Strategic Storytelling for Internal Communications
Strategic Storytelling for Internal Communications
Using the power of storytelling to engage employees, manage organizational change, and shape workplace cultures.
April 30, 2024 - May 02, 2024 | Virtual Conference | 11 am - 1:30pm EST
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General Sessions: Tuesday, April 30th
Wednesday, May 1
Thursday, May 2
Register by 4/19 and save $200!
Tamara Thal
Global Internal Communications
Lauren Anderson
Internal Communications Manager
Temitope Sadiku
Global Head Of Digital Employee Experience
Breck Thomas-Ross
Corporate Communications, Internal Digital Platforms
The Best Communicators and Employee Experience Experts Use The Power Of Storytelling To Unify Workforces, Make Material Contributions To Strategic Goals, And Go From “Order Takers” To “Decision Makers” Within Their Organizations.
Attend the top-rated Storytelling for Internal Communications Conference, a dedicated learning environment for peer-to-peer networking and meaningful conversation on how stories can empower your workforce, strengthen your leadership, and evolve your organization.
Finding and using the stories within your organization that “move the needle” on critical organizational goals and business results.
Creating a sense of belonging and inclusion for your employees through storytelling.
Building your organization’s storytelling tech stack.
Coaching your leaders to communicate with empathy and humility using stories.
Using AI tools in your storytelling and internal communications efforts
Leveraging newsroom tactics to boost your story and drive engagement with your content.
Telling your story across multiple channels like video, podcasts, and through the employee experience.
Managing user-generated content and controlling your story.
Engaging front-line workers and leadership as your organization’s storytellers and understanding the impact their stories can have on your brand.
Creating stories of inclusion and using inclusive language to better reflect your organization’s values and support your organization’s DEI initiatives.
Building stories around the emotional connections between your workforce, your organization, and your brand to drive engagement throughout your organization.
Applying storytelling techniques to crisis communications.
Transforming organizational culture and managing change using stories and storytelling techniques.
Attendee Benefits
Come away with practical insights and actionable ideas from a cross-industrial group of communicators,
employee experience experts, consultants, and technologists.
Interact with leading experts and get answers to your toughest questions when it comes to storytelling
strategy for internal communications.
Post-conference networking opportunities (attendee LinkedIn list is provided)
“Valuable information. Very approachable for virtual interaction”
Virtual Conference Attendee
“Great materials, engaging speaker. It’s nice to see how organizations do internal comms well”
Virtual Conference Attendee
“I’m not an internal communicator by title, but my job requires a lot of internal communications. I felt like I was getting access to the secret sauce of experts. Great job!”
Virtual Conference Attendee
“Thank you for giving us so many opportunities to engage with our peers!”
Virtual Conference Attendee
“It was nice to hear that other organizations shared the same issues around data. It was even nicer to hear about different solutions. Fantastic breakout topic”
Virtual Conference Attendee
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Moderator: Dianne Chase, President and CEO | Chase Media
11:10 am - 12:10 pm
Interactive Workshop A : Unlocking the Power of Strategic Storytelling in Internal Communications
Moderator: Dianne Chase, President and CEO | Chase Media
12:10 pm - 12:40 pm
Engaging an Increasingly Skeptical Audience: How to Attract Gen Z in the Modern Age
Tamara Thal, Global Internal Communications | IBM
In an age where wars and conflicts are top of mind, an economic reality where people are getting left behind, and a job market that is becoming increasingly competitive, younger audiences like GenZ are skeptical of authority. They demand more transparency in the workplace around career growth, salary and benefits, and a culture of inclusivity. In this hands-on presentation, we will dive deep intothe challenges internal communicators face with authentically engaging younger audiences and share real-world examples ofcutting through the noise.
You will walk away with:
An understanding of the reality Gen Z faces.
What channels and messages best grab their attention.
