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Tuesday, July 23
 

7:30am EDT

Welcome - Coffee & Conversation Served Hot
Start the day off right - join us for breakfast, coffee, and get to know your workshop peers.
Stop by the registration desk to sign-in and pick up your materials for the next 3 days.
We'll kick things off at 8:00!

Tuesday July 23, 2019 7:30am - 8:00am EDT
Hyatt Regency Boston

8:00am EDT

Workshop A: How to Build an Employee Experience Team Specific for Your Workplace - to Drive, Measure & Improve Your Culture - led by Local Wisdom & Microsoft
If revenue is the engine that runs your business, then culture is the oil that makes everything flow without friction. The experience that you create for your employees is what drives a positive culture and that’s why employee experience is the next competitive differentiator for businesses. Companies that invest in their employee experience are more likely to be on “best places to work” lists, have a greater profit and revenues, and have greater productivity.

Organizations struggle with barriers such as: workload, cost overhead, leadership buy-in, analytics/ ROI, technology, and the list goes on. There are many elements that comprise an employee experience, but central to all of that, is a great employee experience team.

Companies need to know how to find the right people, personalities, and skills to drive, measure and create an improved company culture. This is no easy task because each company has unique differences, the concept around employee experience is new, and the ever-growing set of solutions to choose from is daunting.

In this highly interactive and participatory workshop, you’ll walk through a simple framework where you’ll work together and discuss how to build a successful employee experience team specific to your company. You’ll come out with great insights including:

  • Understanding the why and what of employee experience
  • Getting a pulse of your organization's current state
  • Choosing which areas to focus on
  • Assembling your leader and team

Laurel Dzneladze, Customer Success Manager for Modern Workplace
Microsoft

Pinaki Kathiari, CEO
Local Wisdom


PAST WORKSHOP TESTIMONIALS

"Loved the energy, collaboration, swag, and exercises."

"Great interaction, interesting topic."



Speakers
avatar for Laurel Dzneladze

Laurel Dzneladze

Customer Success Manager for Modern Workplace, Microsoft
Laurel Dzneladze is part of the newly formed Customer Success organization at Microsoft. As a Customer Success Manager for Modern Workplace, Laurel is a digital evangelist, employee experience advocate and change champion. Her background in internal communications and HR gives her... Read More →
avatar for Pinaki Kathiari

Pinaki Kathiari

CEO, Local Wisdom
Pinaki is CEO of Local Wisdom, a digital agency that focuses on creating custom solutions to today’s digital challenges, managing platforms to protect and enhance the digital investment, and staying in the forefront of technology through R&D and products.Pinaki spends his days solving... Read More →


Tuesday July 23, 2019 8:00am - 9:30am EDT
Hyatt Regency Boston

9:30am EDT

Morning Refreshments & Networking Break
Stand up and stretch and grab some refreshments as we switch over to the next workshop

Tuesday July 23, 2019 9:30am - 9:45am EDT
Hyatt Regency Boston

9:45am EDT

Workshop B: Peanut Butter & Jelly: Why Internal Communications and HR Must Be a Dynamic Duo - After Ever Communications
One of the most crucial pairings in the internal communication world is the relationship between HR and internal communications. If a partnership is not created it can be detrimental to the employee experience.

In this forward-thinking workshop discover best practices to help you align your internal communications and HR strategies to achieve results, including how to:

  • Get a seat at the table and ensure HR understands the value and importance of internal communications
  • Infuse internal communication principles into HR communications
  • Utilize and develop channels for HR related communications
  • Develop a plan for when internal communications needs to be involved in HR related communications and when they don’t

Carolyn Clark, Founder
After Ever Communications 

Speakers
avatar for Carolyn Clark

Carolyn Clark

Founder | Senior Director, Internal Communications, After Ever Communications | GoDaddy
Carolyn Clark is a seasoned communications professional with experience in many facets of communications – from consumer PR to product PR, media PR to corporate communications, and for the last four years leading internal and HR communications at Yahoo. Most recently, she led internal... Read More →


Tuesday July 23, 2019 9:45am - 11:15am EDT
Hyatt Regency Boston

11:15am EDT

Lunch Break: On Your Own or with a Group
Interested in dining out with a group? Be sure to sign-up at the registration table. Want recommendations on where to a grab a quick bite and get some work done? See an ALI representative for ideas! *Everyone is financially responsible for their lunch.

Tuesday July 23, 2019 11:15am - 12:45pm EDT
Hyatt Regency Boston

12:45pm EDT

Workshop C: Refresh, Revive, and Rejuvenate Your Digital Workplace Without Breaking the Bank - led by Rogue Solutions
Despite what intranet platform your organization is using, keeping your employees engaged & your intranet updated is a challenge for all. You have an existing intranet that has continued to evolve over the years, but you may now be at the point of noticing that:

  • User adoption is low and employees are no longer visiting the intranet
  • Appearance and theme of your intranet is inconsistent
  • Employees aren’t using the intranet to interact with one another
  • Content management & creation has become a tangled web with no clear place to start

If so then it is time to refresh, revive, and rejuvenate your intranet. Roll up your sleeves as we discover cost-effective ways to:

  • Ask the "need-to-know" questions in order to take you existing intranet to the next level
  • Integrate new media tools into your their existing intranet to drive employee engagement and innovation across your organization
  • Create meaningful and captivating content that drives employee engagement and jives with company culture
  • Collect feedback and make real-time changes in an effort to continuously improve your intranet
  • Ensure that your intranet drives engagement, fosters collaboration, and increases productivity

Michelle Bolda, Senior Partner
Rogue Services and Solutions

Speakers
avatar for Michelle Bolda

Michelle Bolda

Senior Partner, Rogue Services and Solutions
Michelle Bolda is an agile evangelist who has transformed organizational processes through  a commitment to transparency in alignment of plans, priorities, and expectations. Dubbed the "Client Whisperer" by her colleagues, Michelle excels at creating trusted client relationships... Read More →


Tuesday July 23, 2019 12:45pm - 2:15pm EDT
Hyatt Regency Boston

2:15pm EDT

Afternoon Refreshment & Stretch Break
Refresh your coffee and grab a sweet treat - you're in the home stretch!

