About the Event

Agenda

Policies

Influence at Work: New Rules to Reach and Persuade Those Who Matter Most

Our profession deals in the currency of influence, shaping the narratives that build the reputations of our organizations and the stories we tell ourselves about who we are. Influence is both our work and at work upon us. But the dynamics of influence are changing while the work we do reflects humanity’s unique ability to collaborate and coordinate our efforts for generations beyond our own.

This moment offers us the unique opportunity to reevaluate influence and redefine the rules for whether or not and how to apply this collective superpower in ways that enrich more lives, make us more human, and serve our stakeholders well for the long haul. Join your peers — powerfully influential in their own right — this spring in Brooklyn, New York where we’ll learn from one another in a highly interactive refresh of the Page Spring Seminar.

Registration Fee & Cancellation Policy

The registration fee breakdown is tiered based on your membership type and how you will be joining us. Register now to receive the early bird rate, indicated with bold text below. Italicized numbers reflect the rate increase after the early bird deadline passes on February 13.

In-Person:

  • Corporate, Agency, Executive Search: $2,700 | $2,900
  • Non-Profit, Government, Retiree: $1,600 $1,800
  • Educator: $1,100 | $1,300
  • Honoree: Complimentary
  • Guest: $2,800 $3,000
  • Spouse: $900
  • Dinner-Only: $525

Virtual:

  • Corporate, Agency, Executive Search, Future Leaders Experience Participant: $1,250
  • Non-Profit, Government, Retiree: $750
  • Educator: $500
  • Guest: $1,250
  • Honoree: Complimentary

Our policy is to refund 50% of the conference fee if canceled 31 days in advance of the scheduled start of the event. There will be no refunds, in whole or in part, for cancellations received within 30 days of the event (on or after Monday, March 14, 2023). Registration fees are non-transferable. Cancellation for COVID-related reasons will be eligible for full refunds. All other cancellations will follow our standard cancellation policy.

In-Person Networking Breakfast

7:45 – 9:00 a.m.

In-Person Page and Page Up New Member Breakfasts

7:45 – 9:00 a.m.

Welcome and Opening Interaction

9:00 – 9:30 a.m.

Brian LottPage Society Chair, Chief Communications Officer, Group Communications, Mubadala Investment Company
Ethan McCarty2023 Spring Seminar Chair, CEO, Integral

Influence Redux: Another Page Visit with Ezra Klein

9:30 – 10:05 a.m.

In 2016, Ezra Klein joined us at Spring Seminar to discuss how the voices of an emerging generation — millennials — were gaining influence in the workforce and marketplace. At the time, he was a Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Vox. Now, Ezra joins us again — as a powerfully influential thinker among the most established at the New York Times, the literal voice of his eponymous podcast (which was named a Best Podcast in 2021 by Time, Vulture, Esquire and The Atlantic), and the author of the needle-moving book, “Why We Are Polarized.” We’ll reverse the seats on this seasoned interviewer (who regularly engages in deep dialogue with some of the world’s top artists, political thinkers, journalists, musicians and policy-makers such as Biden Chief of Staff Ron Klain, acclaimed philosopher Noam Chomsky and policy expert Fiona Hill) when Spring Seminar Chair Ethan McCarty asks Ezra to share his thoughts on the nature of global influence, his own rising influence, and maybe even his secret recipe for vegan banana bread – or something. Klein influences the daily actions of millions of people and you’ll have a front row seat to this revealing conversation.

Ezra KleinColumnist, The New York Times; Podcast Host, The Ezra Klein Show; Author, “Why We Are Polarized.”
Ethan McCarty2023 Spring Seminar Chair, CEO, Integral

Lies, Damned Lies and ChatGPT

10:05 – 10:25 a.m.

Fortune recently asserted that Artificial intelligence (AI) just had its “iPhone moment” – systems like ChatGPT and DALL-E now occupy the foreground of public consciousness. AI that’s based on “large language models” just might revolutionize the world of writers and content creators (and it’s certainly giving high school composition teachers a run for their money). In this fun and informative session, Dan and Kevin will take a not-too-technical step beyond “ChatGPT 101” to share practical examples of how to integrate ChatGPT into our work and what to watch out for.

Dan SimonCEO and Chairman, Vested
Kevin TrowbridgeCTO, Qwoted

Morning Break

10:25 – 10:55 a.m.

C-Suite Peer Pressure: Influencing the Influential

10:55 – 11:35 a.m.

