Join your peers for this 2-3 day conference to learn ways to create and communicate winning employer branding strategies for the better talent acquisition and retention, to thrive in the future of work.
Attend this conference to discover the latest ways you can bring your employer brand to life and move your talent brand strategies forward, including how to:
Build an employer brand framework to connect your culture and foster employee brand ambassadors
Align intent & actions in your Employer Brand messaging and your Employee Value Proposition (EVP)
Attract, retain and engage the most talented candidates and employees—and the best additions to your culture
Develop content creation strategies that inform and attract relevant talent
Use storytelling to communicate your culture and employee experience
Audit your existing employer brand to build your new strategy aligned with your organization’s values
Improve communication and feedback loops throughout the recruiting and hiring process
Harness user-generated content and encourage employee-led initiatives
Build an authentic employer brand in a remote-first/hybrid world that showcases your organization’s values and culture
Gain executive buy-in for your employer brand marketing strategies
Use your talent brand to connect and strengthen your employee experience, DEI initiatives and employee engagement
Discern which topics matter most to talent in these unprecedented times
Benefits of the 3-Day All-Access Pass
Maximize your time by signing up for our Pre-Conference Workshops on Tuesday, August 23.
The interactive, small group workshops, led by thought leaders and experts on employer branding will prepare you for the 2-day conference, provide you with practical answers to questions that keep you up at night, and inspire you to creatively tackle your most pressing employer brand challenges.
This year’s thought leaders and experiencedfacilitators include:
Preston Lewis, CEO | Intactic
Mike Lepis, Senior Partner & Founder | Pennant Partners
Matt Brunk, Senior Partner | Pennant Partners
We’ll wrap up Tuesday with a networking reception hosted by ALI and a dutch treat dinner out on the town!
Who Should Attend
This Conference has been researched and designed for Vice Presidents, Directors, Managers, Specialists, Officers, Leaders, and Consultants involved in:
Employer Branding
Talent Branding
Recruitment Marketing
Talent Acquisition
Internal Communications
Employee Communications
Employee Engagement
Human Resources
Growth & Experience
Operations, Productivity & Wellness
Corporate Digital & Social Media
Senior Specialist People & Culture
Branding Consultant
Internal Brand & Engagement Strategy
Talent Attraction & Engagement Leader
Digital Strategy
Learning & Development
Corporate Communications
Organizational Development
Internal Social Platforms
Global Communications
Social Enterprise
Knowledge Management
Digital Transformation
Benefits of Attending This ALI Conference
Access to practical presentation with real examples and proven strategies from your peers at a variety of leading organizations
Networking list for attendees to continue the conversation after the conference
Interactive, hands-on breakout sessions allowing you to work with your employer branding, talent, HR & communications peers
Certificate of attendance for CEUs
Opportunity to meet with peers face-to-face while remaining safe
Guaranteed extensive, how-to instruction that you can use immediately
Opportunity to have your most pressing questions on the topic answered in real-time
This isn’t a passive experience! You will be encouraged to engage throughout the entire event- through small group breakouts, networking breaks & more!
Leave with a thorough understanding of the latest best practices in employer branding and how they apply or can be applied in your work context.
Mark Smith
Head of Talent Attraction & Integration Kraft Heinze Company
Charlotte Jones
Global Employer Brand Leader Indeed
Tom Pattison
Employer Brand Manager Checkout.com
Amanda Armstrong
AVP of Communications & Talent Marketing Ardent Health Services
Event Facilitator
Preston Lewis
Founder & CEO Intactic
Safe Gathering Protocols
Proof of vaccination and masks are generally NOT required in the Chicago area.
We know the communications community values in-person collaboration. We’re committed to creating a safe and comfortable environment for all attendees.
We will be following current CDC recommendations and local guidelines to ensure a great experience, along with putting in place measures to keep you safe during the ongoing pandemic.
If this shift in protocol impacts your decision to attend, we invite you to purchase the pre-recorded content pass.
For the most up-to-date requirements and updates, please visit the CDC website.
Thank you for your support and collaboration in making this an event you can attend safely and confidently!
What People are Saying
“Very nice to hear from people running into the same issues. Such good takeaways to bring home to my team”
Communications Coordinator
Magna International
“Best conference I have been to. Great speakers, great vibe and very well organized”
Director of Employee Communications
Qualcomm
“GREAT conference! I loved the format and am BLOWN AWAY at how well you were able to keep everything on track. Speakers were amazingly cooperative w/time limits. Very respectful, professional experience and FUN too! You did a great job!”
