ICON 2026

As an extrovert, being at a gathering of public relations professionals would seem like a good match. 

A friend of mine nicknamed me "Mr. P.R." some years ago. That is exactly who I was the last few days - me with lots of other Mr. and Ms. P.Rs.

Over the weekend and early this week, I was in Orlando for PRSA's ICON 2026 (International Conference). For years, I have heard about ICON but this was my first time attending. In short, it was an amazing experience.

The reason I went to this particular ICON is that I have recently been elected President of the PRSA's Knoxville Chapter. I will take office January 1. And, it is customary for incoming leaders to attend Leadership Rally in advance of ICON.

In other words, a nice bundle. 

At Leadership Rally, I met a number of colleagues from around the country. Many of them are either current chapter Presidents or, like me, Presidents-elect. We learned more about the organization–Public Relations Society of America–and we also discussed strategies for attracting, retaining and engaging members.

I met a colleague from Worcester, Massachusetts who is about to become her chapter's President. Likewise, I was at table with the incoming Prez of the Cincinnati chapter. I met other attendees from Albuquerque, Birmingham and Charlotte, among others. Meeting people, ahem, was the ABCs of ICON. 

And, from our state, the current President from Memphis, the President-elect for Nashville and a representative from Chattanooga.

Let's be real, there are worse places to spend a few days than in sunny Florida. With Southwest Airlines now flying direct from TYS to MCO, it was safe and easy travel. 

Most importantly, the event gave me time and focus to think about what I want to accomplish as President of the Knoxville Chapter.

As you may recall from earlier in the year, I retired in December. I have been slowly checking off projects from the to do list. But, mostly, I have been praying for guidance as to "what comes next."

It seems like this role is a big part of the answer.

At ICON, I learned so much. I scribbled down 85 possible ideas for initiatives I'd like to see us pursue. But, now, I need to sift through those points and funnel down to the few measureable/achieveable goals I'd like to bring forth in 2027.

Over the course of the next two months, that is my mission. 

JG