We’ve long talked about earning a ‘seat at the table’ and many of us have done so. Now what? With Chiefs for peers (of finance, technology, human resources, marketing, operations and more) how might we make the most of these crucial relationships? The CCO as connector, strategist and business visionary is in a prime position to Influence the most influential people in an organization by forming multiparty, mutually valuable networks of relationships. Our panel will talk about how relationships with their peers, the CCO chief among them, have made a powerful difference in their own executive suites.

Gaurav ChandChief Marketing Officer, Cognizant
Jin MontesanoRepresentative Executive Officer, Executive Vice President, Chief People Officer, LIXIL Group Corporation
Eric SeversoExecutive Vice President, Chief People and Belonging Officer, NMG
Grant ToupsGlobal Chief Technology Officer, Hill+Knowlton Strategies

Peer Connection

11:35 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Our Peer Connections will invite you to reflect and connect with your colleagues on speaker insights. These meaningful conversations shift you into an active learning state, while building new relationships. Most importantly, Peer Connection moments will support your ability to translate and integrate what you learn at the conference, increasing your return on participation.

Networking Lunch

12:00 1:00 p.m.

High Tech, High Touch: Why the Most Human Company Wins

1:00 – 1:40 p.m.

A new approach to influence — through human connection and community — has emerged among the most successful brands contending with customers savvy to automated personalization. Based on his bestselling books, “Marketing Rebellion,” and, “Belonging to the Brand,” Mark Schaefer will share the latest consumer research revealing an entirely new mindset necessary to meaningfully connect with customers, employees and investors. Communication executives are ideally positioned to “humanize” marketing, sales and customer service, and employee-focused processes based on extensive knowledge of designing live experiences, shaping culture, connecting people and developing narratives. Mark Schaefer’s session will inspire us to enable our organizations to build brilliant businesses — even when customers are in charge.

Mark W. SchaeferExecutive Director, Schaefer Marketing Solutions, Bestselling Author and Futurist

Spring Seminar...Unconference?

1:40 – 3:40 p.m.

Wait, you thought you were coming to a conference… now it’s an unconference? Yep, you read that right. We’ve reserved two hours to satisfy our perennial desire for more time mixing it up with — and learning from — one another. The idea is simple — Spring Seminar participants (that includes you) provide both the topics and the content for these dynamic conversations. Unconference formats allow everyone to converse about what interests us the most. No presentations, just people with experience, curiosity and ideas about highly relevant topics. You don’t have to be an expert to pose a question and suggest a topic — simply ask peers about what you find intriguing, compelling, exciting or puzzling. There are limited time slots available and dedicated spaces where each self-selected group will meet and engage (physically and virtually). As a participant, you can suggest a topic, attend multiple topics, stay put or even invent new ways to connect. Given the remarkable combined network of Page and Page Up world-changers, the unconference promises powerful  insights and real connections with people you admire and respect.

Break

3:40 – 4:10 p.m.

The Un-Report Out

4:10 – 4:35 p.m.

Do you dread those deadly report outs after breakouts? We get it. That’s why we do things differently in the main room when we return from the unconference. Instead of hearing from each conversation group, our facilitator will engage the whole room in an interactive conversation to tease out surprises, wisdom and actionable ideas from the unconference.

Disinformation, Conspiracies, and Hoaxes: The Dark Side of Influence

4:35 – 5:15 p.m.

Wouldn’t it be nice if influence were uniquely deployed for the good of all? Alas, it’s not. Bust out your hand sanitizer for a session bound to go viral – we’ll hear about the psychology behind disinformation and strategies for tackling it. From algorithms susceptible to manipulation to outright lies -- disinformation is one of the most significant problems in society, disrupting elections and costing companies billions of dollars annually. As the old saying goes, “bad news travels at light speed, good news takes the scenic route.” These expert panelists from business and academia will share research-driven insights to help us as communicators to better understand and defuse the dark side of influence.

Dr. Anni SterniskoSocial Scientist & Consultant, Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues, United Nations
Lisa KaplanCEO, Alethea
Kiran GarimellaAssistant Professor, School of Communication and Information, Rutgers University
Meghan ConroyU.S. Research Fellow, Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab
Dr. Tina McCorkindalePresident and CEO, Institute of Public Relations

Closing Remarks and Interaction

5:15 – 5:30 p.m.

