Internal Communications Strategies with M365: How To Maximize SharePoint, Teams, Viva & Copilot
Internal Communications Strategies with M365: How To Maximize SharePoint, Teams, Viva & Copilot
How To Use The M365 Platform (SharePoint, Teams, Viva & Copilot) To Simplify And Boost Internal Communications, Employee Engagement, & The Digital Workplace Experience
September 10, 2025 - September 11, 2025 | Virtual Event
Join us to elevate your internal communication efficiency with M365!
Combine SharePoint, Teams, Viva, and Copilot in M365 for streamlined, engaging communication and adaptive strategy.
General Sessions:
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
11:00 AM – 1:30 PM ET
Thursday, September 11, 2025
11:00 AM – 1:30 PM ET
A Must-Attend Event for Communicators Using Microsoft 365 Tools!
Are you an internal communicator or business user of Microsoft 365 tools and looking to improve and elevate your intranet systems and enhance internal communications and employee engagement in the workplace?
Learn how to use the M365 platform (SharePoint, Teams, Viva & Copilot) to simplify and boost internal communications & the digital workplace experience.
Featured Speakers
Dr. Ghenwa Habbal
Talent & Employee Experience Manager, MENA
Ford
Daviera Powell
Director of Strategic Internal Communications
Blood Cancer United
Andrea Eveslage
Intranet Strategy Manager
Michigan Medicine
Alex Snyder
Sr. Analyst, OCM Technology Communications
Foot Locker
Brianna Rhodes
Digital Communications Manager
Abbyy
About This Internal Communications with M365 Event
Participants will acquire invaluable insights and expertise through immersive sessions and demonstrations to proficiently leverage M365 tools like SharePoint, Teams, Viva, and Copilot.
You will learn how to apply the key M365 tools and create a complete intranet and engagement platform, including:
Maximizing M365 integration: seamlessly incorporate M365 tools to boost workforce engagement and productivity.
Crafting a dynamic intranet: design an intuitive SharePoint intranet to improve collaboration and content organization.
Empowering collaboration: use Microsoft Teams as a central hub for project management and communication, enhancing teamwork efficiency.
Enhancing employee experience: leverage Microsoft Viva’s insights to improve employee engagement and well-being.
Creating engagement: develop a platform with SharePoint, Teams, and Viva to drive participation and community interaction.
Hear what past attendees had to say:
I appreciate the overview of the different Microsoft applications.
Past Event Attendee
Took away some good tips and really enjoyed hearing the more real-life scenarios from the panel.
Past Event Attendee
I liked how the speaker got into the detail on the “how to” back end of the work.
Past Event Attendee
Who Should Attend
This event is designed and researched for directors, managers, vice presidents, specialists, officers, project leaders and consultants involved in:
SharePoint And Microsoft Teams Projects
Employee Communications
Intranet Communications
Digital Communications
Internal Communications
Employee Engagement
Strategic Communications
Corporate Communications
Training & Development
Employee Relations
Public Relations
Human Resources
Strategic Planning
Past Speaker Organizations Include:
Benefits Of Attending M365 Virtual Event
Access practical presentations showcasing real examples and proven strategies from industry leaders.
Certificate of attendance for CEUs.
Gain guaranteed extensive instruction on leveraging M365 for immediate enhancement of internal communications.
Get real-time answers to your most pressing questions regarding M365 integration and optimization for internal communication workflows.
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.
Freshmakes it easy for high-growth companies to build beautiful, personalised employee intranets in Microsoft 365.
What People are Saying
“Meeting others with the same challenges and getting great ideas for my projects. Love the small format and expertise of speakers and learned so much!”
Past Event Attendee
“Love the size, intimacy, and content. Wonderful to make such great contacts.”
Past Event Attendee
“Good variety. Attendees and speakers very knowledgeable and passionate about what they do. Left with a great deal of applicable knowledge. Would definitely attend again! Loved the format and can’t think of any changes.”
Past Event Attendee
Learn more about ALI Conferences
Learn more about our services, conferences, trainings, and how you can connect with us.
Ben Skelton, Vice President | Habanero Consulting Inc
Welcome to Day 1 of our Internal Communications Strategies with Microsoft 365 Certificate virtual event!
In this fast-paced forum, you'll get to know your fellow peers, their biggest internal communications challenges, and a few fun facts.
11:10 am - 11:55 am
Workshop: How To Redefine Your Intranet Governance Model
Ben Skelton, Vice President | Habanero Consulting Inc
Intranet governance continues to be an essential component of a successful intranet, yet it can be easily overlooked and poorly defined. If you’ve recently taken over the reigns of your intranet and are ready to add some structure to the underlying framework, this workshop is for you! Many Internal Comms and Intranet Leads face ongoing challenges that stem from an unclear governance model. This can cause confusion among your end users, content stakeholders and make it challenging to manage requests and relationships among HR, IT, and Content SMEs. This session will provide a simple model to help you define the roles, rules, jobs, and decision-making authority required to hold your intranet together, along with a Miro inspired workshop structure that you can use to facilitate your own governance redesign.
