Future of Communications Conference | Nov. 6-8, 2023 | Austin, TX

DON'T MISS THE EXCITEMENT
  • Elevate your storytelling
  • Lead a culture of transformation
  • Become a trusted counselor to C-Suite
  • Leverage the latest commstech
  • Make it measurable and memorable
  • Control crises
  • Build a better employee culture

Join us November 6-8 for Ragan’s Future of Communications Conference in Austin, Texas, as we gather to learn, network and rewrite the rules of communications within organizations large and small. It’ll be here, during Communications Week, that the big ideas are tested, smart strategies are shared and new connections will be made.

The Future of Communications Conference is one of the only industry events designed for internal communicators and PR and marketing professionals.

Interesting, smart speakers from innovative, leading brands will tackle everything from storytelling, manager communications, social media marketing and media relations to the alphabet soup of AI, ESG and DEI. You’ll hear inspiring stories, case studies, debates, panel discussions and take part in peer-to-peer knowledge sharing. There may even be a taco and an armadillo involved.

REGISTER NOW

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Register today to Secure your Spot! Don’t miss this opportunity to:

  • Connect with your peers.
  • Access exclusive content and resources.
  • Get the ideas & tools to stay ahead in today’s rapidly changing world.

FEATURED SPEAKERS

KEYNOTER
Futurist
The Future Today Institute
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KEYNOTER
Chief Public Affairs Officer
Spotify
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KEYNOTER
CMO
The Weather Channel
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Head of Internal Communications
Reddit
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Chief Equity & Impact Officer
Omnicom
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Grand Poobah of PR
Ben & Jerry’s
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Deputy Division Chief of Internal Communications
IMF
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Vice President of Social Media
National Geographic
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Communications Week | November 6-10, 2023 | Virtual, and Cities Nationwide

Join us for Communications Week on Nov. 6 - 10, 2023. Ragan’s Communications Week celebrates and accelerates the role of the communicator in organizations through educational, networking and inspirational events.

LEARN MORE

50+
Speakers
100+
Educational Hours
50+
Networking Events

AGENDA

Pre-Conference Workshops
Monday, November 6, 2023
10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Brand Storytelling Workshop

Brand storytelling is a powerful tool for attracting, engaging and compelling your audiences to act. After all, 68% of consumers are more likely to remember a story than a list of facts and 64% make purchases after watching branded social media videos. But brand storytelling has radically transformed with the arrival of AI and shifting social media landscape. This deep-drive workshop helps you navigate what’s new and what’s next for branded stories. You’ll learn:

  • Planning: New ways to build a truly authentic multi-channel storytelling strategy in the age of AI—including how  AI can improve story targeting.
  • Brand Story Anatomy: New techniques for finding and structuring a compelling brand narrative that can fuel your content calendar.
  • Production: Innovations in collecting or curating winning brand stories—including video production techniques for studio-level storytelling.
  • Promotion: How to share your story across the changing social media and traditional media landscape—so they give your brand a bigger bounce.
  • Proving Value: How to measure the impact of brand storytelling efforts
Marketing Strategist and Founder
Nspired Media
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12-12:30 p.m.
Networking Lunch and Snacks
12:30-3 p.m.
Summit on Generative AI for Communicators

Generative AI has already created a paradigm shift, one you have likely already embraced. AI can create content (or a rough first draft) faster — from media pitches, blogs, special reports, emails and even infographics to internal comms work like intranet updates and thought leadership posts. Now’s the time to future-proof your career and improve your comms results by getting in the weeds as the technology becomes more robust. This hands-on workshop will provide you with:

  • Your hands-on guide: Mastering the latest AI text tools like ChatGPT, Jasper, Bing.AI and AI visual storytelling tools like DALL-E and Midjourney.
  • Better results, faster: Techniques for fine-tuning and writing effective prompts for sharper AI outputs.
  • AI ethics FAQ: Critical ethical considerations of using AI in communications, including copyright, user privacy and data protection issues.
  • A picture is worth a thousand words: Explore techniques to create visually stunning and attention-grabbing images, videos, and graphics that resonate with your audience.
  • What’s next: Embracing AI-powered news, AI video generators, predictive SEO and more.
Executive Vice President
Crenshaw, a Mod Op company
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David Sánchez Carmona
Director, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Strategist
APCO Worldwide
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Head of Content and Communication Strategy
Axios HQ
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3-3:15 p.m.
Networking & Nosh
3:15 – 4:45 p.m.
Enhancing the Employee Experience

In today's competitive business landscape, a positive and engaging employee experience is vital for attracting, retaining and empowering top talent. In this interactive workshop, we’ll share strategies and best practices to better the employee experience, create a compelling employee value proposition and empower the employee voice and feedback. These practical techniques will increase employee productivity, engagement and retention. Learn about:

  • The power of storytelling: Understand the impact of creating compelling narratives that communicate your brand’s values to create emotional connections with your employees.
  • Effective communication channels: Build the content framework you need to ensure seamless information flow, promote transparency, and enable meaningful employee engagement.
  • Build a culture of recognition and appreciation: How to keep all employees motivated, encourage self-management and optimize organizational performance.
  • Feedback and measurement: KPIs to help monitor, adjust and improve your leadership strategies, channels and content.
Intranet Strategist
Interact
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Co-Founder and Senior Partner
RCG
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5 – 6:30 p.m.
Opening Reception

Network and nosh with new friends and old acquaintances at our opening reception in the heart of Austin.