Best practices used by internal communicators to engageand retain new talent
12:40 pm - 12:50 pm
Refresh and Recharge Break
12:50 pm - 1:20 pm
Runway for Water: Innovative Storytelling to Communicate Our Why
Lauren Anderson, Internal Communications Manager | Water for People
Runway for Water: Innovative Storytelling to Communicate Our Why showcases Water For People's inventive campaign, leveraging a fashion week theme to spotlight the global water crisis and drive employee engagement. Set in India, this approach aimed to raise awareness externally and reignite employees' connection with their mission, focusing on the water collection burden on women and girls.Internally, the campaign used a toolkit, social media guidance, and a short film premiere featuring team and local women's stories to boost engagement and pride within the workforce. This strategy proved effective in strengthening the bond between employee sand the organization's cause, showcasing the significant impact of innovative storytelling on fostering a mission-driven culture.
You will learn:
Strategies for innovative storytelling to enhance employeeengagement in a global setting.
The effectiveness of thematic campaigns in connecting employees with organizational missions.
Why internal storytelling is important in building pride and unity among employees
1:20 pm - 2:00 pm
Panel: Multichannel Storytelling Best Practices
Kelsey Graziano, Senior Director, Communications and Culture, Neiman Marcus Group
Heidi Coryell Williams, Executive Director of Storytelling, Division of Marketing and Communications | Clemson University
Joseph Lopez, Manager of Internal Communications | PrimeSource Building Products, Inc.
Jenny Elms, Regional Program Manager, Internal Communications | Liberty Utilities
Moderator: Dianne Chase, President and CEO | Chase Media
Getting multichannel storytelling right for strategic internal communications is a complex objective that under-resourced communications teams must achieve. This panel brings together a diverse group of internal communications professionals and is your opportunity to get answers to your most pressing challenges in multichannel storytelling.
You’ll learn:
●How to craft and adapt your organization's story to thrive across diverse media platforms, from internal networks to social media.
●How to maintain a consistent brand voice and message while tailoring content to the strengths of each channel.
●How to understand and use metrics and feedback mechanisms that help you evaluate the effectiveness of your multi-channel storytelling efforts.
Day 2 - 05/01/2024
11:00 am - 11:10 am
Chair’s Welcome
Moderator: Dianne Chase, President and CEO | Chase Media
11:10 am - 12:10 pm
Interactive Workshop B : Can AI help you tell better stories? Yes ... but it needs your help!
Steve Crescenzo, CEO | Crescenzo Communications
Here’s a secret formula for all corporate storytellers: AI + Your Skills= a killer partnership that transforms the way you communicate.
In this practical, hands-on interactive session, you’ll learn:
Why you need to treat AI like a half-drunk, raw rookie intern addicted to corporate-speak!
How to eliminate 'ChatGPT speak’ from your stories and articles.
The dos and don’ts when using AI to help you build stories and content.
What AI will never quite master when it comes to our content.
Quick tips on training and coaching your AI tool to write the way you want it to write
12:10 pm - 12:40 pm
Unleashing the Power of Simile: Transforming Internal Communications Through Strategic Storytelling
Temitope Sadiku, Global Head of Digital Employee Experience | The Kraft Heinz Company
Step into the realm of strategic storytelling and unlock the transformative potential of simile. Join me at ALI’s Strategic Storytelling for Internal Communications Virtual Conference as we delve into the captivating world of narrative mastery. In this session,we'll explore how the strategic use of simile acts as a Trojan horse, seamlessly delivering powerful messages through familiar imagery. Storytelling isn't just an art; it's a catalyst for change.
Discover how the skillful employment of simile can elevate your internal communications, fostering engagement, alignment, and organizational transformation. Prepare to be inspired as we uncover the secrets behind crafting narratives that resonate deeply with your audience, driving meaningful impact and driving change management initiatives forward.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to harness the power of simile and revolutionize your approach to internal communications. Join me for an immersive journey into the heart of storytelling, where every metaphor is a doorway to connection and influence
12:40 pm - 12:50 pm
Refresh and Recharge Break
12:50 pm - 1:20 pm
Adopting a Newsroom Model to Enhance Communications and Grow Engagement
Jessica Foor, Communications Director | Parkview Health
Parkview Health revolutionized its internal communications by transforming its intranet from an under utilized "junk drawer" to a dynamic newsroom, essential for fostering a culture of engagement among its rapidly expanding workforce. Facing the challenges of integrating new hospitals and keeping staff connected to the mission, the health system adopted a modern Microsoft Sharepoint platform to share news, stories, and updates with its 16,000+ co-workers. This strategic shift to storytelling and digital engagement led to a doubling of intranet homepage views and significantly increased interaction with news posts, proving the effectiveness of relevant and compelling content in uniting a diverse workforce.
