Accelerating Influence: Midlands PR Conference 2026
MidlandsPRConference
In an era where AI is rapidly reshaping the communications landscape, this year’s Midlands PR Conference will explore how PR professionals can harness emerging technologies to strengthen influence, build trust and create meaningful audience engagement.
Now in its seventh year, and once again hosted at Birmingham City University, the Conference will bring together communications professionals from across the Midlands and beyond to examine both the opportunities and challenges presented by AI. From accelerating creativity and engagement to navigating ethics, risk and skills development, the programme will explore how the profession can embrace innovation while protecting reputation and public trust.
We’re also delighted to welcome The Traitors UK winner, Rachel Duffy, as this year’s keynote speaker. In her session, “Accelerating Influence through Trust, not Traitory”, Rachel will reflect on her experience of building trust and influence under pressure to win one of the UK’s most talked-about television shows. Drawing on both her time on The Traitors and her previous career as an in-house Head of Communications, Rachel will share unique insights into influence, authenticity and strategic communication.
Alongside Rachel Duffy we have an amazing line up of over 20 amazing speakers who include:
- Anthony Tattum, How people really decide - and why it matters more in the age of AI
- Rachael Clamp, From activity to impact: What actually accelerates influence
- Marcus Matthews How the words you speak influences behaviour
- Grant Currie: The AI-Augmented Communicator
- Kathy Stedman: Using AI to drive efficiency in writing for influencing
- Sophie Poduval-Morrell - Future Faces of PR:
- John Clegg: Internal Influence: Change Comms in the age of AI
- Emb Hashmi – Truth, Trust and Influence
- Rachel Philips – Insights from Ipsos UK
Plus, the Conference features a showcase of nine award winning campaigns from the recent Midlands PR Awards, the chance to network and also take a look at tech solutions in our martech demo lab.
Our thanks to Birmingham City University for again hosting the Midlands PR Conference and to 72point media for event sponsorship.
Early bird tickets are available if purchased before 1 May, the standard tickets available until 20 June, with prices excluding VAT as follows:
Early bird: £70 (Member), £90
Standard: £100 (Member), £120
Contact: Rachel Roberts
Email: [email protected]