ICON 2025
Washington, D.C.
Oct. 28-30, 2025

 

ICON 2025


Washington Hilton
1919 Connecticut Ave. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009

 

ICON is heading to the nation’s capital!
Save the dates & secure the lowest rate today!

This must-attend annual Conference provides PR, communications, and marketing professionals with unmatched networking and professional development. From inspiring keynote speakers to informative breakout sessions to countless opportunities to connect with your peers, ICON is the place to be!

Keynote Speakers


DC + Politics = A New Reality for Communications
A powerhouse panel of Washington insiders and media experts unpacks what everyone can learn from communications occurring at the speed of politics.

The panelists will provide insights on their careers in politics and media before diving into a fast-paced conversation about the role of politics in driving innovation in communications, the evolution of earned media and influencer strategy, lessons from the campaign trail on the best storytelling, the challenges of today's fragmented news media environment, plus predictions for the 2026 midterms and beyond.

ICON25 Keynote Panel

 

Moderated by Ray Day, APR, 2025 PRSA chair, Stagwell vice chair and Allison Worldwide executive chair, the keynote panel will feature:

  • Brendan Buck, former counselor to House Speaker Paul Ryan and press secretary to House Speaker John Boehner
  • Leigh Ann Caldwell, chief Washington correspondent for Puck and former correspondent for The Washington Post and NBC News
  • Ben LaBolt, White House communications director for President Biden
  • Robyn Patterson, assistant White House press secretary for President Biden
  • Ali Vitali, MSNBC anchor and former White House and Capitol Hill reporter



headshot of Sherman PalladinoAmy Sherman-Palladino
Emmy Award-Winning Writer, Director, and Producer

Amy Sherman-Palladino, the Emmy Award-winning creator behind some of television’s most iconic series, takes the main stage at ICON 2025 to explore the power and art of storytelling.

Known for her signature sharp wit and richly drawn characters, Sherman-Palladino began her career on “Roseanne,” earning Emmy and Writers Guild nominations, and a Peabody Award. She went on to create “Gilmore Girls,” a critically acclaimed show named one of Time magazine’s 100 Best TV Shows of All Time.

Her creative vision continued with “Bunheads,” and the Emmy-sweeping “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” which earned 20 Emmys, multiple Critics Choice, SAG, and Peabody Awards—and made her the first woman to win both comedy writing and directing Emmys in the same year. She brought her signature voice to stage and screen, most recently debuting her latest show, "Étoile," on Prime Video.

Join us for an exclusive conversation with one of television’s most celebrated creators as she shares her journey, creative process, and the impact of storytelling.

 

 


headshot of Johnny C. Taylor Jr

Johnny C. Taylor, Jr.,
SHRM-SCP
President and CEO

Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., President and CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), takes the main stage at ICON 2025, sharing his insights on culture, employee communications, inclusion and diversity.

Known globally for his leadership and workplace expertise, Taylor brings a host of real-world advice and knowledge. Taylor’s career spans more than 20 years as a lawyer and an executive, serving at IAC, Paramount Pictures, Blockbuster Entertainment Group, and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. He is a member of the United Way Worldwide Board of Trustees and serves on the corporate boards of XPO Logistics, Flores & Associates, and Guild Education. He was also recently named one of the “300 Most Influential Executives in Corporate America” by Savoy Magazine.

Taylor previously served on the White House American Workforce Policy Advisory Board and as chairman of the President's Advisory Board on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. He writes a weekly column in USA Today, is a Fellow of the National Academy of Human Resources and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional.

Don’t miss the opportunity to hear directly from one of the most influential voices shaping today’s workplace!

 

 
 
ICON 2024 attendee
ICON 2024 attendees
 
ICON 2024 attendees
Molly McPherson at ICON 2024
 
ICON 2024 attendees
ICON 2024 attendees

Highlights from ICON 2024

Need more reasons and managerial support to attend ICON 2025?

A message from Ray Day, APR, PRSA Chair-Elect

 

Here’s what your peers had to say about ICON 2024:

 


“Thank you PRSA for putting together an experience that was truly empowering, motivating, and re-energizing.  I learned so much in 2.5 days of jam-packed seminars, along with dynamic, engaging, and insightful keynote speakers such as Gio Benitez, Crystal Washington, CSP, CPAE, Faith E. Pinho, Molly McPherson, and Melissa Etheridge.”
  Alexa Bandala
Owner & Founder
AB Creative Solutions

“Tuesday through Thursday brought engaging workshops, sessions and keynotes focused on the state of the industry – and world – and the key role we as communicators play in the ever-evolving landscape. I met some truly outstanding professionals over my week in California.”
Helen Korneffel Comiska
Senior Account Executive
Identity

Registration Info

Registration Info

Conference Rates

Register now for the best available price.

