Summit Program

The internal communication function has witnessed a number of changes over the past decade: increased recognition as a separate discipline, a reporting line more closely connected to senior leaders and a strategic remit that now incorporates employee engagement, organisational change and improved management performance. The need for us to become a strong, strategic partner to the businesses we are part of has never been greater!

Other trends, however, have added more complexity to our role: a social-networking environment unrecognisable a few years ago, a plethora of new and ever-changing communication tools and channels, and increasing financial pressure to clarify our role and prove the business value of what we do.

• How will we continue to react to these pressures?
• What ongoing external developments will cause further change inside our organisations?
• And what are the major trends that are likely to have an impact on our profession and the work we do?

We'll address these questions by presenting key highlights from Melcrum's study - created exclusively for members of Melcrum's Strategic Communication Research Forum - exploring major business and workforce trends likely to have an impact on IC over the next five years and the implications for IC practitioners.

While many international organisations have embraced the professional contribution of the internal communicator, others are unaware that the function really exists. In the Australian marketplace, the work of internal communicators is often directed by HR, Marketing, PR or IT departments using varied operating models. Some work on discrete projects reporting directly to line managers. Sometimes there is little interaction with external counterparts.

Anthea Cudworth will share her stories and personal observations about making the most of your situation. She will look at practical techniques that frame your role to meet the demands of the business. She will discuss influencing strategies and how to build strong partnerships. She'll share candid insights about the successes and disasters you may encounter. Anthea will draw conclusions from research findings, industry case studies, professional networks and personal experience, offering practical ideas for everyday situations.

Learn how Cisco transformed one of the world's premier worldwide internal sales meetings into a cutting edge virtual and hybrid event

The trinity of Time, Space, and Matter in the event world, has always been thought of as a set of constraints; events must happen at a certain time, at a certain place, and within the physical world. What if, instead, we looked at Time, Space, and Matter not as constraints but as additional opportunities for engagement?

This is exactly the journey that Cisco and their agency, George P. Johnson (GPJ) embarked on three years ago when John Chambers, Cisco chairman and CEO, issued the challenge: Take the global 15,000 person physical meeting and make it virtual using Cisco technology.

Working with GPJ, Cisco's Global Sales Meeting has evolved from a program which assembled over 15,000 people in Las Vegas every summer to a virtual only event to a hybrid experience blending video technology, collaboration tools, game dynamics, storytelling, and compelling online learning experiences.

In this session, you will learn

1. How remote engagement concepts and strategic mapping strategies were used to shift from a physical event to virtual-only event to finally a hybrid experience.
2. What strategies were used to engage audiences such as games and storytelling.
3. What technology was used to support the delivery of a dynamic, engaging, around-the-clock experience to thousands of attendees all around the globe.

The difference between horrific failure and glorious success is your team's ability to deal with change FAST!

The willing ability and powerful skills to be instantly flexible, accept and be open to change - fast, makes the difference between an elite team of professionals and everyone else.

Explosive Minds' Change Agents Strategy Session reveals the top 5 secrets to rapid change management, innovation and creativity.

With their unique and hilarious comedy style, the Explosive Minds team will have your audience laughing while leaving them with powerful practical tools which will help them look for and recognise golden opportunities, communicate their ideas powerfully and rapidly accept the attitude of the early adopter while maintaining the wisdom of the experienced professional.

Business history tells us that companies who are continuously investing in their team's ability to look for and accept new ideas have strong morale and outstanding retention, leading directly to HIGH LEVEL PRODUCTIVITY and RESULTS.

• Laugh and learn practical real-world tools for rapid adaptive change
• Uncover best-practise communication that ensures and solidifies high-level team morale
• Elite level mastery team-building experience that brings people together and helps them stick like SUPER GLUE

What exactly is EVP and can having one really benefit your employees and organisation?

What are the potential implications of not having one? Can it be used to send a post recession message to your employees? Does it provide an opportunity to acknowledge, communicate and formalise change? And what does an effective EVP look like?

During this session you'll learn:

• The definition of EVP
• How EVP can influence your organisation.
• What an EVP should look like and consist of.
• The benefits of having an EVP

What kind of reputation does internal communication have in your business?

What would change if senior leaders involved you, listened to you and trusted your advice?

What can you do to build credibility and trust, and prove the value you can add?

During this interactive, workshop-style session you'll learn:

• A new way of thinking about your key senior stakeholders and your relationship with them
• How to handle stakeholders whose request are out-of-sync with your communication strategy
• How to become a more trusted advisor to the business