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

Join us Nov. 13-15 at Ragan's Future of Communications Conference in Austin, Tex. Hundreds of comms leaders and professionals will assemble to learn, connect, innovate and strategize as we chart the future of the communications discipline. The most innovative minds spanning industries including healthcare, technology, manufacturing, retail and financial services will dive deep into urgent challenges, emerging opportunities and rising trends that will pave the road ahead.

This event, which will be held during the 10th annual Communications Week, is where groundbreaking ideas are put to the test, strategic insights are exchanged and lifelong connections are formed. Tailored for internal communicators, PR professionals and marketing experts, the Future of Communications Conference stands out as a must-attend industry gathering.

Engage with captivating speakers representing leading brands and organizations as they explore topics such as storytelling, manager comms, employer branding, social media marketing, media relations and the complexities of AI, ESG and DE&I. Be prepared for inspiring narratives, in-depth case studies, lively debates, engaging panel discussions and opportunities to share knowledge with peers.

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.

Communications Week | November 12-15, 2024 | Virtual, and Cities Nationwide

Join us for Communications Week on Nov. 12 - 15, 2024. 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

PRECONFERENCE
November 13th
12:30 – 1:45 p.m.
Mastering Generative AI: Prompts, Persuasion and Productivity

You’ve heard plenty about generative AI and may even have experimented with it — now it’s time to delve deeper and get practical with the latest AI techniques to dramatically improve your comms copy, content and capacity. This workshop will teach you how to apply strategic prompts to generate powerful prose and pixel-worthy images that make your job easier while engaging your workforce with persuasive content. You’ll discover:

  • Understanding Three Types of AI: Learn about narrow AI, general artificial intelligence and superintelligence, and what each are able to deliver for communicators.
  • The AI toolbox: How to use gen AI platforms like ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity.ai, Dall-E and others for text, image and video storytelling—plus techniques for crafting writing prompts to jumpstart your creativity and narratives.
  • Scaling Workflow and Production: How to use Gen AI to reduce the time and effort required to craft compelling internal comms content – plus, real-world AI use cases and examples of AI applications for internal comms content.
  • Optimizing for Engagement: How to leverage AI insights to create persona-based stories that resonate with your target audiences—driving increased engagement and loyalty.
  • Real-world AI Use Cases: Examples of AI applications for comms content — including how to devise a data-driven content strategy by analyzing datasets to identity patterns so you can tailor content to employee segments.
  • Compelling Visuals: Simple ways to create compelling custom imagery, layouts and design elements that will reinforce your message — come ready to dig into Dall•E and Midjourney.
  • Measurement and Feedback: How to use AI tools to measure, refine and enhance your content so it improves employee engagement, satisfaction and productivity — plus how AI can process and analyze feedback forms and surveys to improve your content.
  • Buy-in to Level Up: How to encourage leadership in your organization to embrace a hands-on, test-and-learn mentality that helps them understand its capabilities and how it factors into success.
2:00 – 3:15 p.m.
Future-Proofing Content Creation: How to Stand Out in a Crowded Field

With over 3.2 billion images, 7 million blog posts and 720,000 hours of video uploaded daily, staying ahead of the latest content trends and tools is crucial to cut through the clutter. This workshop provides a practical plan for standing out in our content saturated world—whether you’re sharing short-form video, leveraging user-generated content, creating immersive experiences or simply crafting compelling copy for a blog post. Together, we’ll cover:

  • Short-Form Video Mastery: How to create captivating short-form videos on TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts—and how these skills apply to future platforms.
  • UGC and Collaboration: How to work with influencers and contributors to enhance engagement across your digital channels—without overloading your team.
  • Immersive Content Experiences: Why 2025 looks like the year AV/VR finally takes off—and how to integrate these technologies into your content strategy on the cheap.
  • Data-Driven Content Optimization: The best tools and KPIs for measuring content performance—plus how to use data to refine and improve your reach and results.
  • Bonus: Timeless Writing Fundamentals: How persuasive writing techniques can complement your evolving digital skillset so you stand out—no matter what’s next.
3:30 – 4:45 p.m.
Powering Up Your Internal Comms: A Data-Driven Approach

