PR as an industry has been evolving at a rapid rate with the advent of digital technologies and social media. To stay sharp, PR pros benefit when they learn from one another and understand how scope of public relations is changing in the modern era.
Ready to up your PR game? You’re in luck! We’ve compiled a list of the best PR conferences to attend this year.
Psst: Looking for the best marketing conferences? Check out our list!
Read on!
List of 2024 PR Conferences
1. Meltwater Summit
2. Ragan & PR Daily: Social Media Conference
3. PRSA
4. PR Decoded
5. International Association of Business Communications (IABC)
6. Crisis Comms Conference
7. World Public Relations Conference
8. IBR Bridge Conference
9. International Journalism Conference
1. Meltwater Summit
- June 25-26 in New York, NY. Register here!
Meltwater invites you to attend Meltwater Summit, a special 2-day event in the heart of New York City!
Meltwater Summit is where creativity and innovation intersect for enriching professional growth and networking experiences. Elevate your expertise, be inspired and empowered as you chart the course for success in the ever-evolving landscape of PR, marketing, and communications.
This year's event will feature an opening day keynote from actor and entrepreneur, Ryan Reynolds!
What to expect
- 30+ thought leadership sessions: Gain a deeper understanding of emerging trends and future opportunities in inspiring talks led by industry visionaries.
- Future-proof your approach: Stay ahead in the fast-moving digital world with talks on AI, adapting to changing consumer behavior, industry-shaping trends, building effective influencer partnerships, and much more.
- Strategic insights: Uncover unique strategic insights from PR, marketing, & communications leaders at top brands and agencies, providing a roadmap to level up your martech stack.
- Hands-on workshops: Participate in expert-led product workshops and earn onsite certifications in important digital marketing skill sets.
- Make meaningful business connections: Engage in impactful networking breakouts and happy hours with seasoned executives and rising stars.
Also see: Highlights from the 2023 Summit on demand.
2. Ragan & PR Daily: Social Media Conference
- March 27-29 in Lake Buena Vista, FL
The 2024 Social Media Conference, held by Ragan & PR Daily, will take place at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. It covers emerging trends in social media, and features a wide variety of high profile speakers in the communications field.
3. PRSA
The Public Relations Society of America hosts several events throughout the year. Here’s what’s coming up in 2024:
Employee Communications | May 15-17, Atlanta GA
The PRSA Employee Communications Connect24 Conference explores navigating comms in an AI world.
Counselors Academy | April 9-11, Palm Springs CA
The PRSA Counselors Academy connects senior PR counselors with each other in an open forum where they can exchange insights and forge relationships.
Public Affairs & Government | June 12-14, Seattle WA
The PRSA Public Affairs & Government Summit is designed specifically for those in the public sector, providing essential networking opportunities for those “at the nexus of public policy, community safety and protection, crisis communications, and environmental concerns.”
Travel & Tourism | June 2-5, Greenville SC
The PRSA Travel & Tourism Conference this year will focus on professional development and the ever evolving media landscape.
PRSA Icon | October 15-17, Anaheim CA
Professional development and networking for PR & comms professionals.
4. PR Decoded
- Dates & location currently TBD
PR Decoded is the official yearly event put on PR Week. Last year's theme was “Purpose Evolved”, focusing on how PR pros can remain purposeful in their messaging in the wake of increasing distrust from consumers.
Information about the 2024 conference is still TBD.
5. International Association of Business Communications (IABC)
- June 23-26 in Chicago, IL
The theme for the IABC World Conference of 2024 is still to be announced. In 2023 the conference explored the theme “Communication Can Deepen”. It will dive into the power of storytelling and how communication can “deepen relationships, impact, curiosity, and so much more.”
6. Crisis Comms Conference
- April 18 in Washington D.C.
Put on by PRWeek, this PR conference drills down into the specific area of crisis comms, and how to master the skills required to execute crisis management effectively.
7. World Public Relations Conference
- Bali, Indonesia [2024 Dates TBD]
Every two years (normally) Global Alliance PR puts on the World Public Relations Conference. It is a global event with past conferences being held in Toronto, Oslo, Madrid and more.
This year the conference will be held in Bali, Indonesia. The theme for 2024 is yet to be announced.
8. IPR Bridge Conference
- April 10-11 in Washington D.C.
Put on by the Institute for Public Relations, the Bridge Conference is a place where academics and senior-level PR professionals come together to learn from and support each other. It’s also an opportunity for papers in PR scholarship to be peer-reviewed.
9. International Journalism Festival
- April 17-21 in Perugia, Italy
The International Journalism Conference is Europe's biggest annual media event, held every year in Perugia, Italy. Most sessions are held in English, or have translation available. The conference is open to journalists of all ages and skill levels.