Tuesday July 23, 2019 2:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
Hyatt Regency Boston

2:30pm EDT

Workshop D: Playing to Win: How to Get Your Leaders Involved and Owning Their Leadership to Power Performance - Level Comm
Leadership is a contact sport and leaders need to play to win.  Today, best-practice organizations are counting on internal communications leaders to go beyond sharing information and advance leader and organizational capability.

Learn tried and true strategies to get the leaders in your organization to take an active and lead role in how they communicate and engage with their people.

In this hands-on workshop, you will gain practical and proven techniques that directly improve the level of ownership leaders have and their results, including how to:

  • Drive leader accountability
  • Activate every leader to tell his/her story
  • Make message delivery practice a must-have for leaders
  • Leverage communications teams and business partners to reinforce leadership communication priorities
  • Use data to motivate leaders to be even better

Sherhara Downing, Founder & Master Trainer
Level Comm


Speakers
avatar for Sherhara Downing

Sherhara Downing

Founder + Master Trainer, Level Comm
As an international corporate trainer and facilitator, Sherhara transforms boring and jargon filled content into entertaining and effective presentations. She teaches corporate professionals proven strategies and tactics to transform communication skills. Her dynamic personality engages... Read More →


Tuesday July 23, 2019 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
Hyatt Regency Boston

4:15pm EDT

Close of Workshop Day
Thank you for joining us for today's workshops. Presentations will be made available in dropbox. Sessions will begin tomorrow at 8:30, breakfast will be ready at 8:00.

Tuesday July 23, 2019 4:15pm - 4:30pm EDT
Hyatt Regency Boston

6:00pm EDT

Dinner With Your Peers & Take In The Sights Of Boston
First time in Boston? Want to get out of the hotel? Meet your peers and members of IABC Boston 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.

Tuesday July 23, 2019 6:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
Hyatt Regency Boston
 
Wednesday, July 24
 

TBA

Day 1, General Sessions
We have over 10 internal communication professionals sharing their success stories & challenges today. Fill up your coffee, grab a seat, and get your notebooks ready!

Wednesday July 24, 2019 TBA
Hyatt Regency Boston

8:00am EDT

Registration: Badges, Bagels, & Beverages
Sign-in, pick up your materials and enjoy a continental breakfast before we start the day.

Wednesday July 24, 2019 8:00am - 8:30am EDT
Hyatt Regency Boston

8:15am EDT

Bonus Breakfast Session: Shoot Today, Share Tomorrow: Educate and Empower Teams with Engaging Video Content - Sponsored by Shootsta
Kick-off the day by learning some quick tips to help you shoot your own videos. Use these tips throughout the day & rest of conference while sharing on social media #ALI_IC.

Need more help, Shootsta will be on hand to answer any of your questions.

Leave Boston ready to capture employee videos back at work - they'll be in awe of your video skills!

Chad Lakin, Vice President - North America
Shootsta


Speakers
avatar for Chad Lakin

Chad Lakin

Vice President - North America, Shootsta
Chad Lakin is VP of Shootsta North America, one of the world’s fastest-growing startups. Chad has many years of expertise in design, digital media and strategy.Since joining Shootsta in 2015, Chad's overarching leadership, strategy and wicked charm have consequently propelled the... Read More →

Sponsors
avatar for Shootsta

Shootsta

The need for video content for brands is increasing at an exponential rate and communications professionals are trying to meet these demands with limited budget, time and resources. Shootsta offers a unique subscription model that provides the tools and resources to enable brands to create high-quality video content, incredibly cost-effectively, at scale, and ready to share in 24 hours... Read More →


Wednesday July 24, 2019 8:15am - 8:30am EDT

8:30am EDT

Chairperson's Welcome & Speed Networking
Welcome to the 6th Annual Strategic Internal Communications conference in Boston.

In this fast-paced forum you'll get to know your fellow peers, their biggest internal communications challenges, and a few fun facts.

Jill Christensen, Employee Engagement Expert, Best-Selling Author, International Keynote Speaker

Speakers
avatar for Jill Christensen

Jill Christensen

Employee Engagement Expert, Best-Selling Author, International Keynote Speaker and Top 100 Global Employee Engagement Influencer, Jill Christensen International LLC
Jill is Founder & President of Jill Christensen International LLC, a global firm focused on teaching companies her proven strategy to increase employee engagement. Jill was a Corporate Communications Fortune 500 business executive at Avaya and Western Union prior to launching her... Read More →


Wednesday July 24, 2019 8:30am - 9:10am EDT
Hyatt Regency Boston

9:10am EDT

5 Steps to Build an Inclusive Narrative and Dialogue That Supports a Fully-Inclusive Employee Experience and Company Culture - Cisco

Dialogue is the oxygen of employee engagement and inclusion. It has the potential to unify and increase awareness and understanding when employees seek shared meaning. Learn how to build an inclusive narrative to support a fully-inclusive employee experience and company culture.

Get out your notebooks as you learn 5 steps to help you design and deliver an inclusive employee experience that supports a collaborative company culture, including how to:

  • Assess the opportunity to leverage dialogue and create shared meaning
  • Benchmark inclusion and collaboration best practices
  • Create an inclusive communication strategy and framework
  • Build an inclusive narrative
  • Measure impact of engagement and continued growth

Sabrina Stoffregen, Inclusion and Collaboration Communications Manager              
Cisco    

Speakers
avatar for Sabrina Stoffregen

Sabrina Stoffregen

Inclusion and Collaboration Communications Manager, Cisco
Sabrina is an accomplished executive communications and business development leader backed by 20+ years of experience at Intel and Cisco in brand marketing, employee engagement, employer branding, organization development and strategic communications.She is an accomplished public... Read More →


Wednesday July 24, 2019 9:10am - 9:45am EDT
Hyatt Regency Boston

9:45am EDT

Support, Communicate, and Inform Employees During All Stages of Organizational Change - HP, Inc.
Change Communications - "It's not rocket science. It's 20% commonsense and 80% people skills."

