Recent Events
Shaping the Future of Public Relations: PRCAI Academia Conclave 2026
Industry experts guide students on skills, strategy, and success in a rapidly evolving PR landscape.
The PRCAI Academia Conclave 2026, organised by the Public Relations Consultants Association of India (PRCAI) at the Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication (AIMC), Dwarka. The conclave brought together public relations professionals, academicians, and students on a common platform to deliberate on the evolving landscape of the PR industry and the competencies required to thrive in the profession. The event aimed to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry expectations, reinforcing the importance of experiential and industry-oriented education.
Students from Maharaja Agrasen College, JIIMS Rohini, Tecnia Institute, JIMS Vasant Kunj, and OP Jindal University participated enthusiastically, reflecting a growing interest among communication students to gain industry exposure and practical insights beyond the classroom.
The conclave commenced with a welcome address by Prof. Sajal Mukherjee, Director, Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication. He underscored the need for academic institutions to stay aligned with the rapid changes in the media and communication industry. Highlighting the value of industry-academia collaboration, he emphasised that such platforms equip students with relevant skills and a realistic understanding of professional expectations.
The keynote address, titled #WeArePR: The Pride and Introduction of PRCAI, was delivered by Ms Deeptie Sethi, CEO, PRCAI. Introducing PRCAI as the apex body representing India’s public relations consulting industry, she spoke about the strategic importance of public relations in shaping business reputation, governance, and stakeholder trust. Drawing insights from the PRCAI SPRINT 24–25 report, she encouraged students to view PR as a purpose-driven, dynamic, and future-ready career option.
A TED-style session titled #PassionstoPR featured Ms Nandini Chatterjee, Strategic Advisor for Corporate Brand and Communications at Shree Cement and former CMO at PwC India. Through personal anecdotes and professional experiences, she illustrated how passion, adaptability, and diverse skill sets can translate into successful careers in public relations. She highlighted PR’s role in building leadership credibility, organisational trust, and long-term value.
The panel discussion #PRFuture explored emerging trends shaping the profession. The panel comprised Ms Bhavna Trehan, Brand and Marketing Consultant; Mr Pranav Kumar, Managing Director, Allison Worldwide; and Ms Apeksha Mishra, Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications and Content at Policybazaar.com. Moderated by Mr Abhishek Gulyani, National Chair Talent and Academia, PRCAI, the discussion focused on digital transformation, influencer engagement, and the growing skills gap between academic training and industry needs.
The conclave concluded with #CrackaCareer in PR, a fireside chat featuring Mr Vikas Dua, Head of People, Weber Shandwick, and Mr Gulyani. Moderated by Ms Sethi, the session offered practical guidance on internships, career planning, networking, and professional growth. The event ended with a vote of thanks and reaffirmed the significance of structured industry engagement in shaping future-ready PR professionals.
