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* PR Daily * Ragan Training * Insider * Writer’s Passport * Council Memberships * Communications Leadership Council * PR Leadership Network * Comms Week * * Log In AGENDA SPEAKERS PRICING QUESTIONS SPONSORSHIPREGISTER NOW * Conferences * Certificate Programs & Workshops * Awards * Programs * Awards Events * Past Winners * Webinars EMPLOYEE COMMUNICATIONS & CULTURE CONFERENCE AGENDA SPEAKERS PRICING QUESTIONS SPONSORSHIPREGISTER NOW DON'T MISS THE EXCITEMENT 42 Days : 22 Hours : 15 Minutes : 58 Seconds Measurement • Storytelling • Multiplatform comms • Hybrid workforce • Thought leadership • Employee Experience 3.0 HAVE YOU RESERVED YOUR SEAT? Internal communications is the driver of change. As the discipline has evolved, so too have the strategies and tactics to create an ultimate employee experience. Join us April 25-27 in the heart of Chicago for Ragan’s Employee Communications & Culture Conference and come away with practical and innovative ideas to implement back at the office – wherever that office is. From change communications to inter-departmental collaboration to crafting content and thought leadership that keeps employees engaged, informed … and wanting more, this conference gives you the blueprint to build a better workplace. Ragan’s Employee Communications & Culture Conference is your opportunity to discover, share, ideate and transform your employee comms approach with interactive sessions and engaging instruction from experts in the trade. We’ve created an ultimate peer-to-peer experience sprinkled with inspirational keynotes, interactive workshops, sessions, lively debates and plenty of networking so you can connect with industry colleagues and forge new friendships. REGISTER NOW Previous Next WHAT YOU'LL LEARN * Strategies for nurturing an employee culture that adapts to change. * Ways for measuring and processing employee feedback to engage a dispersed and diverse workforce. * Storytelling and writing tactics for clear, concise, compelling and fun(!) content in your newsletters, on your intranet and on social. * Employee wellness strategies that address mental health and other challenges, eliminating stigma. * Ways to weed out superficial DE&I efforts and develop a DE&I framework that illuminates your organization’s mission, culture and values. * Manager communications strategies that actually work paired with tech, tools and shortcuts to boost efficiency and reduce burnout. * Employer branding tips that elevate your organization internally and externally. * Mixternal communications: leveraging the possibilities of internal and PR partnerships. SPEAKERS Bradley Akubuiro Partner Bully Pulpit Interactive Read bio Brenda Andolina Vice President, Corporate and Brand Communications Sonepar Read bio Crystal Andrews Banks Global Head of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Kraft Heinz Read bio Erik Battenberg Vice President, Corporate Communications U.S. Bank Read bio Gina Bowen Manager, HR Communications Whirlpool Corporation Read bio Adam Collins Chief Communications and Corporate Affairs Officer Molson Coors Read bio Ivanka Djoleva-Minioti Sr. Director, Global Internal Communications Mondelēz International Read bio Kathy Eichlin Head of Internal Communications Syngenta Read bio Jason Erkes Chief Communications Officer Cresco Labs Read bio Raina Fryer Senior Director of People & Learning Titus Talent Strategies Read bio Joyceann Garippa Head of Content Ragan Communications Read bio Jennifer George Vice President of Communications and Public Relations Shutterfly Read bio Matthew Goebel VP, Internal Communications Infor Read bio Kristin Graham Founder and Chief Word Nerd Unlock the Brain @kristingraham Read bio Emcee Lindsey Grizzelle Senior Communications Manager, Employee Communications USAA Read bio Bill Hicks Associate Education Director ADL Read bio Brittany Hoerdeman Senior Manager, Communications and Public Affairs W. W. Grainger, Inc Read bio Justin Joffe Editor-in-chief Ragan Communications @joffaloff Read bio Amy Johnston Clinical Director Urban Wellness Read bio Sean Langston, Jr. Head of Internal Communications Reddit, Inc Read bio Melissa Kanter Managing Director, Head of Communications & Brand Experience ING Americas Read bio Kirby Killough Read bio Katie Lott Senior Manager, Content Strategy & Development Baker Tilly US Read bio Sherrie Voss Matthews Director of Internal Communication University Health Read bio Kelly McGrail Senior communications and reputation strategist Read bio Deanna Miller Senior Internal Communications Manager Syngenta Read bio Arlene Mitchell-Pace Vice President of Human Resources Illinois Action for Children Read bio Patrick Mogge Head of Community Engagement and Outreach High School District 214 Read bio Coco Molina Director, North America Swoop Analytics Read bio Janine Narvali Head of Business Development Appspace Read bio Steve Neruda Operations Lead, Global Communications Motorola Solutions Read bio Judy Rader Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Chief Communications Officer Constellation Read bio Matt Ragas Professor, College of Communication DePaul University @mattragas Read bio Andie Riley Senior Manager HR Communications Whirlpool Corporation Read bio Scott Rowland Technical Writer PoliteMail Read bio Gemma Saint Director, Customer Success and Growth (North America) Swoop