You will learn:
Strategies for implementing a newsroom model in internal communications.
The impact of storytelling and digital platforms onemployee engagement.
Navigating healthcare regulations while effectivelycommunicating with a mixed remote and on-site workforce
1:20 pm - 2:00 pm
Panel : Narratives that Unite: Inclusivity, Belonging, and Storytelling
Michelle Ghorbanian, Internal Communications Manager | Siemens Energy
Ruby Solis Vitatoe, Founder & Principal | VitaVerse
Skye A. Marthaler, Communications Coordinator | OIT Business Integration & Outcomes Service (BIOS),Department of Veterans Affairs
Moderator: Dianne Chase, President and CEO | Chase Media
Mira Sleilati, Director, Internal Communications | Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)
Learn strategic narrative techniques that highlight the diversity ofyour workforce and encourage a sense of belonging in yourorganization. Explore how to craft and share stories, celebrateunique perspectives, and create a unifying thread throughout your organization.
You’ll learn:
●How to identify and craft stories within your organization thathighlight the diversity of your workforce.
●Strategies to empower diverse voices that contribute to aculture of belonging.
●Why inclusivity-focused narratives area critical component ofcompany culture and employee satisfaction
Day 3 - 05/02/2024
11:00 am - 11:10 am
Chair’s Welcome
Moderator: Dianne Chase, President and CEO | Chase Media
11:10 am - 12:10 pm
Interactive Workshop C: Catching Fire: Using Storytelling to Spark Engagement and Inspire Your Employees!
Cody Loveland, Founder & Owner | CBL Leadership Group
Your emails, memos, and company announcements are boring...Learn how to turn them into engaging stories by unlocking your Storytelling Super powers and using a simple formula I will outline during the presentation.Why do we love a good story? Because it is one of the most powerful ways of communicating ideas & information to people. Learning to change mundane communication into moving stories will be a game-changer. Bring something you are working on right now, and this workshop will help you transform it into something people will want to read and inspire them to act. You will do more than save the day when you make someone else the hero in your story!
Some of the Superpowers of Storytelling we will discuss:
Communicating in a common LANGUAGE
Connecting HEARTS & MINDS
HUMANIZING the message
Capturing ATTENTION
Influencing CHANGE
Sparking new IDEAS
Inspiring ACTION
12:10 pm - 12:40 pm
Moving the Needle: Storytelling that Ignites Change
Chad Eric Smith, Senior Director of Communications and Brand Management | Mural Arts Philadelphia
In this presentation, award-winning actor, filmmaker, musician, and Senior Director of Communications and Brand Management at Mural Arts Philadelphia, Chad Eric Smith, unravels the narrative behind Mural Art's innovative brand statement and its compelling slogan: "Beautify. Inspire. Empower." As the guiding force behind the communications strategy of the nation's largest public art program, Smith draws from nearly four decades of organizational history and uses his expertise as a filmmaker to distill complex narratives into clear, impactful messages. This session goes beyond creating a slogan; it's about harnessing the power of storytelling to catalyze change and forge deeper connections within communities.
Attendees will learn:
Crafting Compelling Narratives: Discover how to distill complex organizational histories and missions into clear, memorable brand statements that resonate with diverse audiences, using storytelling techniques borrowed from the world of filmmaking.
Strategic Storytelling for Impact: Learn strategies for integrating your organization's core values and mission into a cohesive narrative and organizing principles that motivate action, build community, and amplify your impact.