Marc Cloosterman2023 Spring Seminar Co-Chair, CEO, VIM Group

In-Person Networking Reception

6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Networking Dinner

7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Case Study Awards

8:20 – 8:40 p.m.

Dinner Entertainment

8:40 – 9:25 p.m.

Evening Close

9:25 – 9:30 p.m.

Networking Breakfast

7:30 - 8:15 a.m.

Opening Remarks and Interaction

8:15 - 8:45 a.m.

Marc Cloosterman2023 Spring Seminar Co-Chair, CEO, VIM Group

Voices of Influence

8:45 - 10:05 a.m.

8:45 – 9:05 a.m.  Emily Goodson, Writer, Speaker and Start-Up Advisor Emily Goodson is a remarkable entrepreneur, speaker, writer, and educator making an impact at the intersection of branding, workplace culture, diversity, and inclusion. She specializes as an advisor to major brands and start-ups and applies the lessons learned from her lived experience with disability to help people succeed and lead happy lives. Emily will reveal what it takes to develop and share your voice and identity in a world predisposed to considering you all but invisible. 9:05 – 9:25 a.m. Howard Pyle, Founder, Experience Futures  A new digital divide has emerged that creates barriers in design and content for aging users, low-income households, and users with disabilities and neurodiversity in a world where essential services are increasingly available only online. Howard Pyle has worked for more than two decades integrating design, technology, and creativity - from leading startups to running global design at Fortune 100 companies. He helps organizations align social impact and business goals by creating more personalized and inclusive digital experiences for underserved communities. As the CEO and Founder of Experience Futures, Howard will share how emerging technologies and methods can scale influence to serve stakeholders — and stand out in a sea of dark patterns, digital  haves-and-have-nots, and experiential siloes rife with friction. 9:25 – 9:45 a.m.  Jennah Blau, Publisher, Education, TikTok The democratization of social media has had many profound impacts  on corporate narratives, but perhaps one of the most profound is that influence is now synonymous with authenticity. How do you construct an effective and influential narrative when you start out with a “motive”? Jennah Blau will share tips on how to leverage social media effectively to authentically amplify your brand voice and values. She will explain the current shift from influencer driven industry to a creator culture and help us understand the new rules for working with them. Her fresh approach will help you harness the power of authentic influence effectively and ethically. 9:45 - 10:05 a.m. Facilitated Q&A Read morehas emerged that creates barriers in design and content for aging users, low-income households, and users with disabilities and neurodiversity in a world where essential services are increasingly available only online. Howard Pyle has worked for more than two decades integrating design, technology, and creativity - from leading startups to running global design at Fortune 100 companies. He helps organizations align social impact and business goals by creating more personalized and inclusive digital experiences for underserved communities. As the CEO and Founder of Experience Futures, Howard will share how emerging technologies and methods can scale influence to serve stakeholders — and stand out in a sea of dark patterns, digital  haves-and-have-nots, and experiential siloes rife with friction. 9:25 – 9:45 a.m.  Jennah Blau, Publisher, Education, TikTok The democratization of social media has had many profound impacts  on corporate narratives, but perhaps one of the most profound is that influence is now synonymous with authenticity. How do you construct an effective and influential narrative when you start out with a “motive”? Jennah Blau will share tips on how to leverage social media effectively to authentically amplify your brand voice and values. She will explain the current shift from influencer driven industry to a creator culture and help us understand the new rules for working with them. Her fresh approach will help you harness the power of authentic influence effectively and ethically. 9:45 - 10:05 a.m. Facilitated Q&A

Peer Connection

10:05– 10:40 a.m.

Our Peer Connections will invite you to reflect and connect with your colleagues on speaker insights. These meaningful conversations shift you into an active learning state, while building new relationships. Most importantly, Peer Connection moments will support your ability to translate and integrate what you learn at the conference, increasing your return on participation.

Morning Break

10:40 - 11:10 a.m.

Introduction to Page and Page Up Annual Conferences

11:10 - 11:15 a.m.

Daniel Tisch2023 Page Annual Conference Chair, Chairman, Argyle Public Relations
Yanique Woodall2023 Page Up Annual Conference Co-Chair, Vice President, Communications, CVS Health

Business and Advocacy: Collaborating with Organizations Designed to Influence

11:15 - 11:45 a.m.

