Lauren Graham Announced as New Keynote Speaker for ICON 2025

 

NEW YORK, October 22, 2025 – The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) announced today that award-winning actress, producer and New York Times best-selling author Lauren Graham will be the keynote speaker at ICON 2025.

Graham’s keynote will take place on Tuesday, October 28, during the Day 1 General Session running from 1–2:45 p.m. of the Conference. ICON 2025 is expected to draw more than 2,000 communications professionals and students from across the nation.

“Lauren Graham is a storyteller whose work has inspired audiences through humor, authenticity and heart,” said Matthew Marcial, CAE, CMP, chief executive officer of PRSA. “Her perspective on creativity, communication and the art of connection aligns perfectly with the spirit of ICON, and we’re thrilled to welcome her to this year’s stage.”

Best known for her roles in the acclaimed television series “Gilmore Girls” and “Parenthood,” Lauren Graham has earned acclaim for portraying strong, witty, and dynamic characters. Her most recent essay collection, “Have I Told You This Already?,” released in 2022, marked her fourth appearance on The New York Times Best Seller list, following the success of Talking as Fast as I Can,” “Someday, Someday, Maybe,” and “In Conclusion, Don’t Worry About It.”

In addition to her celebrated television work, Graham’s film credits include “Because I Said So,” “Evan Almighty,” “Flash of Genius” and “Bad Santa.” On stage, she starred as Miss Adelaide in Broadway’s 2009 revival of “Guys & Dolls,” and most recently took on dual roles as executive producer and star of Disney+’s “The Mighty Ducks” revival. This fall, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

For her portrayal of Lorelai Gilmore in “Gilmore Girls” — where she also produced the show’s final season — Graham earned a Golden Globe nomination, two Screen Actors Guild Award nominations for Outstanding Female Actor in a Drama Series, and two Television Critics Association nominations for Individual Achievement in both Drama and Comedy. She has also received two Teen Choice Awards, a Best Actress honor from Viewers for Quality Television, and was recognized by Planned Parenthood as a “Champion of Choice” for her advocacy on family issues both on and off screen.

 

Graham joins a stellar ICON 2025 lineup that includes: Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., CEO of SHRM, on leadership in the modern workplace, and a powerhouse keynote panel featuring:

• 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

Registration is still open for ICON 2025.

About ICON
ICON brings together public relations practitioners and communications students from around the world for professional development and networking opportunities. Activities include educational keynotes, panels, breakout sessions; social events; and multiple chances to gain practical and tactical skills, insights and ideas to take home. 

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 premier annual gathering for communications professionals and students. For more information, visit www.prsa.org.

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Media Inquiries and those interested in attending the conference should contact:

PRSA Communications
(212) 460-0307
prsacommunications@prsa.org