Lindsay
Group Meeting
Lindsay and
Madison
Stuff and address invitations
Madison
Revisit venue/mock run through of event
Lindsay and
Madison
Mail invitations to alumni
Madison
Place invitations in students' mailboxes
Lindsay
Finalize event schedule
Lindsay and
Madison
Deadline for raffle basket submissions
Lindsay
Confirm all suppliers/vendors
Lindsay
Develop health and safety procedures
Lindsay and
Madison
Refine budget, if necessary
Lindsay and
Madison
Catering tastings
Lindsay and
Madison
Shop for decorations
Lindsay and
Madison
Brief security
Madison
Deadline for R.S.V.P.
Lindsay
Distribute production schedule to all vendors
Madison
Send out invitations/advertise to campus
Lindsay
Brief photographer and other event staff
Lindsay
Begin event advertisement to campus, if necessary Madison
Final room design, mock up event
Lindsay and
Madison
Ensure room for last minute budget expenses
Madison
Call vendors to confirm services
Lindsay
Finalize guest list
Lindsay
Adjust murder mystery script to accommodate all Lindsay and
guests
Madison
Pay caterer
Madison
Print and assemble nametags and programs
Madison
Gather and organize materials needed during
Lindsay and
event
Madison
Send electronic event reminder
Lindsay
Assemble centerpieces and additional props, if
Lindsay and
necessary
Madison

4/13/2019

Day of event

4/14/2019
4/15/2019

Event post-evaluation and recommendations

Send out sponsor thank you notes

Lindsay and
Madison
Group meeting
Lindsay and
Madison

Recognition Reception and Murder Mystery Dinner: Budget

100
101
102
103
104

200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207

300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309
310
311
312
313
314
315

400
401

EXPENSE
Dinner theater
Catering, including linens and service ($20 per person) x
120
Script/Murder Mystery Kit*
Costumes, props actors (in-kind donation)
Placecards (from duplicating)
Menus (from duplicating)
Subtotal
Advertising/Promotion
Student Invitations (40 x $.05 from duplicating)
Alumni Invitations (80 count)*
Envelopes (25 count for $2.99) x 4*
Thank you notes (100 count)*
Stamps (180 x $0.47 each)*
Social Media Advertising
TUB sign
Fliers
Subtotal
Decorations
Letters "W" and "C" ($5.49 each)*
Letter base*
Cobalt Blue Paint (2 ounces for $1.15)*
Paint Brush (in-kind donation from art dept.)
White Paint Sharpies (3 pack)*
Caution Tape*
Fake blood (one pint)*
Magnifying glasses (5 count)*
Masking Tape (60 yards)*
4" by 1/8" Wooden slats ($1.20 x 15)*
Gorilla wood glue*
Gold Spray paint (15 ounces)*
Floating Candles ($7.99 for 20)*
4" Glass Candle holders ($1 x 15)*
Silk Hygradgea flowers (5 flowers for $7.18) x 3*
2" Votive Candles and holders ($8.99 for 12)*
Subtotal
Miscellaneous
Awards (on-campus printing)
Last Minute Expenses

COST
($2,400.00)
($39.95)
$0.00
($2.00)
($2.00)
($43.95)
($2)
($36)
($12)
($17)
($85)
$0
$0
($2)
($154)
($11)
($5)
($2)
$0
($12)
($10)
($8)
$11
($6)
($18)
($5)
($5)
($16)
($15)
($22)
($18)
($142)
($5)
($30)

Subtotal
Total Expenses
Revenue
500 Cost per alumnus ($30 x 80)
501 Cost per student ($10 x 40)
Subtotal
Profit
* denotes item is included in works cited

($35)
($705)
Amount
$2,400
$400
$2,800
$2,095

The Guest List

Invitees and/or Special Guests
o
o
o
o
o

Current Westminster public relations majors and minors

Current Westminster public relations faculty
Past public relations faculty
President Dr. Kathy Brittain Richardson
Alumni
o 395 graduates (list from Linda Wilson, Alumni Relations Secretary)
o Most recent alumni and key alumni to invite
o Key special guests: Cathy Funk, Dr. Mitchell, Dr. Perkins, Rich Dowripple 84, Danielle
Sisilica-Brown 96, Chris Sneider, Jennifer Shiffler-Gross and Deb Foster

