PR Next 2026

The PRSSA Western District Conference brings together students, educators, and industry leaders to explore the evolving role of ethics, artificial intelligence, and innovation in the future of public relations.

March 6–8, 2026
Fullerton, California

Hosted by the CSUF PRSSA Chapter, the PR Next Conference showcases forward-thinking professionals shaping the next generation of communicators.

Explore the evolving future of public relations through hands-on workshops, engaging panels, and career-building sessions.

With an emphasis on networking, portfolio development, and experiential learning, attendees will gain the tools and insights needed to thrive in dynamic industries such as entertainment, sports, gaming, and beyond.

Day 1, March 6 | 10am–8:30pm
10am–4pm
Office Tours – TBA

1:30pm-4:00pm
Registration

2:00pm-4:00pm
Workshop

6:30pm–8:30pm
Opening Reception

Day 2, March 7 | 8am–4pm
8am–5pm
Registration

8am–9am
Morning Networking

9am–9:50am
Leadership Summit with Alicia Caracciolo

10am–11am
Opening Keynote

11:15am–12:15pm
  • Session 1A: Session led by Suzie Bao & Ingrid Otero-Smart
  • Session 1B: Session led by David Peña
  • Session 1C: Level Up: Public Relations in the Gaming & Esports Industry with Nick Jones-Liang

12:15pm–1:45pm
Lunch Break

1:45pm–2:45pm
  • Session 2A: Session led by Kristelle Siarza Moon
  • Session 2B: Essentials of Storytelling in the Age of AI with Tim O’Day
  • Session 2C: Newsroom to the Studios: Translating Journalism Experience into Entertainment PR with Brittany Rodgers

3pm–4pm
  • Session 3A: Selling the Experience: Public Relations in California Tourism & Destination Marketing with Melissa Yunk
  • Session 3B: Personal Branding Session led by Matt Prince
  • Session 3C: Behind the Run: Managing PR During the World Series with Jon Weisman

Day 3, March 8 | 8am–11am
8am–9am
Morning Networking

9am–10:30am
Closing Keynote

Our Speakers

Jon Weisman

VP of Communications @ LA Dodgers

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Amanda Coffee

CEO of Coffee Communications

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Matt Prince

Founder of The Path Project

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Suzie Bao

VP, Group Account Director @ IW Group

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Ingrid Otero-Smart

President & CEO @ Casanova//McCann

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Tim O’Day

Principal of TO’DAY Group PR

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David Peña

Senior Recruiter @ RPA

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Nick Jones-Liang

Global PR Director, Diablo @ Blizzard Entertainment

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Kristelle
Siarza Moon

CEO of Siarza

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Brittany Rodgers

Director of Multicultural Publicity
@ Warner Bros. Discovery

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Melissa Yunk

Global PR Director @ LA Tourism Board

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Alicia Caracciolo

PRSSA International President

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