Elevate your internal communications strategy to a whole new level with a robust, data-centric approach. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to “measure the immeasurable” like culture with tailored benchmarks aligned with the bottom-line impacts that your execs value most. You’ll discover new ways to prove your return on engagement (ROE) by showcasing how your initiatives reduce turnover, training and even reputational costs. Together we’ll cover:

  • What the C-Suite Expects: Results from the latest HarrisX/Ragan CEO-Communicators survey outlining what execs want from communicators, including the outcomes they value most.
  • Smarter Measurement Strategies: How to use quantitative and qualitative data to link internal communications programs and campaigns directly to business goals.
  • Tracking KPIs: New tools and techniques to monitor KPIs and correlate them with engagement, retention, satisfaction, productivity and even culture. We’ll cover page visits, email/CT rates and even intranet read receipts.
  • Customized KPI Scorecards: How to create a KPI index tailored to your organization’s sector, mission and business goals — plus how to translate your KPIs to ROI.
  • Sample Dashboards: Case studies in what’s working and what’s not to present your results to teams and execs alike — including examples of successful measurement dashboards.
  • A Winning Story: Best practices for presenting your results to teams and execs—including how to extract actionable insights and frame your successes in a compelling narrative.
  • Bonus/Future Trends: How to expand your toolbox for gathering internal comms data—including how to leverage AI to quickly analyze and act on top findings.
5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Mix and Mingle: Networking Reception
GENERAL SESSIONS / EXTERNAL TRACK
Day 1: November 14th
8:00 a.m.
Registration Opens
8:15 – 8:45 a.m.
Breakfast Session
8:45 – 8:50 a.m.
Welcome to Austin: Opening Remarks
8:50 – 8:55 a.m.
CEO Perceptions of the Communications Role

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 how AI and election issues fall under a larger umbrella of corporate risk, among others.

8:55 – 9:20 a.m.
KEYNOTE POWER PANEL
All Together Now: Uniting Comms, Marketing, Legal and HR

Join us for a dynamic roundtable of all-star business leaders gathered from across the c-suite to discuss where we’re going, in the wake of a pivotal election, and why it’s more important than ever to be in lockstep together. Panelists will discuss strategies for bridging divides, whether across the aisle or departments, how they are working together to shape culture and messaging, and practical examples of forward-thinking tactics to drive enterprises towards unified business objectives.

KEYNOTER
Senior Director of Corporate Affairs and Impact
Pinterest
Read bio
9:20 – 9:45 a.m.
Keynote
The Future of Work

In today's rapidly evolving world, macro-forces such as technological innovation and shifting consumer expectations are dramatically transforming how we live, socialize, care for ourselves and others, and work. These changes are creating a multi-speed world, where populations experience these impacts at different rates and in diverse ways, leading to a heterogeneity of human experience. Our increasingly fragmented and uniquely personal experiences present both challenges and opportunities in both how and what we communicate. Leah Johns, the founder and leader of Bain’s Global Consumer Lab, Bain's centre of consumer insight and foresight, will delve into how these societal shifts profoundly affect communicators and their role in serving the needs of employees, customers, and the public, drawing on cutting-edge research from the lab, and will provide a data-driven vision of the future.

KEYNOTER
Founder of Bain’s Global Consumer Lab
Bain
Read bio
9:45 – 10:05 a.m.
Networking Break
10:05 – 10:30 a.m.
Growth Gears: Cranking Up Efficiency to Do More with Less

Communications teams are shrinking, even as organizations demand growth: 66% of communications teams reported that their budget remained the same or lower than the previous year. Whether you’re kickstarting a startup or steering a hefty enterprise, here are strategies to stretch your budgets and maximize efficiency. Learn practical approaches and new tools that can optimize workflows, integrate smart tech, and foster a culture of innovation. Learn about:

  • Leveraging Automation: How to implement automation to reduce manual workload, from social media management tools like Hootsuite to marketing automation tools like Hubspot, workflow integration tools like Zapier, and beyond.
  • Cut Costs, Keep Cool: Creative cost saving techniques that do not compromise on quality or employee satisfaction, including fractional co-workers and tech audits on communications platforms.
  • Lean, Mean, Efficiency Machine: Tips for fostering an organizational culture that embraces efficiency and continuous improvement, including how to set clear KPIs and develop Agile methodologies.
  • Maxing Out What You’ve Got: Maximize your existing assets and human capital to achieve better outcomes with fewer inputs, from shared media libraries to the development of a robust recycling purpose for content across multiple platforms and formats to maximize ROI on content investment.
  • Convincing the Chiefs: When (and how) to push back when leadership and c-suite makes decisions that cut too deeply.
10:45 a.m. – 10:55 a.m.
Lightning Talk
11:10 – 11:55 a.m.
PANEL
Brands and Politicians Taking a Stand: Managing Public Opinion During a Crisis

It’s a scenario that keeps communicators and PR pros up at night: The internet has gotten ahold of a statement or a news release, and it has spiraled into a social media maelstrom. This challenge is especially common for communicators where one wrong word can send the socialverse, rumor mills and conspiracy circles spiraling. In this session, spokespeople from brands and elected officials will explain how they maintain consistent communications processes as they work to weather the tumult of public opinion.

  • Prep for the Unexpected: Which frameworks, toolkits and templates can be developed before a misinformation or disinformation crisis arises.
  • Triage Tips: How to evaluate the urgency of the situation when social media chatter around your organization starts to pick up.
  • Case Studies: Real world examples selected from 2024 events and campaigns, and the lessons learned from each.
  • Finding the Words: What to say, when to say it and who needs to be at the mic to protect reputation and credibility when public opinion turns against you.
  • When the Dust Settles: How to draw lessons from difficult times and use them to build a more resilient comms department.
Senior Vice President, Communications and Marketing
Scouting America
Read bio
12:10 – 12:30 p.m.
KEYNOTE FIRESIDE
Uniting Voices: Navigating Global Change and Corporate Innovation

Join us for a fireside chat with Dan Thomas, CCO of the United Nations Global Compact, as he shares insights he explores the role of communicators in a rapidly changing world. Sharing stories from his firsthand experience at leading communications for the UN General Assembly as well as shaping strategy for the UN Global Compact, Thomas will discuss the importance of innovation in communications and how organizations can engage with the global community—as well as how communicators can navigate the potential impacts of this year’s worldwide elections to foster progress and stability. Attendees will gain insights into the intersection of communication, innovation, and global policy, learning how to bring together diverse voices towards a common goal.

KEYNOTER
Chief, Communications & Strategic Events
United Nations Global Compact
Read bio
12:30 p.m.
Lunch Begins
1:00 – 1:20 p.m.
Panel: Lunch and Listen
Gen Z on Stage: Future Comms Leaders Speak Out

Sit back and enjoy a dynamic discussion between rising stars in the communications world as they share their unique perspectives on key trends such as the rise of social media platforms, the media they consume, the impact of activism might have on company culture, and the increasing demand for authenticity and transparency in communications.

1:30 p.m.
Lunch Ends
1:30 – 1:55 p.m.
The Great Social Media Awakening: Transforming Fatigued Followers into Superfans by Igniting New Trends

The days of brands piling onto memes and trends — and mostly just interacting with one another — has come to an end. Managing a social media community today means tapping into its ideals and passions and delivering smart, rich content with personalized value and heart. It might sound tough, but with a little creativity, resourcefulness and curiosity, even a social team of one can unlock high-performance social content for organizations in any sector. You’ll learn:

  • Drill Down: Get to know who your community is at its heart, and hyperfocus your social content on what matters most to them while delivering on business outcomes.
  • Build Relationships: The factors and actions that take a follower from a passive observer to a participant and lifelong fan, and how to start conversations and trends around those passion points.
  • Know the Numbers: It’s not just impressions and likes anymore. Which metrics tell you the most about who your most engaged fans are and what they want?
  • Get Scrappy: Even if you’re a team of one or work for a less glamorous organization, you have an arsenal of fan-building content just waiting to light up your social spaces.
  • What’s Next: Learn how to be not just a trendspotter, but a trendsetter, by getting ahead of the conversation and anticipating what your audience wants.
Head of Social Media
United States Department of Defense
Read bio
2:10 – 2:55 p.m.
PANEL
From AI to ROI: Supercharging Comms