PRSA MemberNonmember*
Saver Rate
3/2/2025 - 9/5/2025
$1,695$1,995
Regular Rate
After 9/5/2025
$1,945$2,245

*Includes a free PRSA membership for one full year (regularly $267).
Your membership will be activated shortly after the Conference.

Schedule-at-a-Glance

Schedule-at-a-Glance

Monday, Oct. 27, 2025

7 a.m.–7 p.m.
ICON Registration

8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Leadership Rally (For Incoming Leaders Only)

7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Association Nonprofit Section Conference Day 1 (Off-site)*

8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
ICON Pre-Conference Full Day Seminar*

8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Health Academy Section Conference Day 1 *

11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
PRSSA Awards Ceremony***

2 – 3:30 p.m.
PRSSA Keynote Session***

5 – 6:30 p.m.
PRSSA Opening Reception***


Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025

8 a.m.–5 p.m.
ICON Registration

8 a.m.–5 p.m.
ICON Products & Exhibit Hall

7 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Association Section Nonprofit Section Conference Day 2 (Off-site)*

7 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Health Academy Section Conference Day 2*

8 a.m.–12 p.m.
ICON Pre-Conference Half Day Seminars* (3)

9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Champions for PRSSA***

1–2:45 p.m.
ICON Opening General Session

3:15–4:15 p.m.
ICON Professional Development Workshops Set 1

4:15 — 5:00 p.m.
ICON Open Networking and Refreshments in the Products & Exhibit Hall**

5:00–6:00 p.m.
ICON Professional Development Workshops Set 2

5:15 – 6:45 p.m.
PRSSA Adviser Session***

7–9 p.m.
ICON Opening Reception**


Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025

7:30 a.m.– 5 p.m.
ICON Registration

7:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
ICON Products & Exhibit Hall

7:30 – 8:30 a.m.
ICON Breakfast in the Products & Exhibit Hall**

8:30-10 a.m.
ICON General Session

10-10:45 a.m.
ICON Open Networking and Refreshments in the Products & Exhibit Hall

10:45–11:45 a.m.
ICON Professional Development Workshops Set 3

12 p.m.–1 p.m.
ICON Professional Development Workshops Set 4

1–2:30 p.m.
ICON Networking Luncheon**

1:15 – 2:30 p.m.
PRSSA Leadership Recognition Luncheon***

1:30 – 4p.m.
PRSSA Career Development Expo***

2:30 — 3 p.m.
ICON Open Networking and Refreshments with the Exhibitors**

3—4 p.m.
ICON Professional Development Workshops Set 5

4:15 – 5:15 p.m.
ICON Professional Development Workshops Set 6

5:15–7:15 p.m.
ICON Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Celebration


Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025

7:30 a.m.– 11 a.m.
ICON Registration

7:30 a.m.–11 a.m.
ICON Products & Exhibit Hall

7:30 – 8:30 a.m.
ICON Breakfast in the Products & Exhibit Hall**

8:30 a.m. –9:30 a.m.
ICON Professional Development Workshops Set 7

9:45 –10:45 a.m.
ICON Professional Development Workshops Set 8

11:00–12:30 p.m.
ICON Closing General Session

*
Open to all. Additional registration fees apply.

Schedule
is subject to change without notice. Check back frequently for the most up-to-date schedule.

**
Open to Full Package PRSA ICON (Professional) Registrants Only. ***Open only to PRSSA Students and Student Advisers


* Open to all. Additional registration fees apply.
** Open to Full Package PRSA ICON (Professional) Registrants Only.
*** Open only to PRSSA Students and Student Advisers

Agenda

Agenda

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Speakers

Speakers

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Hotel Info

Hotel Info

 

Washington Hilton
1919 Connecticut Ave. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009

exterior of Washington Hilton hotel at dusk


Stay in the heart of Dupont Circle and Adams Morgan

Discover a contemporary urban retreat located in the heart of D.C.'s most desirable neighborhoods. Steeped in history, our hotel has hosted presidents, notable figures, and prestigious events since 1965. Enjoy a seasonal outdoor heated pool with spectacular views of the Washington Monument. Discover local flavors in four exceptional on-site dining venues. We offer over 118,000 square feet of meeting and event space.

 

PRSA has reserved a limited number of rooms in the following hotels at special conference rates.

 



Washington Hilton

Main Conference Hotel

Professional Rate
$289 single/double

Book now! 

Student Rate
$275 single/double/triple/quad

Book now!

 



Generator Washington D.C

Located across the street from Hilton

Special Conference Rate
King: $159 | Private 4 Bed Room: $179

Book now!

(Select nights only. Limited number of rooms remaining.)

 

Sponsors

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ICON 2025 SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES


Please Contact:

Jay Goldberg
Sales and Brand Partnerships Director
James G. Elliott Company
j.goldberg@jgeco.com
O: (917) 421-9070
C: (917) 733-3355

Mike Runkle
Manager, Chicago Office
James G. Elliott Company
m.runkle@jgeco.com
(312) 348-1210