These are words of wisdom when asking: What does it take to be a great leader? In this session discover how these words can serve as the foundation of change management and communications strategies. Learn first-hand how some of the world's largest business transformations, including the separation of HP and most recently, HP’s acquisition of Samsung Printing, managed change.

Change is complex and ever-present. It’s also tough. But when you look at it through the eyes of your employees and put them at the center of what you do, you can create an environment where change is not only seen as needed but wanted.

Leave equipped with the knowledge to help you manage change across your organization, including how to:

  • Keep your employees engaged, inspired and informed
  • Recognize and respond to employee resistance
  • Implement creative ways to deliver meaningful messages

Kristin Taylor, Global Head of Employee Communications
HP, Inc. 


Wednesday July 24, 2019 9:45am - 10:20am EDT
Hyatt Regency Boston

10:20am EDT

Morning Refreshments, Networking Break, & Sponsor Demonstrations
Enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, and other refreshments as you network with your peers. Visit your sponsors to check out some of the latest tools and innovations supporting internal communications.

Sponsors
avatar for bananatag

bananatag

bananatag solves communication problems for some of the biggest companies in the world. We’re on a path to change the way big things (vision and purpose) and small things (news and updates) are communicated within the organization. Our employee email platform allows internal communicators... Read More →
avatar for brightcove

brightcove

Brightcove is a pioneering force in the world of online video and has been since their founding in 2004. They continue to push the limits because of their belief in video’s unmatched power to educate, inspire, entertain, and communicate.
avatar for Eko

Eko

Eko is an internal communication and operations employee platform for companies with a large amount of non-desk staff. Companies around the world use Eko to connect their teams, boost staff engagement, reduce employee turnover, and maximize operational efficiency. Eko’s all-in-one... Read More →
avatar for Osmosis Films

Osmosis Films

Osmosis combines high-quality video storytelling with the technology to distribute your content across your workforce. Osmosis specializes in distilling complex ideas into engaging, impactful video, animation, and other media. Osmosis One is our interactive, mobile-based platform... Read More →
avatar for PoliteMail

PoliteMail

PoliteMail provides meaningful metrics for any of your email communications programs. Create, send, track and measure your Outlook internal communications broadcasts, including corporate newsletters, executive and leadership messages, employee education and training, or any other... Read More →
avatar for Poppulo

Poppulo

Poppulo is the global leader in employee communication software, partnering with many of the world’s biggest and most successful organizations. When companies such as Unilever, Experian, Nestlé, Johnson Controls, Rolls-Royce –  and 9 of the world’s 20 biggest pharma companies... Read More →
avatar for Shootsta

Shootsta

The need for video content for brands is increasing at an exponential rate and communications professionals are trying to meet these demands with limited budget, time and resources. Shootsta offers a unique subscription model that provides the tools and resources to enable brands to create high-quality video content, incredibly cost-effectively, at scale, and ready to share in 24 hours... Read More →
avatar for Simpplr

Simpplr

Simpplr is today’s modern employee intranet. Our software helps companies connect their workforce by streamlining internal communications and forging employee connections. We pride ourselves on our stunning user experience. Our product’s employee adoption rates are multiples higher... Read More →
avatar for SocialChorus

SocialChorus

SocialChorus is the leading workforce communications platform that transforms how workers and organizations connect every day. With SocialChorus, organizations are able to connect and align their teams, power organizational initiatives and measure the business outcomes. Designed for... Read More →
avatar for Speakap

Speakap

Speakap is a secure and private platform that enables organizations of all sizes to reach and engage with their highly-valued front-line employees in order to deliver greater customer experience and business value.On the shop floor, in the kitchen, on the ward, on the road, or on... Read More →
avatar for Staffbase

Staffbase

Staffbase is the leading mobile employee relationship platform for large or decentralized organizations. Our employee app provides a secure channel for employers to connect with their people via smartphone or desktop computer. Based in New York and Germany, Staffbase creates alignment... Read More →
avatar for theEMPLOYEEapp

theEMPLOYEEapp

theEMPLOYEEapp was created by professionals with decades of communications and HR experience to address the challenges organizations face in communicating with a dispersed, frontline and deskless workforce through the use of mobile technology.   Our solution wasn’t developed by... Read More →


Wednesday July 24, 2019 10:20am - 10:50am EDT
Hyatt Regency Boston

10:50am EDT

Strategic Internal Communications Case Study - Medidata Solutions
Details coming soon!

Edward Ford, Senior Director, Talent Brand + Experience                                                                          
Medidata Solutions 
   

Speakers
avatar for Edward Ford

Edward Ford

Senior Director, Talent Brand + Experience, Medidata Solutions
Edward believes that when people can easily connect with their colleagues and critical information, they can produce amazing results. He's committed to using his experience in communications, marketing and social media over the past decade to create a more rewarding employee experience... Read More →


Wednesday July 24, 2019 10:50am - 11:25am EDT
Hyatt Regency Boston

11:25am EDT

How Internal Communications Can Lead the Change and Set the Course for Leadership - McDonald's USA
Discover the role internal communications played during the most significant transformation in McDonald's history. See first-hand how the internal communications team not only evolved their work to meet the needs of the business change, but also how they helped leaders navigate the disruption.

Learn how it was done – and importantly – how to apply their findings to your role, especially during times of significant business transformation.

Jason Greenspan, Senior Director, US Strategy and Internal Communications 
McDonald's USA

Speakers
avatar for Jason Greenspan

Jason Greenspan

Senior Director, US Strategy and Internal Communications, McDonald's USA
Jason Greenspan combines an extensive communication background with strategy expertise to make big things happen inside large organizations. He currently leads a team of 17 people responsible for all internal communications at McDonald's USA. This includes national and local communications... Read More →


Wednesday July 24, 2019 11:25am - 12:00pm EDT
Hyatt Regency Boston

12:00pm EDT

Lunch on Your Own, but Not Alone - Reservations have been Made!
With the help of IABC Boston we have a number of local hot spots lined up for lunch.
Reservations have been made - everyone is on their own financially.