Analytics Read bio Sara Schmidt Director of Internal Communications GoDaddy Read bio Adam Schoor Strategic Consultant Interact Read bio Isis Simpson-Mersha Reporter/conference producer Ragan Communications Read bio Alyssa Smith Director of Conferences Ragan Communications @alyssadoesathing Read bio Molly Snyder Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer Shipt Read bio Adam Solarz Senior Vice President, Corporate Brand and Internal Communications NielsenIQ Read bio Molly Sproatt Senior Manager, Digital Workspace Baker Tilly US Read bio Heidi P.T. Upton Vice President Porter Novelli Read bio Billy Volpone Senior Sales Engineer LumApps Read bio Jordan Weathers Manager of Communications Southwire Read bio Colleen Wilcox Communications Director University of Notre Dame Read bio Laura Wylie Director of Internal Communications and Employee Engagement William Blair Read bio Jim Ylisela Co-Founder and Senior Partner Ragan Consulting Group @jpyjr Read bio Sarah Youngman Director of Development and Communications Community Legal Services Read bio INTERESTED IN SPEAKING? Please reach out to Content Director Joyceann Garippa. AGENDA * Pre-Con * Track 1 (Main) * Track 2 Pre-Conference Workshops Tuesday, April 25 10:30 A.M.-12 P.M. Manager Communications Workshop Cascading messages effectively throughout your organization can be an arduous task. Your people managers are on the front lines and must often reinforce company messaging to their teams. They also must be active listeners and cascade employee feedback up to leadership. People managers need to foster safe spaces for their teams and address workload, work/life balance and stress/burnout. Up to 50% of employees experience burnout at some point in their careers (that’s half the country’s workforce!). In this workshop, we’ll explore: * Strategies to capture the key messages you need cascaded throughout the organization. * How to create a place where people leaders can ask questions on your intranet platform should something get misunderstood in the messaging. * In-person and virtual people manager time halls, and the effectiveness of dedicated leader newsletters. * How to help leaders and people managers be active listeners and respond to employee feedback with empathy. 12-12:30 P.M. Break: Network and Nosh 12:30-2 P.M. Internal Comms Measurements: How to Quantify Your Organizational Impact Measurement is a highly debated topic when it comes to internal comms: Are you only relying on the quantitative including click-thrus, opens or likes, or does qualitative input play a role? Do you have one set of measurement you rely on, but the C-suite has something else in mind? In this workshop, you’ll examine how to tie your objectives to your organization’s goals and deliver on metrics that help your teams improve messaging and results. We'll explore: * How to audit, test and access your organization’s communications strategy. * Six simple steps that will deliver the perfect measurement system, from setting objectives and aligning activities to tracking outputs and outcomes. * Strategies for collecting and processing employee feedback through real-life scenarios and how to present your results to management. 2-2:30 P.M. Networking Break 2:30-4 P.M. Better Business Fluency for Communicators Financial acumen and business fluency are the keys you need to get a coveted seat at the table (and maintain it!). You must have a strong command of the financial terms, concepts and language around your organization’s priorities, mission and revenue goals. In this workshop, we’ll discuss how to apply your business acumen to develop communication plans that meet the needs of your various stakeholders. We’ll discuss: * How to deliver quantifiable DE&I and ESG results into business reporting, annual reports and internal communications. * The tools you need to manage and interpret financial statements, as well as develop and oversee organizational budgets … including your budget (and how to negotiate for more!). * Strategies for tying communication plans to the bottom lines that leadership values most. * Important business terms that can ascribe value to your communications efforts and tips for interpreting annual reports and financial statements. Kelly McGrail Senior communications and reputation strategist Read bio Matt Ragas Professor, College of Communication DePaul University @mattragas Read bio 2:30-4:30 P.M. How to Reclaim (and Reboot) Your Company Culture After COVID, economic upheaval, hybrid work, and polarizing social issues, it’s time to take a deep dive into your organization’s culture and see what’s still there. Join this hands-on workshop with Ragan Consulting’s Culture Group Leader Kristin Graham and turn culture concepts into real-time actions for your organization. This isn’t a conversation where we admire the problem of culture disconnect; it’s a dig-in and design actionable ideas to bring back to your team. Work with your fellow workshop participants to: * Outline a culture “audit” to assess what still works and what’s missing. * Explore the benefits of “spot-boarding” to help specific groups in need and “off-boarding” to maintain ties with outgoing talent. * Develop get-started steps for your culture strategy, including how to influence and advise internal decision makers. * Have hands-on work time to define and refine the ideas, tools and desired outcomes. Participants are