2026 Public Interest Communications Summer Institute

The Public Interest Communications Educators Network and the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University are thrilled to bring you the 2025 Public Interest Communications Summer Institute, May 19-21, 2026!

Join university and college faculty, students, researchers, administrators and professionals who want to learn and share knowledge about the growing academic discipline of public interest communications. We'll gather on the Arizona State University campus in downtown Phoenix for a day and a half of small-group sessions that will enable you to take a deep dive into issues and talk with our expert facilitators. We will hold a half-day syllabus workshop on the afternoon of the last day after the formal program has ended.

The institute offers valuable skills, networking opportunities and new friendships. Whether you are well-versed in strategic communications for social change or new to the field, this institute is for you!

Schedule: We'll start at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, with our welcome reception. Our sessions will run 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday, may 20, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 21. Our syllabus workshop will be from 2-5 p.m. Thursday for those who would like to stay. There is no extra charge for this, but we ask you to register for it in advance.

First time? Welcome! Learn more about the summer institute.

Please register early! The $150 registration rate will increase to $175 in February, $200 in March and $225 on May 1.

Grad students: For grad students, we offer a pay-what-you-can option, with a suggested fee of $50 (this option will appear when you click through to purchase a ticket). We hope to support grad student travel again this year. If you need support, please fill out this form.

Hotel: We have secured a room block at the Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix Downtown, 77 East Polk Street in Phoenix. Use this link to get the discounted room rate of $155 per night.