frank is back and kicking off a three-city tour of the U.S. in Montgomery, Ala., on April 30.
Welcome to frank, the foremost gathering for people who use strategic communications to drive change. At frank, we divide our 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.
This community became a definitive crucible of change, where the 1955 bus boycott and the Selma to Montgomery march transformed the city into a global symbol of the struggle for equal rights, following a deep legacy as a historical epicenter of subjugation and disenfranchisement. Today the city shines as an example of honoring history and continuing to learn from it.
At frank x Montgomery, we examine that history, its duality and connect to contemporary lessons for change leaders today. Join us for this immersion and come back recharged.
Join us in Montgomery
Here’s some of the great folks you’ll hear from at frank
frank is known for its carefully curated mainstage speakers and small group discussions (we call them huddles) that form the core gathering experience. Here’s who we’re expected to hear from:
Iman Zawahry
HostAmerican filmmaker and senior lecturer at the University of Florida in film production.
Tru Pettigrew
Founder & Chief Bridge Builder of Tru Access. Former NBA and WNBA executive.
Mary Margaret Pettway
Artist and advocate, Gee's Bend Quilter. Preserving the craftsmanship of the American south.
Michelle Browder
advocate and artist. Honoring the mothers of gynecology and American life.
Michael DiMaggio
archivist and advocate. Protecting the imagery of history and the Civil Rights Movement.
We want to learn from you too…
In between our main stage talks, we schedule huddles, or breakout sessions. These breakout sessions are 75-minutes long and held in local coffee shops, an old church sanctuary converted to a critical community space, and other informal spaces in town.
The sessions can offer opportunities to share your knowledge and skills with the frank community. A session might focus on storytelling for impact, practical tools to remove barriers, tools for coalition building or having conversations that bridge divides. Case studies, research insights, strategies, and big picture thinking can be frameworks for breakouts.
You must be registered to attend frank to host a session, but session leaders will receive a $100 discount toward their registration fee.
Book your stay for frank
Our host hotel is the Elevation Hotel and Convening Center (600 Montgomery St, Montgomery, AL)
Downtown Montgomery is also very walkable. Alternative lodging options we suggest are Home2Suites by Hilton Montgomery Downtown (155 Columbus St. – 20 min walk, 0.9 miles) or the Residence Inn by Marriott Motgomery Downtown (400 North Perry St. – 20 min walk, 0.9 miles). Both of these locations are nearby the Legacy Museum which runs free shuttles between the museum location and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, across the street from the Elevation Hotel and Convening Center.
What does my frank registration include?
- Fantastic main stage perspectives, featuring folks who will help our community of change-makers bridge the gap between historical narrative and contemporary action.
- Small group ‘huddle’ discussions where you can suggest programming and go deep on issues or programs we’re all working on.
- We’ll keep you well fed and watered. We’ll have morning snacks, a grazing bar during programming, lunch and a closing reception.
- And each frank registration will come with an opportunity to visit the Legacy Sites on your own time. We hope you’ll book time to explore the history and contexts that Montgomery has to offer.
- But the best part of frank is the folks you meet there…
Advance your work with the frank academy
On Friday, May 1, following frank programming, the Center for Public Interest Communications team will be on hand conducting professional development training on Center frameworks including: The Science of What Makes People Care and Six Spheres of Influence – Aligning Your Theory of Change in a morning session and then Four Questions: Back of Envelope Strategy and a session on Measuring Change in the afternoon. Available as “add-ons” to your frank seat.
frank schedule at a glance
Thursday, April 30, 2026
8:45 a.m. – Registration and welcome
10 a.m. – Opening Ceremonies and frank talks
11 a.m. – Huddles
12:15 p.m. – Lunch
1:30 p.m. – frank talks
2:30 p.m. – Huddles
3:45 p.m. – Closing Ceremonies
4:15 p.m. – Farewell reception
Friday, May 1, 2026 – professional development add-on to frank seat
9 a.m. to noon – frank academy morning session (Science of What Makes People Care & Six Spheres of Influence)
1 to 3 p.m. – frank academy afternoon session (Four Questions: Back of Envelope Strategy & Measuring Change)