My partner and I created a comprehensive event planning guide to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the public relations program at Westminster. We designed four smaller event during the fall semester to elevate the prominence of the major to campus and one larger event to partner with the professional networking symposium to foster deeper connections between the public relations students and alumni.

1. `
PUBLIC RELATIONS
AT WESTMINSTER COLLEGE
TURNS 30!
Request for Proposal
MAY 2, 2016
MADISON ZERFOSS AND LINDSAY SCHICH

2. 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

3. 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
Client’s 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.

4. 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.

5. 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 co-
curricular 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 Joe’s, 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.

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

7. COMPLETION
DATE
TRIVIA TOURNAMENT TASK PERSON
RESPONSIBLE
10/04/2018 Determine event goals and objectives Group Meeting
Determine event budget Group Meeting
10/05/2018 Request Berlin Lounge Madison
10/08/2018 Meet with potential prize sponsors Lindsay, Madison
10/10/2018 Create and hang TUB sign Madison
Create and hang flyers Lindsay
Send campus email Lindsay
10/17/2018 TUB sit (for money and teams) Madison
10/18/2018 TUB sit (for money and teams) Madison
10/19/2018 TUB sit (for money and teams) Madison
10/22/2018 Request AV, tables and chairs Lindsay
Create questions/answers Group Meeting
10/24/2018 Confirm with sponsors Madison
10/25/2018 Collect prize basket Lindsay
10/26/18 Print answers sheets Lindsay
Create question PowerPoint Madison
10/29/2018 Set-up, check AV Lindsay
Run team sign-in Lindsay
10/31/2018 Write and send sponsor thank-you Madison
11/02/2018 Evaluation Meeting Group Meeting
COMPLETION
DATE
PR INDUSTRY PANEL DISCUSSION PERSON
RESPONSIBLE
11/05/2018 Determine event goals and objectives Group Meeting
Determine event budget Group Meeting
11/06/2018 Request Berlin Lounge Madison
Contact possible speakers Lindsay
11/12/2018 Create TUB sign Lindsay
Request microphones Lindsay
11/16/2018 Finalize speaker list Madison
11/19/2018 Create and hang flyers Madison
Add event to campus calendar Madison
11/26/2018 Send campus wide email Lindsay
11/27/2018 Confirm with speakers Lindsay
11/18/2018 Confirm with AV Madison
11/29/2018 Check sound, set-up Madison
12/3/2015 Send speaker thank-you cards Lindsay
Evaluation meeting Group Meeting

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

9. Fall 2018: Promotional Materials
How Does Public Relations Relate To Me?
TUB Sign example Social Media Advertising
Campus email example

10. Trivia Tournament
TUB Sign example Social Media Advertising
Campus email example

11. Public Relations Industry Panel Discussion
TUB Sign example Social Media Advertising
Campus email example

12. Public Relations Industry Visit in Pittsburgh
TUB Sign example Social Media Advertising
Campus email example

13. Fall 2018: Budgets
HOW DOES PUBLIC RELATIONS APPLY TO ME?
Expense Cost
100 Water $0
101 Lemonade (8 quarts)* ($2.26)
102 Pitchers (in-kind donation from Sodexo) $0.00
103 Cookies (62 count) ($19.94)
104 Paper plates (200 count)* ($4.84)
105 Napkins (600 count)* ($4.84)
106 Table covering * ($2.00)
107 Cups ($2.58 for 54 count)* ($5.16)
108 Social Media Advertising $0
109 Fliers ($2)
110 TUB Sign $0
111 Venue (Witherspoon Rooms) $0
Total Expense ($41)
* denotes item is included in works cited
PANEL DISCUSSION
Expense Cost
200 Popcorn (free in Club Room) $0
201 Refreshments (free in Club Room) $0.00
202 Social Media Advertising $0
203 TUB sign $0
204 Fliers ($2)
205 Venue (Berlin Lounge) $0
206 Gift Cards for Speakers ($40)
Total Expense ($42)