Wednesday July 24, 2019 12:00pm - 1:30pm EDT
Hyatt Regency Boston

1:30pm EDT

Thought-Leader Panel Session: Your Biggest Internal Communications Challenges Solved: Bright Horizons, Clarivate Analytics, Medidata, Brilliant Ink, GoDaddy, Staffbase, & Writing With Clarity
You've submitted your biggest internal communications challenges via Waggl before the conference. Our panelists have also been following the conversation #ALI_IC. They'll provide answers to the questions that came up most often and solutions to your biggest hurdles. There will be additional time for you to ask questions that weren't answered.

Moderator:
Ann Mellinger, CEO, BrilliantInk 

Panelists:
Kim Saltmarsh, Manager of Internal Communications, Bright Horizons
Kate Stickel, Director, Internal Communications, Clarivate Analytics 
Carolyn Clark, Senior Director, Internal Communications, GoDaddy
Edward Ford, Senior Director, Talent Brand + Experience, Medidata Solutions        
Ken O'Quinn, Professional Writing Coach, Writing With Clarity 
Jason Etter, Director of Marketing (U.S.), Staffbase

Speakers
avatar for Jason Etter

Jason Etter

Director of Marketing (U.S.), Staffbase
Jason Etter heads the U.S. Marketing and Brand strategy for Staffbase and has served as an expert in operational leadership, marketing, sales, and business development for over ten years. He's obsessed with delivering a personal and delightful customer experience and brings along... Read More →
avatar for Edward Ford

Edward Ford

Senior Director, Talent Brand + Experience, Medidata Solutions
Edward believes that when people can easily connect with their colleagues and critical information, they can produce amazing results. He's committed to using his experience in communications, marketing and social media over the past decade to create a more rewarding employee experience... Read More →
avatar for Carolyn Clark

Carolyn Clark

Founder | Senior Director, Internal Communications, After Ever Communications | GoDaddy
Carolyn Clark is a seasoned communications professional with experience in many facets of communications – from consumer PR to product PR, media PR to corporate communications, and for the last four years leading internal and HR communications at Yahoo. Most recently, she led internal... Read More →
avatar for Ann Mellinger

Ann Mellinger

CEO, Brilliant Ink
Ann has spent the last 15+ years counseling organizations on improving employee engagement and business results. Employee engagement is her passion and she believes strongly in the role that communications plays in helping people feel good about the work they do every day. Ann believes... Read More →
avatar for Ken O'Quinn

Ken O'Quinn

Professional Writing Coach, Writing With Clarity
Ken O’Quinn is a professional writing coach who has helped thousands of business professionals worldwide improve their ability to craft clear, compelling messages. He started Writing With Clarity following a long journalism career with the Associated Press and now conducts corporate... Read More →
avatar for Kim Saltmarsh

Kim Saltmarsh

Manager of Internal Communications, Bright Horizons
Kim Saltmarsh is the Manager of Internal Communications at Bright Horizons in Watertown, MA. Prior to BH, Kim was the Director of Communications & Development at Courageous Sailing, a non-profit in Charlestown, MA. Kim also spent years in the broadcast journalism world as the Manager... Read More →
avatar for Kate Stickel

Kate Stickel

Director, Internal Communications, Clarivate Analytics
Kate joined Clarivate Analytics in November 2018 as its Internal Communications leader with responsibility for global employee communications, employer brand, internal brand, and change management. She and her team focus their efforts on connecting Clarivate employees to their company... Read More →


Wednesday July 24, 2019 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
Hyatt Regency Boston

2:20pm EDT

The Top Internal Communications Tools at Your Fingertips: Q&A, Demos, & Refreshments
With the variety of internal communication tools available it's hard to navigate and choose the one that is best for your organization. In this fast-paced session you'll have the opportunity to see 3 demonstrations of top internal communications tools of your choice.

We'll alert you when it's time to switch - grab a sweet treat on your way.

Sponsors
avatar for bananatag

bananatag

bananatag solves communication problems for some of the biggest companies in the world. We’re on a path to change the way big things (vision and purpose) and small things (news and updates) are communicated within the organization. Our employee email platform allows internal communicators... Read More →
avatar for brightcove

brightcove

Brightcove is a pioneering force in the world of online video and has been since their founding in 2004. They continue to push the limits because of their belief in video’s unmatched power to educate, inspire, entertain, and communicate.
avatar for Eko

Eko

Eko is an internal communication and operations employee platform for companies with a large amount of non-desk staff. Companies around the world use Eko to connect their teams, boost staff engagement, reduce employee turnover, and maximize operational efficiency. Eko’s all-in-one... Read More →
avatar for Osmosis Films

Osmosis Films

Osmosis combines high-quality video storytelling with the technology to distribute your content across your workforce. Osmosis specializes in distilling complex ideas into engaging, impactful video, animation, and other media. Osmosis One is our interactive, mobile-based platform... Read More →
avatar for PoliteMail

PoliteMail

PoliteMail provides meaningful metrics for any of your email communications programs. Create, send, track and measure your Outlook internal communications broadcasts, including corporate newsletters, executive and leadership messages, employee education and training, or any other... Read More →
avatar for Poppulo

Poppulo

Poppulo is the global leader in employee communication software, partnering with many of the world’s biggest and most successful organizations. When companies such as Unilever, Experian, Nestlé, Johnson Controls, Rolls-Royce –  and 9 of the world’s 20 biggest pharma companies... Read More →
avatar for Shootsta

Shootsta

The need for video content for brands is increasing at an exponential rate and communications professionals are trying to meet these demands with limited budget, time and resources. Shootsta offers a unique subscription model that provides the tools and resources to enable brands to create high-quality video content, incredibly cost-effectively, at scale, and ready to share in 24 hours... Read More →
avatar for Simpplr

Simpplr

Simpplr is today’s modern employee intranet. Our software helps companies connect their workforce by streamlining internal communications and forging employee connections. We pride ourselves on our stunning user experience. Our product’s employee adoption rates are multiples higher... Read More →
avatar for SocialChorus

SocialChorus

SocialChorus is the leading workforce communications platform that transforms how workers and organizations connect every day. With SocialChorus, organizations are able to connect and align their teams, power organizational initiatives and measure the business outcomes. Designed for... Read More →
avatar for Speakap

