2023 Simply IC Conference | Culture, Collaboration, Neurodiversity, AI, and Everything in Between

As a speaker at the 2023 Simply IC Conference held in London on May 22 and 23, I had the privilege of sharing my thoughts on the pressing need for internal communicators to revisit their approach and strategies in the digital age.

The conference provided a platform for professionals, consultants, agencies, and influencers from various industries to come together and explore the power of channels, content, and conversations, including, discussions on Generative AI, while focusing on the importance of inclusion in our evolving digital landscape. Despite all the talk on AI, it was evident that the human touch mattered more than ever – to gain trust, drive change, enhance engagement and improve staff experience.

During my session, I emphasized that internal communicators have a crucial role to play in leading the way toward business success. By actively listening, involving, and partnering with staff, we can foster an inclusive environment that drives engagement, innovation, and collaboration. I highlighted the significance of nurturing authentic connections with employees and leveraging their valuable insights to shape internal communication strategies.

The event covered a wide range of topics, reflecting the diverse challenges and opportunities faced by internal communicators. In addition to generative AI, attendees engaged in discussions surrounding change, blogging, advocacy, leadership, intranets, training, coaching, neurodiversity, and employee experience.

Blogging and podcasts emerged as effective tools for internal communication, enabling communicators to share compelling stories that resonate with employees and foster a sense of connection. Conversations explored the power of authentic storytelling to engage and inspire, leaving a lasting impact on employees' perceptions and motivations.

Intranets (in the form of evolved enterprise social networks) were also a key topic of discussion, shedding light on the importance of collaborating, measuring, and visualizing communication impact. By leveraging data-driven insights, communicators can make informed decisions, optimize their strategies, and showcase the value of internal communications to organizational stakeholders.

Training and coaching were highlighted as crucial elements to enhance the skillset of communicators in the digital era. The conference provided valuable insights into continuous learning and professional development, equipping practitioners with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of internal communications successfully.

An essential aspect of the event was the focus on employee experience. We delved into the significance of creating meaningful experiences throughout the employee journey, fostering engagement, satisfaction, and productivity. Internal communications play a pivotal role in shaping positive employee experiences and reinforcing the organization's values and culture.

I personally loved the presentation on neurodiversity by Tristan Lavender and Aoife Casson that discussed ways to sensitize stakeholders and revisit current internal practices of inclusion at the workplace. Such a valuable subject, yet rarely addressed.

The Simply IC conference offered a unique opportunity to engage with fellow professionals and thought leaders, exchanging ideas and best practices. It underscored the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age, inspiring us to embrace technological advancements and leverage generative AI to elevate our internal communication efforts.

My experience as a speaker at the Simply IC conference was both enlightening and invigorating. It reinforced the importance of inclusion in internal communications and provided valuable insights into change management, effective blogging, and data-driven decision-making through dashboards, training, coaching, neurodiversity, and employee experience. Armed with newfound knowledge and inspiration, I am sure attendees left the event ready to lead the way and drive successful internal communications in the dynamic and ever-evolving digital age.

Thank you to Marc Wright and his team at Simply-Communicate for organizing a fantastic event.

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