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

9 – 2:30 p.m.:ECD Board Meeting & Retreat | ECD board members only
Wayne State University – Old Main Building (Malbin Room – 3rd floor)
3 – 5 p.m.: PRSSA/Student Event
The Hilberry Gateway Lobby, 4715 Cass Ave.
- Open to students and professionals! Free to attend with conference registration. Event sponsored by Wayne State University
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.: Welcome Mixer
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

7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.: PRSA ECD 2026 Conference
The Corner Ballpark, 1680 Michigan Ave.

7:30 – 8 a.m: Registration/Arrival & Continental Breakfast
8 – 8:08 a.m.: Welcome and Introductions – Kim Skeltis, Chair-Elect PRSA ECD
8:08 – 8:15 a.m.: PRSA East Central District Overview – Mark Pompilio, ECD Chair
8:15 – 9:15 a.m.: How PRSA Hustles – A Conversation with PRSA
- Speakers: Matthew Marcial, APR, PRSA CEO; Heide Harrell, APR, 2026 PRSA Chair
- Moderator: Ray Day, APR, PRSA Immediate Past Chair
9:15 – 10:15 a.m.: 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, Vice President of Government and Community Affairs, Olympia Development
10:15 – 10:30 a.m.: NETWORKING BREAK
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.: Communication Evolution: From PR to Integrated Marcomms
- Peter VanDyke, CEO and Founding Partner, VVK PR + Creative
11:30 – 12:30 p.m.: Navigating a Polarized Public Arena: When to Speak Out and When to Keep Silent
- Karen Swim, APR; Founder, Words For Hire
12:30 – 1:15 p.m.: LUNCH + NETWORKING
1:15 – 2:15 p.m.: AI in PR: What’s Next and How to Prepare for It
- Amanda Carl-Pratt, Head of External Communications, Google DeepMind
2:15 – 3:15 p.m.: On the Record: Journalists Debate the Future of Media (and What PR Pros Must Know)
- Panelists: Mike Lee, Crain’s Detroit Business; Phoebe Wall Howard, The Detroit News/Substack; David Welsh, Bloomberg
- Moderator: Dr. Alicia Nails, Director, Wayne State University Journalism Institute for Media Diversity
3:15 – 3:30 p.m.: NETWORKING BREAK
3:30 – 4:15 p.m.: Managing the Hustle: Practical Strategies for Thriving in a Rapidly Changing Profession
- Adria Moses, Writer; Trauma-Informed Facilitator; Founder, The School of Radical Healing
4:15 – 4:30 p.m.: Conference Summary/Wrap Up – Kim Skeltis
4:30 p.m.: Conference Adjourns

Learn More About the Program & Speakers

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.