As tech continues to evolve at warp speed, the ability to leverage tech to create content better, faster and further has moved from wishful thinking to daily reality. In this panel discussion, we’ll discuss the latest AI breakthroughs, what that means for increasingly smaller comms departments, how each company has integrated new technologies into their workflows, ethical implications, and the essential role of C-suite buy-in. Learn about:

  • Maximizing Efficiency with AI: How AI can streamline your team to do more with less by automating routine tasks and optimizing strategic thinking time.
  • AI-Driven Storytelling: Exploring the latest AI tools and their updates, from gen AI like ChatGPT 4.5 Turbo and Jasper, to video like Lumen5 for crafting compelling narratives.
  • Keeping it Legal with Policy Frameworks: How to establish effective AI policies and guidelines within your organization to navigate legal and security challenges.
  • Winning Over the Boss: Techniques for securing executive support and funding for AI initiatives through demonstrable pilot projects and clear metrics.
  • What’s Next: Potential threats on the horizon with the use of AI, including bias and copyright issues, deep fakes, and the integration of AI with diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
Senior Director, Purpose Communications & Strategic Engagements
Cisco
Read bio
Adjunct Professor of Mass Communication
Syracuse University
Read bio
3:10 – 3:30 p.m.
Lightning Talk
3:30 – 3:50 p.m.
Rest and Refresh Break
3:50– 4:15 p.m.
Mastering the Modern Media: Measurement, Management, and Mitigation

In today’s digital whirlwind, where a tweet can tank stocks or boost brand love, understanding the invisible part of your media footprint is as crucial as the headlines you make. We’ll explore the new tools and techniques available for today’s media relations pros, with an emphasis on proactive reputation management. Learn effective techniques for tracking and measuring media mentions, maintaining control over your organization's public image, and sharing wins to C-suite. Learn about:

  • Smart Metrics That Matter: Ditch the surface-level stats and vanity metrics — implement a measurement system that provides real insights into reputation and trust, and demonstrates solid ROI to your c-suite with insights they can’t ignore.
  • Crisis Meets Collaboration: How to integrate legal insights and PR tactics to manage and frame responses effectively, especially when handling high-stakes media situations involving rogue executives or problematic partnerships.
  • AI to the Rescue: Explore cutting-edge AI apps that monitor everything from the dark web buzz to the next viral storm brewing on social media.
  • Pen Like a Pro: The strategic frameworks you need to develop in advance to anticipate future coverage and maintain narrative control.
Senior Communications Leader
Capital One
Read bio
Managing Director of Research and Analytics
Ketchum
Read bio
4:30 – 4:55 p.m.
Interactive Session
The AI Prompt Slam

Get practical, powerful advice on how to use AI to dramatically improve your comms copy, content and capacity. We’ll review how to apply strategic prompts to generate powerful prose, and then break into workshop groups to practice those skills in real time, based on a series of challenges spanning internal and external company goals. We’ll cover:

  • The AI Toolbox: How to get the most out of ChatGPT — plus, what makes 4.5 Turbo worth the upgrade.
  • Writing and Prompt Engineering: How AI can help edit and improve your writing, plus how to select and fine-tune prompts that elevate your prose — without sacrificing creativity and voice.
  • Scaling Workflow and Production: How to use Gen AI to reduce the time and effort required to craft compelling comms content.
  • Case Studies: Real-world AI use cases and examples of AI applications for internal and external comms content.

 

5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Networking Reception
Day 2: November 15th
8:00 – 8:30 a.m.
Breakfast Session
8:30 – 8:40 a.m.
The Best and Not the Best of 2024

Join us for a morning review of the biggest comms and marketing wins (and losses) of the year, featuring takeaways you can incorporate into your own strategies in 2025.

8:40 – 9:00 a.m.
KEYNOTE
9:15 – 10:00 a.m.
PANEL
The New Newsroom: Earning Attention in a Seismic Media Landscape

Newsrooms are dwindling, reporters are overwhelmed and consumers are inundated with more information than ever. For comms and PR pros, that means not just adapting to the existing media world, but finding — and building — new channels to share important updates, earn attention and build engaged audiences. Whether you’re pitching stories to existing outlets or building up your own brand newsroom, this panel will translate lessons learned from both traditional and new media to your storytelling strategy.

