The 2026 Agency Rainmaker Forum will be held Thursday, February 26, and Friday, February 27, at the UC San Diego downtown campus at Park & Market. The forum theme is “Growing Your Business During Continued Chaos.”
The annual forum is designed for leaders of small to mid-sized advertising agencies, marketing communications firms, digital marketing agencies, marketing consultants, and business development coaches. The emphasis is on sharing ideas about growth through thought leadership, rainmaking, and networking.
“Business development, leadership, and marketing have been plagued in 2025 by uncertainty,” said Lisa Apolinski, editor-in-chief/partner at Indie Books International, the event sponsor. “Our message for agency owners after a challenging year is don’t blame the economy, come join interactive discussions on how to innovate and market as an authority.”
The Agency Rainmaker Forum begins at 1 pm on Thursday, February 26, at 1 pm and concludes on Friday, February 27, at 4 pm.
The cost to attend the forum is $795, and an early bird rate of $499 is available until January 16, 2026. Organizers will cap attendance this year at 60 to allow all attendees ample opportunities for interaction. Register here.
“This is a brand-new high-tech educational venue located near the San Diego airport, Gaslamp Quarter, and numerous great restaurants,” said Devin DeVries, the event chairperson and associate publisher/partner of Indie Books International. “Many Indie Books authors will share details of their recently published or soon-to-be published books.”
The keynote speakers include stand-up comedy star Judy Carter on “Making Money Being Funny,” World Champion of Public Speaking Darren LaCroix on “Get Paid to Speak: The 6 Essentials,” and Hall of Fame Speaker Mark LeBlanc on “Growing Your Business: Don’t Dare Blame the Economy.”
Other featured speakers include New York and Hollywood actress Eleni Kelako on “Charismatic Presence,” global publishing expert Janan Sarwar on “Leverage Your Book For Influence,” bestselling author Pamela Slim on “Multiple Agency Revenue Streams,” 29-Emmy Award winner Bill Stainton on “Innovation Unleashed,” renowned magician and business development consultant Scott Cantrell on “Accelerating Growth Like Magic.” agency talent expert Brian Gertsner on “The Secret Way Smart Agencies Grow,” and PR agency owner Russell Trahan on “Authority Power With Bylined Articles.”
The headquarters hotel is The Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown, a historic hotel located on Broadway and 6th that formerly housed the prestigious San Diego Trust & Savings Bank building from 1928.
The hotel offers modern amenities, such as a full-service restaurant and bar, while retaining its historic charm, including bank vaults converted into conference rooms. The forum room rates are $199 per night at this four-star luxury property. The hotel is a ten-minute walk or a one-stop ride on the San Diego Trolley to the conference center at Park & Market.
In addition to Indie Books International and site sponsor UC San Diego Park & Market, event sponsors are White Label IQ, PR/PR Public Relations, and AgencyOwnerNews.com.
Henry DeVries is the author of 20 marketing books and the founder of the PR firm PersuadeWithAStory.com.
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