Good morning! We hope you had a restful night and are ready to dive back into the second day of the Annual Strategic Internal Communications Conference. If you're joining us for the full two-day experience, welcome back! And if you're just joining us for day two, we're thrilled to have you here.

We're kicking off the day with Registration: Badges, Bagels, & Beverages. Grab a cup of coffee or tea, help yourself to a delicious bagel and check-in to pick up your badge and any materials you may need for the day's sessions. It's also a great opportunity to visit with our partners and sponsors at their booths, and catch up on any conversations from the day before.

We have a full day of informative sessions and networking opportunities planned, with speakers and topics that are sure to inspire and inform. So grab your badge, a bagel and a beverage, and let's get ready for another day of learning, growth and connection.

Thank you for being a part of this incredible community, and we look forward to seeing you throughout the day!

To kick things off, we'll start with a fun and engaging speed networking session. This is a chance for you to meet and connect with other attendees, share your experiences and learn from each other. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, this is an opportunity to build your network, share insights and make lasting connections.

After the speed networking, we'll jump into our first session of the day, where we'll explore some of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing internal communications professionals in today's rapidly evolving business environment.

Thank you for joining us again today and I hope you're ready for another great day of learning, networking and growth. Let's get started!

Join George Brown, Associate Communications & Engagement Manager at Kroger, as he shares insights on how to create compelling internal newscasts that inspire and engage employees. In this session, George will share examples from Kroger's own internal newscasts, highlighting how video storytelling can be used to enhance employee engagement and build a strong corporate culture.

Learn how to use storytelling techniques to craft messages that resonate with employees, and discover the importance of visual elements in bringing stories to life. George will also share best practices for creating effective internal communications that connect employees across departments and locations.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from one of the most successful companies in the retail industry. Whether you're a seasoned communications professional or just getting started in the field, this session will provide you with practical tips and inspiration for creating impactful internal communications through video storytelling.

Join Jenifer Bice, Head of Internal Communications at Pinterest, in an engaging discussion on the evolving role of communications in today's business landscape.

As internal communications strategists for organizations, our role has shifted dramatically over the past number of years. It’s not enough anymore to focus on helping the business achieve its goals and line that up with what our employees need to be engaged. More than ever we’re seeing the work of the internal comms team showing up - or even being proactively placed - externally. So what does that mean for how we approach our roles? That’s what we’re going to talk about in this session.

You’ll walk away with a solid understanding of what’s happening in our industry based on real, current examples. We’ll deconstruct some of those examples to learn from them together, and you’ll get practical tips about how to be the most strategic and thoughtful comms professional you know.

Join Amanda Berry, Corporate Communications Manager at Simpplr, for a thought-provoking session on the challenges in internal communications and how to solve for them. With extensive experience in the field, Amanda will provide valuable insights and practical solutions to some of the most pressing issues facing internal communications professionals today.

Through case studies and real-world examples, Amanda will explore the key challenges in areas such as employee engagement, remote work, and information overload, and share strategies for overcoming these obstacles. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of how to optimize their internal communications strategies and drive better outcomes for their organizations.

As a sponsor of the Annual Strategic Internal Communications Conference, Simpplr is committed to helping internal communications professionals stay ahead of the curve and navigate the rapidly changing landscape of the field. Be sure to visit their booth to learn more about their innovative solutions and to speak with their team of experts.

Enjoy a refreshing break with complimentary morning refreshments while networking with other attendees. This is a great opportunity to exchange ideas, share experiences, and make valuable connections with like-minded professionals.

Don't forget to visit the sponsor booths during this break. Our partners and sponsors are an essential part of this conference, and they are eager to showcase their latest products and services. Take advantage of this chance to learn about the latest industry trends and innovations, and to connect with representatives from leading organizations in the internal communications space.

Whether you are looking to network with your peers or to explore the latest solutions in the field, this is a break you won't want to miss. So grab a cup of coffee and start your day off right!

We know that storytelling is a powerful form of communication that has been used throughout human history to convey important information, preserve cultural values, and entertain audiences.

It is also a powerful way to connect us to others, help us make sense of our experiences, and persuade us to take action.

Maybe your business does not have a DEI program set up, but as a Communications team, you can pave the way by fueling a sense of belonging. If your business does have a program—here are some ideas on how you can support the program.