invited to join Kristin and RCG co-founder Jim Ylisela for a post-session outing to the famous Chicago burger-and-beer joint, the Billy Goat Tavern. Kristin Graham Founder and Chief Word Nerd Unlock the Brain @kristingraham Read bio Track 1 — Internal Communications Wednesday, April 26 | Thursday, April, 27 Wednesday, April 26 8-9 A.M. Registration 8:15-9 A.M. Breakfast Session 9-9:15 A.M. Opening Remarks & Getting To Know Us 9:15-9:45 A.M. Keynote Session The Future of the Workplace For communicators, the future is already here. The workplace has been evolving – hybrid, flexible, remote, in-office — and so too has the role of the communicator. All of these changes have become an incubator for innovative tactics, measures and messaging so that workplace culture can thrive. This opening keynote will take a deep dive into the future of work in 2023, and beyond – preparing you and your fellow communicators for the challenges and opportunities. 9:50-10:15 A.M. Reimagining the Role of Comms: Skills, Competencies & Org Charts Depending on where your role sits on the org chart, you can determine your direction and the resources for you and your team. During this interactive session, we’ll dig into the most important trends in organizational structure, the key skills and competencies communicators need to have a major impact on personal development and business growth. You’ll get an exclusive look at the latest findings from Ragan’s Industry Benchmark Report and the Ragan/HarrisX CEO/CCO research. 10:20-10:45 A.M. Case Study Communicating and Navigating Change Internal communicators are the first line of defense when sharing information around organizational change. In this case study, we follow the acquisition of a company — from the initial merger or acquisition to the integration and the effects companywide. We’ll uncover the tactics used to inform and calm employees and the collaboration by all stakeholders — from the C-suite to HR and internal comms. You’ll discover: * The multichannel approach to deliver messaging about the company’s merger or acquisition in a positive light. * Real-world strategies for delivering sensitive messaging to employees with relatable, empathetic messaging. * How tactics like podcasts, video, employee spotlights and FAQs on your company’s intranet can calm fears and move the business forward. Erik Battenberg Vice President, Corporate Communications U.S. Bank Read bio 10:45-10:55 A.M. Lightning Talk 11:00-11:15 A.M. Networking Break 11:15 A.M.-12 P.M. Interactive Session Crafting Clear, Concise, Captivating Content It’s never been more critical that your words convey your message to employees effectively and clearly. So how do you make sure your communications are crisp, concise and engaging? This interactive session will put some of your best writing tactics to the test. You’ll learn: * How to cut back on jargon and business speak to connect authentically with employees. * How to create clear, concise messages that motivate and inspire and will be read. * Strategies for writing messages that are both entertaining and informative. * The small copy choices that can keep morale high, retain talent and help recruit diverse employees. Jim Ylisela Co-Founder and Senior Partner Ragan Consulting Group @jpyjr Read bio 12-1:20 P.M. Networking Lunch & Fireside Chat 1:25-1:55 P.M. Manager Communications: How to Empower Team Leaders People managers are crucial conduits in your employee communications strategy, always on the frontlines in delivering messages to their individual teams. In this session, you’ll hear how two senior-level communicators from varied industries and with different work models have equipped people managers with the tools they need to cascade messaging, ultimately increasing job satisfaction, aligning with business goals and improving organizational performance. We'll uncover: * How to design a resource hub for managers that empowers them to respond to challenging scenarios with confidence and authority. * What documentation to include around new internal message pushes, including FAQs, resource links and suggested talking points. * How to engage with people leaders beyond the written word via town halls to build trust with them and ultimately with their teams. Matthew Goebel VP, Internal Communications Infor Read bio 2-2:25 P.M. Corporate Character: A Purpose-Driven Workforce In this session, we’ll share how to effectively communicate your company’s values to keep your talent pool thriving and get employees to be a megaphone for your brand purpose. You’ll learn: * How leaders and managers can reinforce values-focused messaging with corporate commitments and curated content. * Channel strategies to deliver messages across the organization. * How purpose-driven communications can drive employee productivity, motivation and engagement — and create employee brand advocates. Ivanka Djoleva-Minioti Sr. Director, Global Internal Communications Mondelēz International Read bio 2:25-3 P.M. Harnessing Social Media: Why Thought Leadership Matters Informed, smart writing makes all the difference between the thought leadership stories that connect with audiences and those that don’t. You must harness the expertise of your execs and subject matter experts so they become influential, trusted resources, both internally and externally. Deciding what content will increase visibility and trust, particularly