On Saturday, Howard University welcomed the fourth annual PRocon, a fast-growing conference and digital hub for public relations, media, and communications professionals. With speakers representing industry giants such as Sony Music, the WNBA, Meta, and more, the event united hundreds of students, professionals, and thought leaders for a day of innovation, growth, and connection. 

This year’s PRocon introduced exciting new elements, including expanded career opportunities for professionals and students, immersive activations, and reimagined panels that sparked debate and critical reflection. Attendees also enjoyed craft cocktails curated by Black-owned sponsor Arthur Wheeler Spirits, as well as complimentary breakfast and a celebratory brunch party. For the first time, PRocon extended its reach through free community events in New York City and Washington, D.C., ensuring its impact resonated far beyond campus.

 The day’s programming reflected the conference’s mission to both empower and equip participants. A fireside chat with licensed therapist and creator Kier Gaines underscored how mental wellness fuels professional clarity, creativity, and confidence. Workshops and panels offered practical strategies for thriving in today’s rapidly evolving media landscape, while the PRocon career hub connected attendees directly with companies seeking fresh talent. 

Howard pride was evident throughout the event, with university leaders and voices shaping the experience, including co-host Chey Parker, speaker Brian Lamont, and student ambassadors. Their presence emphasized the university’s enduring role as a training ground for communications leaders who continue to drive culture, politics, and industry forward. 

“Hosting PRocon at Howard is deeply meaningful because this institution represents excellence, legacy, and innovation globally,” said PRocon founder Keisha Brewer. “Howard has produced some of the most influential leaders in communications, politics, and culture, so to bring PRocon here is not just an event—it’s a continuation of that legacy.”

 Brewer added that her hope for Howard students is that they leave the conference “feeling both empowered and equipped. Empowered by seeing professionals thriving in industries they aspire to enter, and equipped with tangible strategies, connections, and opportunities to accelerate their own careers.” 

For Brewer, PRocon is about creating ripple effects that extend far beyond a single day of programming. This year’s launch of free community events and the new PRoconnect app reflects her vision for year-round access to mentorship, resources, and inspiration. “If PRocon sparks even one student to start their own venture, pursue a new opportunity, or feel seen in their journey,” Brewer explained, “then we’ve made a lasting mark that extends far beyond this campus.” 

PRocon is the brainchild of Keisha Brewer, CEO and Lead Strategist of The PR Alliance, a full-service public relations agency. A powerhouse in strategic communications, Brewer’s career spans newsrooms, Fortune 500 boardrooms, government agencies, and celebrity partnerships.

She launched The PR Alliance in 2017, building a reputation for amplifying brands through powerful storytelling and results-driven strategy. In 2022, she expanded her vision with the creation of PRocon.

What began as a one-day conference of just over 100 attendees has since grown into a vibrant community of hundreds of communications professionals across the country. With Howard University as the host of its fourth annual gathering, PRocon solidified its role as both a professional hub and a cultural force continuing Howard’s legacy of shaping leaders and inspiring the next generation of storytellers.