Preparing for ICON 2024; Remembering a Legend

As of this writing, we are a month out from PRSA ICON 2024 in Anaheim, Calif., on Oct. 15-17. This year also marks my 27th in-person ICON/international conference. 

It’s always exciting to reconnect with many of you and attend some of the 40-plus breakout sessions and numerous networking events.  

I’m particularly looking forward to hearing from our keynote speakers, broadcast journalist Gio Benitez, singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge and futurist Crystal Washington — especially after we published preview Q&As with them on our blog, PRsay.

Benitez, the Emmy Award-winning correspondent who covers transportation for ABC News and co-anchors “Good Morning America” on weekends, was especially thoughtful during our 20-minute video interview. And given my “news junkie” status, I enjoyed hearing his views on the business today.

He was candid about the fact that Americans are following the news less closely than they were a few years ago, as research has shown, as well as an ongoing change in news consumption habits.

“We’re investing in our streaming services. We really don’t see a difference between [broadcasting or streaming the news] because we’re producing the same content and putting forward the same type of work and the same passion, whether it’s on ‘Good Morning America’ or our streaming service, ABC News Live,” Benitez said. “People still need this information, and we’re still going to be delivering it to them, but the distribution of it changes. We’re trying to meet that moment.”

We also discussed what he looks for when working with PR/comms pros.

“We have this saying: ‘I don’t want to be PR’d.’ Let’s have a real conversation about what’s actually happening. Because even if someone thinks the story’s context puts them in a bad light… viewers will know when they’re not being told the truth,” he said. “That’s why it’s so important to have honest conversations, full of context.”

Managing Editor Amy Jacques and I will publish recaps of the keynoters on PRsay after their sessions in Anaheim and in our November-December issue. You can also follow us on X (@PRSAtactics) for real-time updates and insights from #PRSAICON 2024.

Broadcasting Live at ICON 2024

Speaking of ICON, we’re also taking our livestream series Strategies & Tactics Live on the road to Anaheim. 

Join us live on PRSA's LinkedIn page at ICON 2024 for the following conversations:

• Oct. 15, 10 a.m. PT. Cheron Porter, MA, APR, executive vice president, corporate communications, INLIVIAN: Housing Redefined
• Oct. 16, 9 a.m. PT. Matt Kucharski, APR, president, Padilla
• Oct. 17, 9 a.m. PT. Matt Prince, director, brand communications and PR, Taco Bell

Remembering a legend

There have been many unforgettable moments at our conferences over the years. Here’s one that stands out for me: watching James Earl Jones deliver a compelling keynote on culture at our 2002 gathering in San Francisco. 

As the doors opened for this session, there was a feeling of excitement as attendees sought prime seats for the stage and screen legend, and to hear the iconic voice of Darth Vader and the father of Disney’s “Lion King.” Afterward, Jones was just as gracious, taking time to pose for photos with attendees — years before the smartphone era. 

I was very sorry to read about his passing on Sept. 9 at the age of 93. It’s a significant loss, though his legacy endures.