on social media, is likely right at your fingertips. Hint: an integrated approach across multiple channels like townhalls, external speeches, thought leadership events, op-eds and more. In this session, we’ll unpack: * Strategies for repurposing town halls into smaller pieces of content, including Live sessions on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and developing podcast series. * Best practices for aligning topics with the issues most important to your employees and your business. * Tips for ghostwriting authentically across intranets, apps, newsletters and then give it new life on social media. Sarah Youngman Director of Development and Communications Community Legal Services Read bio Sara Schmidt Director of Internal Communications GoDaddy Read bio 3-3:15 P.M. Mindfulness Break 3:20-3:50 P.M. Case Study Employer Branding: Storytelling That Inspires A robust employer branding strategy must first begin with your company’s unique value proposition – its purpose and impact on the world so that existing and potential employees feel their work is meaningful. Those values must be carried through all of your channels (internally and externally) to create an ultimate employee experience that goes beyond the traditional onboarding phase. The tools to do such are likely already in your toolbox. In this session, we’ll uncover: * The importance of partnering with HR to develop your employer branding strategy and to glean employee feedback to get the pulse on your culture and living up to your company values. * How to showcase culture with sharable ideas like podcasts, company Spirit Week videos, and more. * Examples of winning candidate newsletters, career sites and campus recruitment events. * Employer promotion that works: How to connect and use social media sites like Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok. Sherrie Voss Matthews Director of Internal Communication University Health Read bio 3:55-4:45 P.M. Peer-to-Peer Roundtables Meet new communicators and reconnect with old friends as you share best practices and ways you can rise to opportunities and challenges. One designated representative from each table will share the findings around your topic with the audience. Topics will include DE&I, employee burnout, change communications, campaigns and contests, recruitment and retainment, meaningful benefits, leadership support, corporate purpose and ESG, remote work, budgeting and measurement. 4:45-5 P.M. Closing Comments for Day One 5-6:30 P.M. Networking Reception Thursday, April, 27 8-9 A.M. Breakfast Session: Increasing Employee Engagement With Communications In a Changing Environment As a corporate communicator, your role is to have employees read the messages you send, but employee engagement is harder than ever in the modern hybrid workplace. In this session, we discuss how you can improve your communications using data. Learn how to use the ADDIE model to improve your metrics and come up with a plan to improve your communications no matter where your employees are reading them. Discover: * What are considered “good” metrics. * How to improve metrics using the ADDIE model. * How to determine what should be improved. * What a revised communication might look like. * How to implement and evaluate the data you collect. Scott Rowland Technical Writer PoliteMail Read bio 9-9:15 A.M. Welcome & Morning Trivia! 9:15-9:45 A.M. Keynote 9:50-10:20 A.M. Panel The Multichannel Approach to the Workplace The hybrid workplace model is here to stay ... along with full remote, flex work, in-office and abridged workweeks. In this session, we’ll look at the challenges a dispersed workforce poses to communications professionals, and the strategies we can take to connect with workers, regardless of their location. We’ll discuss: * Strategies to engage every employee and close the distance gap, companywide and peer to peer. * Connecting through non-work-related informal chats on digital channels and the intranet. * Considerations for team engagement for maximum impact during asynchronous hours. * Plus: What recent research says about the 4-day work week and why it matters. Janine Narvali Head of Business Development Appspace Read bio Colleen Wilcox Communications Director University of Notre Dame Read bio 10:20-10:30 A.M. Lightning Talk 10:30-10:45 A.M. Morning Stretch & Networking Break 10:45-11:15 A.M. Case Study Developing a Crisis Comms Framework and Playbook Communicating to your workforce quickly and effectively during a crisis can be challenging. It requires advance planning and the creation of a framework and playbook to live by (and update as crisis unfolds). Aside from clear strategies, you will need leadership commitment to keep the workforce informed and deliver authentic, real-time messaging. In this session, you’ll discover: * What resources should be prepared in advance, including scenario trainings, guides and documents around protocols and org charts. * How to target certain segments of your workforce with key information based on their needs. * What a flexible communications crisis plan looks like in the hybrid workplace. 