Early Bird Rate Expires July 19!

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.

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.
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.
  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, MI

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 practical seminars to help you evolve with the times, covering:

How PRSA hustles – Changes in the society and how PRSA is adapting to stay relevant, featuring a conversation with PRSA CEO Matthew Marcial, APR, and PRSA Chair Heide Harrell, APR

How our industry hustles – What’s changing in PR, what tools we need to do our job, with sessions such as:

AI/Emerging Technologies
The Changing Media Landscape
Our Evolving Role – from PR to Integrated Marketing Communications
Crisis Communications and Where it is Headed

How to manage the hustle – What tools we need to manage the changes

Pricing

Early Bird/Regular*

Member — $75/$100
Nonmember — $110/$130
PRSSA Student — $45/$55
Nonmember Student — $55/$65

*Early bird ends July 19

Hotels

PRSA-ECD has negotiated discounted hotel blocks at two Detroit locations for conference attendees.

Atheneum Suite Hotel
1000 Brush St. Detroit, 48226
$169 per night for single occupancy/$189 double occupancy; $25 valet
Call 313-962-2323 to reserve a room by 8/17 under the conference block – “2026 PRSA East Central District Conference”