What People are Saying
Learn more about ALI Conferences
Learn more about our services, conferences, trainings, and how you can connect with us.
Agenda
Day 1: General Sessions - 01/28/2026 |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|
8:30 am - 9:00 am | Registration: Badges, Breakfast & BeveragesEnjoy 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 NetworkingPreston Lewis, Senior Vice President, Communications & Consultant | Segal Benz Welcome to the 10th Annual Strategic Internal Communications Conference. In this fast-paced forum, you'll get to know your fellow peers, their biggest internal communications challenges, and a few fun facts. | |||
9:30 am - 10:05 am | Captivating Your Audience: How MGM Resorts Uses Mobile-Friendly Communications to Reach Frontline and Remote TeamsLauren Stephens, Executive Director of Internal Communications | MGM Resorts International Crystal McNeal, Executive Director of Social Impact & Sustainability Communications and Internal Brand | MGM Resorts International Attendees will learn how MGM Resorts leverages mobile technology to enhance internal communication across dispersed and remote workforces. The session will cover key strategies for implementing user-friendly, mobile-first platforms that boost engagement and streamline communication with frontline employees. Attendees will also gain insights into overcoming challenges related to diverse work environments and ensuring consistent messaging to keep teams informed and connected. | |||
10:05 am - 10:40 am | Why Are Customers Treated Better Than Employees?Chris Lee, Vice President Employee Experience and Internal Communication | Gallagher Years ago, Chris visited a client’s retail facility, and found an amazing experience for its customers. Well appointed lounge areas with comfy couches and premium coffee, large TV screens, and healthy snacks for customers. But when he took a tour of the employee break room, it was a very different experience, as it was furnished with hard plastic chairs, a small TV, and an old vending machine where employees had to pay for overpriced pop and candy. In this session, Chris will walk you through the art of the possible when an organization puts its employees first. When employees are treated like they’re the most important person to the company, and not just a means to an end, or a resource that only exists to help the company bottom line. At the end of the day, we’re more than just analysts, managers, drivers, and tech support specialists. We’re moms, and slow-pitch all stars, and bass guitarists. We have pride, envy, good days, and bad days. In this session, you will learn about the power of positioning and context, and zoom out on what the potential that an aspirational internal communications and narrative can have on some of the most important outcomes for an organization: engagement, morale, effectiveness, loyalty. | |||
10:40 am - 11:10 am | Morning Refreshments, Networking Break + Visit Your SponsorsEnjoy complimentary coffee, tea, and other refreshments as you network with your peers. | |||
11:10 am - 11:45 am | Designing Engagement: Harnessing UX Principles & Storytelling for Internal ImpactAllison Emery, Manager, Internal Communications | Roku, Inc. Eager to discover how storytelling can transform your internal communications and drive real employee engagement? In today's dynamic ever-changing internal communications landscape, leveraging the basic principles of a data-driven user experience (UX) approach has become a pivotal strategy for Roku's internal communications team. This session explores the transformative potential of using UX research and data analytics in crafting compelling internal communications that convey company strategies and priorities and incorporate fun and light stories, such as employee success anecdotes, behind-the-scenes glimpses of streaming projects and shows, and innovation milestones. This approach boosts engagement and aligns communication strategies with the workforce's evolving needs and preferences, ensuring that every message is relevant and impactful and drives meaningful engagement. Three actionable takeaways:
| |||
11:45 am - 12:00 pm | Leveraging AI for Enhanced Internal CommunicationsBilly Volpone, Senior Sales Engineer | LumApps AI is revolutionizing technology markets, especially for teams facing reductions or restructuring. How can AI be used in Internal Comms? Billy Volpone, Senior Sales Engineer at LumApps, will discuss how AI tools like generative content, predictive search, and content gardening can combat "blank page syndrome" and boost creativity and productivity. Learn how these tools can help Internal Communicators efficiently deliver messages, and discover strategies for implementing AI securely in your digital workplace.
| |||
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm | Lunch On Your Own, But Not Alone—Reservations Are BookedReservations have been made at a number of local restaurants. **Everyone is financially responsible for their own lunch. | |||
2:00 pm - 2:35 pm | Interactive Group Breakout: Responding to Internal Communication Challenges in Real-TimeAnn Barlow, Executive Vice President & Chief Engagement Officer | Ruder Finn | |||
2:35 pm - 3:05 pm | Mastering the Art of AI: Crafting Effective Prompts and Driving Employee AdoptionShel Holtz, SCMP, Sr. Director of Communications | Webcor Learn how Webcor introduced generative AI tools to employees. This session will cover the key steps in demystifying AI and ensuring its effective integration into daily workflows. We'll explore how internal communicators can play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between technology and employees, facilitating a smooth and empowering transition to AI-powered tools. Attendees will learn:
| |||
3:05 pm - 3:20 pm | The Top 2025 Internal Communication TrendsDevin Owens, Communications Manager | Workshop The results are in! We asked hundreds of internal communicators across the globe what their current internal comms strategies look like, what challenges they face, and what goals they have for the future, and Devin will be breaking it all down! She’ll dive into our 2025 Internal Communication Trends Report and chat through practical and lightweight ideas for implementing some of the top trends into your employee comms!
| |||
3:20 pm - 4:05 pm | Afternoon Refreshments, Networking Break + Demo From Your SponsorsEnjoy complimentary coffee, tea, and other refreshments as you network with your peers. | |||
4:05 pm - 4:50 pm | Panel: Why Does It Feel So Wrong To Be Human At Work? Live Panel DiscussionModerators: Pinaki Kathiari, CEO | Local Wisdom & Chris Lee, Vice President, Communications | Gallagher We’re employees. But we’re also humans. We have good days and bad days; we have emotions like pride, envy, and euphoria. There are so many things that make us distinctly human. So why are organizations set up to view their team members more as resources and less as people? Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee have thought a great deal about the essential question of “Why Does It Feel So Wrong To Be Human At Work?” – so much so that they started a podcast together on this very topic! After a wildly successful first season, the duo continues their quest to champion a more empathetic employee experience and human-centric workplace. Now is your chance to join co-hosts Chris and Pinaki on their mission to challenge traditional best practices. This engaging panel discussion will get you thinking differently about the way we work and encourage you to grow your organization in a way that your employees need, creating a culture where teammates look forward to Mondays and bring their whole selves to work. | |||
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm | Close Of Day 1—Join Us For A Networking Reception @ Venue BarDon't stop the conversation! Join us at the lobby bar as you network with your peers and sponsors in the adjacent at the #ALIcomms. Participate in raffles & sign-up for dinner with your peers! | |||
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm | Dinner With A Group—Reservations Have Been MadeWant to keep the conversation going? Join a group of attendees for dinner at a local San Francisco 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. |
Speakers


