2023 Page Up Annual Conference

Artificial intelligence (AI) isn't simply a theoretical concept anymore. With the launch of ChatGPT earlier this year, everyone was introduced to a new reality and was forced to contemplate the far-reaching effects of this technology. Everything is changing because of AI, including, and especially, the communications function. It is imperative that we understand the power of AI as a disruptive force in communications and explore how AI tools can enhance creativity, productivity, and efficiency across measurement, reporting, media relations and more. Join us for an engaging session with keynote speaker, Steve Clayton, Vice President of Communications Strategy at Microsoft as he delves into how Microsoft is reimaging its communications discipline in the age of AI and how you can take your teams to new heights

In the past decade, society has witnessed disruption at a significant scale and pace. Polarization is not just in politics-it is hitting companies from the outside and inside. This has also altered employees’ expectations for companies to go beyond making a profit and use their influence and resources to make a positive impact. Many companies are struggling to decide when and how to enter the conversation and exert their influence. There is a means to participate, but "the how" is important. This session will examine how to best thread the needle in an increasingly ‘anti-woke’ environment by centering on employees first to influence if/how organizations should (or should not) engage.

The pandemic rapidly accelerated the evolution of the CCO to be a core advisor to the business and strategic management function. As a result, leaders’ expectations of the CCO and their team also have evolved, and the stakes are even higher for CCOs to navigate and thrive in today’s VUCA world. A deep understanding of the business landscape as well as expertise in a diverse range of communication disciplines are differentiators. Join us for a fireside chat with experts from corporate, executive search and talent consulting, and academia to hear an inside perspective from those in-the-know about what CEOs and senior-most leaders really need and expect from their CCOs and Communications teams and the business acumen necessary for communicators to excel and bring value.

Concluding our journey to strengthening our business acumen, we will unpack the insights shared during the keynote and fireside chat with more in-depth conversation. Two breakouts will be led by Matt Ragas and Susan Thomas, providing an opportunity to share learnings and experiences that will help CCOs and rising CCOs improve their business acumen, be even better at delivering on business leaders’ expectations, and elevate the skills and capabilities needed today and for the future.

Join us for a fireside chat with Dr. Kendrick Brown, Provost of Morehouse College, as we explore the recent Supreme Court decision to eliminate affirmative action in college admissions and its broad impact on organizations within the higher education sector. We will delve into the implication of this landmark ruling on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs) and gain insights into the challenges and opportunities it presents for these institutions in fostering diversity, inclusivity, and promoting equal opportunities. Drawing from his expertise in higher education policy, Dr. Brown will provide an analysis of the ruling’s effects on recruitment, training, and development opportunities. During the session, we will discover how communication professionals can use innovative strategies to play a pivotal role in facilitating internal discussions to sharpen their organization’s point of view and identify how this decision affects their DE&I operational plans and goals.

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed to the world that we can work in new ways – evolving into a workforce that is now increasingly remote, in office or a complex combination of both. This reality presents new demands and challenges for leaders. Not only are leaders focused on keeping businesses profitable, but they must now seek the right balance between culture, connection, and personal health and wellbeing. Dr. Phillip M. Randall will share new research on how ways of working are evolving and explore how leaders can enable – or hinder – employees and their organizations to thrive and prosper in this new, shapeshifting workplace.

Following Dr. Randall’s keynote on navigating leadership, culture and employee success, a panel representing leaders from small, medium and large organizations will discuss ways they are transforming their workplace culture to help employees to thrive.

For years, communicators have operated in a global world, but with social media continuing to transform cultures the speed of human connection across borders is faster than ever.  When dealing with crises and social flashpoints, impact and influence can spill across international borders in surprising or unexpected ways… and sometimes even the borders themselves can be the communication problem.  Join a panel of leaders from around the globe that deal with these issues on a daily basis to discuss tips and tricks on navigating an increasingly connected and communicative world.

In room facilitation. Audience chooses topic for discussion, specifically current events topics

On the night of February 3, 2023, a Norfolk Southern freight train derailed in the 5,000 resident town of East Palestine, Ohio. The company put a simple principle at the heart of its response: to do the right thing for the people of East Palestine and the surrounding communities.  This panel discussion will include how Norfolk Southern brought empathy and authenticity into its messaging and approach. They launched an aggressive national media strategy for its CEO, advanced social media analytics, tightly integrated messaging with government relations and investor relations, and deployed a full-time community affairs team on the ground in East Palestine. As a result, Norfolk Southern was able to make progress with the community and quickly turn the tone of media coverage over the past six months.