Advocacy organizations represent diverse communities and issues and also represent a massive collaboration opportunity for businesses – not only to identify and pursue ESG and DEI goals, but also to understand, reach and activate stakeholders in a variety of ways. Advocacy groups with experience and expertise in consulting with companies on social issues can also benefit from these relationships in reaching their own objectives. In this fast-paced conversation, our moderator and panelists will delve into the fertile possibilities of business/advocacy partnerships and lift the curtain on actual examples that achieve significant, measurable results. 

Michael SteelSVP, Communications, Business Roundtable
Aba BlanksonChief Marketing and Communications Officer, NAACP
Rich FerraroChief Communications Officer, GLAAD
Mike DoyleChief Executive Officer and President, Ketchum

A Closing Conversation with Chris Foster

11:45 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.

Page Spring Seminar 2023 opened with influencer Ezra Klein and closes with an influencer of influencers, CEO Chris Foster. As CEO of Omnicom, Foster oversees a global organization comprised of many agencies whose primary purpose is to influence the ideas of others. In this conversation with Page Chair Brian Lott, they’ll explore massive changes in the way influence works in a dispersed and complex global business environment. How can agencies and clients work together more effectively as so many dimensions of reputation and brand become 1:1, relationship-driven, and personalized? What are the leadership challenges of leading a broad range of independent, specialized “sub-brands”? How do identity and influence intertwine and play out on a global stage across nations and cultures? These are just some of the questions to be explored in this compelling finale to our conference.

Chris Foster CEO, Omnicom PR
Brian LottPage Chair, Chief Communications Officer, Group Communications, Mubadala Investment Company

Closing Remarks and Interaction

12:20– 12:40 p.m.

Ethan McCarty2023 Spring Seminar Chair, CEO, Integral

Networking Lunch

12:40 – 1:40 p.m.

COVID-19 Code of Conduct

Page has and will review and revise this policy based on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and local jurisdiction guidance on COVID-19. Requirements will be updated accordingly.

As an attendee at the 2023 Page Spring Seminar, you will:

Provide proof that you are fully vaccinated by uploading proof of your vaccination during the registration process or emailing it to safety@page.org prior to April 13. “Fully vaccinated,” for purposes of this event will follow CDC guidelines. Currently, this means that you received your single-dose or completed the second dose of a two-dose series of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to April 13. Boosters are strongly recommended if it has been five months or more since you received your second dose in a two-dose series, such as Pfizer or Moderna. If you received a single-dose vaccination, such as with Johnson & Johnson, boosters are strongly recommended if it has been two months since you received your vaccine. Vaccines administered outside the United States may include AstraZeneca/SK Bioscience, Serum Institute of India/COVISHIELD and Vaxzevria, Sinopharm, or Sinovac. If your provider is not on this list, please email safety@page.org.

Agree that you will not attend if you feel ill, are symptomatic in any way, or have had any exposure to someone with COVID-19.

Agree that you will respect other participants and take all advisable precautions recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), including, but not limited to, engaging in appropriate physical distancing, participating in the frequent washing of hands, avoiding risky environments and behaviors and choosing not to shake hands except by expressed mutual consent.

Acknowledge that, due to the circumstances created by COVID-19, there is a heightened degree of personal risk and responsibility associated with attendance. You will not hold Page or the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge, their officers, directors, employees or agents accountable, whether directly or indirectly, should you or your family contract illness arising out of your voluntary participation in the event.

Page will be taking the following precautions to encourage the health and safety of all attendees:

  • All attendees and Page event staff are required to be fully vaccinated.
  • We will follow all CDC and local guidelines in effect at the time.
  • Page has asked the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge to sanitize all event spaces, public areas, dining & bar locations and guest rooms.
  • In keeping with CDC guidelines, masks are encouraged but not required.

Please be advised that all meals will be held inside.

Tips Before You Travel

Download these trip tips before you travel.

Guest Policy

To provide the best experience to Page members, Page Up members and 2022-23 Future Leaders Experience participants, our Spring Seminar guest policy limits guests to prospective members of Page and Page Up and spouses/partners of members.

A Page or Page Up member may register one guest provided they are eligible for and interested in becoming a member of Page or Page Up. Please refer to the Page and Page Up member criteria to evaluate eligibility before registering a guest. Guest registration for prospective members is not final until eligibility is confirmed by Page.

Guests may attend only one Spring Seminar prior to becoming members. To attend a future Spring Seminar, the guest must join Page or Page Up.

For questions about this policy or membership criteria, please contact Director of Membership Marianna Frantzis.