Gabriel Galdamez
Strategic Communications Consultant | Hola Gabriel


Allison Emery
Manager, Internal Communications | Roku, Inc.


Billy Volpone
Senior Sales Engineer | LumApps


Devin Owens
Communications Manager | Workshop


Madelin Entz
Digital Workplace Consultant | Habanero Consulting


Heather Bicknell
Product Marketing Director | Poppulo


Katja Gagen
Director of Corporate Communications | Bloom Energy


Sarah Chin
Head of Global Internal Communications | The Clorox Company


Jackie Dacanay
Northern California Regional Director of Service Culture & Engagement | Fairmont Hotels & Resorts


Julie Nelson
Employee Communications Manager | Synopsys


Ann Barlow
Executive Vice President & Chief Engagement Officer | Ruder Finn


Lydia Ivy
Director, Internal Communications | College Track


Chris Lee
Vice President Employee Experience and Internal Communication | Gallagher


Marcy Paterson
VP Solutions Consulting | Blink


Sarah Cagann
Communications Manager | City of Gresham, Oregon


Lauren Stephens
Executive Director of Internal Communications | MGM Resorts International


Mary Reyes
Internal Communications Manager | Valley Strong Credit Union


Ben Skelton
Vice President | Habanero Consulting Inc


Crystal McNeal
Executive Director of Social Impact & Sustainability Communications and Internal Brand | MGM Resorts International
What People are Saying
Sponsors
ALI works with the best, so you can learn from the best. Our sponsors are industry leaders that are leading the way in communications.
There are a variety of sponsorship packages available and we are open to discussing a customized package that meets your needs.
Interested in becoming a Sponsor?
Introduce your brand, product, or services to key decision makers