2026 PR and Comms Conferences You Don't Want to Miss

As you’re planning for 2026 and marking your calendars for upcoming campaign opportunities, don’t forget to reserve some time (and resources) for your own learning and development. As the public relations and communications industry is constantly evolving, there's no better way to stay ahead than by connecting with colleagues at various professional conferences.

Whether you're a seasoned industry veteran or new to PR and comms, we’ve selected these top industry events, all of which offer invaluable opportunities to sharpen your skills, expand your network, and discover the latest trends. Take advantage of the industry events listed below to:

• Expand your professional network
• Advance your knowledge and professional skills
• Learn about current PR and communications trends
• Hear personal insights and predictions from industry thought leaders
• Get exposure to the latest and greatest innovations in tools and tech
• Benchmark your strategy and performance against peers
• Increase visibility of yourself and your organization
• Reignite your creativity and enthusiasm 

Pro tip: Highlight these benefits to make a compelling case for budget approval. 

2026 PR and Communications Conferences

Here’s our list of the top conferences to mark on your 2026 calendar. 

Ragan’s Crisis Communications Virtual Conference

When a crisis strikes, all eyes are on you. So, you need to be prepared. This virtual event provides interactive training so you can plan, prepare, and pivot under pressure. Learn from seasoned comms professionals, brand leaders, and top academics who share field-proven frameworks, candid failures, and rapid-fire fixes you can put into practice immediately.

• When: January 28, 2026
• Where: Online

Ragan’s Employee Communications & Culture Conference

Successful teams don’t react to change – they lead it. With AI transforming workflows and employees' expectations evolving, this conference will equip you with practical strategies to stay ahead: From learning how to integrate AI agents to building an authentic workplace culture.

• When: April 21-23, 2026
• Where: Westin Boston Seaport

PRWeek Crisis Communications Summit

If you’re thinking about attending Ragan’s virtual conference on crisis comms, consider adding this in-person summit to your calendar as well. In a world of political shifts, cultural tension, and AI disruption, crises can hit any time. Would you be ready to lead through it? While Ragan’s conference offers interactive training, join this event to hear from UK’s top communications professionals and learn how to build rapid-response strategies across all channels, monitor sentiment in real-time, and navigate uncertainty with confidence.

• When: February 11, 2026
• Where: London, England 

Ragan’s AI Horizons Conference

Many brands are implementing AI into their strategies, but only a select few are integrating it enterprise-wide and seeing measurable ROI. At AI Horizons 2026, through hands-on labs, strategy sessions, and peer exchanges, you’ll discover how to turn campaign data into revenue, automate busywork, and boost your team’s strategic impact. Learn how to champion AI in your organization and secure your seat at the C-suite table.

• When: February 2-4, 2026
• Where: Fort Lauderdale, FL 

Corporate Communications: Driving the Business Forward

Today, the only constant is change: Technological, political, economic, environmental, and more. Connect with peers and industry experts to explore these changes, as well as learn how to face the new communications challenges and opportunities of 2026 as a strategic advisor. Make the most of this event and expand your network by engaging with leaders who are shaping communication strategies, driving engagement, and aligning corporate messages with broader organizational goals.

• When: March 5-6, 2026
• Where: Brooklyn, NY 

International Public Relations Research Conference

Now in its 29th year, this conference is the ultimate bridge between PR researchers and practitioners. Its unique roundtable format provides ample time for academic study presentations and enlightening discussions that connect scholarly research with real-world communications practice. 

• When: March 5-7, 2026
• Where: Orlando, FL 

Ragan and PR Daily’s Social Media Conference

Social media professionals are at the forefront of a brand’s reputation, risk, and culture: You need to keep up with shifting algorithms, platform turbulence, and fragmented audiences, all while keeping your brand’s voice steady. This event brings together social managers and comms strategists from healthcare, higher ed, government, finance, and consumer brands to solve what’s next. Join them to dive deep into meme culture, video strategy, livestreams, AI implementation, crisis readiness, and employee storytelling that builds trust.