Day 1: Tuesday, November 7, 2023
8:00 a.m.
Registration Opens
8:15-8:45 a.m.
Breakfast Session: 2023 Data-Backed Best Practices for Internal Emails

The only way to solve email overload is with email intelligence – and PoliteMail has developed best practices based on over 3 billion internal emails sent to nearly 14 million employees globally.  Join Paul Stewart and Steve Gregoire as they cover key findings of the benchmark report, data-backed best practices for email, and insights to improve messaging decisions. This session aims to equip communicators with practical skills and actionable strategies that can be applied to your messaging plans.

During this session you will:

  • Discover best practices for email sending based on the 20223 Internal Communications Benchmark Report.
  • Learn what the top-rated communicators are doing and how you can apply their strategies to your own communication plan.
  • Get insights to improve messaging decisions and timing.
  • Have an opportunity to ask our experts your most pressing internal communications questions.
Account Manager
PoliteMail
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Steven Gregoire
Business Development Executive
PoliteMail
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8:45-8:50 a.m.
Welcome! Opening Remarks and More
8:50-9:10 a.m.
GENERAL SESSION
Comms + Conflict: Finding the Words in a World at War

The editorial teams of PR Daily and Ragan.com discuss their coverage of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Author & Former Director of Content
Ragan and PR Daily
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Editor-in-Chief
Ragan Communications and PR Daily
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Justin Joffe
Editorial Director and Editor-in-Chief
Ragan Communications
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9:10-9:20 a.m.
General Session
CEO Perceptions of the Communications Role (A Sneak Peek)

Ragan and HarrisX unveil findings from an annual survey on “perceptions” of the role CEOs and CCOs play on a multitude of hot-button topics, including generative AI, corporate purpose, DE&I, among others.

CEO
HarrisX
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Justin Joffe
Editorial Director and Editor-in-Chief
Ragan Communications
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9:20-9:50 a.m.
SPOTLIGHT SESSION
Empathy and Urgency: How Communicators Can Lead the Way

It all starts with one alert. In 178 characters or less, The Weather Channel informs consumers that their lives are about to change: “Active Threat: Take Cover Now. Tornado visually observed. Flying debris could be dangerous. Move to the interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.” In the moments that matter most, clear and effective communication is more than just critical—it’s life or death. As the CMO of The Weather Company, Randi Stipes knows this better than most. Whether you’re saving lives or providing audiences with useful information to make everyday decisions, the role of the communications leader in today’s ultra-connected world is more important than ever. In this session, she’ll share:

  • Insights into how communicators can lead the way through communicating with empathy and urgency
  • Principles driving The Weather Channel’s work keeping consumers safe and informed during severe weather events
  • Best practices for building ongoing, trusted connections with audiences
  • A look at the ever-evolving role that advanced technology—including AI—can play in helping communicators make an impact and save lives
KEYNOTER
CMO
The Weather Channel
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9:50-10:25 a.m.
Keynote
A Futurist's Guide to Tomorrow’s Communications Landscape: Tech Trends, AI and Creative Frontiers

Change in the workplace is rapidly accelerating as we navigate new global dynamics and tech innovations. Sam Jordan — futurist, proponent of “plausible optimism,” and consultant at The Future Today Institute, a foresight and strategy firm founded by Amy Webb — will take the stage to delve into the compelling shifts on the horizon and what positive opportunities they hold. In her keynote address, Jordan will unravel the complex tapestry of emerging technologies, demonstrating their potential to transform industries, societies, and workplaces. She will share the signals she is tracking today that will empower you to:

  • Adopt strategies for the communicator of tomorrow: Learn how to navigate uncharted waters of emerging tech, adapt to rapid change, and position your organization at the forefront of innovation.
  • Harness tech trends redefining communications: Discover cutting-edge technological shifts that communications professionals must leverage, from AI-driven insights to immersive experiences, and explore the tools that will reshape audience engagement and communication strategies.
  • Understand AI’s revolutionary impact on the workplace: Grasp how automation, data-driven insights, and collaborative AI will streamline operations, unlock new paradigms of teamwork, productivity and creativity, and fuel a bright future.
KEYNOTER
Futurist
The Future Today Institute
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10:25-10:45 a.m.
Networking Break

Network with peers and meet with our tech partners in the exhibit hall.

10:45-11:30 a.m.
PANEL
Future-Proofing Comms: What’s Next in AI, Tools and Technology

These past few years have accelerated technology changes and disrupted how companies lead, enable, empower and engage around communications. Rapid innovations in automation and AI have created new tools for communicators to use and master, but becoming an early adopter of emerging tech is not without its risks. In this panel discussion, AI experts will share insights, including:

  • Generative AI: Discover what comes after the ChatGPT hype — including gated AI, dynamic content creation and original AI art.
  • Predictive AI: Why the future of data measurement is artificial — and how to tap into it to optimize results, user experiences and any content your team touches.
  • Roadblocks: The legal, ethical, security and regulatory challenges presented by these tools — including how to stay compliant.
  • Predictions: The impact AI will have on SEO and affiliate marketing – plus how to follow the money to trendspot what’s coming.
Justin Joffe
Editorial Director and Editor-in-Chief
Ragan Communications
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Executive Vice President
Crenshaw, a Mod Op company
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Founder and CEO
PRophet
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Sr. Managing Director, US & Mexico Communications Leader
PwC
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11:40 a.m.-12:05 p.m.
Social Media’s Next Wave: Mastering Micro-Platforms, Influencers and Short-form Video

No one social media site reigns supreme in this new world where organic reach has diminished and there’s a generational divide across platforms. Smaller networks like Twitch and Discord provide forums for specific, community-driven conversations and there’s the rise of micro-platforms like Nostr, Mastodon and Bluesky Social — plus the continued impact of Twitter and Meta as these macro platforms focus on hyper-targeting It’s all about finding your niche. In this session, we’ll uncover:

  • Your dual social media strategy: How to “go macro” with strategies for LinkedIn, TikTok, Facebook – and adapt those strategies for micro audiences.
  • Exponential earned media: How hyper-targeted, bite-sized pitches coupled with an authentic social media voice can secure – and then amplify – mainstream coverage.
  • What’s working and what’s not in influencer marketing: How to identify and partner with micro-influencers to spread your message far and wide
  • The huge power of micro-video: How super-shorts (<30 seconds) can stop the scroll, explain UI elements in-app or entertain — plus tools like Biteable and Animoto for creating them.
  • What’s next: How to experiment with micro-platforms like Nostr, Mastodon and Bluesky Social.
Senior Director, Social Engagement
American Red Cross
Read bio
12:15 – 12:25 p.m.
Lightning Session
AI in PR: 2024 Trend Spotting and Predictions

A look at what we can learn from the last 10 years of AI and what that can teach us about the next 12 months. We’ll look at the maturity of applications of AI in PR, how that will change with the advent of generative AI and where we’ll be applying it in the next year across foundational PR practices. Finally, we’ll talk about how we can prepare for what’s coming next.

  • What can we learn from the last 10 years of AI about what’s coming next?
  • How mature is the application of AI in PR and what changed in Nov last year?
  • How will foundational PR workflows be changing in the next 12 months
  • What can we do to prepare?
Executive Director of AI Strategy
Cision
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12:25-1:25 p.m.
Networking Lunch
1:35-2 p.m.
Social Media Strategy 3.0: New Low-Cost, High-Return Approaches

As budgets continue to get squeezed and social media platforms get more fractured, communications teams need to find ways to produce larger results with fewer resources. This session will dive deep into what social tasks AI can automate for you, changing consumer and audience behaviors and how to leverage new targeting and personalization techniques to help social teams work smarter, not harder. You’ll learn:

  • Data-driven value: Smart and low-cost ways to measure and optimize social media efforts.
  • Finding champions: How to partner with other departments to embed social best practices across the organization — plus how to find and empower internal social ambassadors.
  • Shoestring social: How to do more with less and demonstrate ROI to the C-suite.
  • Smarter, not harder: Using AI for tasks like automated content scheduling, sentiment analysis, audience targeting and more.
Global Head of Social Media
Square
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2:10-2:30 p.m.
Scaling the Impact of Your Corporate Communications with Video

Did you know that corporate videos can increase message retention by 90% compared to 10% from text? That’s why it's time to double-down on videos to scale your external and internal corporate communications strategy! Join our expert-led fireside chat where Glassdoor’s and PlayPlay’s communications, marketing and video content experts will showcase the impact of video in corporate communications and provide you with practical insights to succeed.

Our event will cover:

  • Why video is essential for modern corporate communications.
  • Inspire you with real-world examples of corporate videos to achieve best results.
  • Proven techniques to create engaging videos that resonate with your stakeholders.
  • Strategies for seamless video distribution across various channels for maximum impact.
Director, Internal Communications
Glassdoor
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Video Content Advisor
PlayPlay
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2:30-2:50 p.m.
Mindfulness Break
2:50-3:35 p.m.
PANEL
Future-Proofing Corporate Reputation: Your 2024 Crystal Ball

Reputation management in today’s 24/7 media landscape can be a complex game of whack-a-mole with comms pros expected to stay one step ahead of an ever-growing list of potential crises. We gathered experts on data, social media and corporate reputation to share their predictions about what’s to come in the first election year post-pandemic and in the throes of an AI resurgence. You’ll hear strategies for protecting your brand for what’s to come, including:

  • How to prepare for the AI threat: Audio and visual deepfakes, fake accounts artificially inflating popularity, biased AI algorithms creating a social media echo chamber and more.
  • Generational demands: Why and how speaking directly to a social-media savvy Gen Z is a critical key to protecting your corporate reputation.
  • Geopolitical risks: What to consider when operating internationally, from the continued global conflict in Ukraine to the many challenges of operating in China.
  • What’s next: The steps you can take now to mitigate mis/disinformation on social media including reputation-damaging deepfakes and defending against online mobs.
Editor-in-Chief
Ragan Communications and PR Daily
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Senior Vice President
MikeWorldWide
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Chief Executive Officer
PRSA
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CEO and Founder
Alethea
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3:45-4:05 p.m.
The Transformational Power of Bringing Organizational Purpose to Life

In today's dynamic work environment, fostering a sense of community is crucial, transcending physical boundaries. This talk will explore the transformative role of purpose in building a sense of belonging and community at work. Too often, organizations’ values are buried within onboarding resources or on a wall in the office. We will discuss how EXOS put their values and purpose into action and the profound impact this  can have on your organization's culture and cohesion.

Head of Expert Services
Workvivo
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Vice President/Head of Communications, Sports Marketing & Social Impact
Exos
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4:15-4:35 p.m.
Spotlight Session
Tune Into the Future: Communications at the Crux of Culture, Policy, Identity and Art

Spotify is uniquely positioned to both create culture and influence the future of music, art and thought leadership. This role spans its relationship with music artists, the entertainment industry and the legislators who govern their future; the podcast ecosystem through which entertainers, educators, pundits and beyond express information and opinion to the public; and consumers’ expression of self and identity through the music and content they listen to on Spotify. In this fireside chat, Dustee Jenkins, Public Affairs Officer at Spotify, will explore:

  • The role brands and communicators play in shaping the future of industries — and influencing policy.
  • The state of the artist and podcaster as a communicator and the dynamic shifts they face with consumers in light of the rise of AI.
  • How communicators and marketers can reach both consumers and internal audiences authentically, and express transparency in aligning company values with external brand expression.
  • How data as identity takes shape through the popularity of services such as Spotify Wrapped and other trends embraced as expressions of self by listeners.
KEYNOTER
Chief Public Affairs Officer
Spotify
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4:35-4:55 p.m.
Meet the Game Changers

Who’s shaping the future of communications? Meet this year’s class of Game Changers, communicators who are blazing new trails in storytelling, reputation management, technology, DEI, data and more. The inaugural list, selected by the Communications Week esteemed advisory board, are the movers, the shakers and those seeing around corners less traveled.