14. TRIVIA TOURNAMENT
Expense Cost
300 Trivia Answer Sheet ($5)
301 Popcorn and Drinks, Club Room $0.00
302 Tables and Chairs $0.00
303 Prize baskets, in-kind donations $0
304 Gift Cards for winners ($10x3) ($30)
305 Pencils/Pens, 60 ct.* ($5)
306 Social Media Advertising $0
307 TUB sign $0
308 Fliers ($2)
309 Venue (TUB or McKelvey patio) $0
Subtotal ($42)
Revenue Amount
400 Cost per person ($4x10) $40
401 Cost per team ($9x5) $45
Subtotal $85
Total Expense $43
INDUSTRY VISIT
Expense Cost
500 Van Rental (two vans; 57.9 miles there and back) ($116)
501 Social Media Advertising $0
502 TUB sign $0
503 Fliers ($2)
504 Venue (TUB or McKelvey patio) $0
Subtotal ($118)
Revenue Amount
600 Cost per person $5 (20) $100
Subtotal $100
Total Expense ($18)

15. 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.

16. Spring Reception and Murder Mystery: Critical Path
COMPLETION
DATE
TASK PERSON
RESPONSIBLE
4/14/2018 Agree on event objective and goals Group Meeting
Agreed on event budget and allocations Group Meeting
Select venue and catering options Lindsay and
Madison
4/21/2018 Create basic event and preparation timeline Lindsay and
Madison
4/25/2018 Establish event theme/identity Lindsay and
Madison
Establish volunteer recruitment parameters Lindsay and
Madison
5/9/2018 Design marketing plan Lindsay and
Madison
Sign venue and catering contracts Lindsay
6/8/2018 Design marketing campaign materials Lindsay
6/14/2018 Request raffle basket donations Madison
Order murder mystery kit Madison
6/18/2018 Send promotional materials to printers Madison
6/24/2018 Recruit volunteers Lindsay
6/30/2018 Design invitations Lindsay
Recruit local sponsors Madison
7/1/2018 Apply for necessary permits Lindsay
Adapt murder mystery kit Lindsay and
Madison
7/14/2018 Research suppliers and vendors Madison
7/16/2018 Review invitations and send to printers Lindsay
7/29/2018 Develop first draft of the guest list Lindsay and
Madison
8/5/2018 Refine budget Madison
8/20/2018 Reserve Witherspoon rooms and technical
equipment
Lindsay
9/5/2018 Refine guest list Madison
Develop floor plan Lindsay
9/19/2018 Contact potential event hosts, speakers Lindsay
9/28/2018 Draft photography consent forms and waivers Madison
10/13/2018 Design event environment Lindsay
10/16/2018 Revise event timeline and/or budget Madison
11/18/2018 Research and apply for security Madison
12/14/2018 Begin marketing and PR campaigns Lindsay and
Madison
Design additional event materials Lindsay

17. 12/21/2018 Draft event order and program design Madison
Confirm event hosts and speakers, sign contracts Madison
12/23/2018 Sign any outstanding contracts and/or permits Madison
12/29/2019 Set up hotel accommodations, if necessary Lindsay
1/14/2019 Book catering and beverage tastings Lindsay
2/4/2019 Discuss scholarship sponsors Group Meeting
2/6/2019 Additional time to catch up on tasks Lindsay and
Madison
Stuff and address invitations Madison
2/14/2019 Revisit venue/mock run through of event Lindsay and
Madison
Mail invitations to alumni Madison
Place invitations in students' mailboxes Lindsay
2/21/2019 Finalize event schedule Lindsay and
Madison
Deadline for raffle basket submissions Lindsay
Confirm all suppliers/vendors Lindsay
2/24/2019 Develop health and safety procedures Lindsay and
Madison
Refine budget, if necessary Lindsay and
Madison
3/1/2019 Catering tastings Lindsay and
Madison
Shop for decorations Lindsay and
Madison
3/3/2019 Brief security Madison
3/8/2019 Deadline for R.S.V.P. Lindsay
Distribute production schedule to all vendors Madison
3/11/2019 Send out invitations/advertise to campus Lindsay
3/18/2019 Brief photographer and other event staff Lindsay
Begin event advertisement to campus, if necessary Madison
3/25/2019 Final room design, mock up event Lindsay and
Madison
3/27/2019 Ensure room for last minute budget expenses Madison
3/28/2019 Call vendors to confirm services Lindsay
4/1/2019 Finalize guest list Lindsay
Adjust murder mystery script to accommodate all
guests
Lindsay and
Madison
4/2/2019 Pay caterer Madison
4/4/2019 Print and assemble nametags and programs Madison
4/7/2019 Gather and organize materials needed during
event
Lindsay and
Madison
Send electronic event reminder Lindsay
4/11/2019 Assemble centerpieces and additional props, if
necessary
Lindsay and
Madison

