Join leading internal communications pros to hear the latest trends, strategies and practical advice for engaging deskless, frontline & hybrid workforces.
Pre-Conference Workshop
Wednesday, June 25 2025
Pre-Conference Workshop
Thursday, June 26, 2025
Friday, June 27, 2025
Register by Friday, May 23, 2025 and save $400!
Welcome to the 3rd Annual Internal Communications Conference for a Deskless, Frontline & Hybrid Workforce!
Join us in connecting with industry experts, thought leaders, internal communications, employee experience and HR professionals to bring your organization’s communication strategies for a deskless, frontline & hybrid workforce to the next level.
Featured Speakers
Gina DeCian
General Counsel and Executive Vice-President of HR
Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM)
Kyle Donash
Enterprise Communications & Media Relations
U.S. Cellular
Noah Cruickshank
Vice President of Marketing, Communications & Guest Services
Chicago Children’s Museum
Angie DeAlba
Director of Communications
Primera Engineers
Allison England
Head of US and Canada Communications
GE Healthcare
About This Internal Communications Event
Are you wondering how to re-engage, connect, & align your workforce? At this conference, you will learn:
Dynamics: Overcoming communication challenges and leveraging benefits in hybrid, frontline, and deskless workforces compared to traditional setups.
Tools: Implementing platforms that enhance connectivity across deskless, frontline, and hybrid teams, including mobile-friendly communication tools.
Leadership: Strategies for inclusive leadership to manage diverse teams across office, remote, and frontline roles.
Culture: Building a unified company culture that fosters inclusion, belonging, and engagement for deskless and hybrid employees.
Feedback: Creating equitable systems for performance evaluations, feedback, and accountability across varied workforce settings.
Change: Communicating and managing transitions to hybrid and deskless-friendly organizational models.
Balance: Supporting work-life balance, with a focus on mental health, flexibility, and boundary-setting.
Examples: Real-world case studies showcasing innovative communication strategies tailored to hybrid, frontline, and deskless workforces.
Hear what past attendees had to say:
The presentations were helpful and gave me great ideas. The networking was incredibly invaluable.
Past Event Attendee
This was my first time attending an ALI Conference. I have to say, it was a ton of fun and I learned a lot!
Past Event Attendee
The presentations and comments validated many of the actions I am currently using or have in the works to do something similar. So that’s a good feeling!
Past Event Attendee
Benefits Of The 3-Day Pass
Maximize your time by signing up for our Pre-Conference Workshops on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.
Interactive Pre-Conference Workshops are led by thought leaders and experts on corporate communications. Each small group session will prepare you for the conference the following day, provide you with practical answers to questions that keep you up at night, and inspire you to creatively tackle your most pressing corporate communications challenges.
Who Should Attend
This event is designed and researched for directors, managers, vice presidents, specialists, officers, project leaders and consultants involved in:
Internal Communications
Human Resources
Employee Engagement
Strategic Communications
Employee Experience
Training & Development
Employee Communications
Brand Communication
Employee Relations
Public Relations
Intranet Communications
Digital Communications
Global Communications
Organizational Development
Benefits Of Attending This ALI Conference
Access to practitioners from leading organizations with real examples and proven strategies through real-world case studies and intimate, interactive workshops
Networking list for attendees to continue the conversation after the conference
Interactive sessions allowing you to work with your strategic internal communications peers
Certificate of attendance for CEUs
Opportunity to meet with peers face-to-face
Guaranteed extensive, how-to instruction about elevating communications with the deskless, frontline & hybrid workforce that you can use immediately
Opportunity to have your most pressing questions answered in real-time
Need Leadership Approval?
Attending a conference, workshop, training, or seminar is the perfect way to gain new knowledge, meet like-minded professionals, expand your skillset, and expose yourself to new perspectives in your field. However, while you may see the benefits of attending an event, getting the “thumbs up” from management may take a bit of convincing.
The conference was a great exercise in networking and learning about the shared challenges and opportunities we have in internal communications from people who “get it”.
This is an excellent conference! Dynamic, diverse speakers; interesting, engaging sessions. I learned so much, made some great new connections, and really enjoyed the venue and food (three cheers for healthy snacks)!
