11th Annual Strategic Internal Communications - West
11th Annual Strategic Internal Communications - West
New Strategic Internal Communications Strategies To Boost Culture, Employee Engagement, And Collaboration In 2024
January 30, 2024 - February 01, 2024 | San Francisco
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Join us in San Francisco in 2024!
Pre-Conference Workshops: Tuesday, January 30
General Sessions: Wednesday, January 31
Thursday, February 1
The #1 Top-Rated Conference For Internal Communications
Join Your Peers In The Bay Area To Reconnect, Share Stories And Hear The Latest Best Practices For Engaging Your Employees!
In this 3-Day Conference, you will have the opportunity to catch up with your peers, learn about the challenges they’re facing—and the tactics they’re using to overcome them.
Internal Communication is at a turning point. How are you adapting to prepare for 2024? This conference will outline practical and tactical solutions to help you:
Identify new communications channels and technologies to deliver a more personalized employee experience
Put strategies and resources in place to communicate with a divided, blended and dispersed workforce
Integrate thinking models from change management, learning, and communications design
Draft a clear and informative internal communications strategy
Use the right communication tools and channels for your employees—keeping them simple and easy to adopt
How internal communications can champion diversity, equity and inclusion in your organization
Strategies to nurture culture & a sense of belonging
Personalize and prioritize messages to avoid communication overload
Make communications visual when possible—digital signage, videos, internal social networks, and more
Develop and provide consistent messaging across channels and departments to avoid any miscommunication
Keep communication open and transparent in order to build honest relationships
Benefits of the 3-Day Pass
Maximize your time by signing up for our Pre-Conference Workshops on Tuesday, January 31.
Interactive Pre-Conference Workshops are led by thought leaders and experts on strategic internal 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 internal communications challenges.
Who Should Attend
This Conference has been designed for Vice Presidents, Directors, Managers, Specialists, Officers, Leaders, and Consultants in:
Internal Communications
Employee Engagement
Brand Communication
Strategic Communications
Employee Communications
Training & Development
Employee Relations
Public Relations
Human Resources
Strategic Planning
Intranet Communications
Digital Communications
Global Communications
Organizational Development
Corporate Communications
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Employee Experience
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 strategic internal 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 strategic internal communications—and how they apply or can be applied in your work context.
Thank You To Our Sponsors
Platinum Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Thank You To Our Partners
What People are Saying
“The speakers, the information presented, and overall structure of the conference was wonderful and impactful. I’m so glad I attended!”
2020 Strategic Internal Communications Attendee
“Great information that I can start to use when I get back to the office.”
2020 Strategic Internal Communications Attendee
“Love the real world, boots on the ground experience. Also good to have a meet your table mates component.”
2020 Strategic Internal Communications Attendee
“Funny, practical, valuable frameworks with examples. Great team dynamic as well.”
2020 Strategic Internal Communications Attendee
“This was phenomenal. I enjoyed this section the most, by far. Thanks for the practical tools and really appreciated the humor and examples.”
2020 Strategic Internal Communications Attendee
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! - 01/30/2024
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 9:00!
9:30 am - 11:00 am
Workshop A: Crafting a Human-Centric Internal Communications Strategy
Preston Lewis, Founder + CEO | Intactic
A robust methodology for activating a modern employee experience. Over the past two decades, modern leaders and communicators have contributed to this evolving framework for engaging people inside companies across every industry. Attendees of this workshop will learn:
- A rapid approach to developing communications strategies and plans
- How to engage a cross-functional group of internal stakeholders
- A technique for visualizing complex strategies
- New ways to engage a remote and hybrid workforce
11:00 am - 11:15 am
Morning Networking Session: Start Your Day with Connections
Enjoy complimentary coffee, tea and other refreshments as you network with your peers as we switch over to the next workshop.
11:15 am - 12:30 pm
Workshop B: Harnessing Technology for Internal Communication Success
Maddy Rieman, Director of Customer Success | Cerkl
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 San Franciscohot spot! **Dutch treat – we’ll ask for separate checks.