18. 4/13/2019 Day of event Lindsay and
Madison
4/14/2019 Event post-evaluation and recommendations Group meeting
4/15/2019 Send out sponsor thank you notes Lindsay and
Madison

19. Recognition Reception and Murder Mystery Dinner: Budget
EXPENSE COST
Dinner theater
100 Catering, including linens and service ($20 per person) x
120
($2,400.00)
101 Script/Murder Mystery Kit* ($39.95)
102 Costumes, props actors (in-kind donation) $0.00
103 Placecards (from duplicating) ($2.00)
104 Menus (from duplicating) ($2.00)
Subtotal ($43.95)
Advertising/Promotion
200 Student Invitations (40 x $.05 from duplicating) ($2)
201 Alumni Invitations (80 count)* ($36)
202 Envelopes (25 count for $2.99) x 4* ($12)
203 Thank you notes (100 count)* ($17)
204 Stamps (180 x $0.47 each)* ($85)
205 Social Media Advertising $0
206 TUB sign $0
207 Fliers ($2)
Subtotal ($154)
Decorations
300 Letters "W" and "C" ($5.49 each)* ($11)
301 Letter base* ($5)
302 Cobalt Blue Paint (2 ounces for $1.15)* ($2)
303 Paint Brush (in-kind donation from art dept.) $0
304 White Paint Sharpies (3 pack)* ($12)
305 Caution Tape* ($10)
306 Fake blood (one pint)* ($8)
307 Magnifying glasses (5 count)* $11
308 Masking Tape (60 yards)* ($6)
309 4" by 1/8" Wooden slats ($1.20 x 15)* ($18)
310 Gorilla wood glue* ($5)
311 Gold Spray paint (15 ounces)* ($5)
312 Floating Candles ($7.99 for 20)* ($16)
313 4" Glass Candle holders ($1 x 15)* ($15)
314 Silk Hygradgea flowers (5 flowers for $7.18) x 3* ($22)
315 2" Votive Candles and holders ($8.99 for 12)* ($18)
Subtotal ($142)
Miscellaneous
400 Awards (on-campus printing) ($5)
401 Last Minute Expenses ($30)

20. Subtotal ($35)
Total Expenses ($705)
Revenue Amount
500 Cost per alumnus ($30 x 80) $2,400
501 Cost per student ($10 x 40) $400
Subtotal $2,800
Profit $2,095
* denotes item is included in works cited

21. The Guest List
Invitees and/or Special Guests
o Current Westminster public relations majors and minors
o Current Westminster public relations faculty
o Past public relations faculty
o President Dr. Kathy Brittain Richardson
o 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

22. Student Murder Mystery Invitation Alumni Murder Mystery Invitation

23. Spring 2019: Promotional Materials
Advertising Materials
Facebook and Instagram Invitation
“There are only a few spots left! You don’t want to miss out on an evening of intrigue and fun.
R.S.V.P. to Carol Morrow by March 31st
.”
Twitter Invitation
“You don’t want to miss out on the premiere murder mystery dinner on campus!”

24. 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

25. TUB Sign

26. Event Description
Menu

27. 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.

28. 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 décor 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.