I was expecting a giant conference room with 300 people and have been surprisingly pleased with the amount of real-life connections possible in a small group.
Pre-Conference Workshops: Find Out Why ALI Workshops Are Consistently Rated As Valuable Time Spent! - 06/25/2025
9:00 am - 9:30 am
Continental Breakfast, Coffee & Registration
Enjoy complimentary coffee, tea and continental breakfast as you meet your workshop leader and fellow attendees. Stop by the registration desk to sign-in and pick up your materials for the next 3 days.
We'll kick things off at 9:30!
9:30 am - 10:45 am
Workshop: Building a Mobile-First Communication Strategy for Frontline & Deskless Employees
Stephanie Worrell, CEO | Sedulo
10:45 am - 11:00 am
Morning Refreshments & Networking Break
Enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, and other refreshments as you network with your peers as we switch over to the next workshop.
11:00 am - 12:15 pm
Workshop: Communication Audits That Work: Insights from the C-Suite to the Front Line
Lynn Zimmerman, CEO & Principal | Swing Communication
In our fast-paced work environments, communication professionals often lack the time and resources to step back and assess the effectiveness of their work. A communication audit is a powerful tool that helps you take a 360° look at your current communication activities to uncover what’s working, what’s not and what truly matters to your key audiences.
But too often, audits miss a critical perspective: frontline employees. Their insights can be invaluable, yet gaining leadership buy-in to include them in surveys, focus groups and other research efforts can be a challenge. In this session, we’ll not only explore the fundamentals of communication audits, but we’ll also focus on how to make the case for frontline employee participation and share creative ways to reach them.
In this session, we'll discuss:
Why communication audits are an important part of your communication strategy.
How to create a business case for an audit.
How to advocate for and effectively include frontline employees in your research efforts
What to expect from an audit and how to use the results once the audit is complete
12:15 pm - 1:45 pm
Lunch On Your Own, But Not Alone—Reservations Are Booked!
Reservations have been made at several local restaurants. Don't miss this opportunity to have lunch with your peers at a local Chicago. hot spot!
**Dutch treat – we’ll ask for separate checks.
1:45 pm - 3:00 pm
Workshop: Empowering Managers as Communicators: Training & Tools for Effective Information Flow
Kanwal Khipple, Chief Executive Officer | 2toLead
Many internal communication strategies are built for desk-based employees, but how can organizations ensure that deskless and frontline workers receive timely, relevant, and engaging information? This panel will explore successful tactics for overcoming communication barriers, including mobile-first strategies, digital signage, and leveraging managers as communicators.
Key Takeaways:
Best practices for reaching non-desk employees in real-time
How to optimize mobile tools and technology for frontline teams
The role of managers in delivering and reinforcing key messages
3:00 pm - 3:15 pm
Afternoon Refreshments & Stretch Break
Enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, and other refreshments as you network with your peers as we switch over to the next workshop.
3:15 pm - 4:30 pm
Workshop: Creating Inclusive & Engaging Content for a Distributed Workforce
Many internal communication strategies are built for desk-based employees, but how can organizations ensure that deskless and frontline workers receive timely, relevant, and engaging information? This panel will explore successful tactics for overcoming communication barriers, including mobile-first strategies, digital signage, and leveraging managers as communicators.
Key Takeaways:
Best practices for reaching non-desk employees in real-time
How to optimize mobile tools and technology for frontline teams
The role of managers in delivering and reinforcing key messages
4:30 pm - 4:45 pm
Close Of Workshops
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Networking Reception for Workshop Attendees, Speakers & Sponsors @ Venue Bar
Cheers to a great day full of content! Join us in the hotel lobby main bar for complimentary drinks and networking with your peers.
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Dinner With a Group—Reservations Have Been Made To Take In The Sights of Chicago!
First time in Chicago? Want to get out of the hotel? Meet your peers in the lobby at 6:30. You'll be heading out to dinner at a local hot spot as you take in the sights of the city.
Day 1: General Sessions - 06/26/2025
8:30 am - 9:00 am
Registration: Badges, Breakfast, & Beverages
Enjoy complimentary coffee, tea and continental breakfast as you meet your fellow attendees. Sign-in, pick up your materials and enjoy a continental breakfast before we start the day.