Internal Communications Manager
Capital Power
Learn more about ALI Conferences
Learn more about our services, conferences, trainings, and how you can connect with us.
Pre-Conference Workshops: Find Out Why ALI Workshops Are Consistently Rated As Valuable Time Spent! - 08/23/2022
8:00 am - 8:30 am
Continental Breakfast & Coffee
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 8:30!
8:30 am - 10:00 am
Workshop A: Modern Employer Brand Strategy Development- Activate Your Candidate & Employee Experiences
Preston Lewis, Founder & CEO | Intactic
Details Coming Soon!
10:00 am - 10:15 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
10:15 am - 11:45 am
Workshop B: Telling Stories Candidates Want to Hear: A 3-Step Process
Mike Lepis, Senior Partner | Pennant Partners
Matt Brunk, Senior Partner | Pennant Partners (Formally Head of Employer Branding & Media at Chipotle)
In this workshop you will :
See the experience through a candidate’s eyes
Identify what makes you stand out
Build your content engine
11:45 am - 1:15 pm
Lunch On Your Own, But Not Alone—Reservations Are Booked!
Reservations have been made at a number of 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.
1:15 pm - 2:45 pm
Workshop C: The Voice of the Frontline Worker: Building an Employer Brand that Includes the Frontline
James Brewer, Head of Sales | Anthill
Muriel Clauson, Co-Founder & CEO | Anthill
Anthill’s technology helps you have more communication with employees and less work for your team, simultaneously. (Kinda magical.)
Details Coming Soon!
2:45 pm - 3:00 pm
Close Of Workshops
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Networking Reception For Workshop Attendees @ Midway Club Gleacher Center
Cheers to a great day full of content! Join us at the Midway Club for complimentary drinks and networking with your peers.
6:00 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 6:00. 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 - 08/24/2022
8:00 am - 8:30 am
Registration: Badges, Bagels, & Beverages- Meet Your Sponsors!
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!
8:30 am - 9:00 am
Chairperson's Welcome & Speed Networking
Preston Lewis, Founder & CEO | Intactic
Welcome to the Employer Brand Activation conference. In this fast-paced forum, you'll get to know your fellow peers, their biggest brand challenges, and a few fun facts.
9:00 am - 9:35 am
The Key to Developing a Successful EVP: Stakeholder Management & Trusted Partners
Cristal Mikenas, Associate Director, Global Employer Brand | Takeda
Takeda is a patient-focused, values-based, R&D-driven global biopharmaceutical company committed to bringing Better Health and a Brighter Future to people worldwide.
With a passion and pursuit of potentially life-changing treatments for patients are deeply rooted in over 230 years of distinguished history in Japan.
What do you do when you’re tasked with developing a global EVP at a large, complex organization? Plan, socialize, probably throw that plan away, make allies and identify key partners, then plan again. A lot of what we do cannot and will not be successful without the support and understanding of our stakeholders and partners. Developing a successful EVP really comes down developing strong relationships and building credibility.
In this session, we’ll discuss:
How to communicate and operate with an agile mindset
Develop a successful EVP
Keep stakeholders focused and engaged
9:35 am - 10:15 am
How Employee Experience & Internal Communications Retain Top Talent
Krista Franceschini, VP Employee Experience | GQR Global Markets
Ashley Ledrick, Senior Associate, Internal Communications | GQR Global Markets
GQR is an award-winning international Banking & Finance, Energy & Engineering, Technology, Healthcare and Life Sciences search specialist. This session will cover:
Align intent & actions in your Employer Brand messaging and your Employee Value Proposition (EVP)
Attract, retain and engage the most talented candidates and employees—and the best additions to your culture
Develop content creation strategies that inform and attract relevant talent
Use storytelling to communicate your culture and employee experience
Build an authentic employer brand in a remote-first/hybrid world that showcases your organization’s values and culture
Gain executive buy-in for your employer brand marketing strategies
Adding employee experience initiatives to your engagement & retention strategy, and getting leadership buy in.
How to authentically communicate new benefits to employees to increase engagement and buy-in (be aware of over-communication or unclear communication about offerings).
Importance of employee rewards & recognition programs for all levels (incentives)
How to streamline your communications strategy for employee rewards & recognition, and event strategy to a hybrid and partially remote employee base.
How to keep employer value propositions and company values authentically at the center of your messaging.
(This past year we were at 80% which is 15% above industry average retention for Sales)
10:15 am - 10:50 am
Morning Refreshments, Networking Break + Visit Your Sponsors
Enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, and other refreshments as you network with your peers. Visit your sponsors to check out some of the latest tools and innovations supporting internal communications.