11:20-11:50 A.M. Measuring Your Internal Comms Initiatives You know you can only manage what’s measured, so we’ve brought together measurement experts and data enthusiasts to help you lift the cloud around measurement and become more of a data-driven communicator. In this session, you’ll learn how to: * Determine the KPIs that matter to the C-suite. * Create a manageable dashboard to alleviate your stress. * Own the narrative and report results in an impactful way. Sean Langston, Jr. Head of Internal Communications Reddit, Inc Read bio Jason Erkes Chief Communications Officer Cresco Labs Read bio Coco Molina Director, North America Swoop Analytics Read bio Gemma Saint Director, Customer Success and Growth (North America) Swoop Analytics Read bio 11:55 A.M.-12:30 P.M. Interactive Feeding the Content Beast: Ideas & Strategies to Boost Engagement Today’s communicators are tasked with filling editorial calendars for intranets, email newsletters, publications and more, without access to robust content teams or big budgets. In this hands-on session, experts will share strategies that have worked for comms teams of all sizes and budgets. Then, you’ll work in small groups to brainstorm additional content sources. Get ready to leave with your notebook stuffed with crowdsourced ideas. You’ll walk away with: * Strategies to work across functions and collaborate with other teams to bolster and keep content flowing. * How to use trending conversations and perspectives to create shareable content that shows other voices are heard. * Deep dives on the internal communications editorial calendar strategies of three companies of various sizes. Kirby Killough Read bio Lindsey Grizzelle Senior Communications Manager, Employee Communications USAA Read bio 12:35-1:55 P.M. Networking Lunch & Fireside Chat 2-2:20 P.M. Managing Expectations in the Era of Employee Activism, Unionizing, and Beyond Recent research shows Americans are broadly in favor of workers’ unions, and as more workers organize across the country, internal communicators will be called to the front lines. And it’s not just unions: As younger employees enter the workforce, they are seeking to align themselves with organizations that reflect their own values — and provide ways they can work together to make a difference. In this session, you’ll learn: * The business case for social justice inside your organization (Hint: It’s not enough for just DE&I). * How to invite and ensure employees are connected to your organization’s mission and values. * When to be a communications bridge between union organizers and management, and how to control the messaging delivered by the C-suite. Patrick Mogge Head of Community Engagement and Outreach High School District 214 Read bio Adam Collins Chief Communications and Corporate Affairs Officer Molson Coors Read bio 2:25-2:50 P.M. Ask Us Anything Mixternal Communications: PR + Internal Comms Formula for Success Bring your questions to this rapid-fire session featuring a PR director and an internal comms leader as they have forged ways to leverage both internal and external communications in their day-to-day jobs. You’ll gain a clear understanding of the role of the PR professional and discover new ideas for partnering with your comms colleagues and ensuring consistent message and brand integrity. Heidi P.T. Upton Vice President Porter Novelli Read bio Bradley Akubuiro Partner Bully Pulpit Interactive Read bio 2:55-3:20 P.M. Progress, not Perfection: Better Benchmarks for DE&I Initiatives Many organizations play lip service to DE&I, with only 40% of companies creating a dedicated DE&I leadership position. In that person’s absence, communicators are often tasked to work across teams to deliver the organization’s larger DE&I mission. In this session, we’ll discuss how to develop actionable, long-term goals that will produce results … and set your company on the right DE&I path. You'll learn: * Ways to partner with HR to build a diverse talent recruitment pool and promote upskilling initiatives that fosters new leaders. * How to communicate your DE&I communications strategy across departments to support executive communication, talent recruitment and content strategy. * Measuring your workforce’s progress against industry standards to set realistic, actionable benchmark goals. * Strategies for getting buy-in from leadership by tethering your benchmark goals to company-wide business goals. Brenda Andolina Vice President, Corporate and Brand Communications Sonepar Read bio 3:35-3:55 P.M. Drivers of Change: Sustainability and Authentic ESG Communications ESG (Environmental, social and corporate governance) isn’t just a buzzword. In today’s world, as employees grapple with unprecedented numbers of crises, it is more important than ever to ensure your corporation’s sustainability ambitions address what matters. In this session, you’ll learn how authentic sustainability comms tell a story that can align company values and goals with actions that drive change — and encourage all employees to play a part. We’ll explore: * Your role in supporting positive corporate change, communicating progressive governance and fostering conversation. * How to turn employees and subject matter experts into ESG ambassadors and transform owned channels (web sites and social media) into ESG hubs. * Tips for setting realistic benchmarks and goals that hold your organization accountable. Judy Rader Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Chief Communications Officer Constellation Read bio 4-4:20 P.M. Top 21 Takeaways from the Conference! As we close out the conference, don’t miss this fast-paced ideas-packed session filled with at least 21 great ideas you can take back to the office. Plus, we’ll announce the raffle and contest winners. Track 2 — Employee Experience Wednesday, April 26 | Thursday, April 27 Wednesday, April 26 10:20-10:45 A.M. Smarter, Not Harder: How AI Is Changing Communication Rapid innovations in automation and artificial intelligence technology has created new tools for communicators to use and master. But becoming an early adopter of emerging tech is not without its risks. You’ll hear the implications of OpenAI for communications strategies, the tech innovations to watch and how ChatGPT has already changed the playing field forever. *This session description was not written by ChatGPT. 