Robert Novak, co-host of CNN's Crossfire and a syndicated columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times, will deliver the keynote speech at The 8th Annual Strategic Public Relations Conference, co-sponsored by the International Association of Business Communicators and Lawrence Ragan Communications, Inc.

This prestigious event, attracting PR professionals from the U.S. and Canada, will take place at Chicago's historic Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Oct. 5-7.

Novak, direct from the campaign trail, will brief attendees on the politics and PR of what is shaping up as the bitterest presidential contest in recent memory.

The irrepressible journalist headlines the premier PR conference, which features PR pros talking about their biggest successes -- and crises -- of the past year. Among the highlights:

* David Polk of Tyco International shares how his team is working to repair the company's shattered image, build a strong corporate reputation, combat negative press and gain the good graces of a skeptical public.

* Richard Rothstein of Atkins Nutritionals describes how PR developed the blockbuster brand and rode the wave of controversy to success.

* Ginger Hardage of Southwest Airlines reveals how the carrier made one of its savviest PR moves and became the star of the hit A&E show, Airline.

Participants can choose from among 20 powerful and informative sessions in four different tracks: media relations, online PR, crisis communications and best practices. PR professionals can improve their skills in four, half-day pre- and post-conference seminars on measurement, PR writing, media Web sites and media training.

Conference attendees will hear the latest on hot topics like blogs and other cutting edge developments in online PR. Experts from the International Association of Business Communicators and Jupiter Research will debate the state of the public relations industry.

Ragan's PR conference is co-sponsored by the International Association of Business Communicators. Other major sponsors include PR Newswire, Symon Communications, The Holmes Group and PRtrak/Surveillance Data.

For more information or to register for The 8th Annual Strategic PR Conference, visit http://www.ragan.com/ or call Julie Braveman at 800.493.4867 ext. 4606.

SOURCE: Lawrence Ragan Communications, Inc.