The Art of Brand Messaging: Gain insights into synthesizing vast amounts of information into a powerful slogan that encapsulates an organization's essence, driving both internal cohesion and external engagement.
12:40 pm - 12:50 pm
Refresh and Recharge Break
12:50 pm - 1:20 pm
Leveraging Storytelling to Boost Employee Engagement
Breck Thomas-Ross, Director – Corporate Communications, Internal Digital Platforms | Elevance Health
Storytelling is a powerful tool that can forge stronger bonds and meaningful connections within organizations. It's time to explore how to effectively employ storytelling to express your organization's ideals and vision, shape internal dynamics, and increase employee engagement.
You will understand:
How to craft and share compelling stories that accurately convey your organization's objectives, promoting a higher level of engagement from your teams.
How to measure the effect of storytelling on employee engagement and how to adapt your storytelling approach to align better with the evolving needs and expectations of your teams.
Methods for assessing the influence of storytelling on employee engagement and the ways to refine your storytelling tactics to better sync with your team's shifting needs and expectations. This includes considering the readability of your content as a measure of accessibility and effectiveness.
1:20 pm - 2:00 pm
Panel : Strategic Storytelling’s Role in the Digital Workplace
Michelle Lyons Dandridge, Global Chief Editor, PfizerWorld and Senior Director, Enterprise Communications and Content | Pfizer
Lisa Snedeker, Director of Communications and Marketing, Campbell University, Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law
Soledad Gonzalo, Director of Marketing & Communications | Sequor Law
Moderator: Dianne Chase, President and CEO | Chase Media
In an era where internal communications are pivotal to business outcomes, this panel uncovers how strategic narratives can drive critical objectives like change management, employee engagement, and brand alignment. Attendees will explore the nuanced role of storytelling in operationalizing corporate goals, ensuring messages inform, inspire, and mobilize. Learn how to craft stories that act as vehicles for change, fortify your brand's internal identity, and resonate with every level of your organization to achieve key performance indicators. You’ll learn how to:
Craft stories that catalyze change and drive internal engagement.
Fortify brand identity and alignment through narrative.
Mobilize narratives to achieve and measure key performance indicators.
Venue
The ALI Virtual Experience!
This is your chance to attend a top-rated internal communications roundtable from the safety and convenience of your desk.
This virtual event will still provide the high-quality content, leading speakers, and interactive breakout sessions ALI masterclasses deliver in person.
ALI virtual events are delivered via Zoom meetings. You will receive a Zoom meeting link immediately after registering, directly from Zoom, as well as a registration confirmation from us.
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
You’ll pay one registration price for the entire 3-day virtual conference. If you can’t attend one or more of the sessions live, you will receive the on‑demand recording to watch at your convenience.
Included with your 3-day virtual conference pass:
7 ½ total hours of how-to content, examples, and practical advice for creating and utilizing more engaging storytelling in your organization
3, 2 ½ hour sessions spread out over three consecutive days, Tuesday, April 30, Wednesday, May 1 & Thursday, May 2
Led by internal communications thought leaders and experts
A live virtual event with plenty of time to ask your own questions
Several practitioner case studies from your peers at a variety of organizations sharing their experiences using storytelling to advance their internal communications strategies
3 interactive, in-depth workshops spread out over the 3 days to dive into special topics
Detailed presentation materials and the event recording will be provided via a link for reference later – and will be available for 1 year
The chat log of Q&A, resources shared, and hot topics discussed
Connect with your communications peers from around the country - a networking list of all participants’ LinkedIn links will be provided
The opportunity to grow as a professional, develop your skill set, and gain new perspectives to help you be more effective in your job!
*If you cannot attend all 3 dates live, a recording and all presentation materials will be provided for reference when convenient for you.
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 at773-695-9400 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 usconnect@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:
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.
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
"Really appreciated the insight and analysis of the writing/editing process for impactful stories."
"Great takeaways from the Panel discussion today. I really enjoy hearing from other communication professionals navigate some of the challenges we face on a daily basis."
"I walked away with several tangible ideas and tips that I can pass along to the Marketing team and leadership."