Where Media and PR Connect

A free press thrives on strong sources, relevant information and open communication. The 22nd Annual Valley Publicity Summit (#pubsum26) brings Valley journalists and PR professionals together to build those connections — and generate better stories.

Cohosted by the Valley of the Sun Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) and Public Relations Society of America Phoenix Chapter (PRSA), the Summit has connected local media and PR professionals since 2004.

PR professionals can meet journalists face-to-face, learn what they cover and how they want to be pitched, and bring real story ideas to the Summit's popular three-minute speed-pitching sessions. Journalists can connect with new sources, experts and potential stories from across the Valley.

More than two dozen media professionals representing print, broadcast, digital journalism, podcasts and social media are expected. Last year's Summit brought together 30 media volunteers.

Confirmed Media Professionals

• Holly Morgan, publisher, The AZ Insider

• Shelly Talsma Everson, editor-in-chief, The AZ Insider

• Tyler Butler, freelance writer for InBusiness Phoenix, Green Living Magazine and Fast Company; founder, Collaboration for Good

• Shoshona Leon, freelance writer and influencer, @FoodieFoShow

Additional participants will be announced as confirmed. Media participation is subject to change.

Event Details

Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026 | 8:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
10 to 1 Public Relations
7975 N. Hayden Road, Suite C-300, Scottsdale, AZ 85258

Continental breakfast is included.

8:30 a.m. — Check-in, breakfast and networking
9 a.m. — Welcome and pitching instructions
9:15 a.m. — Early-bird speed pitching begins
9:45 a.m. — Speed pitching opens to all registrants
12:45 p.m. — Summit concludes

Registration

Register here. Early bird through Sept. 8

• $94 — PR professionals

• $84 — PRSA members

• $74 — first-time attendees and solo PR practitioners

• Buy two, get one free: Three people from the same agency or organization for $168 total ($56 each)

Early-bird bonus: Register by Sept. 8 and get 30 minutes of early access to speed pitching before regular-price registrants.

Regular registration: $114 beginning Sept. 9; online registration closes at 7 p.m. Sept. 25.

Walk-in registration: $139 on Sept. 26; cash or check only.

Parking and Arrival

Free parking is available across from the garden courtyard. Enter the lot from Via de Ventura, a few hundred feet east of Hayden Road. Do not enter from Hayden Road.

Enter Building C through the east entrance, just past the fountain. Registered participants will receive a map the week before the event.

Refunds and Event Photography

Refund requests received at [email protected] by 8 a.m. Sept. 25 will receive a full refund minus an approximately $10 processing fee. No refunds will be issued after the deadline.

Photography and audio/video recording may occur. By registering, attendees consent to SPJ and PRSA recording and using their image, voice or interview for promotional and other organizational purposes and waive related claims, royalties and approval rights.

Better Connections. Better Pitches. Better Journalism.

The Valley Publicity Summit is more than networking. It gives journalists access to new sources and story ideas while helping PR professionals understand what journalists need and how to become more useful, credible resources.

The result: stronger professional relationships, a more open exchange of information and support for robust local journalism and a free press.

Registration is now open.

Questions: [email protected]
Valley of the Sun SPJ: phoenispj.org
#pubsum26

Organized by Valley of the Sun SPJ and Phoenix PRSA. Special thanks to Josh Weiss and the team at 10 to 1 Public Relations for hosting.