Invitations
Public relations majors, minors and alumni will be invited to the free reception. The invitations
to the majors and minors will be sent through inter-campus mail, and the alumni invitations will
be mailed to their home address listed through the Wiley Alumni House. The invitations to the
murder mystery dinner will be delivered in the same manner as the reception invitations, but both
of the alumni invitations will be mailed in the same envelope to reduce mailing expenses.
Once the R.S.V.P. date has passed, the event will be opened up to all of campus to fill any of the
remaining spots. The event will be advertised through all-campus e-mails, a TUB sign, fliers and
social media. The deadline for all campus reservations will be March 31, 2019.
Recognition Reception Invitation

Student Murder Mystery Invitation

Alumni Murder Mystery Invitation

Spring 2019: Promotional Materials

Advertising Materials
Facebook and Instagram Invitation
There are only a few spots left! You dont want to miss out on an evening of intrigue and fun.
R.S.V.P. to Carol Morrow by March 31st.

Twitter Invitation
You dont want to miss out on the premiere murder mystery dinner on campus!

E-mail Invitation

Looking for something to do on a Saturday evening after the Professional Networking

Symposium? Join the public relations department and PRSSA for a fun-filled murder mystery
dinner. Each students can participate for only $10!

On-campus Flier

TUB Sign

Event Description
Menu

Room Set-Up/ Seating Chart

Each table will seat 8 guests, and ideally intermingle the students with the alumni. Each guest
will have a name tag to at their place to ensure the alumni and students sit at the same table,
rather than having students sit with only students and alumni only sitting with alumni.

Decorations
Each table will have a copy of the menu and a copy
of the murder mystery scenario. If the guest plays a
specific character in the murder mystery, their part
will be hidden under their nametag to ensure no
other guest sees their complete character bio and
situation.
The table centerpieces and overall dcor will be
kept to a minimum to portray the feel of a corporate
event or conference, the setting for the murder
mystery.
Glass tumblers with candles and silk flowers in
wooden spheres will be the centerpieces (see image
at the right).
There will also be a commemorative WC for the
guests to sign, which will later be displayed in the
department. The numbers and base will be painted a
cobalt blue, and the guests will sign their names and
messages using a white Sharpie paint pen.
There will be soft music playing when the guests
seat themselves and introduce themselves to
everyone else at the table. The soundscaping for the
dinner theater will be dependent on what the kit
describes, it does not require certain sounds, soft
music and other sounds will play throughout the
evening.

Murder Mystery Dinner Theater Kits

The two selected murder mystery kits were chosen because of their ties to the professional
worlds. During the planning process, the selected kit will be altered to reflect its direct
connection with public relations at Westminster College. The character names and places will be
changed to the names of people and campus locations that were significant to the creation and
maintenance of the public relations major. Each of the kits are also adaptable to the number of
event attendees, so they will still be useful no matter how many people attend the event. The kits
will include all of the supplies the event will need, including name tags. The first murder
mystery script has been adapted to fit Westminster College, and the second script description
remains as it appears on the website.

Corporate Chaos: The Murder at the Worldwide Prestige, Inc. Conference

o Product Description: Corporate Murder Mystery Party Game with 40 unique
characters (with expansion packs) and invite over 200 guests by duplicating
characters and playing in teams. 8-20 players, but expansion packs can
accommodate up to 100 players with 40 unique characters. Includes optional
bonus games (see product URL for details).
o Online description: The Annual Conference for Westminster College public
relations department is scheduled to be held this year at the Grande Plaza Hotel in
New York City. It was leaked recently that the faculty advisor, Dr. Brittany
Rowe-Cernevicius will announce the end of the year figures and prove to the
Board of Directors and investors worldwide that she has not only saved the
company from an imminent bankruptcy one year ago when she was hired as
faculty advisor, but has doubled profits from the highest profit year in the history
of the company! Not only is the Westminster College public relations department
rumored to be safe from having its doors closed but now it might mean a healthy
bonus for all! Lately at corporate headquarters in New Wilmington, Pa., the
atmosphere has been electric as the employees, including you, have buzzed about
the upcoming trip to the Big Apple! However, the other day the air turned stale as
the shocking news flashed through the overhead speaker about your heroic Chief
Executive Officer. As you may recall, Dr. James Perkins was pronounced
missing! His personal effects were found in his desk; his car parked in his space
since Friday afternoon, and not a single light on at his home! Since James started
at Westminster College, he has worked 15 hours a day, 7 days a week and never
has missed a minute even to blow his nose! The Board of Directors is certain foul
play is at hand but can't involve the police just yet! The media would throw a
Dooms Day spin on the CEOs absence and the company stock will plummet
without Dr. Perkinss solid leadership in place. The show has to go on and
everything has to appear normal or Westminster College is destined for disaster.
To everybodys surprise, the Board appointed Dr. Suzanne Prestein, a prior Senior
Risk Officer in the Internal Audit Department, to serve as interim CEO until