Storytelling is so powerful because:

• It connects people, bringing them together around shared experiences, emotions, and values. When we hear a story that resonates with us, we feel a sense of empathy and understanding for the characters and their struggles. This emotional connection can help us relate to others on a deeper level and foster a sense of community.
• We are wired to remember stories better than lists of facts or data because stories engage our brains on multiple levels, weaving together sensory details, emotions, and plot points. When we hear a story, we are more likely to remember its message and the information it contains.
• Stories can help us process difficult emotions by offering a narrative framework for our experiences.
• When we hear a compelling story, we are more likely to be persuaded by its message than if we were presented with dry facts or statistics.

This is where Storytelling Meets DEI and where the “belonging” rubber hits the road!

Join Tarek Kamil, CEO and Founder of Cerkl, for a session dedicated to creating forward-thinking solutions that uniquely fit your communication and organizational goals. Whether your department is structured differently, Cerkl is committed to providing a platform that unifies your internal communication teams and channels. Learn about the features and benefits of Cerkl, and discover how you can streamline your internal communication efforts for optimal success.

We understand that networking and connecting with colleagues is important during the lunch break, but we also know that exploring the city and its culinary delights is a must-do while you're in Boston. That's why we've made reservations at some of the city's top eateries to provide attendees with the opportunity to dine at some of the best restaurants in town.

Please note that lunch is pay on your own or "dutch treat" as some call it. This gives attendees the flexibility to choose where they would like to eat and how much they would like to spend. We have made the reservations and provided recommendations for some of the best restaurants in town to ensure you have a delicious and enjoyable lunch experience.

So grab your colleagues and join us for a lunch break that is sure to delight your taste buds and provide an opportunity to explore the vibrant city of Boston.

This hands-on workshop will tackle the most commonly experienced pain points in employee communications and share actionable strategies for how to elevate IC in your organization, including: 
 

• Developing a charter for the IC team that defines and clarifies its role and ensures stakeholders know how to engage
• Building a highly visual chart that illustrates what, where, when and how the cascade of information works inside your organization
• Clarifying the purpose and process for all internal communication channels, including guidance for selecting the most effective channel for different topics and audiences
• Building basic KPIs for measuring progress and demonstrating impact
• Creating tools to keep stakeholders build their own effective communications plans and materials

Creating a PATH to Hybrid Culture

• Pivoting from siloed, pre-Covid culture to a connected collaborative culture
• Prioritizing the individual with unique talent development programs
• Implementing collaborative intranet methodologies

Take a break and connect with our sponsors in a structured, speed-dating style networking event during the afternoon refreshments break. Our sponsors are here to offer solutions to your internal communications challenges, and this is the perfect opportunity to learn about their products and services in a fun and engaging way. Grab a refreshment, visit sponsor booths, and network with other attendees while getting a chance to know our sponsors in a relaxed environment.

As the landscape of internal communications continues to evolve at a rapid pace, it's essential for communicators to future-proof their strategies. This panel will bring together industry experts to share their insights on how to navigate change and create effective communication strategies that can stand the test of time.

Topics that will be discussed include the latest trends in internal communications, the impact of technology on employee engagement, the role of social media in the workplace, and more. Attendees will learn valuable insights and practical tips for future-proofing their communication strategies and staying ahead of the curve.

After a full day of learning and making new connections, it's time to unwind and relax at our open bar networking reception. Join us at the hotel bar to continue conversations with your fellow attendees, speakers, and sponsors. This is the perfect opportunity to further build your professional network in a casual and relaxed atmosphere. So grab a drink, raise a glass, and cheers to making meaningful connections!

Join fellow attendees for a culinary adventure through Boston's vibrant dining scene! Reservations have been made at some of the city's hottest restaurants for an unforgettable dining experience. Explore the local cuisine and soak up the city's lively atmosphere while networking with peers. Whether you're in the mood for fresh seafood, savory Italian, or innovative American cuisine, there's something for everyone. Please note that this is a pay-on-own or Dutch treat event, and reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Join us for a night of karaoke hosted by Local Wisdom in partnership with the Advanced Learning Institute. Sing your heart out at the Hong Kong Karaoke venue and network with fellow attendees in a fun and relaxed setting. No need to worry about payment as Local Wisdom has got you covered. This is an optional event and not included in the conference registration fee. Don't miss out on this opportunity to make new connections and create lasting memories!

On the final half day of our conference, we will start the morning with a delicious breakfast spread of bagels, pastries, and a selection of beverages. This will be a great opportunity to connect with other attendees and share insights from the conference.

