Lead On! 2026: Women in PR Leadership Conference

Event details Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026 Time: 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM Location: Wallis Annenberg Hall (ANN) - ANN Sheindlin Forum (106) - 3630 Watt Way, Los Angeles, CA 90089 Department: USC Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism About this event Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Join us in person in LA as the USC Center for Public Relations presents its fifth Lead On! women in leadership forum. This two-day public relations leadership forum, designed by and for women in the industry, equips future leaders with real-world skills, insight, and practical tools for success. This career-defining summit is the go-to gathering for mid-career women in PR and communications who have the desire to learn, grow, and achieve. Learn from fellow communication experts and C-suite leaders who have forged their own paths and laid the groundwork for the next generation of women leaders. Past speakers and panelists have included: Samara Bay, author, Permission to SpeakDia Bondi, author, Ask Like An AuctioneerMelanie Cherry, associate director, PR and Advertising Studies, USC AnnenbergCheryl Cook, client relationship expert and market leader, Weber ShandwickFred Cook, director, USC Center for Public Relations; chariman emeritus, GolinCristal Downing, EVP, MerckKirstin Eggers, professor, USC School of Dramatic ArtsJennifer Gottlieb, global president, Real ChemistryLiz Fosslien, best-selling author and expert on emotions at workTobin Heath and Christen Press, co-founders, RE-Inc; FIFA World Cup ChampionsBonnie McCracken, copilot specialist, MicrosoftJennifer Palmieri, former White House Communications DirectorMelissa Robinson, adjunct professor, USC Annenberg; Vice President, Marketing and Communications, BoingoKristina Schake, chief communications officer, DisneyShelley Zalis, CEO, The Female QuotientRSVP here Official event details: https://calendar.usc.edu/event/lead-on-2026-women-in-pr-leadership-conference