  • Learning to Earn It: What exactly does “earned media” mean when news outlets are in constant flux, and where should your organization show up if you want to stand out?
  • Diversify to Thrive: Find out what mix of channels and outlets are best for your organization, and how much time you should be spending on each one.
  • Be Your Own Ace Reporter: How to build a brand newsroom and unlock powerful brand storytelling through both traditional and new journalism strategies
  • Lean and Local: What reporters in leaner newsrooms need, and how local and regional outlets can be a communicator’s best friend.
  • What’s Next: Learn how your organization can strike the right tone, make the right news and stay there through its proudest and most pivotal moments.
Lecturer, Journalism & Public Relations Department
California State University, Long Beach
Read bio
Corporate Communications Manager
United Airlines
Read bio
Director, Strategic Communications
Samsung Electronics America
Read bio
10:15 – 10:35 a.m.
Lightning Talk
10:35 – 10:55 a.m.
Rest and Refresh Break
10:55 – 11:20 a.m.
Stitching Stories: Creating a Brand Voice to Fight Misconceptions

Transform the way you handle your brand reputation. In this session, you’ll learn from a communicators pro on how she went about developing a brand strategy for a profitable company, focusing on authenticity, strategic alignment, and reputation management. Learn to prepare and protect your organization from what’s coming in 2025.

  • Fireproof, not Firefight: Critical steps to take now to develop a plan for the future, including online reputation strategies.
  • Effective Messaging: Learn to craft compelling hold statements, message maps, and style directives to maintain consistency and control over communications during a crisis.
  • Crisis Team Activation: Guidelines on structuring and mobilizing your crisis response team based on proven successes and failures from past incidents.
  • Global Crisis Management: Strategies for handling international incidents and maintaining public trust through effective media relations and stakeholder engagement.
  • Employee Engagement: Techniques for sustaining employee morale and stakeholder relations, ensuring your organization remains unified and resilient in the face of adversity.
  • Proving Value: How to measure the impact of storytelling efforts and communications — and demonstrate that value to leadership.
Head of Corporate Communications
SHEIN
Read bio
11:35 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Comms This, Not That: Essential Components of the Modern Comms Strategy (and Tactics You Should Sunset)

We have new tools and measurement protocols, and audiences are consuming information in new ways — but communicators too often fall back on tactics that have been around for a decade or more. We break down the essential elements of a modern comms strategy (and why), as well as identify tactics whose time is past.

  • Build Your New Marketing Playbook: Evaluate your current strategies, and find out what to scrap, augment and add to unlock the most powerful moves in the biz.
  • Small But Mighty: How comms and marketing teams across industries and nonprofit sectors can do more and cover a larger geographic area with less.
  • Rallying the Troops: Learn how to create buy-in and build a creative, structured and healthy company culture in today’s hybrid word environment so that you can unlock everyone’s highest potential.
  • Keep it Flexible: A clear but dynamic approach will help you prepare for all opportunities and eventualities.
  • What’s Next: Put it all together, and return to your workplace with a refreshed comms and marketing playbook.
Senior Director of Global Media Relations
Under Armour
Read bio
12:15 – 12:35 p.m.
KEYNOTE FIRESIDE
Harnessing Culture to Unite Leadership and Employees
12:35 p.m.
Closing Remarks and Baker’s Dozen Takeaways
Day 1: November 14th
10:05 – 10:30 a.m.
Anger in the Workplace: Engaging Employees Amidst Dissent, Unionization and Disruption

From college protests to union strikes: we are in an era marked by significant social and political shifts. Engaging with employees thoughtfully and effectively requires careful strategies for addressing turbulent internal communications influenced by external pressures. Learn how to foster inclusivity and solidarity, support employee voices, and manage potentially divisive topics with empathy and strategic alignment.

