Your personal brand shapes how people see you, trust you, and connect with your work. Whether you are just starting your career or looking to strengthen an established reputation, a strong and authentic personal brand can open doors and create new opportunities.

The Central PA chapter of the American Marketing Association, in partnership with the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC, invites you to a half-day event designed to help business professionals, students, nonprofit leaders, and entrepreneurs better understand how to build a personal brand and avoid common pitfalls along the way.

Coffee and lunch are included with registration.

Learn more and register on Eventbrite.

What to expect

Morning session: Personal branding through a PR lens

The event kicks off with a guided session led by Brett Marcy, of Apollo Communications. Drawing from his experience working with professionals and organizations, Brett will explore the benefits and potential risks of building a personal brand alongside a business or employer. He will share practical strategies for gaining visibility, building credibility, and avoiding common mistakes that can undermine trust. A Q&A will follow the session.

Networking lunch

Attendees will enjoy a networking lunch with fellow professionals from across Central Pennsylvania. This time is designed to encourage meaningful conversation, idea sharing, and new connections across industries and career stages.

Panel discussion: Personal branding in practice

The afternoon concludes with a guided panel discussion led by Dominic Colardo, member engagement manager at the Harrisburg Regional Chamber. Panelists include Ellen Min, associate director for student access & achievement at Dickinson College; Sara Bozich Surra, CEO and founder of Cheers Harrisburg; and Vishnu Patel, relationship manager at Presence Bank.

Panelists will share their personal journeys, discuss how they intentionally built their personal brands, and explain how they leverage those brands for professional growth and success. The session will conclude with a Q&A.

Who should attend

This event is ideal for:

• Business professionals across industries
• Students preparing to enter the workforce
• Nonprofit leaders and staff
• Entrepreneurs and small business owners
• Anyone interested in strengthening their professional presence
• The content is designed for both beginners and experienced professionals.