Perkins return. The Board also decided to proceed with the Annual Conference
with great hope that James Perkins will return in time to attend. All stockholders
have been extended an invitation to the yearly strategy sessions and will
undoubtedly figure something is amiss if Dr. Perkins is absent from the meetings.
You'll soon arrive at the Grande Plaza Hotel and kick off the conference with
breakout sessions and critical thinking seminars and relaxing social gatherings
and award ceremonies in the evenings. You're registered for the conference, your
travel plans are booked and you're ready for the conference! This is where your
story begins...
o Product URL: http://mymysteryparty.com/corporate-chaos-murder-mysteryparty/?gclid=Cj0KEQjwle4BRCwqeWkv8TWqOoBEiQAMocbP4D1g4kk5L_2SLziOFOuBD0u7hRau259
N9aVgMNFTzAaAjhh8P8HAQ
o Price: $39.95
Corporate Chaos: The Murder at the Worldwide Prestige, Inc. Holiday Party
o Product Description: Corporate holiday murder mystery party game for 8-20
players. 40 unique characters (with expansion packs) and over 200 guests by
duplicating characters and playing in teams. Includes optional bonus games (see
product URL for details).
o Online description: The Annual Holiday Conference for Worldwide Prestige,
Inc. is scheduled to be held this year at the Grande Plaza Hotel in New York City.
It was leaked recently that the CEO, Mr. Eric Wilde, will announce the end of the
year figures and prove to the Board of Directors and investors worldwide that he
has not only saved the company from an imminent bankruptcy one year ago when
he was hired as the CEO, but has doubled profits from the highest profit year in
the history of the company! Not only is Worldwide Prestige, Inc. rumored to be
safe from having its doors closed but now it might mean a healthy bonus for all!
Lately at corporate headquarters in Anonville, Texas, the atmosphere has been
electric as the employees, including you, have buzzed about the upcoming trip to
the Big Apple! However, the other day the air turned stale as the shocking news
flashed through the overhead speaker about your heroic Chief Executive Officer.
As you may recall, Mr. Eric Wilde was pronounced missing! His personal effects
were found in his desk; his car parked in his space since Friday afternoon, and not
a single light on at his home! Since Eric started at Worldwide Prestige, he has
worked 15 hours a day, 7 days a week and never has missed a minute even to
blow his nose! The Board of Directors is certain foul play is at hand but can't
involve the police just yet! The media would throw a Dooms Day spin on the
CEOs absence and the company stock will plummet without Mr. Wildes solid
leadership in place. The show has to go on and everything has to appear normal or
Worldwide Prestige, Inc. is destined for disaster. To everybodys surprise, the
Board appointed Jasmine Aurora, a prior Senior Risk Officer in the Internal Audit
Department, to serve as interim CEO until Erics return. The Board also decided
to proceed with the Annual Conference with great hope that Eric Wilde will

return in time to attend. All stockholders have been extended an invitation to the
yearly strategy sessions and will undoubtedly figure something is amiss if Mr.
Wilde is absent from the meetings. You'll soon arrive at the Grande Plaza Hotel
and kick off the conference with breakout sessions and critical thinking seminars
and relaxing social gatherings and award ceremonies in the evenings. You're
registered for the conference, your travel plans are booked and you're ready for
the conference! This is where your story begins...
o Product URL: http://mymysteryparty.com/holiday-corporate-murdermystery/?gclid=Cj0KEQjwl-e4BRCwqeWkv8TWqOoBEiQAMocbP1_wsb5JGTqiS8s-HkVy4lw1fk9-z3i6c3i32EJHRwaAkO88P8HAQ
o Price: $39.95
Names and places to include in the script: Cathy Funk, Dr. Mitchell, Dr. Perkins, Rich
Dowripple 84, Danielle Sisilica-Brown 96, Chris Sneider, Jennifer Shiffler-Gross and
Deb Foster

Props/Costumes
The complete list of props will be outlined in the murder mystery kit, but the list below includes
general props that would work for a general murder mystery.