Be sure to stop by and visit your sponsors!
9:00 am - 9:30 am
Chairperson's Welcome & Speed Networking
Kevin Finke, Founder | Experience Willow
Welcome to the 3rd Annual Internal Communications for a Deskless, Frontline & Hybrid Workforce!
You’ll connect with fellow peers, gain insights into their biggest internal communication challenges, and discover innovative strategies for engaging deskless, frontline, and hybrid employees. Plus, enjoy a few fun facts along the way!
9:30 am - 10:05 am
Case Study: Engaging Frontline Workers in the Age of AI: How Internal Communications is Evolving
Gina DeCiani, General Counsel and Executive Vice-President of HR | Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM)
With AI transforming workplace communication, discover how organizations are integrating AI-powered tools to enhance engagement, streamline messaging, and personalize communications for frontline employees.
Key Takeaways:
The role of AI in internal communications
Best practices for using chatbots, automation, and AI-driven content
Ensuring AI enhances—rather than replaces—human connection
10:05 am - 10:40 am
Case Study: Navigating Workforce Expectations: Communicating with Gen Z, Millennials & a Multigenerational Team
Michelle Geib, Manager, Internal Communications | Chamberlain Group
As younger generations enter the workforce, companies must adapt their internal communication strategies to align with evolving expectations around transparency, purpose, and digital-first engagement.
Key Takeaways:
Understanding generational differences in communication preferences
How to create an inclusive communication strategy
Leveraging new platforms and technologies to engage all employees
10:40 am - 11:10 am
Morning Refreshments, Networking Break + Visit Your Sponsors
Enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, and other refreshments as you network with your peers.
Be sure to stop by and visit your sponsors and be sure to fill out your evaluation forms.
11:10 am - 11:45 am
Case Study: The Power of Personalization: Tailoring Internal Communications for Maximum Impact
Alice Ferreira, Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications | Webster Bank
Learn how to move beyond the one-size-fits-all communication by using data-driven insights to deliver targeted, relevant, and engaging messages to their workforce.
Key Takeaways:
Strategies for segmenting and personalizing employee messaging
Leveraging employee data and feedback for customized content
Tools and technologies that enhance personalization
11:45 am - 12:20 pm
Case Study: Building a Culture of Connection: Strengthening Engagement in a Hybrid and Deskless Workforce
James Brown, Internal Communications | City of Rochester
Fostering belonging, trust, and engagement among remote employees requires clear and open communication, regular social interactions, and recognition of individual contributions. By creating opportunities for virtual team-building and celebrating achievements, organizations can cultivate a sense of community that bridges the physical distance.
Key Takeaways:
Creating a sense of community in decentralized workplaces
Innovative ways to recognize and celebrate frontline workers
Overcoming communication barriers in a dispersed workforce
12:00 pm - 2:15 pm
Lunch On Your Own, But Not Alone—Reservations Are Booked!
Reservations have been made at several local restaurants.
Don't miss this opportunity to have lunch with your peers at a local Chicago hot spot!
**Everyone is financially responsible for their own lunch.
2:15 pm - 2:50 pm
Interactive Session: Designing a Communication Strategy for a Dispersed Workforce
Kevin Finke, Founder | Experience Willow
In this interactive session, you will be guided through the process of creating a tailored internal communication strategy that engages frontline, deskless, and hybrid employees. Participants will work in groups to develop actionable strategies for reaching their unique workforce segments, considering technology, messaging, and engagement tactics.
Key Takeaways:
Mapping out a tailored communication strategy for different employee groups
Identifying the right tools and channels for each workforce segment
Building frameworks for measuring success and adapting strategies
2:50 pm - 3:25 pm
Case Study: Beyond Email: How to Leverage Mobile Apps, Social Channels & Digital Signage for Internal Communications
Ashley Dun, Director of Communications | Breakthru Beverage Group
With many frontline employees lacking corporate email access, organizations are turning to mobile-first and digital communication solutions to keep their workforce informed and engaged.
