Dates
Public Relations (PR) is one of the most powerful tools in a founder’s toolkit, especially for early-stage and scaling tech companies. Whether you're preparing to launch a new product, announce a funding round, or build long-term visibility in a competitive market, understanding the fundamentals of PR can help you craft your story, control your narrative, and connect with media, investors, customers, and the broader ecosystem.
Join us for an insightful session led by Category Communications' Co-Founder, Chantel Cassar and Senior Director, Rachael D’Amore. Known for developing a strong brand presence for a commendable portfolio of technology, real estate, and financial services companies, Chantel and Rachel will talk about public relations in the context of tech and innovation, help you identify newsworthy moments for your company, recommend best practices for an effective media pitch, and emphasize the overall importance of having a public relations strategy.
This Masterclass is ideal for startup and scale-up founders, early-stage marketing and communication leads, or any team member who plays a role in telling your company’s story. Whether you're navigating your first media opportunity or looking to strengthen your visibility with a clear PR strategy, this session will give you the foundational tools to start strong.
About the speakers:
Chantel Cassar, Co-Founder of Category Communications, is a public relations expert with 10+ years of experience in real estate, retail, and tech. With roots in experiential marketing, she excels at storytelling that drives visibility for startups and major brands like Reddit and Best Buy. Passionate about industry advancement, she also serves on the Canadian Public Relations Society Board, supporting collaboration and the next generation of PR professionals.
Rachael D'Amore is a seasoned PR leader with a journalism background, having reported for CP24, CTV, Global News, and VICE Canada, earning multiple RTDNA awards. Now Senior Director at Category Communications, she leads strategic PR campaigns in tech, AI, B2B, and sustainability. Rachael supports startup growth through events like Elevate Festival and continues giving back to journalism as an RTDNA Awards judge, blending media expertise with impactful brand storytelling.
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