FutureCon
May 14, 2026
9 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Edison Ballroom
New York, NY
FutureCon
FutureCon
Be part of the conversation that’s defining what’s next in public relations and communications!
In a rapidly shifting landscape, the role of public relations and communications professionals has never been more critical, or more complex. The FutureCon event brings together industry leaders and innovators to explore the evolving dynamics shaping the profession and to chart a strategic course for the years ahead.
This forward-looking event will dive into the key forces transforming how organizations communicate, build trust, and lead with purpose. From AI and navigating disinformation to spotting tomorrow’s trends, this conference offers a comprehensive exploration of the challenges and opportunities at the forefront of modern communications.
SPONSORED BY
Registration
Registration
FutureCon Registration
| Registration Type | Saver Rate Ends April 24 | Standard Rate After April 24 |
|---|---|---|
| PRSA Member | $595 | $695 |
| Nonmember | $695 | $795 |
Bundle: FutureCon AND Anvil Awards Ceremony
After FutureCon, join us as we proudly celebrate the 82nd anniversary of the Anvil Awards! The Anvils have set the standard for industry excellence and have long been considered the icon of the profession and the benchmark of outstanding performance in communications. The Awards Ceremony will take place on the evening of May 14 at the Edison Ballroom. We hope you’ll be there to celebrate with us!
| Registration Type | Saver Rate Ends April 24 | Standard Rate After April 24 |
|---|---|---|
| PRSA Member | $1,120 | $1,320 |
| Nonmember | $1,320 | $1,520 |
Agenda
Agenda
| 8–9 a.m. | Breakfast + Check In |
| 9–9:45 a.m. | Welcome + Opening Keynote Welcome to FutureCon! — Martin Lyster, CEO, Agility PR Solutions Opening Keynote: AI and the Future of Communications Tejas Totade, Chief Technology Officer, Ruder Finn Tejas Totade is leading one of the communications industry’s most ambitious AI transformations. To help us kick off FutureCon, his keynote will explore how AI is fundamentally reshaping communications, from brand visibility in generative search and the rise of mis- and disinformation to the urgent need for stronger governance and meaningful internal AI adoption. Tejas will also discuss why AI is more than a technological shift but a leadership and management imperative that will shape the future of trust and reputation. |
| 9:45–10:15 a.m. | General Session 1 The Next Decade: What Corporate Communications Must Become to Meet What’s Coming Felicia Joy, Founder, Highjump; Adjunct Faculty, University of Chicago Booth School of Business Dr. Rochelle Ford, APR, Chief Executive Officer, Arthur W. Page Society Michael Patino, Managing Director & CEO, Patino Associates Corporate communications is entering a redefining period. Polarization and social unrest, shifting political and demographic dynamics and rapid advances in AI are reshaping stakeholder expectations and how organizations operate. At the same time, saturated U.S. markets are pushing companies to pursue global growth while the policy stability businesses once relied on from government is increasingly uncertain. In this environment, the corporate communications function cannot remain what it has been. But what must it become? In this fireside chat, Felicia Joy leads a candid conversation with Dr. Rochelle Ford and Michael Patino on how the corporate communications function must evolve. Discover the strategic mindset and specific capabilities leaders need to build high-impact teams and maintain executive influence in an unpredictable landscape. |
| 10:15–10:45 a.m. | General Session 2 Earned Media in the Social Media Era: Why New Media Matters Elsa Rainey, VP, Public Affairs + Communications, GPS Influence Jocelyn Ocampo, VP Content Strategy, GPS Influence The media landscape has shifted and earned media strategies must evolve with it. Audiences increasingly rely on new media—independent digital outlets, newsletters, podcasts, creator-led platforms and niche publications—while traditional media consolidation has made coverage more competitive, creating both challenges and opportunities for organizations. This session offers a strategy-first framework for integrating new media into earned media efforts. Participants will explore how new media differs from traditional outlets, why it is often more accessible and mission-aligned and how it can amplify impact-driven stories that mainstream media may overlook. We’ll also examine AI-driven discovery and how niche media placements influence visibility, credibility and citations in AI search tools. |
| 10:45–11 a.m. | Morning Break |
| 11–11:30 a.m. | General Session 3 Flip Your Script on Digital Leadership Kristi Piehl, Founder + CEO, Media Minefield For the first time, executives active online can have more influence on brand perception and business performance than celebrity influencers. Company valuation, employee engagement and revenue are increasingly tied to how visible and credible leaders are online. Search is no longer just Google—it’s AI. Employees, customers and investors are asking platforms like ChatGPT who you are, what your company stands for and whether you can be trusted. If leaders don’t shape their digital presence, AI will shape it for them. In this session, Kristi Piehl shows leaders how to become Social CEOs and AI-empowered executives, building trust and authority across social media, search and AI-generated results. Because in today’s landscape, the real competitive edge isn’t louder messaging, it’s braver and more vulnerable storytelling. |
| 11:30 a.m.–noon | General Session 4 What’s Next for Comms Agencies? Barby K. Siegel, Global CEO, Zeno Group Jeff Wilson, APR, Senior Vice President, Social Impact, Padilla The communications landscape is evolving rapidly and agencies are at the center of this transformation. Join this dynamic conversation as industry leaders explore how communications agencies are adapting to new technologies, shifting client expectations and an increasingly data-driven media environment. We’ll also examine the role of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in shaping agency culture, talent pipelines and the work produced for clients. From AI and emerging platforms to inclusive storytelling and new service models, we’ll discuss what the next generation of communications agencies will look like and how teams can stay competitive while building more equitable and representative organizations. |
| Noon–1 p.m. | Lunch |
| 1–1:30 p.m. | General Session 5 |
| 1:30–2 p.m. | General Session 6 Leading Through Chaos: 20 Actions to Rally Teams When Nothing Feels Certain Ken Jacobs, PCP, CPC, ELI-MP, Principal, Jacobs Consulting & Executive Coaching According to Gallagher’s 2025 Employee Communications Report, “change fatigue” has appeared as a top barrier to success for the first time ever. In times of uncertainty, teams look to their leaders for clarity, confidence and direction. This session introduces a practical 20-action framework to help leaders navigate disruption with courage, empower their teams and drive stronger performance even when the path forward isn’t clear. |
| 2–2:15 p.m. | Afternoon Break |
| 2:15–2:45 p.m. | General Session 7 The Vulnerability Advantage: Why Real Is the (New?) PR Superpower Steph Porter, Founder, ink & iron PR In today’s environment of polished messaging, curated feeds and carefully managed responses, audiences are no longer looking for perfection—they’re looking for authenticity. This session challenges the traditional PR playbook, arguing that empathy, transparency and emotional intelligence are not “soft skills” but strategic assets. Through real-world examples and lived experience, we’ll explore how brands, founders and communicators can build deeper trust by showing up honestly, especially during moments of uncertainty, change or scrutiny. Participants will examine why tightly controlled narratives are losing influence, why human connection matters more than ever and how courageous, authentic communication strengthens long-term credibility. |
| 2:45–3:15 p.m. | General Session 8 |
| 3:15–3:30 p.m. | Closing + Looking Ahead Closing + Looking Ahead — Martin Lyster, CEO, Agility PR Solutions |