Key Takeaways:
How to choose the right digital platforms for your workforce
Case studies on successful mobile app adoption
Measuring the impact of non-traditional communication channels
3:25 pm - 3:40 pm
Sponsor Demo
3:40 pm - 4:00 pm
Afternoon Refreshments, Networking Break
Enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, and other refreshments as you network with your peers.
Be sure to stop by and visit your sponsors!
4:00 pm - 4:45 pm
Panel: Reaching the Unreachable: Effective Communication Strategies for Deskless & Frontline Teams
Trevor Stewart, Content Manager | Gray Construction
Alysha Kozlowski, Vice President, Executive and Strategic Communications | HAVI
Kyle Donash, Enterprise Communications & Media Relations | U.S. Cellular
Noah Cruickshank, Vice President of Marketing, Communications & Guest Services | Chicago Children's Museum
Moderator: Kevin Finke, Founder and Chief Experience Officer | Experience Willow
Many internal communication strategies are built for desk-based employees, but how can organizations ensure that deskless and frontline workers receive timely, relevant, and engaging information? This panel will explore successful tactics for overcoming communication barriers, including mobile-first strategies, digital signage, and leveraging managers as communicators.
Key Takeaways:
Best practices for reaching non-desk employees in real-time
How to optimize mobile tools and technology for frontline teams
The role of managers in delivering and reinforcing key messages
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Close Of Day 1—Join Us for a Networking Reception @ Venue Bar
Don't stop the conversation! Join us at the lobby bar as you network with your peers and sponsors in the adjacent at the #ALIcomms.
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Dinner With a Group—Reservations Have Been Made
Want to keep the conversation going? Join a group of attendees for dinner at a local Chicago hot spot.
Sign-up at the registration desk or during the networking reception to join a group at tonight's dine-around. Reservations have been made.
**Dutch treat.
Day 2: General Sessions - 06/27/2025
8:30 am - 9:00 am
Breakfast & Visit Your Sponsors
Enjoy complimentary coffee, tea and continental breakfast as you network with fellow attendees on this final day.
9:00 am - 9:30 am
Day 2 Kick Off & Chairperson Interactive Address
Kevin Finke, Founder | Experience Willow
Together we will recap yesterday's top takeaways and set the stage for this final day of learning.
9:30 am - 10:05 am
Case Study: Tech-enabled Connection: Powering Communication for Frontline Teams in Retail
Jamie Macek, Manager, Store Communication - Operations & Technology | Ulta Beauty
In retail, frontline workers are the face of the brand, but too often, they’re the last to hear the message due to competing priorities, challenges with traditional internal communications methods and a fast-paced, always-evolving industry. This session will dive into how Ulta Beauty leverages WorkJam Digital Workplace as its innovative digital communication channel and how we navigate usage in a complex legal and compensation environment.
10:05 am - 10:40 am
Case Study: Build the System, Not the Message: Operationalizing Internal Comms
Cassandra Wilkins, Internal Communications Program Specialist | Follett Higher Education
Internal communications isn’t just about writing messages; it’s about building infrastructure.
In this session, you’ll be introduced to communication operations: a tactical, systems-level approach to internal comms that bridges the gap between HR, IT, Marketing, and Ops. Rather than writing comms for other teams, the comms ops function equips teams to communicate effectively by designing scalable systems, advising on audience-first strategy, and simplifying how and when information is shared.
You’ll walk away with strategies to:
Standardize internal messaging through channel guidelines, seasonal blackout periods, and cross-linking best practices
Teach teams how to self-market internally through microsites and basic UX/marketing principles
Project manage and combine cross-department efforts to eliminate redundancy and save thousands
Build knowledge hubs that empower teams without overwhelming employees with repetitive messages
Use tools like SharePoint, Teams, AI, and internal training to enable teams at scale
This session is ideal for anyone whose role touches cross-functional communication or who’s looking to reduce noise while increasing internal clarity—all without doing the writing for everyone.
10:40 am - 11:10 am
Morning Refreshments, Networking Break + Visit Your Sponsors
Enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, and other refreshments as you network with your peers.
Be sure to stop by and visit your sponsors and be sure to fill out your evaluation forms.
