Public Relations & Communications Events Calendar
Explore upcoming professional development sessions, networking mixers, and public relations events hosted by PRSA Puget Sound. Advance your communications career across Western Washington.
2026 PRSA Puget Sound Annual Meeting
October 06, 2026
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
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Seattle University - Father Leroux, S.J. Conference Center
Student Center
Seattle, WA 98122
Venue website
Directions
Support excellence in communications! Be a program sponsor.
About the 2026 PRSA Puget Sound Annual Meeting
The PRSA Puget Sound Annual Meeting is an essential gathering for communications professionals to unite, gain critical industry insights, and shape the chapter's future.
Attendees will be treated to an inspiring keynote presentation from Ambassador Roger Nyhus and hear a strategic update directly from PRSA CEO Matt Marcial and Janelle Guthrie, our representative to the national board.
This vital event also honors excellence in public relations by celebrating the winners of the chapter's most prestigious awards, including the Jay Rockey Lifetime Achievement and Hugh Smith Community Service honors.
Event Details
- Date: Tuesday, Oct. 6
- Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
- Location: Seattle University: Father Leroux, S.J. Conference Center (Located inside the Student Center)
Ticket Prices
- PRSA Puget Sound Members - $50
- Non-Members - $60
- 8-person Member Table Rate - $400
Cost includes heavy appetizers. No-host bar.
Financial Assistance
If the cost of this event would prevent you from joining us, email [email protected] to apply for a scholarship to attend.
Featured Speakers
Ambassador Roger Nyhus - Founder and CEO of AMBO Strategy
Ambassador Roger F. Nyhus is the CEO of AMBO Strategy, a high-stakes consultancy, and the founder of the nearly 30-year-old Seattle-based firm Nyhus Communications. A trusted crisis counselor and adviser to top global leaders, he most recently served from 2023 to 2025 as the U.S. Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, where he secured nearly $1 billion in potential financing and championed sustainable economic development. As a proud member of the Chinook Indian Nation whose ancestors greeted Lewis and Clark, he brings a unique entrepreneurial perspective rooted in his upbringing in Westport, Wash., and a lifelong commitment to international trade, wildlife conservation, and the arts.
Matt Marcial - PRSA CEO
Matt Marcial is a dynamic executive with a track record of driving growth and innovation for trade and professional membership associations. As CEO for PRSA, he works to support the professionals who shape how organizations communicate with the world. In addition to earning his MBA from Florida International University, he holds the Certified Association Executive credential and recently earned the Accreditation in Public Relations.
Janelle Guthrie, APR, Fellow PRSA – VP of Communications, Building Industry Association Of Washington
Janelle Guthrie, APR, Fellow PRSA, served in executive leadership and communications roles for Washington Attorneys General Rob McKenna and Bob Ferguson; Microsoft; the Washington State Legislature and two state agencies before joining BIAW in 2020. Past-President of the PRSA Puget Sound Chapter and proud member of the Public Affairs & Government Section now representing the North Pacific District on the National Board, she was inducted into the PRSA College of Fellows and won the Lloyd. B. Dennis Distinguished Service Award for national public affairs excellence in 2017. Locally, she was named Puget Sound Chapter PR Professional of the Year in 2018 and won the Hugh Smith Community Service Award in 2019.
Awards
Jay Rockey Lifetime Achievement Award Winner
To be announced
Hugh Smith Community Service Award Winner
To be announced
PRSA Puget Sound New Member of the Year Award
PRSA Puget Sound President’s Award for Volunteerism
Parking
Park in the Murphy Garage (Visitor Lot P2), located at 1001 E James Way. This covered lot is directly south across the street from the Student Center. There is an elevator in the parking garage that will take you to the "SB" Skybridge level where you can cross directly into the Student Center. Permits are required at all times. General information on parking and rates is at the Seattle University website.
Public Transportation Options
Bus
King County Metro
- Route 2 (Seattle) - Serves West Queen Anne, Seattle Center, Downtown Seattle, First Hill, Seattle University, and Madrona Park.
Exit at E Union St & 12th Ave - Approximately a 5-minute walk from Seattle University.
- Route 3 (Seattle) - Serves Summit, Lower Capitol Hill, Downtown Seattle, First Hill, Seattle University, Central District, and Madrona.
- Route 4 (Seattle) - Serves Seattle Pacific University, East Queen Anne, Seattle Center, Downtown Seattle, First Hill, Seattle University, Central District, Cherry Hill, and Judkins Park
Exit at E Jefferson St & 12th Ave - Approximately a 5-minute walk from Seattle University.
- Route 9 (Seattle) - Serves Rainier Beach, Columbia City, Seattle University, and Broadway.
- Route 43 (Seattle) - Serves University District, Montlake, Capitol Hill, and First Hill.
Exit at Broadway & Marion - Approximately a 5-minute walk from Seattle University.
Light Rail
Sound Transit
- 1-Line Route - Serves Federal Way, Kent, Tukwila, SeaTac, Seattle, Shoreline, Mountlake Terrace and Lynnwood.
- 2-Line Route - Serves Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, Shoreline, Seattle, Mercer Island, Bellevue, and Redmond.
Exit the Capitol Hill Station - Approximately a 15-minute walk from Seattle University.
Seattle Streetcar
- First Hill Line - Serves Capitol Hill, First Hill, Yesler Terrace, Central District, Chinatown-International District, and Pioneer Square.
Exit at Broadway & Marion - Approximately a 5-minute walk from Seattle University.
Accessibility & Special Accommodations
PRSA Puget Sound is committed to providing inclusive, accessible experiences for all event attendees. To ensure your requests receive immediate personal attention and are managed securely please email our Programs Committee Chair directly at [email protected].
Tickets
$50.00 PRSA Puget Sound Member
$60.00 PRSA Puget Sound Non-Member
$400.00 8-Person Member Table Rate
