East Central District Conference

Sept. 17-18, 2026

Our profession is constantly changing, and our role as communicators is evolving and shifting in ways big and small. And it’s only going to continue as our world changes – whether due to technological advancements, political shifts or industry demands. In short, we have to be scrappy and hustle to evolve with the times and communicate in an age of change.

PRSA-ECD is evolving, too, bringing this one-day, blockbuster conference to a new city and state. Michigan is home to four chapters, including PRSA-Detroit, the district’s largest chapter. We’ve also moved the conference to a weekday (Friday), kicking it off on Thursday with a PRSSA event and a welcome reception.

Registration Deadline Sept. 11, 2026.

Schedule

Thurs., Sept. 17, 2026

PRSSA/Student Event, 3 – 5 p.m. at The Hilberry Gateway Lobby, 4715 Cass Ave.
- Open to students and professionals! Free to attend with conference registration. Event sponsored by Wayne State University

Welcome Mixer, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Cielo Rooftop bar at Cambria Suites, 600 W. Lafayette Blvd.
- Apps, cash bar and networking with other conference attendees. Free to attend with conference registration. Event sponsored by PRSA Detroit

Fri., Sept. 18, 2026

Conference, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at The Corner Ballpark (historic site of Tiger Stadium), 1680 Michigan Ave.

Location

Detroit, Michigan
The Corner Ballpark (Old Tiger Stadium), 1680 Michigan Ave., Detroit 48216

Detroit was founded on innovation and hustle. From its humble beginnings in 1701 as a fur-trading settlement, the city went on to put the world on wheels, create the five-day workweek, invent Motown and techno, assemble four pro sports teams, and make great pizza.

Program

Get ready to recharge and retain with seven practical sessions to help you evolve as our industry continues to change.

How PRSA Hustles

A Conversation with PRSA – Matthew Marcial, APR, PRSA CEO; Heide Harrell, APR, 2026 PRSA Chair; Moderator: Ray Day, APR, PRSA Immediate Past Chair

How our Industry Hustles

Communication Evolution: From PR to Integrated Marcomms – Peter VanDyke, CEO and Founding Partner, VVK PR + Creative

AI in PR: What’s Next and How to Prepare for It – Amanda Carl-Pratt, Head of External Communications, Google DeepMind

Crisis Communication: Faster with AI, Better with Humans – Bill Nowling, Professor of Practice & Director, College of Communication Arts & Sciences, Michigan State University; Rian English Barnhill, VP of Government and Community Affairs, Olympia Development

On the Record: Journalists Debate the Future of Media (and What We Need to Know) – Panelists: Mike Lee, Managing Editor, Crain’s Detroit Business; Katrease “Kat” Stafford, Global Race and Justice Editor, Reuters; Phoebe Wall Howard, The Detroit News Contributing Columnist and Substack Creator (Shifting Gears); David Welch, Detroit Bureau Chief, Bloomberg

Moderator: Dr. Alicia Nails, Director, Wayne State University’s Journalism Institute for Media Diversity

How to Manage the Hustle

Navigating a Polarized Public Arena: When to Speak Out and When to Keep Silent – Karen Swim, APR; Founder, Words For Hire

Managing the Hustle: Practical Strategies for Thriving in a Rapidly Changing Profession – Adria Moses, Writer, Trauma-Informed Healer, Founder, School of Radical Healing

Learn More About the Program & Speakers