Following breakfast, we will dedicate some time to visit our conference sponsors. Our sponsors have been instrumental in making this conference a success and we want to make sure that everyone has a chance to learn more about their products and services. This is also an excellent opportunity to network with industry leaders and explore new partnership opportunities.

As this is a half day, attendees will have the chance to catch flights if needed, but we encourage you to stay for the sponsor visits and networking opportunities. During this session, you will have the chance to meet with our sponsors, learn about their latest innovations, and find out how their products and services can benefit your business. This is a unique chance to build lasting connections and foster new business relationships.

Join us for a dynamic presentation from Elizabeth Moderski, Director of Internal Communications at BJ's Wholesale Club, where she will share her insights on the future of company culture driven by communications. Elizabeth will discuss the evolving role of internal communications in shaping organizational culture and highlight the strategies and tactics used by BJ's Wholesale Club to foster a culture of connection and collaboration.

In today's fast-paced business environment, internal communicators must be proactive in shaping and nurturing a positive culture that supports employee engagement and productivity. Elizabeth will share her perspective on the latest trends in internal communications and provide practical tips and best practices for enhancing your organization's culture through effective communication strategies.

Whether you're looking to improve employee engagement, increase collaboration across teams, or promote a culture of innovation and creativity, this session will provide you with valuable insights and actionable takeaways to apply in your own organization. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the leading experts in internal communications and company culture. Join us for this engaging session to gain new insights and inspiration for driving culture change in your organization.

Join us for one last chance to network and visit with our conference sponsors during the final morning refreshments and networking break. This will be an excellent opportunity to connect with attendees, make new contacts, and discuss the highlights of the conference.

During this session, we will also be collecting final raffle forms. If you haven't already turned in your form, make sure to do so during this break for a chance to win exciting prizes from our sponsors.

As this is the final break of the conference, we encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to make any final connections and explore partnership opportunities. Our sponsors have been instrumental in making this conference a success, and we want to make sure that everyone has the chance to learn more about their products and services.

Join us for this session to fuel up with morning refreshments, turn in your final raffle forms, and network with fellow attendees and our conference sponsors for one last time before the end of the conference.

Ever wish you could access all the best practices, real-world experience, ideas, hot tips, and expert coaching you need to solve your most burning internal comms challenges?

Now you can!

Here's how it works:

• Submit a meaty challenge or opportunity* you'd like expert IC coaching and peer support on – or just come along to listen and support others!
• We'll select one person to 'Spotlight' at the event– they'll share their Challenge/Opportunity, get some coaching and then we'll harness the wisdom of the group in a fast-paced, facilitated conversation designed to deliver tangible takeaways and next steps.
• Whether you're in the spotlight or supporting someone else, you are guaranteed to leave the event with fresh ideas, insights and inspiration you can apply to your work immediately.

Join us for the closing panel of the conference where you'll have the opportunity to ask our panel of experts your most pressing communications questions. The panel will feature industry leaders who will share their insights on the latest trends, best practices, and effective strategies to help you enhance your communication skills.

This rapid-fire session will allow you to ask your questions in a fast-paced format, ensuring that you get the answers you need before the conference comes to an end. From crisis communication to social media strategy, our experts will cover a wide range of topics to help you navigate the complex and ever-changing communications landscape.

Don't miss this opportunity to get valuable advice and practical tips from our experienced panelists. Whether you're looking to improve your public speaking skills or enhance your overall communication strategy, this session will provide you with the insights and knowledge you need to take your communication skills to the next level. Join us for this dynamic and engaging closing panel to wrap up the conference on a high note.

Join us for the final session of the conference, where we'll summarize the key takeaways from the past three days of insightful presentations, engaging discussions, and valuable networking opportunities. This session will be a great opportunity to reflect on what you've learned and how you can apply it in your organization.

Our expert facilitator will provide a comprehensive wrap-up of the conference and offer their insights on the current and future state of internal communications. We'll also celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Strategic Internal Communications - East conference with a champagne toast to our attendees, speakers, and sponsors.

Throughout the conference, we explored the theme of "Cultivating a Culture of Connection: Strategic Internal Communications Strategies to Foster the New Employee Experience in 2023." We discussed the latest trends, best practices, and innovative strategies for enhancing employee engagement, promoting diversity and inclusion, and fostering a culture of connection.

We hope that you've found the conference to be informative, inspiring, and thought-provoking. Join us for this final session to reflect on what you've learned and celebrate the success of the 10th annual Strategic Internal Communications - East conference. Cheers to another decade of connection and collaboration!