More About 250 Reasons to Connect: The Power of PR & Events
Join the ILEA Greater Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Public Relations Association (PPRA) for 250 Reasons to Connect: The Power of PR and Events, a conversation exploring how public relations and live events come together to create visibility, buzz, attendance, and lasting community impact across Philadelphia.
This behind-the-scenes discussion will feature industry leaders who have helped shape some of the region’s most recognizable cultural moments and citywide celebrations.
Cari Feiler Bender, founder of Relief Communications, has helped shape some of Philadelphia’s most recognizable public-facing events and cultural moments, including Franklin Square’s Chinese Lantern Festival and Electrical Spectacle, AIDS Walk Philly, Black-Tie GayBINGO, and major Mural Arts Philadelphia initiatives surrounding the DNC, Papal Visit, and Royal Visit. With decades of experience turning civic and cultural events into citywide conversations, Cari brings deep insight into how PR and event organizations can work together to build visibility, community engagement, and lasting impact.
Amanda Kaster, Vice President of Partnerships & Community Impact at Welcome America, and Kellianne DeBlase, Vice President of Marketing & Communications at Welcome America, help power the collaborations behind Philadelphia’s largest civic celebrations. Through strategic partnerships, community engagement, and large-scale marketing initiatives surrounding marquee events like Wawa Welcome America, Amanda and Kellianne offer a behind-the-scenes perspective on how brands, nonprofits, city stakeholders, and event producers work together to create experiences that resonate across Philadelphia.
Following the panel discussion, attendees will have the opportunity to connect with fellow professionals in the public relations, marketing, and live events industries.
This behind-the-scenes discussion will feature industry leaders who have helped shape some of the region’s most recognizable cultural moments and citywide celebrations.
Cari Feiler Bender, founder of Relief Communications, has helped shape some of Philadelphia’s most recognizable public-facing events and cultural moments, including Franklin Square’s Chinese Lantern Festival and Electrical Spectacle, AIDS Walk Philly, Black-Tie GayBINGO, and major Mural Arts Philadelphia initiatives surrounding the DNC, Papal Visit, and Royal Visit. With decades of experience turning civic and cultural events into citywide conversations, Cari brings deep insight into how PR and event organizations can work together to build visibility, community engagement, and lasting impact.
Amanda Kaster, Vice President of Partnerships & Community Impact at Welcome America, and Kellianne DeBlase, Vice President of Marketing & Communications at Welcome America, help power the collaborations behind Philadelphia’s largest civic celebrations. Through strategic partnerships, community engagement, and large-scale marketing initiatives surrounding marquee events like Wawa Welcome America, Amanda and Kellianne offer a behind-the-scenes perspective on how brands, nonprofits, city stakeholders, and event producers work together to create experiences that resonate across Philadelphia.
Following the panel discussion, attendees will have the opportunity to connect with fellow professionals in the public relations, marketing, and live events industries.
Date & Time
June 11, 2026
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Location
Two Street Club | An Oliveto Project
140 N 2nd St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Contact Info
Learn More
Communities
Add to My Calendar
Did you know you can follow any of our 175 Special Interest calendars and stay informed better than ever before? See them here. You can also create your own public or private calendar here. Post events to your calendar and ours at the same time! Terms and conditions may vary based on the policies of your local Town Planner publisher.
To learn more, watch our intro video!