We’re connecting communicators, scholars, storytellers and activists working to build the world we wish existed.
The annual frank gathering is about community. For more than 10 years, this 3-day event brings together change-makers and movement-builders, people using communications to drive positive social change.
At frank, you’ll divide your time among great talks by strategists, storytellers and scientists, informative skill sessions and casual opportunities to connect with other sophisticated communicators over coffee or cocktails. At frank, there are no VIP sections and every attendee is as fascinating as the speakers.
Come to frank and leave recharged, ready to do the hard work of building a more just world.
We Don’t Settle for Small Change.
Our mission is to curate emerging voices in change-maker communities and infuse research-backed findings in a unique blend of actionable insights. We believe our best work comes from using evidence-based strategies to drive the social change we seek.
frank is different from other conferences. Our primary mission is not to create opportunities to sell yourself or your work, but to learn from each other and be inspired by what’s happening on the front lines.
Hosted by the University of Florida’s Center for Public Interest Communications, frank is infused with the mission and spirit of the Top 10 public research university we call home.
Experience frank in 3 minutes. Watch the video from the 2020 closing ceremonies.
“I love that frank is anchored in people – connecting, talking, sharing, learning from one another.”
Gwen McNamara
Pace Center for Civic Engagement, Princeton University
Inspired by the front lines. Grounded in research.
We are obsessed with highlighting and putting into practice the latest insights from many social science disciplines. To support the growing academic discipline of public interest communications, we create multiple opportunities for scholars and practitioners to come together during the gathering. Our $10,000 research prize highlights the work of scholars whose work will further inform the practice of public interest communications. Read more about the prize and check out the latest edition of the Journal of Public Interest Communications.
“It’s the only conference worth attending; it provides me with hope for our future.”
Courtney Lewis
Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center
“I always tell people that it’s my ‘can’t miss’ for the year. I also tell people that it’s TED talks with a bunch of super smart people working to make a better future.”
Brian Crawford
BC/DC Ideas
“The most unique, fun gathering possible where we can all learn together and improve our craft.”
Amy Lynn Smith
Writer + Strategist
“This is where my world comes together – both aspirational and actionable. It is a community that is making change happen and sharing the tools.”
Mark Dessauer
Spitfire Strategies