2:00 pm - 3:15 pm
Workshop C: Secrets of Successful Internal Communications Leaders - How to increase your influence and transform the way your stakeholders work with you
Victoria Dew, SCMP, CEO | Dewpoint Communications
Many communications professionals feel like they’re in a never-ending game of whac-a-mole – there’s too much to do, priorities keep changing, and it’s hard to think strategically when you’re always putting out fires.
But there is another way and in this workshop you’ll learn some of the secret frameworks and methodologies top IC pros use every day to be more effective and successful – and have a lot more fun in the process!
In this workshop you'll learn key tips and strategies to help you:
Do more with your existing resources.
Stop the cycle of overwhelm and burnout so that you can *finally* be more strategic.
Build social capital, shift the way the business works with you and get that coveted seat at the table.
3:15 pm - 3:30 pm
Quick Connect: 15-Minute Networking Break
Enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, and other refreshments as you network with your peers as we switch over to the next workshop
3:30 pm - 4:45 pm
Workshop D: How to measure your internal communications
Angela Sinickas, CEO | Sinickas Communications, Inc.
4:45 pm - 5:00 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 San Francisco
First time in San Francisco? 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 - 01/31/2024
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
Preston Lewis, Founder + CEO | Intactic
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
Bringing AI Into Workflows
Shel Holtz, SCMP, Sr. Director of Communications | Webcor
For decades, internal communication thought leaders have been modeling workflows in their books, articles, posts, and presentations. The introduction of generative AI has disrupted those workflows and, unless communicators re-engineer their workflows, they will fail to realize all the benefits AI can bring them while running risks of incorporating the worst elements of AI into their outputs.
In this session, veteran communicator and conference chair Shel Holtz will break down two approaches to workflows: How to weave AI systematically into your existing workflows and how to develop workflows that account for the problematic characteristics of AI. Using examples from his own role as a senior communications director, Shel will help attendees apply the lessons from the conference's other sessions in the most practical, effective way possible.
Design plays an integral role in how people take in and understand information. It can help capture your audience's attention and draw people in.
Ultimately, how your message looks, and the visuals that represent it, can be as important as what you've written.
10:40 am - 11:10 am
Morning Networking Mixer: Connecting with Attendees and 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
Maintaining Engagement in Uncertain Times
Christina Kerby, Director, Internal Communications | FibroGen
When things aren’t going well for your organization, employee morale can sink fast. This session will explore strategies to keep employees engaged through periods of uncertainty, downturn or even crisis. With the right combination of transparency, communication and empowerment, you can help employees stay focused, deepen ties to their purpose, and weather any storm.
11:45 am - 12:20 pm
Fireside Chat: Internal Communications Best Practices
Tarek Kamil, CEO & Founder | Cerkl
Learn from Cerkl CEO and a Cerkl client about the best practices for internal communication they have developed at their organization. Hear about how they overcame some challenges that many communicators face and leave with a deeper understanding of the impacts you can have at your organization. Whether you're a seasoned communication pro or just starting your journey, this discussion will provide valuable insights and practical tips to help your organization thrive through strong internal communication.
12:20 pm - 2:15 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 San Francisco hot spot!
*Everyone is financially responsible for their own lunch.
2:15 pm - 2:50 pm
Interactive Group Session: Leaning into Focus with Ease
Ann Catrina-Kligman, Chief Performance Officer | Accountability Works
Staying focused doesn't have to be so hard. You can stick to what's most important and will have the biggest impact personally and
professionally; you just need the right tools.
Understand How Focus Works: We'll dissect the concept of focus so you can navigate it effortlessly, identifying what comes naturally and where you may encounter challenges.
Address the Challenges: To make focus a habit, it's crucial to understand and overcome your personal challenges. We'll share effective tools and best practices tailored to your needs.
Implement What You've Learned: Walk away with a concrete action plan and the tools needed to put your newfound focus into practice. You'll start the year feeling clear, focused, and accomplished.