Speakap

Speakap is a secure and private platform that enables organizations of all sizes to reach and engage with their highly-valued front-line employees in order to deliver greater customer experience and business value.On the shop floor, in the kitchen, on the ward, on the road, or on... Read More →
avatar for Staffbase

Staffbase

Staffbase is the leading mobile employee relationship platform for large or decentralized organizations. Our employee app provides a secure channel for employers to connect with their people via smartphone or desktop computer. Based in New York and Germany, Staffbase creates alignment... Read More →
avatar for theEMPLOYEEapp

theEMPLOYEEapp

theEMPLOYEEapp was created by professionals with decades of communications and HR experience to address the challenges organizations face in communicating with a dispersed, frontline and deskless workforce through the use of mobile technology.   Our solution wasn’t developed by... Read More →


Wednesday July 24, 2019 2:20pm - 3:00pm EDT
Hyatt Regency Boston

3:00pm EDT

Internal Communications and the Employee Experience: Connecting Communications to the Employee Lifecycle - BNSF Logistics
After numerous engagement surveys shed light on gaps BNSF Logistics was experiencing in their internal communications and senior leadership visibility, a decision was made to invest in strategies and new channels to improve internal communications. The first decision that was made was to house internal communications in human resources to have a direct connection to the initiatives that affect their people.
 
Learn about the approach taken by BNSF Logistics to connect their communications efforts to their talent brand and take a look at ways you can keep your dispersed workforce engaged and excited to work, including how to:

  • Communicate with employees during times of transformation
  • Effectively use engagement scores to improve internal communications
  • Know your audience when it comes to reaching a dispersed workforce


Sherrell Watson, Director, Internal Communications and Employee Experience          
BNSF Logistics


Speakers
avatar for Sherrell Watson

Sherrell Watson

Title Director, Internal Communications and Employee Experience, BNSF Logistics


Wednesday July 24, 2019 3:00pm - 3:35pm EDT
Hyatt Regency Boston

3:35pm EDT

Manage Change Through People, and Not People Through Change - G6 Hospitality LLC
G6 Hospitality LLC successfully implemented a major technology shift that not only simplified work for their field managers, but it also created a new level of accountability employees weren’t used to. Based on this insight, they structured their entire change management plan to include field managers along the change journey as well as create accountability throughout the change process, not just at the end. Their feedback influenced both the communication and training approach and much of the design for the end-product.

Discover first-hand practical tactics to help you support, communicate, and inform employees during all stages of organizational change, including how to:

  • Start with the end in mind – develop a change and communications plan that starts with the end-user
  • Get your employees engaged at all points during the change curve
  • Capture real-time data/feedback to create a flexible change management plan
  • Get your executive team and employees to take change seriously and be engaged throughout the process
  • Maximize limited resources to better inform employees, enhance company culture, and communicate effectively with employees and leadership

Ashley Morgan, Director of Internal Communications & Employer Branding
G6 Hospitality LLC

Speakers
avatar for Ashley Morgan

Ashley Morgan

Director, Internal Communications & Employer Branding, G6 Hospitality LLC
Ashley Morgan, Director of Internal Communications & Employer Branding – G6 HospitalityWith 10+ years in the industry, Ashley has found ways to stay on pace with the changing needs of communications industry and organizational needs. Starting her career focused solely on internal... Read More →


Wednesday July 24, 2019 3:35pm - 4:10pm EDT
Hyatt Regency Boston

4:10pm EDT

Rapid Fire Panel: Maximum Ideas in Minimal Time - PGA Tour, rue21, SocialChorus, Desert Financial Credit Union, PoliteMail, & Local Wisdom
This top-rated session is one you won't want to miss.

With 5 internal communication professionals, each presenting a number of quick 1-minute ideas, you'll need your notebook ready.

Moderator: 
Pinaki Kathiari, CEO
Local Wisdom

Panelists:
Dave Cordero, Director of Internal Communications, PGA Tour
Mikki Cook, Director of Store Experience, rue21
Lara Smith, Director, Internal Communications, Desert Financial Credit Union
Gregg Apirian, Senior Director, Advisory Services, SocialChorus 
Michael DesRochers, Founder & Managing Director, PoliteMail


Speakers
avatar for Michael DesRochers

Michael DesRochers

Founder & Managing Director, PoliteMail
While studying computer science at the University of New Hampshire in Durham, Michael DesRochers served as president of the Acacia fraternity. After graduating with his bachelor of science in computer science, he entered the field of software development and ultimately went into business... Read More →
avatar for Lara Smith

Lara Smith

Director, Internal Communications, Desert Financial Credit Union
Lara is a communications professional with proven experience strategically driving companywide goals and objectives that increase employee engagement through the execution of innovative integrated communications campaigns and programs. At Desert Schools, Lara partners with executive... Read More →
avatar for Gregg Apirian

Gregg Apirian

Senior Director, Advisory Services, SocialChorus
As Senior Director of Advisory Services at SocialChorus, Gregg develops and delivers a suite of strategic services that support communications professionals with the guidance to plan, create, publish and measure their communications. These experiences build trust with communications... Read More →
avatar for Mikki Cook

Mikki Cook

Director of Store Experience, rue21
Mikki Cook is the Director of Store Experience at rue21. Her mission is to drive high engagement among the millennials and gen z’ers working in their 700 stores. In her 10 years at rue21 she has worked to ensure the field team has a voice to provide feedback and influence corporate... Read More →
avatar for Pinaki Kathiari

Pinaki Kathiari

CEO, Local Wisdom
Pinaki is CEO of Local Wisdom, a digital agency that focuses on creating custom solutions to today’s digital challenges, managing platforms to protect and enhance the digital investment, and staying in the forefront of technology through R&D and products.Pinaki spends his days solving... Read More →
avatar for Dave Cordero

Dave Cordero

Director of Internal Communications, PGA Tour
Dave Cordero is the Director of Internal Communications at the PGA TOUR, overseeing special projects and all facets of employee communications. As part of this cross-functional role, Cordero works closely with Communications, Human Resources and the Office of the Commissioner to implement... Read More →


Wednesday July 24, 2019 4:10pm - 5:00pm EDT
Hyatt Regency Boston

5:00pm EDT

Close of Day 1: Networking Reception & Conversations Continued
Don't stop the conversation! Join us outside as you network with your peers and sponsors in the adjacent at the #ALI_IC open-bar reception.

