Events

Stand-up comedy star Judy Carter doesn’t like to brag, but she wrote the bible. Twice.

Carter will be a headline keynote speaker discussing “Making Money Being Funny” at the 2026 Agency Rainmaker Forum, which will be held Thursday, February 26, and Friday, February 27, at the UC San Diego downtown campus at Park & Market.

Twenty-five years ago, Carter wrote the phenomenally successful book, The Comedy Bible, and in 2020, followed it up with the international bestseller The New Comedy Bible, published by Indie Books International.

Carter has appeared on “Oprah” and CNN and was featured in The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. She made over 100 TV appearances and was the opening act for Prince. Her proven methods are legendary among today’s top performers.

Seth Rogen, Maz Jobrani, and Hannah Goldsby, among others, attribute their comedy careers to Carter’s workshop, books, and exercises.

So do many agency rainmakers who also became professional speakers, using Carter’s humor techniques to win over rooms full of prospects.

Other keynote speakers include World Champion of Public Speaking Darren LaCroix on “Get Paid to Speak: The 6 Essentials,” New York and Hollywood actress Eleni Kelakos on “Charismatic Presence,” and Hall of Fame Speaker Mark LeBlanc on “Growing Your Business: Don’t Dare Blame the Economy.”

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 forum focus is on sharing ideas about growth through thought leadership, rainmaking, and networking.

“Learn how to spin the weird, scary, strange and stupid events in your life into comedy gold,” says Carter, who transitioned from successful stand-up comedian to in-demand motivational speaker.

“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. 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.”

Other featured speakers include global publishing expert Janan Sarwar on “Leverage Your Book For Influence,” bestselling author Pamela Slim on “More Than A Book,” 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 property 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 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.

Join Indie Books International and Agency Owner News for our annual forum for marketing agency owners and strategic consultants. We have assembled an all-star cast of authorities, including Hall of Fame speakers and best-selling authors.

Find out how you can:

• Create an extreme sliver of rainmaking focus
• Fill your pipeline with right-fit prospects
• Position yourself as an authority for your niche
• Build relationships to amplify your work