The British Association of Communicators in Business (CiB) annual conference in Birmingham on 21-22 May will tackle one of the key issues for internal communicators today – how to communicate effectively in challenging times.
‘Economy down – engagement up’ will explore approaches to articulating strategic goals and messages, as well as maintaining motivation and engagement, when businesses and employees face difficult or uncertain times and unfamiliar challenges.
A wide-ranging programme of speaker presentations, case studies, panel debate and break-out workshops will help delegates to develop their own practical solutions, with sessions including : views of business leaders on internal communication and its future; matching internal reality to the external message; using social networking to add communication value; communicating in a crisis; keeping corporate social responsibility and diversity centre stage; how to make your personality work to create strong bonds and advocates within the organisation.
Speakers will include:
·Jaguar Land Rover communications and public affairs director Simon Warr on maintaining staff engagement during a business takeover.
·Dr Leandro Herrero, author of Viral Change, on how major change can be achieved by a small number of people in incremental steps through their networks of influence.
· Penny Power, founder of the business networking site Ecademy, on the implications of an economic down-turn for social networking.
· The Co-operative Group’s senior communications manager Robert Cohen on employee communications strategy during a major organisational re-branding exercise.
· Freda Line, hr consultant and former diversity adviser at the CIPD, on keeping diversity on the agenda in times of recession.
· G4S corporate affairs director Patrick Toyne-Sewell on how the UK’s largest security services company achieves the commitment of remote workers to organisational objectives and culture.
· Mitch Smith, head of AXA’s Best People Programme, on a major initiative aimed at ensuring staff service is a key positive differentiator for the company.
The all-in price of £1200 + VAT for non-members (£880+ VAT for members) covers all meals, accommodation, the 60th anniversary annual dinner and a place at the national awards ceremony and dinner. Discounts are available for multiple bookings.
An added bonus for non-members is that they are offered one year’s free membership of the association with their conference booking. Providing they have not been a member during the last year, this will give a saving of £178.50 + VAT and allow for immediate access to CiB services.