2:50 pm - 3:25 pm
Inclusive Language: Connection through Clear Communication
Research indicates that clearer content benefits comprehension, inclusion, and equity. Adopting a certain level of readability ensures communications are both accessible and effective for a wide audience. As internal communicators, facilitating clear, straightforward communication ensures that every employee can understand and effectively engage with our content. Inclusive language is about ensuring clarity and accessibility so that content connects with (and for) everyone, whether they speak English as a first or secondary language or have varying literacy (reading) levels. In this session, you’ll learn about MidPen’s first-ever inclusive language policy, which supports the company’s commitment to its guiding principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. You’ll also learn some practical – and easy – ways to make inclusive language a part of your everyday best practices.
3:25 pm - 4:05 pm
Sponsor Showcase and Networking Break: Discover the Latest Innovations
Enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, and other refreshments as you network with your peers.
Be sure to stop by and visit your sponsors!
4:05 pm - 4:45 pm
Panel: The Future of Internal Communications: Emerging Trends and Predictions
Michaelangelo Aranda, Director of Learning, Development, and Internal Communications
Briana Rodriguez, Associate Director, Communications | S&P Global
Amanda Todd, Director of Internal Communications | Expel
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 @ 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. 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 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.
*Dutch treat.
Day 2: General Sessions - 02/01/2024
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
The Business of EX (Employee Experience)
Preston Lewis, Founder + CEO | Intactic
20 reasons why leaders are investing in creating modern employee experiences. Organizations have been focusing on employee engagement and communications for many decades. However, workforce expectations are changing faster than ever, and leaders need to align - quickly. Join this inspiring session and learn:
- How to build a business case for evolving your work tech stack
- What leading companies are doing to evolve beyond traditional internal communications
- New ways to inspire leaders to take action
9:30 am - 10:05 am
Lessons Learned From Corus Entertainment’s Modern Intranet Journey
Ben Skelton, Vice President | Habanero Consulting Inc
Natalia Williams, Director, Internal Communication | Corus Entertainment
Corus, a leader in creating premium content for audiences around the world, launched its modern intranet in early 2023. Corus Central was designed to create a unifying experience for a distributed hybrid workforce, increase employee connection and engagement, better reflect the Corus brand, and support the organization’s unique culture.
Join us as we walk through learnings from the creation of Corus’ new intranet.
Through Corus’s story, you’ll learn the following key elements of an intranet journey:
Determining what an intranet should be and can become
Capabilities that bring communications pillars to life
Tips and insights for a smooth implementation
Continuous improvement through a test, measure and learn approach
10:05 am - 10:40 am
Our Cultural Journey: Using Communications to Engage Frontline and Remote Teams
Lauren Stephens, Executive Director of Internal Communications | MGM Resorts International
Crystal McNeal, Director of Internal Brand & Creative Content | MGM Resorts International
Hear how MGM Resorts International reaches its internal audiences through strategic initiatives and branding to drive, reinforce, and sustain company culture.
10:40 am - 11:10 am
Morning Networking Mixer: Connecting with Attendees and 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 Group Breakout: Coaching And Community For Communications Professionals
Victoria Dew, SCMP, CEO | Dewpoint Communications
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.
11:45 am - 12:30 pm
Panel: Internal Comms in the Remote Work Era: Challenges and Solutions
Laney Erokan, Head of Internal Communications | Palmetto
You've submitted your biggest internal communication 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 internal communications strategies.
Moderator:Preston Lewis, Founder & CEO | Intactic
More panelists TBA!
12:30 pm - 12:45 pm
Key Takeaways, Conference Wrap-Up
Thank you for joining us for the 10th Annual Strategic Internal Communications Conference. Be sure to share your thoughts and photos using #ALIcomms. You will receive a link to OneDrive next week with copies of all presentations.
To reserve a room at the reduced group rate of$229, please use the link below or call the hotel prior toJanuary 5, 2024and mention you are attending the “ALI Conferences 11thAnnual Strategic Internal Communications” conference.
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