11:55 am - 12:40 pm
Workshop: Transforming Employee Experiences with Microsoft Viva and Copilot
Kanwal Khipple, Chief Executive Officer | 2toLead
The future of corporate communication is here, and it’s powered by AI. For intranets built on SharePoint Online, Microsoft 365 tools like Copilot are redefining how communicators can engage employees, streamline workflows, and deliver impactful content. This session will guide you through adopting AI to enhance your corporate communication strategy and elevate your SharePoint-powered intranet experience.
Discover how tools like Viva Connections, Viva Amplify, and Copilot can:
Simplify content creation with AI-generated drafts tailored to your audience.
Personalize communications to drive engagement and foster a stronger connection with employees.
Streamline content workflows to surface relevant news and updates automatically.
Empower communicators to deliver dynamic, data-driven campaigns with AI insights.
Packed with real-world examples, use cases, and practical tips, this session will empower corporate communicators to leverage AI and Microsoft 365 to revolutionize the way they connect with their organizations. Whether you’re managing a single department intranet or a global enterprise hub, learn how to make AI work for you.
12:40 pm - 12:55 pm
Case Study: I'm Looking For An Intranet In Finance… Tall, Cloud-Based, Aligned With Microsoft
David Bowman, Product Director | Fresh Intranet
TD Bank wanted to take their digital employee experience to the next level: simplifying platforms, supporting internal communications, and making the most of Microsoft 365. SharePoint was the foundation, but not the full solution.
This short case study looks at how they approached the challenge, what mattered in their decision-making, and what’s working today for thousands of colleagues.
Takeaways:
What financial organisations really want from an intranet
How to build on SharePoint without starting from scratch
Lessons from TD Bank’s approach to employee experience
Dr. Ghenwa Habbal, Talent & Employee Experience Manager, MENA | Ford
Daviera Powell, Director of Strategic Internal Communications | Blood Cancer United
Moderator: Ben Skelton, Vice President | Habanero Consulting
Nathaniel Beck, IT Manager O365 Platform & Collaboration | Johnson Controls
Employee connection and culture remain at the heart of meaningful internal communications. In this panel, experts will discuss how Viva modules—Connections, Topics, and Insights—are being deployed to foster engagement, spotlight employee stories, and support mental well‑being.
Key takeaways:
Best practices for workplace storytelling using Viva Connections
Using Viva Topics to surface expertise and informal learning
Employee wellness strategies supported by Viva Insights data
1:25 pm - 1:30 pm
Parting Thoughts, Q&A, Biggest Take-Aways!
Day 2 - 09/11/2025
11:00 am - 11:10 am
Chairperson's Welcome
Ben Skelton, Vice President | Habanero Consulting Inc
Welcome to Day 2 of our Internal Communications Strategies with Microsoft 365 Certificate virtual event.
In this fast-paced forum, you'll get to know your fellow peers, their biggest internal communications challenges, and a few fun facts.
11:10 am - 11:40 am
Case Study: Unifying Communication and Culture: Leveraging Microsoft 365 to Standardize Messaging, Tools, and Engagement
Andrea Eveslage, Intranet Strategy Manager | Michigan Medicine
Effective communication is the backbone of any large organization—but consistency, clarity, and engagement can be challenging at scale. In this session, learn how our organization is leveraging Microsoft 365—including SharePoint, Teams, and Viva—to transform internal communications and create a unified employee experience across a workforce of 35,000+.
You’ll learn how we:
Centralize messaging and resources using SharePoint as our communications hub
Standardize communication channels and protocols
Built scalable processes for newsletters, announcements, and training
Streamline training and onboarding processes
Foster a culture of transparency and engagement
Empower employees with self-service access to resources and knowledge
This session will offer practical strategies, lessons learned, and real-world examples to help internal communications professionals harness the full potential of Microsoft 365. Whether you're looking to reduce noise, increase engagement, or align messaging across departments, this session will offer actionable insights and real-world examples to help you drive communication success at scale.
11:40 am - 12:10 pm
Case Study: Building the Right Content: Creation vs. Migration in a New Intranet
EJ Sepp, Intranet Senior Manager - Knowledge & Innovation, Holland & Knight LLP
Launching a new intranet raises a core question: what content should be created from scratch and what should be migrated? This session shares a simple approach to evaluating existing materials, spotting gaps, and making smarter content decisions before launch.
Key Takeaways
Learn when to create, migrate, or retire content
Identify gaps that impact intranet adoption
Apply a clear framework for content readiness
12:10 pm - 12:40 pm
Case Study: Empowering Employee Communication with Microsoft Teams, Viva Engage, SharePoint, and Copilot
Alex Snyder, Sr. Analyst, OCM Technology Communications | Foot Locker
This session shows how Microsoft 365 tools can work together to transform employee communication. Learn how Teams serves as the hub for connection, with Viva Engage driving engagement through targeted push notifications, SharePoint News Posts enabling storytelling, and Copilot streamlining workflows from drafting to follow-ups. Together, these tools create a responsive, connected communication ecosystem that supports change, culture, and collaboration.