1:25-1:55 P.M. The Unsession: Building the Ultimate Comms Tech Stack What tools and tech are your peers using and what’s working, what’s not? Join us for this interactive discussion around new technologies, apps and tools that can help communicators advance their initiatives and save time and stress. We’ll cover tools and tech for: * Email communication * Social media storytelling * Crisis management * Team collaboration * Measurement * Video * Podcasts * And much more! Billy Volpone Senior Sales Engineer LumApps Read bio Molly Snyder Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer Shipt Read bio 2-2:25 P.M. From Gen X to Gen Z: Bridging the Generational Gap There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to communicating to a deeply divided workplace that spans digital natives (Millennials, Zoomers) and those who learned the internet as an adult (Boomers, Gen X). In this session, we’ll explore how employees of different generations communicate, review their generational and demographic differences, and workshop some messages to refine together. We’ll discuss: * Data, stats and psychographics on the five generations active in the workforce today. * The role of video, emojis and GIFs when connecting to Millennials and Gen Z. * How to adapt and customize your communications to appeal to your intended audience. * Equitable training on new resources for employees of different generations. Deanna Miller Senior Internal Communications Manager Syngenta Read bio Kathy Eichlin Head of Internal Communications Syngenta Read bio 2:30-3 P.M. Panel The New Watercoolers: Intranets, Town Halls and Collaborative Gathering Spaces When employees are given an opportunity to meet, network and collaborate with their peers, the result is more productivity, higher job satisfaction and overall business success. With the shift to a dispersed workforce, collaboration has become more difficult. Communicators can help to create the new watercooler effect, empowering employees to connect both in person and virtually. In this session, we’ll uncover: * How to craft collaborative meetings, corporate gatherings and town halls that appeal to all and ways to communicate about these events before, during and after in a way that drives ongoing engagement and participation. * The formats and models that work best for hybrid, remote and flex workforces. * How a mix of on-demand content (videos, podcasts, and articles) and live speaker events can drive employee engagement. * Cracking the code: Town halls that achieves strategic goals while also beating Zoom fatigue. Steve Neruda Operations Lead, Global Communications Motorola Solutions Read bio Brittany Hoerdeman Senior Manager, Communications and Public Affairs W. W. Grainger, Inc Read bio Jordan Weathers Manager of Communications Southwire Read bio 3-3:15 P.M. Mindfulness Break 3:20-3:50 P.M. Active Listening: Employee Focus Groups and Pulse Surveys Long considered a tool of HR, communicators can hold employee focus groups to gain candid, valuable intel on how workers are faring, especially during times of uncertainty and change. In this session, we’ll uncover strategies to develop pulse surveys and focus groups that produce relevant, actionable findings to inform and refine your comms strategy. We’ll explore: * Strategies to determine the purpose and goals of your focus group that secures support from executives. * Best practices for selecting your focus group facilitator and employee participants. * Considerations for facilitator approach that considers tone, pace and clarity. * Frequency of pulse surveys and key questions to ask. * How to analyze your findings and effect real change in the workplace. Laura Wylie Director of Internal Communications and Employee Engagement William Blair Read bio Melissa Kanter Managing Director, Head of Communications & Brand Experience ING Americas Read bio 3:55-4:45 P.M. Peer-to-Peer Roundtables (Main Ballroom) Meet new communicators and reconnect with old friends as you share best practices and ways you can rise to opportunities and challenges. One designated representative from each table will share the findings around your topic with the audience. Topics will include DE&I, employee burnout, change communications, campaigns and contests, recruitment and retainment, meaningful benefits, leadership support, corporate purpose and ESG, remote work, budgeting and alumni networks. 4:45 P.M. Closing Comments for Day One (Main Ballroom) 5-6:30 P.M. Networking Reception Thursday, April 27 8-9 A.M. Breakfast Session 9-9:15 A.M. Welcome & Morning Trivia! 