PR-Palooza, the 2026 PRSSA Midwest District Conference

Early Bird Rate is available through January 7, 2026. After that prices go up $10 to the regular rate, but there will be discounts for groups of 5 or more. This conference always sells out so get your tickets today!

Pull back the curtain on today's PR industry at PR-Palooza, the 2026 PRSSA Midwest District Conference hosted by DePaul University Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) in Chicago. Over the course of two days, February 19-20, 2026, students will make connections with some of the top PR pros in Chicago through professional development workshops, panels, site visits and networking sessions. Attendees will go backstage to see what goes into a professional PR career, whether it is in an agency, a corporate office or a non-profit organization. They will learn what goes into award winning campaigns, get advice on the job search and uncover the secrets of success as a young PR professional. Each attendee will have opportunity to visit 3 agency, corporate or non-profit PR offices during the conference, as well as attend professional development sessions on the DePaul Loop Campus. Back by popular demand is a networking lunch with Chicago PRSA pros representing every sector of our exciting industry, from world renowned agencies to boutique firms to non-profit organizations and independent operators. Personal connections continue with resume reviews and informal networking breaks.

There is no better place to explore the opportunities in PR than Chicago, home to global agencies and corporations as well as hundreds of vibrant mid-size and smaller PR firms. When attendees are not attending conference events, food, culture and entertainment opportunities abound in Chicago, voted best big city for 9 years in a row in the Conde Nast Readers Choice Awards. Come to Chicago for the food, skyline and culture, leave with knowledge and resources that will get you ready to take the stage as you debut your PR career. Don't miss this award-winning conference (Five-time Outstanding PRSSA District Conference winner!).

PR-Palooza, PRSSA's 2026 Midwest District Conference, is headquartered at the DePaul College of Communication; enter at 247 S. State Street, Chicago, 60604.

Information on hotel room blocks will be posted here and on our conference website in early January. https://www.pr-palooza.com/accommodations

Interested in helping out by becoming a conference sponsor? Click here for our Inspire DePaul page that makes it easy to make a tax-deductible donation!

Questions? Get in touch at

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Host or Publisher DePaul University & Columbia College Chicago PRSSA