Speak Sell Shine 2026 brings speakers and media to Washington

Speak Sell Shine 2026 will gather authors, executives and thought leaders in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 5-6 for a two-day speaker and media development experience. The event combines a public VIP reception at the Howard Theatre with interviews at the National Press Club for credentialed media.

Why it matters: - Speak Sell Shine 2026 is designed to connect media professionals, meeting planners and potential interview subjects in person. - The program focuses on speakers and experts in leadership, education, financial wellness, artificial intelligence, diversity, workforce development, social justice, entrepreneurship and community impact. - The event gives reporters a faster way to vet sources beyond a press release or cold pitch.

What happened: - SPEAKERS Magazine will host Speak Sell Shine 2026 in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 5-6. - The public-facing centerpiece is the Speak Sell Shine VIP Reception and Top Speaker Awards Program on Monday, Oct. 5, from 3-6 p.m. ET at the Howard Theatre. - Working journalists, multimedia journalists, producers and podcasters are invited to attend and cover the program. - Press passes are available for credentialed and working media. - The public is also welcome. - The program continues Tuesday, Oct. 6, with a media luncheon and interviews at the National Press Club.

The details: - Kim Jordan, a Washington, D.C.-based ASCAP Award-winning producer and gospel-jazz artist, will open the reception. - The event will feature a hand-selected group of authors, executives, educators, consultants and thought leaders from across the country. - Speak Sell Shine Cohort IV includes Celeste Warren, Darius Ross, Ronalda Sullivan, Thelma Young, J.J. Conway, Dr. Kevin D. Neal, Dr. Helen Holton, Rev. Dr. Ronald Bonner, Dr. Josiah Jackson, Dr. Darla Bishop and Gwendolyn Arrington. - The Howard Theatre program will include speaker presentations, recognition of participants and alumni, networking, red carpet coverage and media meet-and-greets. - The event is set to bring together journalists, broadcasters and media professionals representing national, regional and Black media outlets. - Participating media guests include Clara Wilkerson, Sharrarne Morton, Toni Draper, Dr. Vikki Johnson, Morgyn Wood, Clarence Brown, Ashleigh Demi and Kelsey Nicole Nelson. - Press coverage information lists the Howard Theatre address as 620 T Street NW, Washington, DC 20001.

Between the lines: - The event is built as both a stage and a scouting event, with speakers positioned to pitch future interviews, books, talks and partnerships. - The lineup points to a broader push around Black media visibility and direct access between experts and journalists. - The mix of topics reflects current demand for voices on AI, workplace change, money management and leadership. - Dr. Pam Perry said the format lets media professionals and meeting planners evaluate experts beyond the usual press release or cold pitch.

What's next: - Speak Sell Shine 2026 runs Oct. 5-6, with the public reception first and National Press Club interviews the next day. - Perry and Ryan Dohrn are hosting the event. - More information is available through SPEAKERS Magazine and Pam Perry's social media.