PRSA’s annual conference, ICON 2026, just took place October 18-20 in Orlando, Florida. Over the past few weeks, the PRSA New Professionals Section has been posting a series of blog entries aimed at educating our members about the importance of attending events like these–even and especially as a new professional. This final post discusses essential steps new professionals should take after attending a conference. These actions help ensure they maximize the value of their employer’s investment by investing in themselves.
By Nigel Becker
Conferences are a great way to grow as a new professional, and the opportunities don’t end once the last session wraps.
Once you’re back at your hotel, sitting in the airport, or back at home, there are additional steps you can take to show your gratitude, share what you’ve learned and get involved in upcoming events.
Here are a few ways to get started:
1. Leverage Your LinkedIn
This is what LinkedIn was made for! Tell your professional network all about your experience at the conference. Why did you attend? What did you learn? Did any themes or pieces of advice stand out to you? Share your thoughts on your profile.
If you took any photos during the conference, be sure to include them. Not only do posts with pictures get more engagement, but it also shows how connections you made on the exhibitor hall, the breakout sessions, and the networking receptions.
We’re there training opportunities during the event? Update your LinkedIn skills section (and your resume) with any new skills you gained or sharpened while attending.
Take a look at all those business cards you collected and contacts you wrote down. If you haven’t already, connect with them on LinkedIn and consider sending a quick follow-up note mentioning how much you enjoyed meeting them. Maybe they can save you a seat at next year’s conference!
2. Thank the Hosts
Planning a conference is a lot of work, from booking the space to coordinating speakers’ schedules to sending reminder emails. Organizers often do this on a volunteer basis on top of full-time jobs and other obligations. Let them know how much you appreciate what they do. If you had spent months planning an event, wouldn’t you appreciate someone taking a few moments to say thanks? A short email of gratitude goes a long way.
3. Offer Your Time & Talents
If you enjoyed the event, consider getting involved with the host organization.
For example, PRSA’s professional interest sections offer a range of committees that can use your help. Some ways to get involved don’t even have to be huge time commitments. Volunteer opportunities like designing social media posts or helping to draft newsletters are great ways for new pros to contribute their skills in meaningful ways.
Check their website, reach out to the organizers, or contact the organization’s leaders to learn more. This is a great way to keep growing your skills and your network even after the conference is over.
4. Bring Takeways Back to Your Team
Chat with your supervisor and coworkers to find out what’s the most helpful way to share what you learned. A presentation during your all-team meeting? A recap document with key takeaways? Drop-in office hours?
By showing you’re engaged and sharing what you learned with the team, leadership can see how their investment in the conference – and you – is paying off.
5. Prepare for Next Year
It’s never too early to start preparing for the next conference.
When and where will it be held? When do tickets go on sale? Is there an early bird price? Keep an eye out for this info. Set a calendar reminder, join the organization’s mailing list and follow them on social media so you know as soon as next year’s plans are set.
The work you put in after a conference can be just as valuable as the conference itself. Best of luck as you keep the momentum going!
About the Author
Nigel Becker is an account executive at Slide Nine, a communications, public relations and digital marketing agency based in Columbus, Ohio. Since 2025, he has served as the Social Media Co-Chair of PRSA New Professionals, overseeing the section’s Instagram and Facebook. He also chairs PRSA Central Ohio’s Student & New Professional Engagement committee.