Participate in raffles, sign-up for dinner with your peers, and get your vocal cords ready for the Annual Kung-Fu Karaoke Party!


Wednesday July 24, 2019 5:00pm - 6:30pm EDT
Hyatt Regency Boston

7:00pm EDT

Dinner with a Group - Reservations Have Been Made
Interested in dining out and exploring Boston with a group? Check in with the ALI staff to see where reservations have been made.

Wednesday July 24, 2019 7:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
Hyatt Regency Boston

9:00pm EDT

Annual #ALI_IC Kung-Fu Karaoke Outing Sponsored by Local Wisdom
For some this may not be your first time - for others, you're in for a treat. Join #ALI_IC veterans LocalWisdom in this annual Karoke outing. We expect to see videos and hear stories tomorrow from those who participate.



Wednesday July 24, 2019 9:00pm - 11:00pm EDT
Hyatt Regency Boston
 
Thursday, July 25
 

TBA

8:00am EDT

Breakfast, Bagels, & Beverages
Coffee will be hot and breakfast will be available at 8:00 a.m. Sponsors will be on-site if you'd like the opportunity to ask more questions and see additional demonstrations.

Thursday July 25, 2019 8:00am - 8:30am EDT
Hyatt Regency Boston

8:15am EDT

Bonus Session: Intranet Myths – the Top 5 Misconceptions People Have about Their Intranet - Sponosred by Simpplr
Because intranets have existed for a couple of decades now, it’s important to be aware that traditional intranets of the past do not serve the current evolving workplace. As a result, the old notions of an intranet software still remains today.

In just 15 minutes Simpplr will provide you with th top 5 misconceptions people have about their intranet. You don't want to miss this!

Sandi Stretch, Strategic Communications and Intranet Advisor
Simpplr


Speakers
avatar for Sandi Stretch

Sandi Stretch

Strategic Communications and Intranet Advisor, Simpplr

Sponsors
avatar for Simpplr

Simpplr

Simpplr is today’s modern employee intranet. Our software helps companies connect their workforce by streamlining internal communications and forging employee connections. We pride ourselves on our stunning user experience. Our product’s employee adoption rates are multiples higher... Read More →


Thursday July 25, 2019 8:15am - 8:30am EDT

8:30am EDT

Day 2 Kick off and Chairperson's Address
With a day, or two if you joined us in the workshops, under your belt you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed. Together we will recap yesterday's top takeaways and set the stage for this final day of learning.



Speakers
avatar for Jill Christensen

Jill Christensen

Employee Engagement Expert, Best-Selling Author, International Keynote Speaker and Top 100 Global Employee Engagement Influencer, Jill Christensen International LLC
Jill is Founder & President of Jill Christensen International LLC, a global firm focused on teaching companies her proven strategy to increase employee engagement. Jill was a Corporate Communications Fortune 500 business executive at Avaya and Western Union prior to launching her... Read More →


Thursday July 25, 2019 8:30am - 9:00am EDT
Hyatt Regency Boston

9:00am EDT

Update, Modify, and Promote Your Organization’s Intranet to Become Part of Daily Office Life That Your Employees Want to Use - Barton Malow & Habanero Consulting
With employees nationwide and a large remote workforce, Barton Malow’s network needed an innovative internal communications strategy to keep employees empowered and motivated, to reach the company’s goal of doubling efficiency by 2024.

20 months after launch Barton Malow continues to evolve their intranet, adding new features and driving stronger engagement it has become a powerful internal communications tool to bridge the gap between employees, internal communications, HR and senior leadership.
 
Learn how you, too can revamp your existing intranet into a powerful employee collaboration tool without breaking the bank, including how to:

  • Develop empathy and understanding of the needs, goals, perspectives, and values of your organization
  • Ensure the right problems are being solved
  • Encourage co-create across the organization
  • Deliver an intranet that goes beyond news and benefits and includes: social sharing and commenting, a personal directory where remote and diverse workforce can easily connect
  • Update and evolve your organizations intranet with ease and without breaking the bank
  • Promote your intranet as an integral part of your employees daily or weekly experience and is something they want to use
  • Measures your success through the right metrics

Anna Cangialosi, Content Manager              
Barton Malow

Brian Edwards, Director of Products and Services     
Habanero Consulting

Speakers
avatar for Brian Edwards

Brian Edwards

Director of Products and Services, Habanero Consulting
Director of Products and Services Brian Edwards leads, creates, and maintains the business plans and roadmaps of Habanero’s technology solutions and services. This includes developing an investment strategy for new offerings and developing partnerships that augment or complement... Read More →
avatar for Anna Cangialosi

Anna Cangialosi

Content Manager, Barton Malow
Anna Cangialosi is a Content Manager with Barton Malow Company. She works with various departments, leadership, and communities within Barton Malow to create and implement quality communications using various media applications. She works with teams across the organization to help... Read More →


Thursday July 25, 2019 9:00am - 9:35am EDT
Hyatt Regency Boston

9:35am EDT

Big Company, Small Team: How to Create Community with Limited Resources - AECOM Sponsored by Poppulo
Three years ago, employees in AECOM’s Design and Consulting Services business ranked internal communications as the second most disliked feature of their employee experience. In this year’s annual employee survey, there were zero negative comments about internal communications. How was this possible?

Discover how a small team of communications professionals built a community across 200 offices and connected 20,000 employees from over 100 legacy companies--both to one another and to the business.

Learn practical tips and insights from the AECOM team’s journey to transform communications from messaging to community and from chaos to connection, including:

  • Steps to cultural evolution
  • Targeting communications in the age of personal algorithms
  • How, and why, to DIY just about anything
  • Email is not the enemy--but it’s also not everything
  • Measuring what matters

Ruth Kennedy-Mountjoy, Director, DCS Americas Communications
AECOM

Speakers
avatar for Ruth Kennedy-Mountjoy

Ruth Kennedy-Mountjoy

Director, DCS Americas Communications, AECOM
Ruth Kennedy-Mountjoy is Director of Communications for AECOM’s largest business - Design and Consulting Services Americas (DCSA). In this role, Ruth has contributed to the success of nearly 50 initiatives and multiple business objectives. She has transformed internal communications... Read More →



Thursday July 25, 2019 9:35am - 10:05am EDT
Hyatt Regency Boston

10:05am EDT

Morning Refreshments, Networking Break, & Sponsor Demonstrations
Take this time to ask questions, visit your sponsors, and grab a bite to eat.
Be sure to fill out your evaluation form.

