The Kenneth Owler Smith Symposium is USC Annenberg’s annual overview of the public relations industry. It has been the premier event for public relations students and practitioners in Southern California since its inception in 1990.

This year’s theme is “Mind The Gap: Examining the PR Industry’s Generational Divide.” The speakers and panelists will represent the four generations working in PR today, from Gen Z to Baby Boomers.

Dean Willow Bay will present the Center for PR Purpose Award to Levi Strauss & Co.

Kelly McGinnis, senior vice president and chief communications officer at Levi Strauss, will deliver a keynote.

Fred Cook, director of the USC Center for PR, will share the results of our annual Global Communication Survey, which asked the four generations working in our industry about the four trends impacting public relations today: : artificial intelligence, hybrid and remote work, changing media landscape, and political polarization.

Barby K. Siegel, CEO of Zeno Group, will moderate a panel discussion about the generation gap in our industry.

Panelists include:

• Bill Imada, founder, chairman and chief connectivity officer, IW Group
• Kelly McGinnis
• Sona Iliffe-Moon, chief communications officer, Yahoo
• Kyndall L. Echols, former PR manager, Savage X Fenty by Rihanna 

The in-person reception begins at 5 p.m. PDT, and the discussion and livestream start at 6 p.m. PDT.

To learn how to “Mind The Gap,” RSVP and plan to join us in person or online. Livestream information will be sent to registrants the week of the event.

This program is open to all eligible individuals. USC Annenberg operates all of its programs and activities consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor.