ICON 2020 Highlights

Communicators and students from around the world convened online for the first virtual conference in PRSA’s history on Oct. 26–29.

Under the leadership of PRSA Chair T. Garland Stansell, APR, and Conference Chair Del Galloway, APR, Fellow PRSA, ICON 2020, themed “Strategic Communications: Navigating a World Disrupted,” featured five keynote speakers, including Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jon Meacham and DiversityInc Media CEO Carolynn Johnson, more than 50 professional development sessions and seven industry-specific Section Symposia.

ICON 2020 provided all the hallmarks of PRSA’s annual international conference, including an expo hall and a wide variety of networking and social opportunities.

Among the program highlights were a dynamic Opening Night Reception featuring three events — including a line-dancing tutorial — as well as an exhibitor reception and virtual happy hour.

The conference, originally scheduled to take place in Nashville, tapped into Music City’s diverse scene for programming, with performances by Chelsea Crowell, grand-daughter of Johnny Cash and daughter of Rosanne Cash and Rodney Crowell; Alice Randall, award-winning country music songwriter and New York Times bestselling novelist; Barbara Morrison, Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist whose performing and recording career spans 60 years; Fisk Jubilee Singers, the legendary a cappella ensemble; and new talents Alison Russell, a singer-songwriter, and Everette, a country duo.

Several of the performers were part of a special concert, “Transforming the Landscape,” which successfully raised $50,000 to establish the PRSA Multicultural Scholarship Endowment.

In addition, on Oct. 27, PRSA presented 53 Silver Anvil Awards and 58 Awards of Excellence. “Space City: Moon Landing 50th Anniversary,” by Houston First Corporation, along with Turner PR, received the Best of Silver Anvil Award. — John Elsasser