Sponsors
avatar for bananatag

bananatag

bananatag solves communication problems for some of the biggest companies in the world. We’re on a path to change the way big things (vision and purpose) and small things (news and updates) are communicated within the organization. Our employee email platform allows internal communicators... Read More →
avatar for brightcove

brightcove

Brightcove is a pioneering force in the world of online video and has been since their founding in 2004. They continue to push the limits because of their belief in video’s unmatched power to educate, inspire, entertain, and communicate.
avatar for Eko

Eko

Eko is an internal communication and operations employee platform for companies with a large amount of non-desk staff. Companies around the world use Eko to connect their teams, boost staff engagement, reduce employee turnover, and maximize operational efficiency. Eko’s all-in-one... Read More →
avatar for Osmosis Films

Osmosis Films

Osmosis combines high-quality video storytelling with the technology to distribute your content across your workforce. Osmosis specializes in distilling complex ideas into engaging, impactful video, animation, and other media. Osmosis One is our interactive, mobile-based platform... Read More →
avatar for PoliteMail

PoliteMail

PoliteMail provides meaningful metrics for any of your email communications programs. Create, send, track and measure your Outlook internal communications broadcasts, including corporate newsletters, executive and leadership messages, employee education and training, or any other... Read More →
avatar for Poppulo

Poppulo

Poppulo is the global leader in employee communication software, partnering with many of the world’s biggest and most successful organizations. When companies such as Unilever, Experian, Nestlé, Johnson Controls, Rolls-Royce –  and 9 of the world’s 20 biggest pharma companies... Read More →
avatar for Shootsta

Shootsta

The need for video content for brands is increasing at an exponential rate and communications professionals are trying to meet these demands with limited budget, time and resources. Shootsta offers a unique subscription model that provides the tools and resources to enable brands to create high-quality video content, incredibly cost-effectively, at scale, and ready to share in 24 hours... Read More →
avatar for Simpplr

Simpplr

Simpplr is today’s modern employee intranet. Our software helps companies connect their workforce by streamlining internal communications and forging employee connections. We pride ourselves on our stunning user experience. Our product’s employee adoption rates are multiples higher... Read More →
avatar for SocialChorus

SocialChorus

SocialChorus is the leading workforce communications platform that transforms how workers and organizations connect every day. With SocialChorus, organizations are able to connect and align their teams, power organizational initiatives and measure the business outcomes. Designed for... Read More →
avatar for Speakap

Speakap

Speakap is a secure and private platform that enables organizations of all sizes to reach and engage with their highly-valued front-line employees in order to deliver greater customer experience and business value.On the shop floor, in the kitchen, on the ward, on the road, or on... Read More →
avatar for Staffbase

Staffbase

Staffbase is the leading mobile employee relationship platform for large or decentralized organizations. Our employee app provides a secure channel for employers to connect with their people via smartphone or desktop computer. Based in New York and Germany, Staffbase creates alignment... Read More →
avatar for theEMPLOYEEapp

theEMPLOYEEapp

theEMPLOYEEapp was created by professionals with decades of communications and HR experience to address the challenges organizations face in communicating with a dispersed, frontline and deskless workforce through the use of mobile technology.   Our solution wasn’t developed by... Read More →


Thursday July 25, 2019 10:05am - 10:30am EDT
Hyatt Regency Boston

10:30am EDT

Interactive Session: Let's Get Personal! Building Personas to Create Communications that Resonate and Inspire - led by Brilliant Ink
No matter how hard we try, communications can’t be everything to everyone. Inside every organization, there are groups of employees who process and react to communications differently. But how often do you find yourself developing messages for all employees? If you’re spending a lot of time on all-employee communications, they can end up watered down and uninspired. There’s a better way—we promise.


In this interactive session, Brilliant Ink will show you how to build employee personas so that your communications have the greatest impact. Because by not speaking to a particular someone, we risk not connecting with anyone.


Here’s what you can expect:
  • Techniques for learning more about your employee audiences vs. operating off assumptions.
  • How to use personas to help you better understand your audiences, target your messages and ensure your communications resonate with the people who need to hear them most
  • Real-world examples demonstrating how personas can improve your communications approach
  • A hands-on exercise to building personas that you can take back to your organization and re-create for other audiences

Ann Mellinger, CEO
Brilliant Ink

Jackie Berg, Head of Research & Business Development
Brilliant Ink

Speakers
avatar for Jackie Berg

Jackie Berg

Head of Research & Business Development, Brilliant Ink
Jackie Berg is the Director of Research & Business Development at employee experience agency Brilliant Ink. After nearly a decade supporting Fortune 500 companies connect more effectively with their key audiences through the power of data, Jackie has now turned her analytical eye... Read More →
avatar for Ann Mellinger

Ann Mellinger

CEO, Brilliant Ink
Ann has spent the last 15+ years counseling organizations on improving employee engagement and business results. Employee engagement is her passion and she believes strongly in the role that communications plays in helping people feel good about the work they do every day. Ann believes... Read More →


Thursday July 25, 2019 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
Hyatt Regency Boston

11:15am EDT

Empower Employee Breakthroughs, Both Big and Small, by Aligning Your Internal Communication & HR Strategies - St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Facing a rapidly expanding workforce, the Human Resources team at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital paused to ask, “What do employees really need/want to know?” Using a people-centric approach, they began an employee experience journey.  

It started with the development of a compelling HR brand, “Breakthrough,” that allowed employees to connect with the support they needed to have personal and/or professional breakthroughs.

