Program

 

26 October, 2026 (CST)

PROVOKE GLOBAL SUMMIT DAY 1

09:50 - 10:00
Welcome & Introduction
10:00 - 11:00
Global Summit Session: Details Coming Soon Keynote
Penta
11:00 - 11:45
Communicating in Chaos

In an era defined by geopolitical uncertainty, stakeholder polarization and information overload, CEOs are increasingly expected to act as trusted communicators. The leaders who break through are those perceived as genuine subject-matter experts rather than brand ambassadors, able to provide clarity and credibility amid a growing volume of competing voices and narratives.

Tapping from original research on US and global panels, this session explores how organizations and CEOs can navigate growing expectations around taking a stance on complex issues in an increasingly fragmented world, where stakeholder expectations often differ across markets and communities, and what clarity-first leadership means for trust and reputation.

SEC Newgate
11:45 - 12:15
Global Summit Session: Details Coming Soon
Golin Ketchum
12:15 - 13:10
Lunch Break
13:10 - 14:10
Leading Change: Why Communications Is the Engine of Enterprise Transformation Keynote

Enterprise transformation is about more than changing systems. It's about changing how organizations operate, engage stakeholders, and create value. As companies navigate shifting expectations, new business models, workforce evolution, and AI-driven change, communications has become a critical driver of success. 

Bringing together communications leaders from some of the world's most influential companies, this session will explore real-world lessons, challenges, and strategies for turning enterprise change into lasting business impact. From building alignment and shaping culture to driving adoption and engagement, the discussion will show how communicators help organizations navigate complexity, accelerate change, and achieve transformation goals.

Discussion topics

  • Why communications is a driver of enterprise transformation, not just a messenger of change
  • How the communications function can serve as a pacesetter for transformation by bringing an outside-in perspective—connecting external trends, stakeholder expectations, and emerging signals to internal priorities and decisions
  • The importance of shaping culture and behaviors that support long-term transformation goals
  • How to balance speed, transparency, and stakeholder expectations during periods of disruption
  • Lessons from organizations that successfully transformed how they operate, compete, and create value
Burson
14:10 - 14:55
In Conversation with the 2026 Young Changemaker Award Winners
We. Communications
14:55 - 15:10
Networking Coffee Break
15:10 - 15:55
The Modern PR Playbook: Earning C-Suite Trust in Complex Times
When a crisis hits or a market pivots, executive leaders don’t look for media metrics; they look for strategic foresight. This session strips away the corporate jargon to explore how PR professionals can cultivate genuine, high-impact alliances across the C-Suite, evolving from tactical executors into trusted counselors who deliver unshakeable clarity, speed, and credibility.
The Sway Effect
15:55 - 16:15
Global Summit Session: Details Coming Soon
Davis+Gilbert
16:15 - 16:20
Global Summit Day 1 Closing

26 October, 2026 (CST)

GLOBAL SABRE AWARDS

19:00 - 20:00
Global SABRE Awards Drinks Reception
20:00 - 22:00
Global SABRE Awards

PRovoke Media’s Global SABRE Awards ceremony on October 27 will honor the best public relations campaigns and agencies around the world—and offer attendees the opportunity to celebrate their own local markets, the City of Chicago, or the impending Halloween holiday.

We are inviting all attendees—including our Global SABRE Awards winners and our Global Agency of the Year honorees—the opportunity to dress up and express themselves in a variety of styles:

  • For those traveling from international markets, national dress is an option;
  • For those looking to celebrate the City of Chicago, local history might be your inspiration;
  • For those already thinking ahead to Halloween, the event can be a test run for the holiday;
  • And for those who prefer traditional business attire, masques will be provided (but strictly optional).

While the costume aspect of the evening will be strictly optional, there will be prizes for the best of those who make a special effort.

The evening will begin with a cocktail reception at 7pm. The dinner and accompanying awards presentations will run from 8pm to 10pm. An after party, sponsored by UK creative shop The Romans, will end the evening from 10pm-11pm.