• When: March 9-11, 2026
• Where: Orlando, FL 

IPR Bridge Conference

In its seventh year, The IPR Bridge Conference connects communication leaders with leading scholars in an intimate setting: Practitioners gain direct access to cutting-edge research shaping the profession's future, while academics showcase their latest findings. Through meaningful dialogue and actionable insights, this event creates opportunities to translate theory into practice and drive the field forward together.

• When: March 18-19, 2026
• Where: Chappel Hill, NC

Social Media Week

AdWeek's Social Media Week gathers marketing and social media professionals to collaborate and gain insight into the latest trends and strategies. Save your seat to dive into influencer dynamics, tap into pop culture, partner with top agencies, and master the latest channels to keep your audiences engaged. Over three days of mindful insights and wildly creative energy, you'll learn from the masterminds behind unforgettable brands and viral campaigns.

• When: April 14-16, 2026
• Where: New York, NY

Future of Information and Communication Conference (FICC)

A true meeting of minds for researchers and industry professionals, this conference is all about sharing knowledge on communication, data science, computing, and security. Expect research presentations, strategic discussions, tutorials, project demos, and keynote speeches from technology experts that will expand your understanding of emerging communication technologies.

• When: April 16-17, 2026
• Where: Berlin, Germany

Fierce Pharma Engage

The Fierce Pharma PR and Communications Summit has evolved into two events for 2026, the first of which is Fierce Pharma Engage. Exclusive and focused, this summit is designed for pharma and biotech professionals looking to collaborate and strategize. Over 700 industry leaders will meet to build meaningful relationships through educational sessions, structured one-on-one meetings, networking, and collaborative brainstorming.

• When: April 22 - 24, 2026
• Where: San Diego, CA

POSSIBLE

More than just a marketing conference, POSSIBLE is a vibrant expo for marketers at every level – from rising stars to C-suite leaders. Now expanded across two campuses, the event features interactive sessions, keynote speeches, masterclasses, curated meetups, and immersive environments to encourage creativity, foster meaningful connections, and shape the future of marketing.

• When: April 27-29, 2026
• Where: Miami Beach, FL

Social Media Marketing World

While focused on marketers, this conference offers PR professionals valuable insight into emerging social trends, audience behavior, and content strategies that can strengthen media relations and amplify earned coverage. Sessions focused on AI, marketing strategy, organic and paid social marketing will provide takeaways you can implement immediately. Whether you're looking to grow the business or refine your communications approach, this conference has you covered.

• When: April 28-30, 2026
• Where: Anaheim, CA

PR360

The UK's premier communications conference brings together influential professionals in an environment of collaboration and insight. The event focuses on tackling the most pressing challenges and trends in communications. Expect to hear insights into the hottest industry topics and participate in transformative discussions.

• When: May 14-15, 2026
• Where: Brighton, UK

IEEE International Conference on Communications (ICC) 2026

This year’s theme, “Connected World for a Sustainable Future,” delivers a comprehensive technical program featuring 12 symposia, cutting-edge tutorials, and workshops spanning the full spectrum of communications research and innovation. This event is your opportunity to collaborate, exchange ideas, and drive communications forward in a world striving for sustainability.

• When: May 24-28, 2026
• Where: Glasgow, Scotland

PR Daily’s Conference

This conference is designed for PR professionals ready to take their media relations skills to the next level. Interactive pitch sessions, deep dives into AI tools, and strategies for countering misinformation will equip you with the latest techniques to excel in media relations. Details are still developing for the 2026 conference, so keep an eye on their website.

• When: June 3-5, 2026
• Where: Brooklyn, NY

International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) World Conference

This year's theme is the “evolving role of the communicator”. Given that comms teams face constant disruption and rapid shifts in technology and ethics, the question arises: How can you stay smart and adapt? Attend this event to find the answer(s), as well as insights, real-world experiences, and best practices from industry experts.

