Securing speaking engagements for your client and helping them attend conferences relevant to their industry is part of what we do as PR professionals. But what about you and your team/agency? We get it – it’s hard to focus on your own initiatives when clients come first, but don’t put your professional growth on the back burner. In fact, you can learn a lot about new trends, tips and products as well as what works and what doesn’t at PR conferences. Luckily for you, we’ve done all the vetting and compiled our annual list of which ones to attend and their speaker deadlines.
PRovoke North America
February 12, 2020, Chicago, IL
The Holmes Report’s flagship conference charts the future of influence and engagement, while also celebrating cutting edge work. This year’s conference challenges conventional wisdom, breaks new ground and inspires new heights of creativity.
Call for Speakers Deadline: Speaking Submissions Closed. Use the Contact Us page to learn more about the PRovoke 2021 speaker deadline.
PR News’ Crisis and Measurement Summit 2020
February 25-26, 2020, Miami, FL
For two days, attendees will spend their time deep diving into the industry’s most progressive curriculum on crisis management and communications measurement, featuring a brand-side roster of instructors.
Call for Speakers Deadline: Speaking Submissions Closed. Contact Mark Renfree at mrenfree@accessintel.com to request to be put on the 2021 speaker email list.
Ragan’s Social Media Conference
March 11-13, 2020, Orlando, FL
Learn to craft and distribute click-worthy content as well as tips, takeaways and secrets to better connect with audiences across all online platforms. You’ll have the opportunity to connect with the top experts making a splash online.
Call for Speakers Deadline: Speaking opportunities are now available. Contact sponsorship@ragan.com to learn more.
Ragan’s Speechwriting & Public Affairs Conference
March 25-25, 2020, Washington, DC
Hear from a distinguished roster of speakers and learn how to navigate today’s turbulent social and political climate. The conference will give you cutting-edge ideas, strategies and tactics to maintain trust and protect reputations.
Call for Speakers Deadline: Speaking opportunities are now available. Contact sponsorship@ragan.com to learn more.
PRSA’s Western District Conference 2020
April 15-17, 2020, Las Vegas, NV
This low-cost, annual conference offers excellent curriculum by quality trainers, networking opportunities and celebration of excellent work and service through the District Awards at the end of the two days.
Call for Speakers Deadline: Speaking Submissions Closed. Contact Rina Foster at rina.foster@gmail.com to request to be put on the 2021 speaker email list.
ContentTECH Summit
April 20-22, 2020, San Diego, CA
Gain insight into how new technologies and innovative processes are changing what our work will look like in the next two to five years. Attendees will learn from practitioners and experts in content technology and marketing strategy.
Call for Speakers Deadline: Speaking Submissions Closed. Contact cmi_speakers@ubm.com to be added to their notification list for future Call for Speakers opportunities.
6th Annual Content Marketing Conference
April 21-23, 2020, Boston, MA
“Trust in brand” is among the top three factors that influence buying decisions. This conference teaches attendees how your brand can tap mystery, humor, intimacy and authenticity to humanize your content and boost content marketing performance.
Call for Speakers Deadline: Use the Contact Us page to submit for the 2021 speaker deadline.
Social Media Week NYC
May 5-7, 2020, New York, NY
This premier event brings together digital marketing professionals from over 50 countries to share ideas, insights and strategies for how to advance their business and brands in an age of unprecedented human-connectivity.
Call for Speakers Deadline: Speaking Submissions Closed.
Broadcast-U
May 7-8, 2020, New York, NY
An exclusive event for public relations professionals, BROADCAST-U lets the best in our industry personally network with broadcast reporters, producers and bookers in one place, at one time.
Call for Speakers Deadline: Use the Contact Us page to learn more about the Broadcast-U 2021 speaker deadline.
The Social Shake-Up
May 12-14, 2020, Atlanta, GA
For marketing, communications and social media professionals who are serious about social media, this is the event for you. Find out innovative ways to continue leveraging social media to drive business goals.
Call for Speakers Deadline: Call for speakers is now open.
Confab, The Content Strategy Conference
May 17-20, 2020, Minneapolis, MN
Each year, the conference draws crowds from around the world to focus on several areas related to content strategy, including analytics and performance, content design for AI and bots, editorial assignments and calendars, etc.
Call for Speakers Deadline: Speaking Submissions Closed. However, they are accepting proposals for future submissions.
PRSA’s Northeast District Conference 2020
June 12, 2020, Portsmouth, NH
Join PRSA for a power-packed day of presentations, thought-provoking conversations and impactful networking. With around 200 professionals in attendance, this year’s theme is “2020 Road Map: Directions for a New Decade.”
Call for Speakers Deadline: Call for speakers is now open until February 28, 2020.
International Association of Business Communicator World Conference
June 14-17, 2020, Chicago, IL
With the theme “Shift: #AreYouReady” and an eye toward the latest trends, solutions and ideas, the conference will explore the newest challenges and opportunities facing the communication profession.
Call for Speakers Deadline: Speaking Submissions Closed.
DigiMarCon Midwest
June 17-18, 2020, Chicago, IL
Through workshops on content strategy, social media and analytics and data, PR professionals have the opportunity to learn more about creating brand awareness and using digital tools to drive more productivity in business.
Call for Speakers Deadline: Call for speakers is now open until 90 days before the event.
Social Media Week Los Angeles
June 17-18, 2020, Los Angeles, CA
Social Media Week brings together digital marketing professionals from over 50 countries to share ideas, insights and strategies for how to advance their businesses and brands in an age of unprecedented human-connectivity.
Call for Speakers Deadline: Speaking Submissions Closed. Visit the Submission page to stay in the loop for future deadlines.
PRSA’s Sunshine District Conference 2020
July 23-25, 2020, Hollywood, FL
With more than 30 keynotes, breakouts and other professional development sessions, SunCon offers opportunities for PR and marketing professionals at all stages of their career to network and build relationships.
Call for Speakers Deadline: Speaking Submissions Closed.
Content Marketing World Conference and Expo
October 13-16, 2020, Cleveland, OH
Return back to your company with materials and knowledge you need to implement a content marketing strategy that will grow your business and inspire your audience.
Call for Speakers Deadline: Call for speakers is not open yet. Use the Contact Us page to learn more.
PRovoke20 Global Summit
October 19-21, 2020, Washington, D.C.
Holmes Report’s ninth global PR summit is a 3-day conference that attracts a diverse group of senior practitioners, top-tier speakers and delegates who come together to address the critical issues facing the profession.
Call for Speakers Deadline: Call for speakers is not open yet. Use the Contact Us page to learn more.
PRSA’s International Conference 2020
October 25-27, 2020, Nashville, TN
The conference helps professionals pursue excellence, navigate change, assert influence and position the importance of public relations through professional development, innovative programming, relationship building and more.
Call for Speakers Deadline: Call for speakers is now open until March 15, 2020.
PR Decoded
Date, TBD; Location, TBD
PRWeek brings together CEOs, CMOs, CCOs and agency thought leaders to lead an essential conversation on how to deliver the powerful message of purpose with conviction, authenticity and maximum impact.
Call for Speakers Deadline: TBD; approximately 6 months before the event.
Deciding which PR conferences to attend can be tricky, and it’s important that you and your agency/team are getting your bang for your buck, especially when paying for a speaking slot. Interested in speaking at one of these conferences? Check out our blog on public speaking to brush up on your skills.