4:55-5 p.m.
Key Takeaways from the Day
5-6:30 p.m.
Networking Reception sponsored by Simpplr

Let’s toast to a day well learned. Network, nosh and meet the Game Changers. The reception is sponsored by Simpplr.

Day 2: Wednesday, November 8, 2023
8:15-8:20 a.m.
Morning Trivia & Welcome Back
8:20-8:50 a.m.
General Session
HarrisX Presents: CEO Perceptions of the Communications Role Survey Results
8:50-9:25 a.m.
KEYNOTE PANEL
Changing the Game: Crisis Communications in a Complex World

With wars raging on the global stage, economic uncertainty and an increasingly fraught political landscape, many communicators are up against challenges they have never faced before. In this panel, members of Ragan’s 2023 class of Game Changers — award-winning communications leaders hailing from diverse industries — will share invaluable insights and strategies on how to navigate communications challenges during crises, that directly impact an organization's internal and external stakeholders.

  • Global crisis management: Discover strategies for responding to international incidents, handling media scrutiny and maintaining public trust during challenging times.
  • Employee and stakeholder engagement: Uncover techniques to maintain internal morale and external relationships, even in the face of adversity.
  • Channels, tools and tactics: Find out where and how audiences expect to hear from organizations during times of upheaval.
  • Lessons from the field: Learn how to adapt crisis communication strategies that support employees, guide executives through harrowing events and protect your organization's image.
Senior Director, Public Relations & Crisis
Denny's Corporation
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President, North America
APCO Worldwide
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Director of Communications
REI
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9:25-10 a.m.
KEYNOTE PANEL
Changing the Game: Engaging Audiences in a Time of Accelerated Innovation

From the changing priorities of younger generations to the impacts of AI on innovation and morale, communicators must evolve their strategies to position their brand’s value and engage audiences amid an ever-accelerating world of evolving expectations. In this panel, we’ll be joined by five of Ragan’s 2023 class of Game Changers — award-winning communications leaders hailing from diverse industries — who will share time-tested strategies for engaging audiences in impactful and meaningful ways. You’ll walk away with:

  • Authentic brand storytelling: Discover how the power of storytelling fosters emotional connections, loyalty and brand advocacy inside and outside your organization.
  • Community building: Learn innovative techniques for building and nurturing online and offline communities to foster customer loyalty, elevate the passion and commitment of your employee advocates and drive meaningful conversations.
  • Emerging technologies: Explore how AI and other tech tools are revolutionizing the way organizations connect with their audiences, creating immersive and memorable experiences.
  • Measuring impact: Delve into the critical measurement outputs that quantify your communications outcomes and demonstrate how they contribute to larger business goals.
Vice President Communications
Synchrony
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Sr. Director, Head of Content, Creative & HDTV
The Home Depot
Read bio
10:15-10:40 a.m.
The Future of Purpose-Driven Communications

Cultivating, crafting and carefully communicating a purpose can result in extraordinary results for organizations of all sizes and sectors. In this session, we’ll explore core insights to organizational and brand purpose creation, activation and measurement strategies to prove and improve the value of your purpose-driven programming and communications. Specifically, we'll explore:

  • Developing an authentic organization/brand purpose: How to create an ethical, genuine purpose, then build a communications strategy for telling your purpose story.
  • Connecting employees – your growth engine - to purpose: Best practices to ensure employees are connected to your purpose, mission, vision, and values.
  • Purpose = ROI: Examples of how an organization/brand’s purpose can positively impact the bottom line, and why it's critical to develop success metrics early in the purpose development journey.
  • Clarity of messaging: Avoid greenwashing, utilizing fact based and compelling human stories, and employee networks for effective communications.
  • What’s next: How communicators can help meet Gen Z expectations around aligning with organizations whose values mirror their own.
Interim CEO
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas
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CEO and founder
Carol Cone ON PURPOSE
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10:50-11:35 a.m.
PANEL
Data-Driven Storytelling in an Age of Short Attention Spans

Effective and powerful stories are told at the right moment to the right audience. But identifying the moment and the audience can be challenging — and so can ensuring that your stories have the emotional resonance needed to move your audience to act. Learn how to lean into data to help better understand your audiences, as well as the storylines and messages they want to hear. This session will cover:

  • Strategic and authentic storytelling: How to produce organic, emotional and immersive stories with clear, consistent and inclusive messaging.
  • Bite-sized messaging: Why shorter, pithier slogans and storytelling is in, and where those stories thrive (hello, TikTok).
  • Data collection: How companies can ethically start collecting data today to personalize and elevate their storytelling — plus the latest advice on privacy laws.
  • What’s next: A preview of emerging AI storytelling tools like Jasper, Studiowrite, Canva Magic Write, Subtext and more — plus how to upskill storytellers into data scientists (and vice versa).
Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications
NAACP
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Head of Communications
Corebridge Financial
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Founder & CEO
Kite Hill PR
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11:45 a.m.-12:20 p.m.
Interactive Session
Mastering Content Creation for Social Media

