Institute for Public Relations

We 💛 our Day 1 IPR NEXT Members.

Since the launch of IPR NEXT in 2024, this group of emerging communications leaders has helped shape and strengthen this community from the beginning.

Over the past two years, we’ve had the privilege of watching them learn, grow, connect, and step into leadership in meaningful ways. Their energy, curiosity, and commitment to the profession continue to make IPR NEXT stronger.

We can’t wait to see what they accomplish next.

✨ Learn how you can join IPR NEXT via the link in our bio.

📣 Calling all scholars!

Applications are now open for the IPR + IW Group Inclusive Futures Research Grant.

This new grant supports research advancing inclusion in the public relations industry and provides financial support for original research focused on inclusion in the workplace and/or profession.

Selected researchers will also have the opportunity to publish their findings in the Public Relations Journal.

Who may apply:
• Graduate students
• Full-time academics
• Researchers

🗓️ Application deadline: August 1, 2026

Learn more and apply via the link in our bio.

Live from Dublin, Ireland 🇮🇪

IPR President & CEO presented at the 2026 this week, sharing insights from recent IPR studies and upcoming research.

In her session, “Communicators at the Inflection Point: Navigating AI, Disinformation, and Business Impact,” Tina explored how communicators are helping organizations navigate AI, disinformation, and rapid technological change.

Tina highlighted why trust, business knowledge, and understanding emerging technology matter more than ever for today’s communication leaders.

Thank you to for bringing together communicators from around the world for these important conversations!

Happy Birthday to Avery Ensing, IPR Communications & Digital Coordinator! 🎉

Avery is exceptionally talented at design and plays a key role in shaping our visual identity. Her creativity and dedication show up in everything she creates, bringing our communications to life in a thoughtful and impactful way. We’re so grateful to have her on our team.

Wishing you a wonderful birthday, Avery! 🩵

Join us in welcoming Peter McDermott to the IPR Board of Trustees! 👏

Peter is Senior Client Partner, Global Corporate Affairs and IR, and Head of the Corporate Affairs Practice at Korn Ferry. With extensive experience across the U.S. and Europe, he has built an impressive international track record placing senior talent in corporate communications, investor relations, financial communications, and brand PR.

Beyond his role at Korn Ferry, Peter is deeply committed to advancing the communications profession. He serves on the board of NIRI New York, is a member of the Arthur W. Page Society, sits on the board of The LAGRANT Foundation, and contributes to the Diversity Action Alliance Advisory Committee.

We’re thrilled to welcome Peter’s expertise and leadership to the IPR Board. Congratulations, Peter!

👉 Read the full announcement: https://instituteforpr.org/ipr-welcomes-new-trustee-2/

🔎 New Report: The Communicator's Role in Driving Generative AI Adoption

We just released a new report, sponsored by New York Life, exploring how communicators are shaping AI adoption in their organizations. Based on interviews with 30+ senior communication and technology leaders, the study reveals that communicators are catalysts for workplace AI adoption, but change narratives fall short.

Key Findings:
1️⃣ Productivity leads adoption: 90% cited "productivity" and/or "efficiency" as a main driver for adoption, followed by innovation (77%) and insights and reports (70%).
2️⃣ Communicators as strategic leaders: While IT typically owns AI adoption, communicators act as translators between technical teams and the broader organization.
3️⃣ Three stages of AI maturity: Organizations fall into tactical, strategic, or transformational stages based on their integration approach.

🔗 Read the full report: bit.ly/IPR-GenAI