Drugi jezik na kojem je dostupan ovaj članak: Bosnian
Interviewer: Ekrem Dupanovic
The second PR conference, PR Days Mostariensis, will be held in ten days time (23 and 24 of November) organised by PR School of Philosophy Faculty of Mostar University. More than 30 respected PR theoreticians and practitioners will gather there. This meeting of theoreticians, practitioners and researchers should produce a synergistic effect on development of PR and all of the communication industry. Whether the conference PR Days Mostariensis will play an important role in the development of regional PR industry will be seen soon. The conditions are ripe. Mostar is an attractive city, the PR Studio of Philosophy Faculty is well organised and most importantly the leading people of the School and the University have the will and enthusiasm for this conference to become of regional importance.
This is what we are talking about today with Prof Zoran Tomic, the rector of Mostar University, and respected PR scientist.
Media Marketing: The second PR Days Mostariensis conference is upon us, showing the success of the first, what does this conference represent to Mostar University as an organiser?
Prof Zoran Tomic: The PR School of Philosophy Faculty of Mostar University whilst organising the first conference spotted a void in B&H for PR conferences, integrated communications and media. Unfortunately, the state association PRIBA has ceased to exist. We wanted to fill that void and create a platform for state and regional gathering of experts. For Mostar University this is an affirmation of the profession and of the study programs. University is a place of meeting, research, experience sharing and discussions. PR days Mostariensis enables that.
Media Marketing: Who do you expect to see? Your students, local PR audience or people from the region?
Prof Zoran Tomic: Your question is the answer: Several target audiences, PR and media practitioners, all levels of management and anybody else interested in communication trends and phenomena.
Media Marketing: You managed to gather fairly representative number of speakers. Who is it you’re expecting most from, whose presentation are you especially keen to hear?
Prof Zoran Tomic: All of the speakers are renowned in the region. It is difficult to say who to expect most from. The practitioners are interesting as they teach us what is happening in practice. On the other hand, the scientists have more theoretical and scientific approach. By synthesising these two approaches, and if there are research projects, three approaches we will be able to harvest important information about PR in the region. I expect a synergic effect at the conference.
Media Marketing: You have very interesting and original program. More than 30 speakers, each having 10 minutes to speak and present their theme. Very brave! This requires perfect discipline. Do you expect everything to go to plan or are you expecting difficulties in changeover of speakers, preparations for new presentations etc. I think 10 minutes is sufficient to say lot of useful things.
Prof Zoran Tomic: Yes, well spotted, ten minutes is enough just as a taster for the theme. It is difficult to gage a speaker in 10 minutes. It is important to emphasise the concept. Each presentation will be accompanied by a paper to be published in a journal. This gives the conference greater meaning. On the other hand, a lot of guests wanted to speak. This just shows that there is not enough of this type of conference and people have a lot to say. There is, of course a social aspect to the conference. There are some colleagues that hasn’t met since the nineties. This adds value to the conference.
Media Marketing: To organise such a big conference in Mostar is quite an undertaking. Who was your greatest supporter?
Prof Zoran Tomic: The Philosophy Faculty of Mostar University, local and cantonal government and various companies. It is true, it is a demanding undertaking but it can be done. I believe that next year it will become a regional event in the true sense of the word in terms of support. And media partners also play an important role by promoting the conference, its themes and its speakers. The conference is fully inclusive in every sense.
Media Marketing: There will be awards for PR scientists and practitioners given at the conference.
Prof Zoran Tomic: The Organiser believes that in B&H and the region there are enough quality researchers, practitioners and scientist who deserve recognition for their work. I really believe that we have great people who have devoted their life to their profession. They deserve recognition. The awards are just a small token of appreciation by the society.
Media Marketing: The Department of Public Relations of Mostar University is strong and staffed by quality teachers. Are there enough students interested in the study and where can they find work after their studies?
Prof Zoran Tomic: The Department of Public Relations is staffed by recognised scientists and practitioners in the field. Every year there are more than 50 students in the first year’s intake. This shows that there is considerable interest in public relations. The first generation of graduates have now left the course and next year we’ll see the first masters degrees awarded. As for job opportunities it remains to be seen. The course enhances the promotion of young experts within society; they are destined for top management positions.
Media Marketing: You have written a lot of textbooks in the field of public relations. Are you working on anything new?
Prof Zoran Tomic: My text books are obligatory reading in many regional universities. At the moment I am working on a book, the working title of which is “The Practice of Public Relations”, the fifth edition of “Political Communication”, and a new book “A theory of political communication”. I am also finishing “The Public Relations Dictionary” as a project unique in the world. My operational and strategic duties as a Mostar University rector are preventing me from writing. Even so I believe there should be new books by the spring.
