Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to submit a presentation proposal?
The Call for Presentations closes on March 4, 2026 at 11:59 pm ET.

When and where will ICON 2026 take place?
ICON will take place October 18–20, 2026 at the Orlando World Center Marriott in Orlando, Florida.

What information will I need to submit?

• Shorty and catchy session title
• Presentation Information
• Learning Objectives (minimum of three)
• Presenter Information 
• Co-presenter Information (if applicable, maximum of four presenters total including moderator)

How many proposals can I submit?
You can submit no more than two proposals for consideration.

How many presenters are allowed?
No more than four presenters total, including the moderator.

What are the Conference Learning Tracks?

1. Data & Measurement
   Analytics and large-volume data to optimize the performance of your campaigns and demonstrate the fully integrated decision-making of your communication strategies for ongoing efficiency.
    
2.  Digital Communications
   Technical skills across the digital communication landscape, concentrated on interests within branding, social media and content strategy to leverage a variety of digital tools through evolving channels and platforms geared to appeal to different audiences.
    
3. Emerging Trends & Technology
   Focuses on the latest innovations, tools and disruptors that are reshaping and revolutionizing how organizations engage with their audiences, measure the effectiveness of campaigns, develop and distribute content, manage reputation, handle crisis communications and continue to impact society.
    
4. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)
   Best practices and training that highlight an organizational approach to initiatives that can positively impact society and deliver environmental and social benefits.
    
5. Leadership & Management
   Best practices in leadership innovation and inspiration, management skills development, team building, workplace infrastructure, conflict resolution and mentoring.
    
6. Marketing Communications
   Strategic approaches utilizing content marketing tactics for diverse communication across Paid, Earned, Shared and Owned platforms to prove ROI, enhance campaign effectiveness, and achieve objectives.
    
7. Reputation & Crisis Management
   Communication strategies, case studies and resources with advanced perspectives in reputation management, as well as crisis communication, via defined approaches for developing programs to leverage the success of your organization.
    
8. Special Interests
   Methods to address the needs of specific audiences and topics such as ethics, DE&I, global business and education, plus guidance on Accreditation.
    
9. Tools & Techniques
   Skill-building training for messaging, writing, relationship building, pitching, word of mouth, speechwriting, and storytelling tools and techniques

What are the key factors that determine a presentation’s acceptance?

Your presentation should demonstrate:

• Results-oriented best practices, which may have evolved as the result of a strategic shift or nimble tactical adjustment.
• Strategies and value propositions with measurable outcomes.
• Solutions for organizational challenges, such as trust and reputation protection, staff development, internal communications, corporate social responsibility and social media integration.
• Key drivers of critical business functions, such as crisis communications, sales generation, customer relations, issues management, stakeholder engagement and research, legislative compliance, media relations, and shifts in behavior and perception.
• Organizational positioning, including integrated marketing communications, brand identity and risk management.
• Core career competencies, such as ethics, leadership, collaboration, networking and influence.

When will I find out if my proposal has been accepted?
All proposals will go through a formal review, and PRSA will let you know if your presentation has been accepted by late spring.

Who reviews my proposal?
All proposals will be shared randomly with a panel of judges that are PRSA members drawn from past PRSA chairs, PRSA leadership, College of Fellows, Silver Anvil judges and other senior-level communication professionals. 

How do I register to attend ICON 2026?

If selected as an ICON speaker, you will be encouraged to register for the Full Conference Pass at the Saver Rate.

Please note that speakers are not required to register for the conference. Speakers who choose not to register will receive a special badge at onsite registration that provides access only to the room(s) where they are presenting on the day(s) of their session(s).

Speakers are responsible for their own travel expenses but will have access to the special discounted room block rate of $269/night (plus taxes & fees) at the Orlando World Center Marriott if they book before rooms sell out. If you plan to attend, we encourage you to reserve your room now.

What is an APR Learning Opportunity?
Presentations which help APR (Accredited in Public Relations) candidates in their review of topics relevant to the Examination process, may be designated as APR Learning Opportunities. To qualify, presentations must cover the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) in the APR Exam. A detailed description of the subsets of KSAs, can be found here. The presenter or at least one co-presenter must have an APR. All APR Learning Opportunity selections are subject to approval.