PRSA’s ICON 2026 Highlights Leadership, Innovation and the Future of Communications

Keynotes from Sally Hogshead, Tyler Gillum and Gaby Natale, distinguished award honorees and an inaugural Creator Collective showcase the profession's momentum

ORLANDO, Fla., Oct. 20, 2026 - The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) concluded ICON 2026, held Oct. 18-20 at the Orlando World Center Marriott, bringing together communications professionals, educators, students and industry leaders for conversations about leadership, creativity, ethics and the forces reshaping strategic communications. The conference hosted over 1600 attendees.

Three featured keynote speakers offered distinct perspectives on the qualities that help communicators lead through change. Tyler Gillum, head coach of the Savannah Bananas, shared lessons in leadership, resilience and fan-first community building from the rise of Banana Ball. Bestselling author and branding expert Sally Hogshead explored authentic influence in "The Fascination Factor: Authentically Communicate Who You Are at Your Best." Three-time Daytime Emmy Award-winning journalist and entrepreneur Gaby Natale delivered "PIONEER: Embrace Your Uniqueness, Break Barriers and Redefine What Is Possible," emphasizing individuality, reinvention and breaking barriers.

Across the conference, programming addressed artificial intelligence, crisis communications, reputation management, measurement, executive visibility and emerging trends, pairing practical professional development with opportunities to build relationships across the communications community.

"ICON brings our profession together to exchange ideas, recognize excellence and prepare for what comes next," said CEO Matthew Marcial, CAE, APR. "From the perspectives shared on our keynote stage to the achievements of our honorees and emerging professionals, this year's gathering reflected the talent and commitment that continue to move communications forward."

PRSA recognizes outstanding leaders and rising professionals

ICON also celebrated six recipients of PRSA's 2026 Individual Awards: Anthony W. D'Angelo, APR, Fellow PRSA, Gold Anvil Award; Gemma R. Puglisi, Outstanding Educator Award; Geri A. Evans, APR, Fellow PRSA, Patrick Jackson Award for Distinguished Service to PRSA; Dennis L. Wilcox, Ph.D., APR, Fellow PRSA, John L. Paluszek Atlas Award for Public Relations Achievement Worldwide; Thomas Bennett III, D. Parke Gibson Award; and Davis Richardson, Public Relations Professional of the Year.

The conference further recognized the inaugural class of PRSA Emerging Professionals Award recipients, honoring professionals with two to seven years of experience whose work demonstrates creativity, ethical practice and measurable impact. The eight honorees were Mariana Anchante, Stephanie Brynes, Detavious Hill, Hannah Lafleur, Janelle Puckering, Sankalp Sharma, Amanda Theisen and Jasmine Washington-Price.

During a special celebration held in conjunction with ICON, the PRSA Foundation honored Damon D. Jones, chief communications officer of Procter & Gamble, and Mickey G. Nall, APR, Fellow PRSA, former PRSA Chair and CEO, with its 2026 Paladin Awards. The awards recognize communications leaders who have made significant, measurable contributions to advancing diversity, inclusion and belonging within the profession.

Creator Collective introduces new perspectives on ICON

ICON 2026 also introduced the Creator Collective, a pilot initiative designed to bring fresh voices and perspectives to conference storytelling. Four communications professionals and content creators - Daniel Mendez Arostica, MBA; Michelle Garrett; Brittany Mobley; and Melissa Rodriguez - were selected to share original content across their own platforms before, during and after ICON, offering audiences additional ways to experience the conference.

Developed from an idea by PRSA Communications Manager Courtney Vance, the initiative aims to extend the reach of ICON through original content and firsthand perspectives shared across participants' platforms.

Looking ahead

PRSA will convene ICON 2027 in Chicago as the organization marks its 80th anniversary. The Anvil Awards will be co-located with ICON, bringing two of PRSA's signature events together, with a new celebration, "The Late Edition," planned for Anvil honorees.

About PRSA

PRSA is the leading professional organization serving the communications community through a network of more than 400 professional and student chapters in the U.S., Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Peru and Puerto Rico. Guided by its Code of Ethics, PRSA empowers its members to succeed at every stage of their careers through a wide breadth of premium professional development programs, exclusive networking events and leadership opportunities. Signature events include the Anvil Awards and ICON, the profession's premier annual conference for communications professionals and students. For more information, visit www.prsa.org.

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Media Contact:

Linda Beltran, APR
Chief Communications Officer, PRSA
[email protected]