• When: June 14–16, 2026
• Where: Toronto, Canada 

Fierce Pharma Week

The Fierce Pharma PR and Communications Summit has evolved into two events for 2026, the second of which is Fierce Pharma Week – a comprehensive summit for pharma and biotech professionals covering marketing, sales, medical affairs, scientific communications, and PR. Network, collaborate, and develop strategies for success in the industry. 

• When: September 14-17, 2026
• Where: Philadelphia, PA

Hubspot’s INBOUND 2026

INBOUND is the ultimate gathering for sales, marketing, and customer experience professionals, all of which have implications for PR professionals. With over 13,000 in-person attendees, this conference is all about "inbound marketing" – creating valuable content and curated experiences that genuinely connect with customers. Make sure you attend to gain new perspectives on AI, customer experience, and sustainable revenue.

• When: September 16-18, 2026
• Where: Boston, MA 

Brand Minds

Attend The Central and Eastern European Business Summit of the Year which brings together outstanding business thinkers and world-class experts to discuss the latest in marketing, sales, leadership, branding, team management, business strategy, innovation, and company culture. This conference is more than networking; it is about creating meaningful and long-lasting partnerships.

• When: September 16-17, 2026
• Where: Bucharest, Romania

Content Marketing World 2026

Content Marketing World is an international conference bringing together +3,000 PR and marketing professionals to tackle the biggest issues in communications. This year’s event will focus on trending topics like the role of AI in marketing, the power of analytics and data, effective strategies for persuasive content marketing, as well as storytelling techniques and the art of visual narratives.

• When: October 5-7, 2026
• Where: Denver, CO 

Ragan’s Internal Communications Conference

Hosted at Microsoft's headquarters, this conference is all about embracing transformation. Covering both strategic insights and tactical skills, you'll learn to navigate challenges like AI integration, channel fatigue, and leadership buy-in. Perfect for communications professionals at every career stage. Details are still developing for this year’s edition, so keep an eye out for updates.

• When: October 13, 2026
• Where: Seattle, WA 

PRSA ICON 2026

The pinnacle of PR events, ICON brings together professionals from across the country. It’s a comprehensive conference that blends networking and professional development, touching every aspect of PR across industries and career levels. Check out their website for updates as full details haven’t been revealed yet.

• When: October 18, 2026
• Where: TBA

On Our Watch List:

Details are yet to come for these conferences, but check back regularly as we update this list.

AMEC Measurement and Evaluation Global Summit

The gold standard for communications measurement and analytics, this conference brings together global leaders to discuss the latest trends and best practices in Dublin, Ireland. If you're serious about understanding the impact of your communications, this is the event for you.  

ADWEEK’s Mediaweek

A dynamic convergence of marketing and media leadership, Mediaweek explores the full landscape of media strategy. The conference tackles platform innovations, TV trends, emerging technologies, and provides actionable insights for driving brand and business growth through strategic media approaches.

Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) Annual Conference

The Chartered Institute of Public Relations' flagship event unites communications professionals in a robust forum of knowledge exchange. Featuring thought-provoking discussions and strategic networking, the conference covers both current and emerging industry trends.

International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO) Global Summit

A premier international gathering of PR innovators and leaders, the ICCO Global Summit provides an international platform for addressing the most critical challenges and emerging trends in public relations and communications. Professionals from around the world converge to share insights, strategies, and vision.

PRovoke Global Public Relations Summit

An elite forum designed for senior PR practitioners, the PRovoke Summit tackles the most pressing issues facing the communications profession. Featuring the prestigious SABRE awards, the event celebrates and analyzes the world's most impactful PR campaigns. 

World Public Relations Forum

The Global Alliance's flagship conference is a multi-day event that brings together global thought leaders in communications. With inspiring sessions, extensive networking, and a worldwide perspective, WPRF represents the best of international PR discourse.

Looking for more ideas to inspire your year? Check out our 2026 PR and Comms Content Planning Calendar for key dates, holidays, and industry events to inform your content strategy.