LAKELAND, Fla., November 11, 2019 – PLAY is not a four-letter word, but a means through which professionals can super-charge creativity and connect with customers, clients and co-workers. Join the Dick Pope/Polk County Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) Chapter as Tim Walsh, author, game designer, and filmmaker shares a fun and inspiring presentation “How and Why Your Influence Matters.” Walsh will share clips from his documentary film, OPERATION: Operation and discuss the themes of play, connection and vulnerability, culminating in the clam our influence matters more than we realize.
The meeting, which includes a hot breakfast and networking opportunities, will be held Wednesday, November 20, 2019 from 7:30-9:00 a.m. in the Terrace Hotel Ballroom, 329 East Main Street, Lakeland, FL 33801. The meeting is open to the public. Online registration is open until Monday, November 18 at FPRApolk.org or contact info@fprapolk.org. The cost for members who pre-register is $17 and guests is $22. Student members who pre-register may attend for $7 and student guests may attend for $12.
Walsh will share the story of John Spinello, the man who in 1964 invented a game that would eventually become the iconic board game, Operation. Spinello sold the patent rights to his game to a toy development company for $500. The game went on to sell over 45 million copies. In 2008, John lost his business and then discovered he needed surgery he could not afford. Walsh and a fellow game inventory launched a crowd-funding campaign that raised more than $32,000 in eight days for Spinello’s surgery. The story broke and soon Spinello was on Good Morning America, NBC Nightly News, and dozens of other TV shows. Dozens of doctors, nurses, and even surgeons wrote to credit Operation as one of the influences that led them into the medical field. Walsh also cites fun stories from previous creative projects and research on brain science and psychology to take attendees on an informative and memorable ride toward compelling connections.
About Tim Walsh
Walsh’s publications have been praised by The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and NPR. A 29-year veteran of the toy industry, Walsh served as VP of Product Development & Marketing at Patch Products (now PlayMonster) and was instrumental in taking the company from $3 million in sales to more than $23 million. His designs and co-designs of games have sold over seven million copies in 13 countries. He has appeared on numerous TV and radio shows including CBS’s The Early Show, NPR’s All Things Considered, Top 100 Toys (BBC), and many others.
About the DP/PC Chapter of FPRA
The Dick Pope/ Polk County Chapter of FPRA provides professional development, accreditation and certification, leadership opportunities, recognition, networking, and funding of educational and professional development programs for members. For information on the state organization, visit fpra.org. The Dick Pope/Polk County Chapter of FPRA holds monthly meetings and social events. Members and guests are always welcome but it is necessary to RSVP at FPRApolk.org or contact info@fprapolk.org to reserve your seat.
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