10:50 am - 11:25 am
It’s Time to Get Personal: Executive Communications to Engage a Diverse Workforce
Amanda Armstrong, AVP of Communications & Talent Marketing | Ardent Health Services
How often should CEOs communicate with employees? How should they relate complex information or deliver difficult news? When should they weigh in on controversial topics sensitive subjects and when should they leave well enough alone? During “The Great Resignation” feeling connected to executive leadership teams can be one of the strongest drivers for employee engagement—creating a place where people want to stay and grow in their careers.
Ardent Health shares insights into:
Building an executive communication playbook
Executive team engagement with employees
Meaningful way to support of a healthy workplace culture
11:25 am - 12:00 pm
Bringing Your Employer Brand to Life: A Strategic Multi-Channel Approach
Margie Elsesser, Talent Activator + Consultant | The Talent Act
In this session we’ll discuss how to deploy a strategic multi-channel, integrated marketing approach to activate and operationalize your employer brand with employees, prospects + candidates in four (4) easy to implement steps, including:
Delivering on the top three attributes today's talent is looking for in an employer
How to utilize branding for influence to significantly reduce attrition and improve quality of hire and other HR metrics.
Key activation components and how to leverage with internal and external audiences
How to optimize your channel mix to deliver on your goals + targets
Winning with senior leadership:how to be your own cheerleader
12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
Interactive Group Breakout Session: *Trending Now* Dive Deep into Relevant Topics and Modern Practices
Preston Lewis, Founder & CEO | Intactic
12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
Lunch On Your Own, But Not Alone—Reservations Are Booked!
Reservations have been made at a number of 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.
2:00 pm - 2:40 pm
What’s In It For Me! Workforce Resilience Is Values And Purpose Driven: How Is Your Organization Shifting Its EVP & Aligning The Business Strategy?
Organizations are in a unique, challenging, and some would argue, a time of opportunity, to thoughtfully re-evaluate competencies and skill set metrics’ alignment with the employees' "WIIFM", (What’s In It For Me). Work is a subset of life, not separate from it.
Let's rebuild our internal brands and give our leaders, at all levels in the organization, concise tools to support workforce resilience and meet people where they are. Let’s define Not only WHAT our internal brand is but WHY these elements are driving value through values.
What is the Shift Organizations Need in Their EVP in 2022 and What are the Important Elements to build this successfully.
The #1 Mindset Strategy Needed For You to Attract Top Talent—Agility
How Values Become A Magnet for Retain Talent, Anchor your Internal and Brand Drive your Business Strategy.
The Tools and Skills Leaders and Employees Need to Communicate and Navigate this 3.6% unemployment environment.
2:40 pm - 3:15 pm
What Does Employer Brand Want? The Secret To Employer Brand Effectiveness (SPOILER: It Isn't What You Think)
James Ellis, Senior Manager, Employer Brand | Recursion
Three years ago, if you asked ten employer brand practitioners to define "employer brand," you'd get twelve different answers. Today, in light of our post-pandemic world, employer branding has come into its own, being discussed seriously in major business publications, industry podcasts, and conferences. That said, there's still a sense that employer branding feels like a hack, a set of tips and tricks to make the usual way of recruiting work a little better. It's not.
In today's session, you'll learn how to properly define employer rebrand, and see its real power in companies of any size. More than that, you'll learn what employer brand is trying to do, and see how you can get ahead of the curve to turn your employer brand into a recruiting force multiplier.
Three things you'll learn:
What employer branding really is (beyond the hacks)
Why your current recruiting methods are losing effectiveness
The secret to employer brand effectiveness (spoiler: it isn't what you think)
3:15 pm - 3:55 pm
The Top Employer Brand Activation Tools At You Fingertips: Q&A, Demos & Refreshments
Mike McNeilly, Director of Enterprise Accounts | Politemail
Muriel Clauson, Co-Founder & CEO | Anthill
Anthill: Solutions For Employees That Don't Sit At A Desk
With the variety of tools available it's hard to navigate and choose the one that is best for your organization. In this fast-paced session you'll have the opportunity to see demonstrations of top brand and communications tools of your choice. We'll alert you when it's time to switch—grab a sweet treat on your way.