In this session see how the team developed and organized the brand, see examples of how it is used across their programs, and get a sneak peek into the foundation it’s laid for future employee experience initiatives, including how to:

  • Develop a compelling internal brand
  • Break down traditional HR messaging silos
  • Identify what a “brand” really means
  • Use your brand to communicate key HR initiatives

Jennie Bledsoe, Director of Internal and HR Communications                
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital              

Speakers
avatar for Jennie Bledsoe

Jennie Bledsoe

Director of Internal and HR Communications, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Humor, authenticity, curiosity, energy and service—these are traits that Jennie Bledsoe carries through an internal communications career that spans corporate, virtual, call center, retail, franchise, sales, international, manufacturing and now healthcare workforces.Jennie is passionate... Read More →


Thursday July 25, 2019 11:15am - 11:50am EDT
Hyatt Regency Boston

11:50am EDT

Lunch on Your Own, but Not Alone - Reservations have been Made!
Join your peers as you step out and see a little bit of Boston.
With the help of IABC Boston we have made reservations at a number of local hot spots.

Thursday July 25, 2019 11:50am - 1:20pm EDT
Hyatt Regency Boston

1:20pm EDT

IC Pros Picked to Sit on a Panel - Find out What Happens When You Stop Being Polite and Start Getting Real #RealWorldIC - Wayfair, Imperial Dade, Reebok, Envolve PeopleCare, SpeakAp, Level Comm, and more!
Remove the gloves, get rid of the fluff, these experts are here to tell it like is.

You've got questions - these experts have answers. In this unique panel session you'll have the chance to unload your frustrations, ask your most pressing questions, and gain ideas from some of the best and brightest in the industry.

Moderator: 
Sherhara Downing, Founder
Level Comm

Panelists include:
Laura Ann Craven, Vice President, Marketing & Communications
Imperial Dade

Kristin Geyer, Manager, Internal Communication Strategy
Wayfair

Kristen Moss, Senior Director, Corporate Communications
Reebok

David Schreiber, Senior Director, Marketing & Communications
Envolve PeopleCare

Robert Hassett, Account Director South East United States
Speakap

Speakers
avatar for David Schreiber

David Schreiber

Senior Director of Marketing and Communications, Envolve PeopleCare
avatar for Kristen Moss

Kristen Moss

Senior Director, Corporate Communications, Reebok
As Senior Director, Corporate Communications, Kristen is responsible for leading Reebok’s communication strategy and execution globally, optimizing all external and internal communication activities in alignment with adidas. Kristen joined the organization in January 2018 to strengthen... Read More →
avatar for Sherhara Downing

Sherhara Downing

Founder + Master Trainer, Level Comm
As an international corporate trainer and facilitator, Sherhara transforms boring and jargon filled content into entertaining and effective presentations. She teaches corporate professionals proven strategies and tactics to transform communication skills. Her dynamic personality engages... Read More →
avatar for Kristin Geyer

Kristin Geyer

Manager, Internal Communications Strategy, Wayfair
Kristin spearheads Global Internal Communications Strategy at Wayfair, one of the world’s largest online destinations for the home. At Wayfair, Kristin partners with stakeholders across the organization to optimize and consolidate communications platforms and tactics to engage... Read More →
avatar for Laura Ann Craven

Laura Ann Craven

Vice President, Marketing & Communications, Imperial Dade
Laura oversees all aspects of corporate communications and marketing for Imperial Dade, a national distribution company headquartered in Jersey City, NJ. Her responsibilities include brand and reputation management, internal and external communications, marketing communications, experiential... Read More →


Thursday July 25, 2019 1:20pm - 2:10pm EDT
Hyatt Regency Boston

2:10pm EDT

Don't Overwhelm Your Employees, Engage Them! - Desert Financial Credit Union
You have taken the steps to improve your internal communications, you have integrated new tools, you have mapped out a plan. Job done, right?

But how does your most valuable asset feel about these improvements? Are you about to overwhelm your employees with unnecessary information and company updates? Are these new strategies you'ree implementing helping or hurting their productivity?

Discover how Desert Financial Credit Union scaled down their communications to a "must know" not a "nice to know" format, integrated short engaging videos, and ensure their employees were on board with these internal communication improvements.

Lara Smith, Director, Internal Communications
Desert Financial Credit Union



Speakers
avatar for Lara Smith

Lara Smith

Director, Internal Communications, Desert Financial Credit Union
Lara is a communications professional with proven experience strategically driving companywide goals and objectives that increase employee engagement through the execution of innovative integrated communications campaigns and programs. At Desert Schools, Lara partners with executive... Read More →


Thursday July 25, 2019 2:10pm - 2:45pm EDT
Hyatt Regency Boston

2:45pm EDT

A Tune to Remember: Top Internal Communication Tips, Tricks, and More - Surprise Guest
You've had 2 - some 3 - days to see what your internal communication peers are doing. From the challenges they're struggling with, innovative strategies they're using, and even what tools have worked the best. You've also had the chance to share your biggest success stories!

In this exciting recap, we'll tie up the loose ends and send you on your way with the key things to remember!

When booking your flight - be sure to stay for this session!

Speakers

Thursday July 25, 2019 2:45pm - 3:15pm EDT
Hyatt Regency Boston

3:15pm EDT

Ending Wrap-Up Session & Champagne Toast
Wrap up the past 2 days in this fun, fast-paced session.

Jill Christensen, Employee Engagement Expert, Best-Selling Author, International Keynote Speaker



Speakers
avatar for Jill Christensen

Jill Christensen

Employee Engagement Expert, Best-Selling Author, International Keynote Speaker and Top 100 Global Employee Engagement Influencer, Jill Christensen International LLC
Jill is Founder & President of Jill Christensen International LLC, a global firm focused on teaching companies her proven strategy to increase employee engagement. Jill was a Corporate Communications Fortune 500 business executive at Avaya and Western Union prior to launching her... Read More →


Thursday July 25, 2019 3:15pm - 3:30pm EDT
Hyatt Regency Boston

3:30pm EDT

Close of 6th Annual Strategic Internal Communications Conference
Thank you for joining us for the 6th Annual Strategic Internal Communications Conference.
Be sure to share your thoughts and photos using #ALI_IC
You will receive a link to dropbox next week with copies of all presentations

Thursday July 25, 2019 3:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Hyatt Regency Boston
 
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