11:10 am - 11:45 am
Interactive Session: Empowering Frontline Managers as Communication Leaders: Hands-On Training
Chris Lee, Vice President Employee Experience and Internal Communication | Gallagher
This session focuses on equipping frontline managers with the skills and tools needed to effectively lead communications within their teams. Through role-playing and scenario-based exercises, participants will gain practical experience in delivering key messages, fostering engagement, and creating a two-way communication flow between leadership and frontline employees.
Key Takeaways:
Techniques for training and empowering frontline managers in communication
Hands-on exercises to practice delivering clear, consistent messages
Methods to create a feedback loop for ongoing improvement in manager-led communications
11:45 am - 12:30 pm
Panel: Bridging the Digital Divide: Creating a Unified Employee Experience Across Hybrid, Frontline & Deskless Teams
Angie DeAlba, Director of Communications | Primera Engineers
Many internal communication strategies are built for desk-based employees, but how can organizations ensure that deskless and frontline workers receive timely, relevant, and engaging information? This panel will explore successful tactics for overcoming communication barriers, including mobile-first strategies, digital signage, and leveraging managers as communicators.
Key Takeaways:
Best practices for reaching non-desk employees in real-time
How to optimize mobile tools and technology for frontline teams
The role of managers in delivering and reinforcing key messages
12:30 pm - 12:45 pm
Key Takeaways, Conference Wrap-Up
Speakers
Kyle Donash Enterprise Communications & Media Relations | U.S. Cellular
Jamie Macek Manager, Store Communication - Operations & Technology | Ulta Beauty
Ashley Dun Director of Communications | Breakthru Beverage Group
Trevor Stewart Content Manager | Gray Construction
Michelle Geib Manager, Internal Communications | Chamberlain Group
Angie DeAlba Director of Communications | Primera Engineers
Preston Lewis Senior Vice President, Communications & Consultant | Segal Benz
Kevin Finke Founder | Experience Willow
What People are Saying
The conference was a great exercise in networking and learning about the shared challenges and opportunities we have in internal communications from people who “get it”.
This is an excellent conference! Dynamic, diverse speakers; interesting, engaging sessions. I learned so much, made some great new connections, and really enjoyed the venue and food (three cheers for healthy snacks)!
I was expecting a giant conference room with 300 people and have been surprisingly pleased with the amount of real-life connections possible in a small group.
450 Cityfront Plaza Dr.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 464-8787
Built to meet the demanding requirements of the top-ranked University of Chicago Booth School of Business, the Gleacher Center offers an outstanding learning environment, just steps from North Michigan Avenue.
You will find all that Chicago has to offer right outside the doors of the Gleacher Center. This includes boat tours on the river; world-class shopping on Chicago's famed Michigan Avenue; museums; dining options that range from a casual drink at a nearby tavern to a four-course meal at one of many fine dining establishments; and much more.
There are several hotel options within a short, 5-minute walk:
All extra savings may be combined with early bird rates. Only 1 coupon code is allowed per registration. Coupon codes and discounts must be applied at the time of the original registration. No adjustments can be made after the original registration.
Terms & Conditions of Your Registration:
Payment: Payment is due two weeks prior to the event. If payment has not been received two weeks before the event, a credit-card hold, training form, or purchase order will be taken to ensure your space.
CancellationPolicy: You may make substitutions at any time; please notify us as soon as possible. If you cancel (in writing) more than two weeks prior to the conference a refund will be provided less a $399 administration fee. Registered delegates who do not attend or who cancel two weeks prior to the conference or less will be issued a credit memo. Credit memos will be valid for one year from date of issuance and can be used by anyone in your organization.
ProgramChanges: Advanced Learning Institute, Inc. reserves the right to make changes in programs and speakers, or to cancel programs if enrollment criteria are not met or when conditions beyond its control prevail. Every effort will be made to contact each enrollee if a program is canceled. If a program is not held for any reason, A.L.I.’s liability is limited to the refund of the program fee only.
Need Leadership Approval?
Attending a conference, workshop, training, or seminar is the perfect way to gain new knowledge, meet like-minded professionals, expand your skillset, and expose yourself to new perspectives in your field. However, while you may see the benefits of attending an event, getting the “thumbs up” from management may take a bit of convincing.
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