3:55 pm - 4:30 pm
The Digital Employer Brand Experience
Temitope Sadiku, Global Head of Employee Experience | The Kraft Heinz Company
4:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Interactive Panel: It’s Time To Put Talent First
Mark Smith, Head of Talent Attraction and Integration | Kraft Heinz Company
Jennifer Pedraza, Employer Brand Manager | Choice Hotels International
Charlotte Jones, Director of Associate Experience and DEI | Rite Aid
Victoria Dew, SCMP, CEO | Dewpoint Communications
In this "no-pressure" setting, you'll be able to ask your most pressing questions and receive honest feedback from your peers.
More panelists TBA!
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Close Of Day 1—Join Us For A Networking Reception @ Midway Club Gleacher Center
Don't stop the conversation! Join us at Midway Club as you network with your peers and sponsors at the #ALI_IC reception. Participate in raffles & sign-up for dinner with your peers.
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 with an ALI team member to join a group at tonight's dine-around. Reservations have been made. Everyone is on their own financially.
Day 2: General Sessions - 08/25/2022
8:00 am - 8:30 am
Breakfast, Bagels, & Beverages & Visit Your Sponsors
Enjoy complimentary coffee, tea and continental breakfast as you network with fellow attendees on this final day.
8:30 am - 9:00 am
Day 2 Kick Off & Chairperson Address
Preston Lewis, Founder & CEO | Intactic
9:00 am - 9:35 am
Capturing The Authenticity of Company Culture: Harness The Power of Listening Early, Often & Effectively
Cliff Johnson, Vice President, Internal Communications and Knowledge Management | Teach for America
When Teach For America saw a gap between employee engagement survey responses and their 1500 staff members’ lived experiences, they recognized an opportunity that allowed them to double staff favorability about internal communications in 18 months.
Learn about how they harnessed the power of listening to improve employee brand:
Moving from annual engagement surveys to constant listening—How can we foster a deeper understanding of staff members’ lived experiences?
Building brand through employee partnership—How can we deepen collaboration with the people who most want/need stronger communications?
Fostering continuous learning and improvement within communications—How can we bring people into what we’re trying and learning every day?
9:35 am - 9:50 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.
9:50 am - 10:25 am
Leadership Expectations: Implement your Recruitment Marketing and Employer Branding Strategy
If you’re looking for a few tips and tricks to add to your repertoire or processes, this session aims to build upon what you may already be doing or give you some food for thought including social media, utilizing Google trends and consulting on the candidate journey.
11:35 am - 12:05 pm
Organizational Storytelling for Employer Brand
Jill Shabelman, Director of Client Services | STORIES ( Former Recruitment Brand & Marketing Manager For Deloitte)
Jessica McFadden, Head of Marketing | STORIES Inc.
Companies must optimize their story so it resonates with every audience who is invested in your culture: employees, candidates, customers, investors, and more. Organizational storytelling surfaces important cultural moments and corporate decisions that impact people, and uses those stories to engage all audiences. Ultimately organizational storytelling results in a content library of employee stories that will be used across channels, to engage different audiences.
When employer branding teams lead organizational storytelling in their companies, they not only produce innovative content that brings culture clarity to talent audiences ... they also serve as the authority and source of source for use by global stakeholders throughout their organization. And, your company acquires cohesive, complete, and compelling messaging.
With actionable examples and use cases by leading global brands, this session will help attendees implement organizational storytelling to:
1. Activate Employer Brand 2. Change Brand Perception & Grow Brand Awareness 3. Capture Globally-Distributed Culture, Virtually 4. Implement an Organizational Storytelling Strategy That Benefits All Stakeholders
12:05 pm - 12:35 pm
Rapid-Fire Panel: Get Your Biggest Employer Brand Questions Answered
Mary Battle Broxton, Manager, Employment Brand | Tractor Supply Company
Cherie Boushell, Employer Brand Senior Strategist People Experience Communications | Black & Veatch
Jessica Masterson, Senior Manager, Talent Brand | Silicon Valley Bank
Chloé Rada, Senior Director, Global Talent Acquisition Operations | Nielsen
You've submitted your biggest challenges, you've continued to submit questions over the past 24 hours, and this is your opportunity to get answers to those questions. With an expert speaker panel with a variety of experience levels—you're bound to takeaway practical ideas that will immediately enhance your brand and communications strategies.
More panelists TBA!
12:35 pm - 12:45 pm
Key Takeaways, Conference Wrap-Up
Thank you for joining us for the Employer Brand Activation Conference. Be sure to share your thoughts and photos using #ALI_EMPLOYERBRAND. You will receive a link to OneDrive next week with copies of all presentations.