  • Inclusive Messaging Frameworks: Strategies for creating communications that respect diverse perspectives while aligning with organizational values during times of social and labor unrest.
  • Union Strategies: Best practices for responses to unionization efforts, including when to connect with HR, legal and leadership.
  • Opportunities for Solidarity: Exploring how controversies can strengthen internal communications, fostering unity and enhancing employee engagement.
  • Empowering ERGs: How to leverage Employee Resource Groups to address concerns, disseminate accurate information, and maintain a supportive environment.
  • Flexible Communication Strategies: Developing adaptable internal communication plans that can respond to the evolving landscape of labor and social issues without sacrificing authenticity.
10:45 a.m. – 10:55 a.m.
Lightning Talk
11:10 – 11:55 a.m.
PANEL
Assembling the Ultimate Future-Ready Comms Team

As we dive headfirst into a future shaped by AI breakthroughs and seismic cultural shifts, it’s time to rethink the roles and skills your team will need to stay ahead of the curve. Join this panel of c-suite and decision-making leaders as they unpack the essential makeup of a future-proof communications squad. Learn about:

  • Tech Titans: The AI revolution won’t stop with content creation: why it’s critical to add data analysts and AI scientists to your teams.
  • Culture Crafting: With the digital world spinning faster, we’ll explore why agility and transparency aren’t just nice-to-haves but are the lifeline of your future comms strategy.
  • Part-Time Pioneers: Fractional leadership is on the rise. Learn why snagging part-time execs may be the smartest move for flexibility and cutting-edge expertise without the hefty price tag.
  • Unconventional Recruits: We’ll talk about the game-changing impact of drawing talent from non-traditional fields such as behavioral science and digital media to foster innovative thinking.
1:30 – 1:55 p.m.
Executive Communications: Storytelling from the C-Suite

Storytelling from the top can transform a company, deepening trust with employees, and forge stronger connections with stakeholders. It often falls to the communicator to teach or tease out those authentic stories from the C-suite. Learn how you can guide executives to create personalized narratives that resonate with the company’s values and strategy – and move beyond mere mission statements. Explore:

  • Writing the Love Letter from the Top: Techniques to teach and personalize executive’s stories so they connect with their stakeholders, internally and externally — and reflect and corporate values.
  • Building Bridges, Not Just Brands: Strategies for collaborating with leadership on copy, find passion points, and build trust by building stories and talking points around them – plus, how to craft and deliver a good anecdote.
  • Cut the Spin: How to help an exec define their voice with authenticity and without jargon or hype – including ways to lean on numbers, stories, or other elements.
  • From LinkedIn to the Limelight: Real-world case studies of leaders who have effectively used platforms like LinkedIn to take public stands on critical issues such as social justice movements, environmental issues, and corporate ethics.
  • Media Training 201: What you need to know to prepare spokespersons for various types of events, from internal events, broadcast, and print interviews.
  • Laddering Back to Values: How to ground every speech, post, or email around the values and purpose, including crucial steps to create a cadence of communications.
Director, Corporate Communications
Merck
Read bio
2:10 – 2:55 p.m.
PANEL
Unlocking Leadership and Managerial Superpowers for Unity and Growth

Only 10% of people managers are naturals in the role, but managerial skills can be taught: with proper coaching and developmental plans, they can become your company’s greatest asset, helping to retain top performers, increase productivity, and sustain a culture of respect. Our experts will explore how to equip managers to become unifiers and culture ambassadors, as well as effectively align team dynamics with corporate goals, driving organizational performance and enhancing employee satisfaction.

  • Managerial Autonomy: Strategies for granting managers the freedom to engage their teams, recognize individual contributions, and gather essential feedback to share with stakeholders, enhancing two-way communication.
  • Resource Empowerment: How to build a comprehensive toolkit to equip managers to communicate with authority while navigating internal messaging challenges.
  • Communication Upskilling: Psychological best practices for effective communication and conflict resolution that managers can apply.
  • Inclusivity, Wellness, and Beyond: How managers can actively support employee wellness, work with ERGs to create safe spaces, and build a culture of productivity, creativity and inclusivity.
Assistant Vice President, Enterprise Communications
Jackson
Read bio
3:10 – 3:30 p.m.
Lightning Talk
3:30 – 3:50 p.m.
Rest and Refresh Break
3:50– 4:15 p.m.
Relaunching DE&I: Navigating the Future of Inclusivity

In the wake of political pushbacks, Supreme Court decisions and an evolution of the field, many major companies are rebranding and repositioning DE&I. But what does that actually mean for inclusivity efforts? There’s a business case to be made: companies with the highest employment diversity are 39% more likely to overperform than more homogenous organizations. Here’s what you need to know heading into 2025:

  • Legal Labyrinth: An examination of the implications of the Supreme Court case that ended affirmative action at universities and its ripple effect in the workplace.
  • Modeling from the Top: How leadership can set the tone for the organization’s culture and competitive edge, demonstrate genuine commitment, and enhance the company’s reputation both internally and externally.
  • Actionable Allyship: How to foster a culture that normalizes inclusive practices, provides mentorship programs, and ensures benefits through visible and meaningful initiatives.
  • ROI of DEI: Whether it’s called JEDI, IED or inclusivity, here’s how to make the business case for DE&I efforts to C-suite and key stakeholders.
  • Case Studies: An overview of the business landscape, looking at how some companies have removed references to DE&I from their annual reports (Kohls, Salesforce), citing DE&I as a risk factor (Duolingo, JetBlue), and untying bonuses from hitting diversity goals (Starbucks).
Associate Education Director
ADL
Read bio
Internal Communications Lead
Mercedes-Benz U.S. International
Read bio
Day 2: November 15th
9:15 – 10:00 a.m.
PANEL
Tech Forward: Tomorrow’s Tools, Today

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. This isn’t about just keeping up, it’s about leading the way. Learn how to leverage emerging technologies to enhance your employee’s work-lives, streamline operations and develop effective comms strategies. We’ll share insights into how new tools and data-driven approaches can enhance trust, engagement, and overall business success.

  • Defining New KPIs: Unpacking a glossary of essential metrics that bridge communications with business success, from trust to social responsibility.
  • Bespoke Metrics: Strategies for customizing metrics to meet specific team needs, enhancing the personalization and effectiveness of communications.
  • AI, Analytics, and Tech Toolkit Expansion: Discovering the latest AI apps, productivity tools, and analytics dashboards that streamline workflows and maximize message impact.
  • Practical Tech Applications: Exploring use cases for popular platforms like Microsoft Office, Meta’s Workplace, and Google Workspace in communications.
  • Optimizing Data Use: Techniques for organizing, filtering, and validating data to deliver clear, actionable insights to stakeholders.
10:15 – 10:35 a.m.
Lightning Talk
10:35 – 10:55 a.m.
Rest and Refresh Break
10:55 – 11:20 a.m.
Customizing Comms for a Deskless Workforce

Engaging a deskless or remote workforce requires innovative communication strategies that intersect with both employee needs and business objectives. Traditional emails won’t cut it. Learn about new strategies that fuse old-school methods with digital dazzle and will keep everyone in the loop, including how one company implemented an Agile, opt-in employee notification system. Learn about:

  • Breaking Connectivity Barriers: Practical steps to audit, assess, and act on challenges in reaching employees with limited internet access or restricted mobile connectivity.
  • Mix & Match Magic: Techniques for combining traditional communication tools like flyers and bulletin boards with digital methods such as mobile apps and intranets to close communication gaps.
  • Consistent Check-Ins: Establishing consistent touchpoints through town halls, weekly meetings, and regular check-ins to ensure all employees receive important updates.
  • Leadership Bootcamp: How to provide managers and site leads with the tools and skills necessary to identify and engage employees who feel culturally disconnected or technologically unplugged.
  • Mission Messaging: Strategies to effectively communicate the organization's commitments to DE&I and sustainability to a dispersed workforce.
11:35 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Uniting Diverse Teams in Townhalls, Social Media, and Digital Watercoolers

Cultivating a culture of collaboration and real-time communication requires understanding where the needs of employees and the business intersect — easier said than done when attempting to engage deskless, remote and global workers. Whether they’re down the hall or across the globe, ensure every voice is heard and valued.

  • Town Hall Transformations: How to avoid digital blinders, reinvigorate your employees, and include interactive elements to foster interaction and inclusivity.
  • Culture Without Borders: Proven strategies to embrace and integrate the microcultures in your team, Learn how to acknowledge and integrating diverse cultural nuances across geographical and cultural landscapes, turning them into your team’s greatest strength.
  • Socially Savvy Workspaces: How to tap into culture on social media channels like Slack and Microsoft Teams as tools for internal communication and as windows into external perceptions of your organization.
  • Content That Connects: Whether it’s newsletters or the intranet, here’s use cases from communicators who built platforms to share critical updates and pet photos alike.
  • Plus: The New Tech Stack: How to get the most out of your existing commtech, including tips for Teams, Slack, and beyond.
Director, Internal Communications
Prologis
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SPEAKERS