Briefcase(s)
Police CAUTION tape
Masking tape
Magnifying glasses
Fake blood

Risk Management Policy

RISKS

PREVENTION

MANAGEMENT

THEFT

Contact authorities and have

perpetrator immediately
removed from event.

Reference list of event

attendees, explain the person
ordering the tickets has to put
everyone's name. If their name
is not on the list, they would
have to contact the person who
ordered the tickets.
If unpaid attendee refuses to
pay, have security escort them
out.
Appropriately treat affected
attendees
Have medical staff on hand to
treat any serious cases

UNPAID ENTRY

Place security guards at each of

the main entrances, exits,
bathrooms and by each of the
prizes to deter potential thieves
Store loose cash in a locked
cash box, and the event
accountant has the only key
Maintain ongoing list of all
ticket orders
Have event attendees fill out all
of the names of ticket
purchasers when they order the
tickets

ALCOHOL
RELATED
INCIDENTS

FIRE

WEATHER

Train volunteers and/or

bartender to identify
intoxication and treatment for
alcohol related incidents
Have event attendees sign
safety waiver where they
assume all responsibility for
their actions, and they will not
hold the company and/or
planners responsible
Do not serve alcoholic
beverages due to underage
event attendees and nature of
the event
Locate all emergency exits and
train volunteers on how to
proceed in case of a fire
Consider weather conditions in
advance.
Be sure that venue takes care of
needs pertaining to weather (i.e.
slating sidewalks)

Follow safety protocol to ensure

everyone gets out safely
Call 911
Provide umbrellas to watch
event attendees to and from
their cars
Provide valet car service to and
from the door
If the event is outdoors, provide
adequate shade and water to


MEDICAL
EMERGENCIES

TECHNICAL
DIFFICULTIES

Review CPR and AED protocol

with the volunteers and event
staff
Identify all AED and first aid
stations throughout the venue,
point these out to the staff and
volunteers
Do a technical run-through of
the entire event to spot potential
problem areas and to fix them
before the event starts

VENUE ISSUES

Finalize venue booking at least

two months in advance

Do final run-through a few

hours before the event to check
for issues, document all of the
observations
Thoroughly review venue
contract before the event
Review venue facilities and
capabilities with venue
coordinator
Train all volunteers on
appropriate event conduct with
the attendees and other
volunteers
Have each volunteer sign a
waiver assuming all risk and
responsible for their actions,
and they will not hold the event
venue, planner or other services
liable
Ensure equal opportunity
recruitment and hiring
procedures for all staff and
volunteers

VOLUNTEER
ISSUES

prevent heat stroke and

dehydration
Salt and de-ice all sidewalks,
stairs and ramps
Have medical staff on call and
on location to treat any medical
emergencies that may arise
Have CPR and AED trained
volunteers in case the medical
staff is unavailable at the exact
moment
Quickly identify the source of
the difficulty/malfunction and
reference manuals to fix the
issue
Notify venue staff of the
difficulty/malfunction so they
are able to fix it and/or
document it in their records
Reference run-through notes
and event contract to settle any
potential disputes
Contact venue managers
during/after event to resolve
any issues that may call for
immediate help

Handle each incident on a case

by case basis, referencing the
waivers, contracts and training
programs

ATTENDEES
GET LOST

USE OF
PHOTOGRAPHS
OF
VOLUNTEERS
AND
ATTENDEES

Place high visible signs along

the road near the venue, in the

parking lot and in the venue
directing attendees to the event
Have all volunteers, staff and

attendees sign a waiver in order

to use their photographs
Have the event photographer
only photograph the people who
signed the waiver

Designate volunteers to help

find attendees who may have
gotten lost
If there is a dispute later on
about the use of a person's
photograph or image, refer to
the signed waiver

Sponsors
Sponsorship Letter

May 2, 2016
Lindsay Schich
319 S. Market St.
New Wilmington, PA 16172

<First Name> <Last Name>

<Company Name>
<Street Address 1>
<Street Address 2>
<City>, <State> <Zip Code>

Dear <Title> <Last Name>:

My name is Lindsay Schich, and I am writing to you concerning a sponsorship for the 2019
Murder Mystery dinner to celebrate the Public Relations departments 30 th birthday on-campus.
This years event will consist of an interactive murder mystery show, a buffet dinner and a
Chinese auction. The college has not held an event similar to this in the past. We are hoping
your support will help make this event successful, and we will be able to turn it into an annual
event in the future.
Below are the details about this years sponsorship levels:

$500 Company name and logo on event program and all event advertising, one event
ticket
$250 Company name and logo on event program and main event banner
$100 Company name and logo on event program

If your company would like to contribute to this years fundraiser as a sponsor, please contact me
to discuss your donation. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,

Lindsay Schich
Westminster Colleges Sponsor Coordinator

List of Potential Sponsors

This list is a sample selection of local business in the New Wilmington area, and it is not an
exhaustive list:

Yumberries
Combine Brothers
Cedar Farm Inn
Apple Castle
The Tavern on the Square
El Canelo
Vintage Vogue Furnishings
Pizza Joes
Abes Old-Fashioned Custard
Mugsies Coffee Shop
Fractured Grape Winery
The Dirty Pickle
Rebeccas Salon-Spa & Gift
Boutique,
The Jacqueline House of New
Wilmington
The Cheese House

Evaluations
Methods of Evaluation
Create public relations department Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook
o Monitor followers
o Monitor comments and likes on posts
Calculate the number of people who attend each event
o Sign-in sheets and head counts
Monitor the amount of money made over the course of the year
o Donations
o Sponsorships
o Event fees
Pre/Post-event public relations survey
o What is public relations?
Attendance for Recognition Reception
Students
PR majors
PR minors
Alumni
Attendance for Murder Mystery Dinner
Students
PR majors
PR minors
Non- PR majors or minors
Alumni
Post-event evaluation questionnaires
Murder Mystery Dinner
Please rate your answers to the following questions: 1 = extremely positive, 5 = neutral and 9 =
extremely negative
1

What was your overall impression of the

event?
How well do you think the event related to
public relations as a whole
How well did the event celebrate the public
relations 30th birthday at Westminster?
What did you like about the event?
What improvements or recommendations do you have for a similar event in the future?

Proposed Final Budget 2018-2019

EVENT
HOW DOES PUBLIC RELATIONS APPLY TO ME?
PANEL DISCUSSION
TRIVIA TOURNAMENT
INDUSTRY VISIT
SUBTOTAL

COST
($41)
($42)
$43
($18)
($58)

RECOGNITION RECEPTION AND MURDER MYSTERY DINNER

$2,095

TOTAL EXPENSES

$2,037

Appendix: Works Cited

"12" Paper Mache Letter | Jo-Ann." Joann.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 May 2016.
"5 PCS 3X Magnifying 40mm Dia Lens Straight-Shank Glass Magnifier Black - Walmart.com."
Walmart.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 May 2016.
"Ashland Basic Elements Floating Candles Value Pack." Ashland Basic Elements
Floating Candles Value Pack. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 May 2016.
"Ashland Basic Elements Glass Votive Candles." Michaels. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 May 2016.
"The Bakery Gourmet Cookies." Walmart.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 May 2016.
"Candle Holders." Dollar Tree, Inc.: Search. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 May 2016.
"Caution Tape." Traffic Safety Store. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 May 2016.
"Family Napkins Napkins." Walmart.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 May 2016.
"Gorilla Glue." Jerry Sartarama. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 May 2016.
"Great Value 9" Paper Plates." Walmart.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 May 2016.
"JAM Paper 5 1/4." Staples.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 May 2016.
"Masking Tape, 2" X 60yd." Walmart.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 May 2016.
"Paint Sharpies." Walmart.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 May 2016.
"Party Invitations." Vista Print. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 May 2016.
"Pint of Fake Blood." Party City. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 May 2016.
"Plywood Letter Base." Joann Fabrics. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 May 2016.
"Rectangle Unfinished Cutout, Wooden Shape, Paintable Wooden MDF." Build-A-Cross.com.
N.p., n.d. Web. 01 May 2016.
"Robot Check." Robot Check. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 May 2016.

"RUST-OLEUM 7710830 Spray Paint, Gold, 15 Oz." Walmart.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 May
2016.
"Silk Flowers." Robot Check. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 May 2016.
"USPS.com - Store." Neon Celebrate! N.p., n.d. Web. 01 May 2016.
"Wilton Thank You Card Kit, 100 Ct. 1008-151." Walmart.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 May 2016.