To create compelling stories that resonate across various media platforms, it’s critical that your brand’s narrative is authentic, engaging and memorable. This interactive session will provide the opportunity to participate in hands-on exercises and collaborate with your fellow attendees — so you leave with inspiring ways to improve and innovate your content mix. You’ll learn:

  • How to create compelling and shareable content: Strategies for developing a consistent brand voice, crafting captivating headlines and optimizing across social media.
  • The art of creating engaging written content: How to write persuasive copy and incorporate storytelling, whether it's for a blog, thought leadership post or social media updates.
  • Visual storytelling: Techniques to create visually stunning, attention-grabbing images, videos and graphics.
  • IGC strategies: How to target partners who can create influencer-generated content at little- to no-cost for your brand.
  • What’s next: AI-empowered tools that will save you time, including social media monitoring tools like Sysomos, SproutSocial and Sprinklr, management dashboards like Sprout Social and influencer trackers like AspireIQ.
Vice President of Social Media
National Geographic
Read bio
12:20-1:20 p.m.
Networking Lunch
1:30-1:55 p.m.
Composing Hero Comms Content to Show Up in Fresh, Creative Ways

When you treat your content leads as strategists instead of tacticians, all of your posts, channels and messages are more likely to outperform expectations. In this session, we’ll hear how a retailer bridged internal and external goals by highlighting the home repair and renovation chain’s history of disaster relief response through employee advocacy and community rebuilding efforts. We’ll explore how one well-realized, purposeful piece of hero content can become a powerful employer branding tool that engages multiple stops along the employee experience journey. You’ll learn:

  • The integrated comms program: Creative considerations for thinking about storytelling across different pillars of the PESO model.
  • Right time, right audience: How to consider the long lead of your content lifecycle and deploy the right pieces for the right audiences at the right time.
  • Finding champions: Tips for sourcing employee advocates and influencers in a style authentic and holistic to your message.
  • How to get it done: Strategies for starting internally with this project to earn buy-in before socializing externally.
Justin Joffe
Editorial Director and Editor-in-Chief
Ragan Communications
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Sr. Director, Head of Content, Creative & HDTV
The Home Depot
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2:05-2:50 p.m.
PANEL
The Future of Media Relations: Navigating the Evolving Landscape

With the rapid advancements in technology and the evolving media landscape, it’s important to adapt strategies to meet the demands of a savvy, super-connected audience. Led by industry experts, this panel will discuss emerging trends, including the rise of digital journalism, social media influencers and immersive storytelling. You’ll learn:

  • Strategic storytelling: Best practices for crafting compelling stories that resonate across various media platforms.
  • Relationship building: Strategic techniques for building and nurturing relationships with journalists and influencers.
  • Trendspotting: How to leverage trends to your advantage and effectively engage with your target audiences in the press and public in a rapidly changing media environment.
  • What’s next: The power of data-driven comm and the role of AI in enhancing your media relations program and placements.
Director of Media & Communications
Notified
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Director, Consumer & Product Communications
Pinterest
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EVP and Chief Communications Officer
Cavaliers Operating Company
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U.S. Head of Communications
FREYR Battery
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3-3:10 p.m.
Closing Remarks, Raffle Winners and More!
Day 1: Tuesday, November 7, 2023
10:45-11:30 a.m.
PANEL
Shaping Change Comms: Smart Strategies to Break Through the Noise

Employees can feel anxious by change and informative updates on acquisitions, layoffs, return to office, major news events, leadership or technology changes, and so much more. That’s why it’s crucial for organizations to be prepared to communicate strategically and sensitively to ensure business continuity and shape a positive experience for all stakeholders. Learn firsthand from three industry leaders about:

  • Change comms frameworks: How to evolve your existing playbook, conduct market research and competitor analysis, develop content and creative assets, and implement, measure, and refine your strategy.
  • Authentic messaging: How to thoughtfully deliver information around sensitive topics and cascade messaging to people managers to do the same.
  • Internal cheerleaders: Building ambassador programs to champion critical messages.
  • Surprising change agents: How out-of-the-box techniques like infusing humor or even creating fun videos can help keep engagement and spirits high (and when it can’t).
Co-Founder and Senior Partner
RCG
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Vice President, Corporate Communications & Brand Management
Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin and Metropolitan Chicago
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Vice President, Communications
Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control
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CEO
Peppercomm
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11:40 a.m.-12:05 p.m.
Comms Cascade: Implementing A Smarter Manager Communications Plan

Empowering people leaders with the information they need to deliver the right messaging at the correct time requires strategy, resources, vision and follow-up. This session discusses how to best partner with HR and people managers to tailor communications to the needs of your workforce and overall business goals. You’ll walk away with:

  • A customized framework: A manager comms playbook you can put to use now.
  • Information cascades: Examples of what works — and tips for using data to improve your messaging, timely delivery, feedback loops, manager resources and follow-up or reinforcement.
  • Success toolkit: Insights for more effective standing meetings, intranets, collaborative tools and resource hubs that clearly convey key initiatives and messaging.
  • What’s Next: How to use AI, internal influencers and employee resource groups (ERGs) to facilitate more effective manager comms.
Head of Internal Communications
Reddit
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12:15-12:25 p.m.
Too Long, Didn’t Read (TLDR): Tips for Strategic Internal Communication

Accounting professionals spend an average of 50 to 80 hours a week working and receive 100-200 emails daily during busy season. Regardless of if you work at a CPA firm or not, with a predominately hybrid workforce short on time, there is a delicate balance to capture employee engagement while getting out organization communication and client updates. Organization newsletters can offer a way to successfully communicate relevant content if short, organized, and inviting. Join me as I share lessons learned and helpful tips to kick of a newsletter that will invite employees to push the pause button, feel connected and informed!  Join Gina Anselmo, Talent Advisor of Redpath and Company as she shares best practice tips to discover:

  • How to intentionally balance relevant organization content with community and connection.
  • How to use tools like Contact Monkey and Teams to engage employees short on time.
  • Learn key components of a newsletter that result in open click rates and beyond skimming.
  • How to include on-demand micro-learning to support accessible learning on different timetables.
Talent Advisor
Redpath and Company
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1:35-2 p.m.
The Path Forward: Unifying Your Dispersed and Global Workforce

Creating a workplace culture of community requires a multichannel strategy with buy-in from all divisions and even global offices. With a robust cross-departmental approach, the result can be a thriving culture that keeps employees informed, connected, involved and productive. In this session, you’ll learn about:

  • Reaching every employee: Digital platforms and tactics to connect hourly or international workers.
  • Watercoolers, intranets and more: Creating a story-filled content plan to engage, retain and inspire your best talent.
  • The employee journey: Employee personas and mapping methods to strengthen culture and company pride at every step of an employee’s lifecycle.
  • What’s Next: New wellbeing strategies for countering burnout, demonstrating care beyond compensation and building a more resilient and readied workforce.
SVP, Chief Communications Officer
American Institutes for Research (AIR)
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2:10-2:30 p.m.
Internal Marketing: How to Create an Engaging Comms Experience

Bring the power of marketing and the expertise of comms together! Learn how to authentically promote the mission, vision, values, brand, products, and services of your organization to the people within it. It’s the secret to engaging your teams, building employee advocacy, and creating a thriving, purpose-driven company culture. In this presentation, attendees will learn how to:

  • Inspire and inform teams through dynamic comms and experiences.
  • Improve employee engagement and purpose-driven work.
  • Foster strong alignment and collaboration across departments.
  • Master consistent, effective internal and external branding.
Co-founder and CEO
Workshop
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2:30-2:50 p.m.
Mindfulness Break
2:50-3:35 p.m.
PANEL
Living Up to Our Commitments: The Evolution of ESG and DE&I

The last decade has introduced a swathe of pledges around the climate, diversity and more. But have corporations followed through with their promises or was it all hot air? This session will offer strategies that communications leaders have used to affect change from the inside, including how to hold feet to the fire and mitigate risk when companies have fallen short on their commitments. You’ll learn about:

  • The politicization of ESG: How to tread carefully to avoid investor backlash and public demonization — on both sides of the ESG equation.
  • Setting smart DE&I goals: Why setting measurable, attainable goals will result in strategic change and make your company a player to watch — and how to do it.
  • Purpose-driven CSR: How campaigns can build employee pride and strengthen your employer brand internally and externally.
  • What’s Next: The emergence of social impact teams, how Gen Z will continue to call for change, and how data can help keep orgs committed and accountable.
Chief Equity & Impact Officer
Omnicom
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Chief Communications Officer
American Psychological Association
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Senior Director, Change Management and ESG Communications
SAIC
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Grand Poobah of PR
Ben & Jerry’s
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3:45-4:05 p.m.
The Unsession: Networking and Guided Discussion
Day 2: Wednesday, November 8, 2023
10:15-10:40 a.m.
Engaging Every Employee: Building Better Multigenerational Comms

Today’s global workforce includes new Gen Z grads, midcareer Millennials and mid- to late-career Gen X employees. Many of them work remotely or in a hybrid model. The pandemic has also accelerated the transition of the workforce, and some organizations are now facing the challenge of effectively communicating with multigenerational employees. This session will share comms techniques and strategies to bridge the generational gap, regardless of preferred communications styles. You’ll also discover how to encourage younger employees with purposeful mentorship programs, how to prevent ageism in your comms and much more. You’ll walk away with:

  • Statistics and strategies: Psychographics and data about the various generations in the workplace, from Boomers to Gen X, and Millennials to Gen Z.
  • How to adapt your messages and channels for remote and hybrid workers across generations.
  • How to foster collaboration among employees of different generations in a post-COVID, hybrid workplace.
  • Who’s Next: After Gen Z comes Gen Alpha — early insights about the youngest demographic now entering high school
Senior Vice President and Partner,
FleishmanHillard
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Deputy Division Chief of Internal Communications
IMF
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10:50-11:35 a.m.
PANEL
What’s Next in Measurement

Numbers are only the beginning of the conversation. Internal communicators are often tasked to deliver KPIs that demonstrate the impact and value of their departments to the C-suite — but without clear benchmarks, clean data and careful interpretation of those figures, you could be sharing only part of the story. In this far-reaching panel, three measurement experts discuss how measurement strategies have changed, and the numbers you should be using to measure employee engagement. You’ll :

  • Winning the C-suite: Data storytelling strategies to deliver clear, compelling metrics that demonstrate internal comms value and can win more budget.
  • Focus Groups and Pulse Surveys: How to measure and track employee engagement around trust, authenticity and transparency.
  • Innovations in commtech: The latest channels, tools and resources that keep employees connected and informed — plus how to extract data from these tools.
  • New efficiencies: Tools communicators can use to automate, improve and elevate data – and how best to streamline workflows, outreach and reporting.
Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications
Bozzuto
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Andrew Bates
Enterprise Data Strategy Director
AARP
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Mary Beth McCloy
Director, Corporate Communications
The Goddard School
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11:45 a.m.-12:20 p.m.
Interactive Session
Defeating Issue Fatigue in an Era of Continual Crisis

Natural and health disasters, geopolitical unrest, economic concerns: Issue fatigue is real and communicators are tasked with sharing messages and motivating employees amid it all. In this interactive crowdsourcing session, we’ll explore how to reduce information overload, craft comms that connect with internal and external audiences, and outline how to deliver on your organization’s goals and mission. Get ready to leave with a notebook stuffed with great crisis comms and change management ideas, including:

  • Practical tools and techniques: Why a multipronged approach using intranets, short form video, apps and email can help spread your messages.
  • Noise busters: How to deal with issue fatigue when the drumbeat is continual.
  • Crisis decision trees: Practical steps to help determine what issues require a corporate response internally and externally.
  • Success stories: Examples of clear, calming comms that helped stabilize crisis situations and staff.
Global Head of Communications and Social Purpose
KFC
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Executive Director, Global Crisis Practice Lead
APCO Worldwide
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1:30-1:55 p.m.
Revolutionizing Communication through CommTech

Staying ahead of the curve means being informed of new technologies, apps and tools that pave the way for today’s remote, dispersed and deskless workforce. Learn how to leverage emerging technologies to enhance your employee’s work-lives, streamline operations and develop effective comms strategies — with technology at your side. We’ll share:

  • Ragan’s State of CommTech 2023: Findings from Ragan’s CommTech survey reveal which tools internal and external communicators are currently using, what’s on their wish list, who makes the buying decisions, and how they are interpreting and using data.
  • Intranets, internal social channels and more: The latest in multichannel intranet content and use cases from communicators who built platforms to share critical updates and pet photos alike.
  • The right metrics = the right dashboard: The KPIs you should be tracking, where to access them and how to present them to busy execs.
  • What’s destined for your communicator’s toolkit: The new AI apps, productivity tools and analytics dashboards that will make your lives easier.
Editor
Ragan Communications
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Product Marketing Manager
LumApps
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Vice President, Creative & Content
Prudential Financial
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2:05-2:50 p.m.
PANEL
Truth Telling, Authenticity and Breakthrough Thought Leadership

CEOs and leaders are expected to be compelling communicators, sharing messages on LinkedIn and social media that elevate and reinforce their brand’s strategy. In this session, you’ll learn how to build an action plan that empowers your executives to be confident and compelling thought leaders, how to ghostwrite effectively for   them and how to identify and topics suited for your principal. Learn about:

  • Relevancy: The anatomy of a forward-looking thought leadership strategy and how to stay ahead of the curve with content that matters.
  • Platforms and channels: How to select the proper destination for each message or story.
  • Managing difficult leaders: Lessons from working with challenging CEOs and executives.
  • Misalignment: Strategies to take when your personal views conflict with your corporation’s stance.
Vice President of Communications
GIPHY
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Director, AI Communications
Dell Technologies
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VP, Communications and PR
The Corcoran Group
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SPEAKERS

KEYNOTER
Futurist
The Future Today Institute
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KEYNOTER
Chief Public Affairs Officer
Spotify
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KEYNOTER
CMO
The Weather Channel
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Head of Internal Communications
Reddit
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Chief Equity & Impact Officer
Omnicom
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Grand Poobah of PR
Ben & Jerry’s
Read bio
Deputy Division Chief of Internal Communications
IMF
Read bio
Vice President of Social Media
National Geographic
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Chief Communications Officer
American Psychological Association
Read bio
Vice President, Creative & Content
Prudential Financial
Read bio
Talent Advisor
Redpath and Company
Read bio
Andrew Bates
Enterprise Data Strategy Director
AARP
Read bio
EMCEE
Manager, Digital Advocacy Communications
IBM
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Director of Global Research & Operations
HarrisX
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Chief Executive Officer
PRSA
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Senior Director, Public Relations & Crisis
Denny's Corporation
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David Sánchez Carmona
Director, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Strategist
APCO Worldwide
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Editor-in-Chief
Ragan Communications and PR Daily
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Senior Vice President and Partner,
FleishmanHillard
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CEO
Peppercomm
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CEO and founder
Carol Cone ON PURPOSE
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Senior Director, Social Engagement
American Red Cross
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Executive Director of AI Strategy
Cision
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Vice President, Communications
Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control
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Editor
Ragan Communications
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Sr. Managing Director, US & Mexico Communications Leader
PwC
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Sr. Director, Head of Content, Creative & HDTV
The Home Depot
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Intranet Strategist
Interact
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Marketing Strategist and Founder
Nspired Media
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Director of Media & Communications
Notified
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Director, AI Communications
Dell Technologies
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Steven Gregoire
Business Development Executive
PoliteMail
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Founder & CEO
Kite Hill PR
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Vice President, Corporate Communications & Brand Management
Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin and Metropolitan Chicago
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Executive Vice President
Crenshaw, a Mod Op company
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Executive Director, Global Crisis Practice Lead
APCO Worldwide
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Vice President Communications
Synchrony
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Head of Content and Communication Strategy
Axios HQ
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U.S. Head of Communications
FREYR Battery
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Justin Joffe
Editorial Director and Editor-in-Chief
Ragan Communications
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CEO and Founder
Alethea
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Product Marketing Manager
LumApps
Read bio
Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications
Bozzuto
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Director, Consumer & Product Communications
Pinterest
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Director of Communications
REI
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Co-founder and CEO
Workshop
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Founder and CEO
PRophet
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Vice President/Head of Communications, Sports Marketing & Social Impact
Exos
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Video Content Advisor
PlayPlay
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Interim CEO
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas
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Vice President of Communications
GIPHY
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Director, Internal Communications
Glassdoor
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Mary Beth McCloy
Director, Corporate Communications
The Goddard School
Read bio
Global Head of Social Media
Square
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Global Head of Communications and Social Purpose
KFC
Read bio
VP, Communications and PR
The Corcoran Group
Read bio
CEO
HarrisX
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Head of Expert Services
Workvivo
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SVP, Chief Communications Officer
American Institutes for Research (AIR)
Read bio
EVP and Chief Communications Officer
Cavaliers Operating Company
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Senior Director, Change Management and ESG Communications
SAIC
Read bio
Senior Vice President
MikeWorldWide
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Account Manager
PoliteMail
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Head of Communications
Corebridge Financial
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Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications
NAACP
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President, North America
APCO Worldwide
Read bio
Co-Founder and Senior Partner
RCG
Read bio
Author & Former Director of Content
Ragan and PR Daily
Read bio

 

INTERESTED IN SPEAKING?