22:00 - 23:00
Global SABRE Awards After Party
The Romans

27 October, 2026 (CST)

PROVOKE GLOBAL SUMMIT DAY 2

09:10 - 09:15
Welcome & Introduction
09:15 - 10:00
The Chicago Principles Keynote

In a wide-ranging discussion of the state of the public relations industry, Richard Edelman will sit down with Paul Holmes ahead of the 75th anniversary of Edelman, to make the case for independent status and family ownership, and to explain why trust is at the center of Edelman’s strategy and the profession’s future.

Edelman
10:00 - 10:30
INspire SABRE Winner Presentations
The 2026 PRovoke Global Summit will again feature 'PRovoke/INspire', where a selection of our Global SABRE Awards winners will give short 15-minute presentations on their winning campaigns.

10:00 - 10:15: ‘From the Road’ with Ian Cohen, Jordan Guthmann

10:15 - 10:30: ‘Lidl by Lidl’ with Jordan Kavanagh

See all Global SABRE winners here. Rankings will be unveiled during the Global SABRE Awards ceremony on the evening of Monday, October 26.

10:30 - 10:50
Global Summit Session: Details Coming Soon
GCI Health
10:50 - 11:05
Networking Coffee Break
11:05 - 11:50
Global Summit Session: Details Coming Soon
FINN Partners
11:50 - 12:50
INspire SABRE Winner Presentations
The 2026 PRovoke Global Summit will again feature 'PRovoke/INspire', where a selection of our Global SABRE Awards winners will give short 15-minute presentations on their winning campaigns.

11:50 - 12:05: ‘Breakfast +1: Taiwan's Behavioral Nutrition Revolution' with Emi Chen, Nancy Huang

12:05 - 12:20: 'Iceland: The Real Unreal’ with Jim Joseph, Phillippa Solway

12:20 - 12:35: ‘One sentence for help' with Simen Aukland

12:35 - 12:50: 'From Promises To Proofs' with TBD

See all Global SABRE winners here. Rankings will be unveiled during the Global SABRE Awards ceremony on the evening of Monday, October 26.

12:50 - 13:40
Lunch Break
13:40 - 14:10
Exploring Trends in Award-Winning Creativity Keynote
From courage to comedy, what makes award-winning creative work stand out? Paul Holmes and FleismanHillard’s global chair of brand impact Jim Joseph will discuss some of the themes from the past year’s best work, and the political, societal and technological trends that drive them.
FleishmanHillard
14:10 - 14:55
Leaving an Empty Seat: When Powerful CCOs Depart, the Function Goes With Them
Two former CCOs whose roles were divided, downgraded or absorbed after they walked out the door explain why the function's standing so often belongs to the person rather than the chair, and what sitting CCOs should be doing now to make theirs outlast them.
14:55 - 15:15
Global Summit Session: Details Coming Soon
Zeno Group
15:15 - 15:30
Networking Coffee Break
15:30 - 16:00
Global Summit Session: Details Coming Soon
Weber Shandwick
16:00 - 17:00
INspire SABRE Winner Presentations
The 2026 PRovoke Global Summit will again feature 'PRovoke/INspire', where a selection of our Global SABRE Awards winners will give short 15-minute presentations on their winning campaigns.

4:00 - 4:15: ‘Abolishing „Parking Trap“ Scams in Austria’ with Philipp Grüll

4:15 - 4:30: ‘LEGO® Botanicals Collection 2025: How an Iconic Toy Brand Became the World's Most Unexpected Florist' with Jody Benjamin, Kristen Kusterer

4:30 - 4:45: ‘A Virus Has No Gender' with Jayoung Kim, Soojin Kim

4:45 - 5:00: ‘How PATRÓN Tequila Turned Censorship into the Campaign' with TBD

See all Global SABRE winners here. Rankings will be unveiled during the Global SABRE Awards ceremony on the evening of Monday, October 26.
17:00 - 17:05
Global Summit Day 2 Closing

Platinum Sponsors

Penta
Edelman
Burson

Gold Sponsors

MSL
FINN Partners
SEC Newgate
The Sway Effect
Golin Ketchum
FleishmanHillard
Weber Shandwick

Young Changemakers Sponsor

We. Communications

Silver Sponsors

Davis+Gilbert
GCI Health
Zeno Group

Partner Sponsors

MikeWorldWide
Adfactors
M Booth
Ruder Finn
SPRG
Real Chemistry
The Romans
Bully Pulpit International

Official SABRE Showcase Partner

WARC