9:15-9:45 A.M. Keynote (Main Ballroom) 9:50-10:20 A.M. Extinguishing Burnout in the Workplace With “burnout” named the word of the year in 2022 by Ragan’s Communications Leadership Council members, it’s imperative that communicators develop ways to manage the stress and embrace their role with energy, confidence and, well, more resources and support. In this session we’ll tackle the key contributors to communicators’ burnout and to burnout among all employees. We’ll share new ideas for identifying, mitigating and eliminating burnout in the workplace. Arlene Mitchell-Pace Vice President of Human Resources Illinois Action for Children Read bio Amy Johnston Clinical Director Urban Wellness Read bio Jennifer George Vice President of Communications and Public Relations Shutterfly Read bio Raina Fryer Senior Director of People & Learning Titus Talent Strategies Read bio 10:20-10:35 A.M. Morning Stretch & Networking Break 10:35-10:45 A.M. Lightning Talk 10:45-11:15 A.M. 10+ Team Building Exercises to Improve Engagement & Productivity Remote, hybrid, deskless and dispersed workforces make it difficult to bring teams together in meaningful ways. Hear from communicators at a wide range of companies about what initiatives, exercises and events have energized their teams and created stickier, higher performing teams. Plus, we’ll crowdsource ideas from attendees and try out a exercise or two. Sneakers not required. 11:20-11:50 A.M. Upskilling: Adapting and Adopting New Tools and Techniques What makes the communicator irreplaceable in the era of artificial intelligence (AI) is your ability to adapt alongside technological advances. This hands-on panel will discuss today’s brand-new challenges, how you can upskill yourself and how to future-proof your career. We’ll examine how writing and leadership skills can be paired with the communications tools we use daily (intranets, creative virtual gatherings, and in-person events). In this session, we’ll explore: * How to bring your purpose to life through day-to-day communications and multi-channel storytelling. * Empowering employees to innovate — elevating their ideas and collaborating on solutions. * Embedding DE&I opportunities for belonging and connection across your organization. Molly Sproatt Senior Manager, Digital Workspace Baker Tilly US Read bio Katie Lott Senior Manager, Content Strategy & Development Baker Tilly US Read bio 11:55 A.M.-12:30 P.M. Interactive (Main Ballroom) Feeding the Content Beast: Ideas & Strategies to Boost Engagement Today’s communicators are tasked with fill editorial calendars for intranets, email newsletters, publications and more, without access to robust content teams or big budgets. In this hands-on session, experts will share strategies that have worked for comms teams of all sizes and budgets. Then, you’ll work in small groups to brainstorm additional content sources. Get ready to leave with your notebook stuffed with crowdsourced ideas. You’ll walk away with: * Strategies to work across functions and collaborate with other teams to bolster and keep content flowing. * How to use trending conversations and perspectives to create shareable content that shows other voices are heard. * Deep dives on the internal communications editorial calendar strategies of three companies of various sizes. 12:35-1:55 P.M. Networking Lunch & Fireside Chat (Main Ballroom) 2-2:20 P.M. Focus Group: Fostering Inclusion and Belonging in the Workplace An inclusive workplace helps employees feel appreciated and supported. We’re gathering a focus group of employees across industry sectors to share live how their organization’s commitment to fostering inclusion and belonging in their workplaces has contributed to their development as a professional and as a person. We’ll conduct this session as a true focus group so we can discover together how an increased sense of belonging can enhance the workforce experience, an employee’s social connectedness and belonging, and promote greater career achievements. 2:25-2:50 P.M. DE&I and Beyond: How to Embrace and Improve Your Company’s Culture A diverse workforce, an inclusive organizational culture and a companywide sense of belonging are company imperatives now and in the future. Join DE&I leaders and internal comms management as they discuss best steps on how to partner with HR, employee resource groups, executives and people managers to improve the impact of company-sponsored and grassroots efforts. Plus, they’ll respond to questions raised at the employee focus group. In this session, we’ll examine: * Effective wellbeing initiatives to accommodate the unique needs of different employees. * Best practice diversity and inclusion programs that recognize mental health and wellbeing as a diversity issue. * How to foster a sense of belonging in your organization for all your groups, including, persons of color, working moms, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ, veterans, baby-boomers and millennials and others. Bill Hicks Associate Education Director ADL Read bio Crystal Andrews Banks Global Head of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Kraft Heinz Read bio Adam Solarz Senior Vice President, Corporate Brand and Internal Communications NielsenIQ Read bio 2:55-3:20 P.M. Workplace Wellness: Driving Employee Participation and Supporting New Initiatives You have the ability to reshape your organization’s culture and change the employee experience for the better. Workplace wellness benefits and programs play a crucial role in your