Lecturer, Journalism & Public Relations Department
California State University, Long Beach
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Senior Director of Global Media Relations
Under Armour
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Adjunct Professor of Mass Communication
Syracuse University
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Director, Strategic Communications
Samsung Electronics America
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Internal Communications Lead
Mercedes-Benz U.S. International
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EMCEE
Director of Strategic Communications
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
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Associate Education Director
ADL
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Corporate Communications Manager
United Airlines
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KEYNOTER
Founder of Bain’s Global Consumer Lab
Bain
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Head of Social Media
United States Department of Defense
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Managing Director of Research and Analytics
Ketchum
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KEYNOTER
Senior Director of Corporate Affairs and Impact
Pinterest
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Director, Corporate Communications
Merck
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Director, Internal Communications
Prologis
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Assistant Vice President, Enterprise Communications
Jackson
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Senior Vice President, Communications and Marketing
Scouting America
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Senior Communications Leader
Capital One
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KEYNOTER
Chief, Communications & Strategic Events
United Nations Global Compact
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Head of Corporate Communications
SHEIN
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Senior Director, Purpose Communications & Strategic Engagements
Cisco
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INTERESTED IN SPEAKING?

Please reach out to Director of Event Programming
Alyssa Smith.

WHAT YOU'll LEARN

  • The Comms Team of the Future: How to build a comms function that supports a fast growing business—and the new talent, roles, skills, and titles that may be needed.
  • AI Tools, Techniques and Practical Strategies: How you can build a better content strategy with AI as your assistant — plus actionable tactics for safe integration into sensitive workflows
  • Managing Employees in Crisis: Frameworks on when, where and how to speak up when grappling with employee activism, dissent and labor actions — all without stripping your comms of authenticity and empathy.
  • Fresh Insights on the Communicator’s 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.
  • Executive Storytelling Strategies: Learn how to build relationships, create trust, and develop personalized stories that meet the moment with clear, consistent and inclusive messaging.
  • Tracking, Managing and Measuring Reputation: How to master the art of creating a communications measurement and evaluation strategy — including the headlines you’re not in.
  • The Shifting Socialverse: A deep dive into the upsets at Twitter/X, Instagram and TikTok — plus, the new features and changes that may reshape their future.
  • Conquer Issue Fatigue: Craft comms that connect with internal and external audiences and deliver on your organization’s goals and mission.

PRICING

Join us for the Future of Communications Conference:

ADVANCED EARLY BIRD VIP REGULAR RATE
Conference All-Access Passincludes the Pre-Conference Workshops
Standard $2,699 $2,799 $2,899 $2,999
Nonprofit/Gov $2,599 $2,699 $2,799 $2,899
Ragan Insider $2,549 $2,649 $2,749 $2,849
Conference Registration - Individual
Standard $2,299 $2,399 $2,499 $2,599
Nonprofit/Gov/Edu $2,199 $2,299 $2,399 $2,499
Ragan Insider $2,149 $2,249 $2,349 $2,449
Conference Recording On Demand
Includes pre-conference workshops and conference sessions $1499 $1499 $1499 $1499
On Demand
For those who can’t attend the conference live, an on-demand option is available during the registration process.
Need help convincing management you should attend?
Download this letter to convince your boss you should attend The Internal Communications Conference.
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.
Ragan Insider Logo
RAGAN INSIDER DISCOUNTS

Insiders save on all Ragan events. Not a Ragan Insider? You can become one during registration for this event!

A LOOK BACK AT FUTURE COMMS 2023

LOCATION
Conference Venue Information:
Hyatt Regency Austin
208 Barton Springs,
Austin, Texas, 78704
(512) 477-1234
Visitor Info

We have secured a room block at the Hyatt Regency Austin for conference attendees. Room rates start at $299. The hotel reservation link will be sent to you after registering for the conference from Ragan’s Customer Service team. Please note we are not affiliated with any third-party hotel booking services.

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

SPONSORS & PARTNERS

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

Let's Partner!

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
Future of Communications Conference Certificate

GET RECOGNIZED!

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

REGISTER NOW

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 4 PDCs.

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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