Key Takeaways:
Use Viva Engage and SharePoint to deliver timely, engaging updates directly in the flow of work
Streamline communication tasks with Copilot, from drafting announcements to summarizing feedback
Combine Microsoft 365 tools into a single, integrated strategy to build alignment and engagement
12:40 pm - 12:50 pm
Sponsor Tech Talk - Unlock the Power of Fresh Intranet
David Bowman, Product Director | Fresh Intranet
Discover how Fresh Intranet is redefining the modern digital workplace. During this interactive session, explore a live demo at their sponsor table and see firsthand how Fresh’s customizable SharePoint-based solution enhances internal communications, improves employee engagement, and streamlines access to key resources. Ask questions, get expert insights, and find out how Fresh can fit into your digital toolkit.
Launch an on-brand intranet that feels like a website
Publish targeted content that interests and excites employees
Create a one-stop-shop for company information and communications
12:50 pm - 12:55 pm
5-Minute Intranet Intermission Sponsored by Fresh Intranet
12:55 pm - 1:25 pm
Panel: Optimizing Cross‑Platform Messaging: Tactics for Seamless Internal Communications Across SharePoint, Teams & Viva
Jeffry Gardner, Director of Strategic Communications | Sun Auto Tire & Service, Inc.
Alex Snyder, Sr. Analyst, OCM Technology Communications | Foot Locker
Moderator: Ben Skelton, Vice President | Habanero Consulting
Laurel Dzneladze, Product Marketing Manager & Go To Market Strategy | Microsoft
Consistent messaging across Microsoft 365 applications is vital. This panel features communications leaders sharing strategies for creating cohesive internal messaging frameworks using SharePoint, Teams, and Viva Connections. Topics include aligning brand tone, coordinating delivery schedules, and leveraging analytics to improve effectiveness.
Key takeaways:
Harmonizing voice and format across M365 apps
Workflow frameworks involving comms, IT, and leadership
Examples of performance metrics and pivoting tactics
1:25 pm - 1:30 pm
Parting Thoughts, Q&A, Biggest Take-Aways!
Speakers
Dr. Ghenwa Habbal Talent & Employee Experience Manager, MENA | Ford
Jeffry Gardner Director of Strategic Communications | Sun Auto Tire & Service, Inc.
Kanwal Khipple Chief Executive Officer | 2toLead
Kathryn Bugg Internal Channels & Analytics | Tennessee Valley Authority
Nathaniel Beck IT Manager O365 Platform & Collaboration | Johnson Controls
Alex Snyder Sr. Analyst, OCM Technology Communications | Foot Locker
Brianna Rhodes Digital Communications Manager | Abbyy
Ally Cummings Associate Director of Digital Communications | NIRH & NIRH Action Fund
David Bowman Product Director | Fresh Intranet
Anthony Bolton Senior Manager Employee Communications, Events and Brand | Gulfstream Aerospace
Daviera Powell Director of Strategic Internal Communications | Blood Cancer United
Andrea Eveslage Intranet Strategy Manager | Michigan Medicine
EJ Sepp Intranet Senior Manager - Knowledge & Innovation, Holland & Knight LLP
Ben Skelton Vice President | Habanero Consulting Inc
What People are Saying
“Meeting others with the same challenges and getting great ideas for my projects. Love the small format and expertise of speakers and learned so much!”
Past Event Attendee
“Love the size, intimacy, and content. Wonderful to make such great contacts.”
Past Event Attendee
“Good variety. Attendees and speakers very knowledgeable and passionate about what they do. Left with a great deal of applicable knowledge. Would definitely attend again! Loved the format and can’t think of any changes.”
Join us for a top-rated LIVE virtual conference designed for internal communications professionals. Participate in real-time discussions, interactive breakouts, and Q&A with expert speakers—all from the convenience of your desk.
Can’t make it live? No problem. You’ll receive access to the full recording to revisit or catch up later.
This virtual training will be hosted via Zoom. You’ll receive your personalized meeting link immediately upon registering, along with a confirmation email from ALI.
The ALI Community!
"It was a great platform to share virtual best practices and to hear all the wonderful ideas in a casual online environment." —Employee Engagement Specialist Virtual Conference Attendee
"Love that we get EVERYTHING...video, chat, presentations, contact list. That never happens at other events!" —Virtual Conference Attendee
"This was my first ALI Conference today and I loved it. Thank you for hosting! Hope to attend more in the future!" —Communications Specialist Virtual Conference Attendee
Check out the different ways to save below! Contact us at 773-695-9400 or connect@aliconferences.com to receive your promotion code
Team Discounts:
Attend this training with colleagues and save! Registering with a team can offer several benefits, including:
Team of 2: Save $100 each
Team of 3: Save $200 each
Team of 4: Register for 3 and get the 4th registration free
Nonprofit/Government Discount:
Nonprofit/government employees are eligible for a $100 discount with promotion code.
Alumni Rate:
Past ALI conference attendees eligible for a $100 discount with promotion code.
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: Substitutions are always welcome if you can’t attend. No refunds will be given for virtual events. All attendees will receive the event recording, copies of the presentations, and all event materials a couple of days following the event dates.
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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