29. 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
Doom’s Day spin on the CEO’s absence and the company stock will plummet
without Dr. Perkins’s solid leadership in place. The show has to go on and
everything has to appear normal or Westminster College is destined for disaster.
To everybody’s surprise, the Board appointed Dr. Suzanne Prestein, a prior Senior
Risk Officer in the Internal Audit Department, to serve as interim CEO until

30. 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-mystery-
party/?gclid=Cj0KEQjwl-
e4BRCwqeWkv8TWqOoBEiQAMocbP4D1g4kk5L_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 Doom’s Day spin on the
CEO’s absence and the company stock will plummet without Mr. Wilde’s 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 everybody’s surprise, the
Board appointed Jasmine Aurora, a prior Senior Risk Officer in the Internal Audit
Department, to serve as interim CEO until Eric’s return. The Board also decided
to proceed with the Annual Conference with great hope that Eric Wilde will

31. 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-murder-
mystery/?gclid=Cj0KEQjwl-e4BRCwqeWkv8TWqOoBEiQAMocbP1_wsb5-
JGTqiS8s-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

32. Risk Management Policy
RISKS PREVENTION MANAGEMENT
THEFT  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
 Contact authorities and have
perpetrator immediately
removed from event.
UNPAID ENTRY  Maintain ongoing list of all
ticket orders
 Have event attendees fill out all
of the names of ticket
purchasers when they order the
tickets
 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.
ALCOHOL
RELATED
INCIDENTS
 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
 Appropriately treat affected
attendees
 Have medical staff on hand to
treat any serious cases
FIRE  Locate all emergency exits and
train volunteers on how to
proceed in case of a fire
 Follow safety protocol to ensure
everyone gets out safely
 Call 911
WEATHER  Consider weather conditions in
advance.
 Be sure that venue takes care of
needs pertaining to weather (i.e.
slating sidewalks)
 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

33. prevent heat stroke and
dehydration
 Salt and de-ice all sidewalks,
stairs and ramps
MEDICAL
EMERGENCIES
 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
 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
TECHNICAL
DIFFICULTIES
 Do a technical run-through of
the entire event to spot potential
problem areas and to fix them
before the event starts
 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
VENUE ISSUES  Finalize venue booking at least
two months in advance
 Reference run-through notes
and event contract to settle any
potential disputes
 Do final run-through a few
hours before the event to check
for issues, document all of the
observations
 Contact venue managers
during/after event to resolve
any issues that may call for
immediate help
 Thoroughly review venue
contract before the event

 Review venue facilities and
capabilities with venue
coordinator

VOLUNTEER
ISSUES
 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
 Handle each incident on a case
by case basis, referencing the
waivers, contracts and training
programs

34. ATTENDEES
GET LOST
 Place high visible signs along
the road near the venue, in the
parking lot and in the venue
directing attendees to the event
 Designate volunteers to help
find attendees who may have
gotten lost
USE OF
PHOTOGRAPHS
OF
VOLUNTEERS
AND
ATTENDEES
 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
 If there is a dispute later on
about the use of a person's
photograph or image, refer to
the signed waiver

35. 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 department’s 30th
birthday on-campus.
This year’s 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 year’s 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 year’s fundraiser as a sponsor, please contact me
to discuss your donation. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Lindsay Schich
Westminster College’s Sponsor Coordinator

36. 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 Joe’s
 Abe’s Old-Fashioned Custard
 Mugsies Coffee Shop
 Fractured Grape Winery
 The Dirty Pickle
 Rebecca’s Salon-Spa & Gift
Boutique,
 The Jacqueline House of New
Wilmington
 The Cheese House

37. 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 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
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
relation’s 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?

38. Proposed Final Budget 2018-2019
EVENT COST
HOW DOES PUBLIC RELATIONS APPLY TO ME? ($41)
PANEL DISCUSSION ($42)
TRIVIA TOURNAMENT $43
INDUSTRY VISIT ($18)
SUBTOTAL ($58)
RECOGNITION RECEPTION AND MURDER MYSTERY DINNER $2,095
TOTAL EXPENSES $2,037

39. 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.

40. "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.