Speakers
Jennifer Pedraza Employer Brand Manager | Choice Hotels International
Jessica Masterson Senior Manager, Talent Brand | Silicon Valley Bank
Jill Shabelman Director of Client Services | STORIES ( Former Recruitment Brand & Marketing Manager For Deloitte)
Krista Franceschini VP Employee Experience | GQR Global Markets
Margie Elsesser Talent Activator + Consultant | The Talent Act
Mark Smith Head of Talent Attraction and Integration | Kraft Heinz Company
Mary Battle Broxton Manager, Employment Brand | Tractor Supply Company
Matt Brunk Senior Partner | Pennant Partners (Formally Head of Employer Branding & Media at Chipotle)
Mike Lepis Senior Partner | Pennant Partners
Mike McNeilly Director of Enterprise Accounts | Politemail
Cristal Mikenas Associate Director, Global Employer Brand | Takeda
Victoria Dew, SCMP CEO | Dewpoint Communications
What People are Saying
“Very nice to hear from people running into the same issues. Such good takeaways to bring home to my team”
Communications Coordinator
Magna International
“Best conference I have been to. Great speakers, great vibe and very well organized”
Director of Employee Communications
Qualcomm
“GREAT conference! I loved the format and am BLOWN AWAY at how well you were able to keep everything on track. Speakers were amazingly cooperative w/time limits. Very respectful, professional experience and FUN too! You did a great job!”
The Anthill team all has one thing in common—we have all been deskless workers and/or have loved ones who are deskless workers. We get what it’s like. Understanding and caring for the deskless workforce is a hallmark of our team, our product, and our WHY.
Click To Download This FREE Resource from Anthill:
IABC/Chicago links organizational and business communicators to a global network of professionals that develop, establish and adhere to the highest standards of quality and innovation in our field. We aim to be the association of choice for professionals in all communication disciplines, fostering understanding and respect toward integrating communication activities in organizations and businesses. Find out what great events are being hosted by visiting ourwebsiteor following us on LinkedIn.
Interested in becoming a Sponsor?
Introduce your brand, product, or services to key decision makers
450 Cityfront Plaza Dr.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 464-8787
Pre-Conference Workshops: Tuesday, August 23- Classroom 203
Main Event: Wednesday, August 24- Classroom 408
Thursday, August 25-Classroom 408
Networking Receptions: Midway Club
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.
Make Your Reservations
Hotels:
Each of the following is a 5-minute walk from the Gleacher Center:
We will be following current CDC recommendations and local guidelines to ensure a great experience, along with putting in place measures to keep you safe during the ongoing pandemic.
Included In Your 3-Day In-Person Pass:
Pre-conference, interactive workshops, focused on special topics
Bonus networking reception for workshop attendees and speakers only
Networking reception for the main conference
Networking List
Link to presentations and resources
Certificate of completion for CEUs
Breakout groups to talk with peers
Peer case studies
Networking breakouts
Coffee & refreshments
Continental breakfast
*BONUS: 1 comp pass to attend any 2022 virtual event
Included In Your 2-Day In-Person Pass:
Networking List
Link to presentations and resources
Certificate of completion for CEUs
Breakout groups to talk with peers
Peer case studies
Networking breakouts
Networking reception
Coffee & refreshments
Continental breakfast
Additional Ways To Save:
Alumni Rate:
Past ALI conference attendees: Save $200 with promotion code "ALUM"
Questions? Contact us at 773-695-9400 or connect@aliconferences.com
Team Discounts:
Attend this training with colleagues and save!
Team of 2: Save $200 each
Team of 3: Save $300 each
Team of 4: Register for 3 and get the 4th registration free
Nonprofit/government employees are eligible for a $200 discount. Contact us at 773-695-9400 or connect@aliconferences.comto receive your promotion code.
Vendor Rates:
Non-sponsoring vendors are required to pay a registration fee for the 2-day conference of $3,495. Contact us connect@aliconferences.com for the vendor registration link.
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.
CANCELLATION POLICY
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 $295 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.
PROGRAM CHANGES
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.
Testimonials
"You all really pulled together an impressive group of folks. I loved speaking with the Salesforce and Amazon communication teams. I always feel that I take more than I give at these meetings, thank you for making it time well spent."—Vice President, Organizational Communications, American Cancer Society
"This is the conference where innovators of our industry will convene & shape the blueprint for the modern communications function in the age of digital. This is the conference for you if you dare to challenge the status quo."—Senior Vice President, Corporate & Digital Communications Group, Mastercard
"I loved the conference! I think the line-up was terrific and representative of all sizes of businesses which I think makes it useful for everyone and helps broaden the talking points & open up different scenarios on the overarching topic."—Manager, Corporate Communications, Scripps Network Interactive