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Inspiring Behavior Change for Sustainable, Healthy,
and Equitable Communities

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Find frequently asked questions about SPARKS!

What is Sparks?

SPARKS is the PNSMA’s annual social marketing conference, covering two days of insights and instruction from prominent voices in the field. The event features more than a dozen social marketing experts speaking on behavior change related to some of the most urgent issues we face, including public health, injury prevention, environmental health and protection, and community well-being in the Pacific Northwest. 

Example topics from previous SPARKS conferences include:

  • "Public health and the private sector: Partnerships that support behavior change" 

  • "Preventing tokenism: How to build authentic inclusion in social marketing planning"

  • "Building green cities with social marketing"



Who benefits from something like SPARKS?

Our hope is that people coming from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences will benefit from SPARKS. Urgent issues in the Pacific Northwest will be solved with successful collaboration across many professional fields and disciplines. Whether you work for Waste Management, an environmental consulting agency, a tech firm, or a food bank, we are hopeful that you will learn something meaningful and applicable to your line of work. 


When & Where is SPARKS?

The SPARKS Conference is held on two consecutive days in early December each year. In 2024, the SPARKS Conference will be December 9th and 10th. The conference is typically held in Seattle. Due to COVID, the conference was held online for a few years but has since returned to in-person with a virtual option. In 2024, the conference will take place at Cascadia College in Bothell. Details for the upcoming SPARKS Conference are typically posted in the fall (September).


How do I register?

Registration for the SPARKS Conference typically opens in the fall (September/October). Early bird registration for 2024 is now open, and will close on October 13th. Regular registration will take place after October 13th.


Where can I find the speaker list?

The list of speakers along with their topics for the SPARKS Conference is typically posted in October. The 2024 list of speakers and presentations has been released.


I'm interested in being a speaker at the SPARKS Conference.  Where can I find out more about what that would entail?

We typically start recruiting speakers in the summer.  If we are looking for speakers at this time, more information can be found on our Call for Speakers page. 


Where can I find the list of book prizes given out last year?

Find the complete list of books from past SPARKS Conference prize giveaways here.


I'm interested in sponsoring the SPARKS Conference.  Where Can I find information on the cost to become a sponsor?

We typically sign up sponsors in the summer and fall of the year.  Visit the Become a Sponsor page for more details.  


Where should I find lodging if I am traveling to the SPARKS Conference?

We have reserved several blocks of rooms at Country Inn & Suites (Bothell) at a group rate of $99/night for those interested. You can book your room by reserving througthis link. Hotel bookings will close November 8th.

If you have any other questions regarding SPARKS, Please reach out to info@pnsma.org


Pacific Northwest Social Marketing Association (PNSMA)

1011 Western Avenue, Suite 702

Seattle, WA  98104

info@pnsma.org


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