Please reach out to Director of Conferences
Alyssa Smith.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

  • Fresh Insights on Organizational Structure & Comms’ Role: You’ll be among the first to hear the findings from the Ragan/HarrisX CEO/CCO Perception Survey and other data dives to position you for success.
  • Conquer Issue Fatigue: Craft comms that connect with internal and external audiences and deliver on your organization’s goals and mission.
  • Create Strategic and Authentic Storytelling: How to produce organic, immersive stories that meet the moment with clear, consistent and inclusive messaging.
  • Measure Trust and Impact: You don’t have to be a data analyst to master the art of creating a communications measurement and evaluation strategy.
  • Multi-generational communication strategies: From Gen Z to Millennials to Boomers and Gen X, know when, how and why your strategies need to be adjusted.
  • Build a Better Content Strategy: Deliver more with less – without burning out or missing a deadline – by focusing on quality, marquis content.
  • Expand Your Social Media Reach: Get ahead of the competition with the latest comms strategies for LinkedIn, TikTok, Facebook and Beyond.

PRICING

Join us for the Future of Communications Conference:

ADVANCED EARLY BIRD VIP REGULAR RATE
Conference All-Access Passincludes the Pre-Conference Workshops
Standard $2,299 $2,399 $2,499 $2,599
Nonprofit/Gov $2,199 $2,299 $2,399 $2,499
Ragan Insider $2,149 $2,249 $2,349 $2,449
Conference Registration - Individual
Standard $1,899 $1,999 $2,099 $2,199
Nonprofit/Gov/Edu $1,799 $1,899 $1,999 $2,099
Ragan Insider $1,749 $1,849 $1,949 $2,049
Conference Recording On Demand
$999 $999 $999 $999
On Demand
For those who can’t attend the conference live, an on-demand option is available during the registration process.
Get your tickets early and save. Discounts are also available for the following:

Group Discounts

Would you and your team like to attend? Group pricing is available when registering! Contact Shallon Blackburn for more information.

RAGAN COUNCIL MEMBER DISCOUNTS

Membership includes free registration passes. Contact Shallon Blackburn for more information on becoming a member.
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RAGAN INSIDER DISCOUNTS

Insiders save on all Ragan events. Not a Ragan Insider? You can become one during registration for this event!
Austin, TX
LOCATION
Conference Venue Information:
Hyatt Regency Austin
208 Barton Springs,
Austin, Texas, 78704
(512) 477-1234
Visitor Info

Extend your stay in the Live Music Capital of the World®!  Austin offers urban hiking trails, legendary barbecue and farm-to-table cuisine. The city has more than 250 live music venues where on any given night the sounds of rock, country, indie and Tejano music echo throughout the streets.

Top 8 Things To Do in Austin:

  1. Listen to Live Music.
  2. Eat Barbecue and Tex-Mex.
  3. Enjoy A Cocktail with Local Spirits, Hill Country Wine Or Craft Beer.
  4. Get Outdoors.
  1. Experience the Famous Bat Bridge.
  2. Visit A Film Location.
  3. Explore Texas History.
  4. Take A City Tour.
Austin, TX
BONUS MATERIALS
  • How to Include AI and ChatGPT in Your Comms Strategy
  • Guide to Building a Better Business Case For Internal Communications Software
  • Tools to Boost the Employee Experience
  • Guide to Change Communications During Mergers and Acquisitions
  • Presentation Skills for a Hybrid World

SPONSORS & PARTNERS

Want to become a sponsor? Get in touch with our team to discuss sponsorship opportunities.

Let's Partner!

RAGAN GIVES BACK
A portion of proceeds from this event will be donated to Ronald McDonald House Austin, who work with local hospitals to allow families access to specialized medical treatment by providing a place to stay at little or sometimes no cost.
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WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

You should attend if you spend at least a quarter of your time in any of these areas:

  • Public Relations
  • Brand Management
  • Internal Communications
  • Public Affairs
  • Executive Communications
  • Reputation Management
  • Crisis Communications
  • Issues Management
  • Social Media
  • Storytelling
  • Media Relations

GET RECOGNIZED!

SHRM Certificate

Lawrence Ragan Communications, Inc is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities. This program is valid for 2.5 PDCs.

Future of Communications Conference Certificate

Each registration comes with a personalized "Future of Communications Conference" Certificate of Completion for attending.

REGISTER NOW

WONDERING IF YOU SHOULD ATTEND?

Here’s what past attendees are saying about Ragan and PR Daily Events!

Austin, TX
Communications Week 2023

KEEP UP WITH THE LATEST!

The conference fun doesn’t start and stop at the event! Follow us on socials and sign-up for update emails.

Contact us for group rates and share with friends!

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HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?

PRESENTED BY

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CONTACT

REGISTRATION

For questions related to event registrations, please contact:
Shallon Blackburn
Customer Service & Sales Manager

 

SPONSORSHIP

If you’re interested in sponsoring this event, please contact:
Hannah Lavelle

 

PROGRAM

For information on programming and speakers, please contact:
Alyssa Smith