By Edward M. Bury, APR, MA (aka The PRDude)
It’s billed as “the largest single gathering in the public relations and communications industry!” And it just concluded yesterday. And, again, I was not in attendance.
Yes, I’m referring to ICON 2024, the annual event hosted by the Public Relations Society of America. This year, communicators from around the nation — and perhaps around the world — gathered in Anaheim, California to learn, network, advance the profession by partaking in sessions, presentations, and strolls through the exhibit hall.
For the record, I have participated in many professional conferences over my career, but just about all centered on the real estate or transportation industries. And, I did serve twice as a delegate from my chapter, PRSA Chicago, at the Assembly that takes place before ICON, so I gained some personal insight into what to expect during the conference.
But I’ve never registered for the three-day event, where participants can take in workshops, enjoy coffee with exhibitors, and hear from keynote speakers. An aside: Had I been in attendance in Anaheim, I would have worked toward a front row seat to hear the keynote conversation with singer/songwriter and activist Melissa Etheridge. My decade’s long affinity for all things rock and roll and public relations would have been addressed!
As I noted in a post last month, I believe it is prudent and beneficial to continue to learn, grow, and break the cycle of sameness: The same activities, the same routine. Attending an ICON conference would certainly immerse me into all things public relations for a couple of days. And, while I don’t believe I will incorporate AI or use influencers in my current position, it would be prudent to stay current in modern public relations.
So, I’m putting up a post-it note (yes, I can be old school at times) to remind me to work towards registering for the ICON 2025 conference, which will be in the nation’s capitol, a place I have visited each January for the past decade or so.
Plus, I’ve never been to Washington in autumn.
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