long-term employee strategy. It falls on communicators and HR to deliver the benefits and messaging to employees, and measure what’s working and what’s not in wellness. In this session, you’ll learn: * The importance of wellness programs rooted in DE&I. * Lessons from HR on how to get buy-in for a unique program from diverse stakeholders and leadership. * Approaches for implementing self-care strategies as a manager. * Employee communication strategies that prioritize all aspects of wellbeing, from physical to financial, mental to social. Gina Bowen Manager, HR Communications Whirlpool Corporation Read bio Andie Riley Senior Manager HR Communications Whirlpool Corporation Read bio 3:25-3:55 P.M. Case Study Next Level: The Enhanced Employee Experience A strong, customized employee experience should begin with onboarding and continue at every touchpoint during a worker’s employment — including manager check-ins, performance reviews, benefits and perks, culture-focused gatherings and more. When customized to fit the needs of each employee, this can boost collaboration, peer-to-peer engagement and create a culture of belonging, wherever your employees are. In this case study, we’ll explore: * A holistic approach to the employee: examining how benefits are just the start to employee satisfaction and retention. * How effective internal communications and employee engagement efforts can help you strategize on campaigns that best motivate employees. * Ways to effectively use employee listening and other feedback tools in ways that inform, not overwhelm. * Strategies to measure engagement across digital workspaces. 4-4:20 P.M. (Main Ballroom) Top 21 Takeaways from the Conference! As we close out the conference, don’t miss this fast-paced ideas-packed session filled with at least 21 great ideas you can take back to the office. Plus, we’ll announce our raffle and contest winners. REGISTER NOW BONUS MATERIALS * Using Measurement to Prove Internal Communications Has Value * Bias-Free Writing: What’s Preferred and What’s Problematic * ESG Communications: How to Evolve from Financial Reporting to Corporate Storytelling & Stakeholder Engagement * Attract, Hire and Onboard- A Remote Workforce Guide * How to Build an Employer Brand Through Sharable Recognition * Why Workplace Experience is the Future of Employee Engagement * How to Create the Most Effective Multichannel Internal Comms Strategy SPONSORS & PARTNERS Want to become a sponsor? Get in touch with our team to discuss sponsorship opportunities. Let's Partner! WHO SHOULD ATTEND? You can’t afford to miss this if you work in: * Human Resources * Employee Engagement * Corporate Communication * Employee Communications * Internal Communications * Executive Communications * Culture * Total Rewards * Public Relations * Change Management * Employee Experience * Diversity, Equity & Inclusion PRICING JOIN US FOR THE EMPLOYEE COMMUNICATIONS & CULTURE CONFERENCE: SWIPE ADVANCED Until 1/31/2023 EARLY BIRD Until 2/24/2023 VIP Until 3/24/2023 REGULAR RATE Conference All-Access Passincludes the Pre-Conference Workshops Standard $2,099 $2,199 $2,299 $2,399 Nonprofit/Gov $1,899 $1,999 $2,099 $2,199 Ragan Insider $1,849 $1,949 $2,049 $2,149 Conference Registration - Individual Standard $1,499 $1,599 $1,699 $1,799 Nonprofit/Gov/Edu $1,299 $1,399 $1,499 $1,599 Ragan Insider $1,249 $1,349 $1,449 $1,549 Conference Recording On Demand $999 $999 $999 $999 REGISTER NOW Get your tickets early and save. Discounts are also available for the following: Group Discounts Would you and your team like to attend? Group pricing is available when registering! COUNCIL MEMBER DISCOUNTS Membership includes free registration passes. Contact Shallon Blackburn for more information on becoming a member. RAGAN INSIDER DISCOUNTS Insiders receive $250 off current rates. On Demand For those who can’t attend the conference live, an on-demand option is available during the registration process. Ragan Insiders save more: Ragan Insiders receive an additional $250 off current rates. Not a Ragan Insider? You can become one during the registration process for this event! WONDERING IF YOU SHOULD ATTEND? Here’s what past attendees are saying about Ragan and PR Daily Events! 1. 2. 3. 4. > Attending this conference rejuvenated and energized me about the field of > communications. The knowledge I walked away with equipped me to go back to my > firm and my team with strategic plans for the future. > I was so inspired after attending the conference - so many exciting ideas and > projects that I want to start at my company as a result of the insight that > was provided. > Ragan is one of the legit conferences out there. You get your money's worth, > and they really give you the best people in the industry. I would attend > another Ragan conference in the future! > This was an informative, fast-paced, fun conference full of timely topics and > great speakers. I haven't stopped telling my team about all the insights I > learned. LOCATION Conference Venue Information: Intercontinental Chicago Magnificent Mile 505 N. Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL 60611 (312) 944-4100 icchicagohotel.com We have secured a room block at Intercontinental Chicago Magnificent Mile for conference attendees. The hotel reservation link will be sent to you after you register for the conference. 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