6th Annual Strategic Internal Communication Conference
Toronto, ON & Online
“TRANSPARENCY AND TRUST”
The 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer told us that Business is the only trusted institution and that we are all challenged with navigating a polarized world that is in search for the truth. 
What is the role organizations and internal communication play in communicating transparently in order to build trust? Does this have an impact on our results and reputation? Can we use our expertise to contribute to culture and belonging?
Join us as we bring together experts, panelists and peers to discuss the role of transparency and trust on organizational success. Hear case studies and participate in interactive workshops to enable you use the power of internal communication to manage change and deliver results.
Inner Strength Communication uses its expertise in Internal Communication, Change Management and Branding to enable, engage and empower employees and internal stakeholders to deliver business results from the inside out.
With a lofty vision…that organizations and leaders see strategic internal communication as integral to business success. That’s why they are committed to helping communication and business professionals to step up their game; bring strategic communication solutions to the boardroom; and earn their seat at the table.
SummersDirect Conference & Events is a conference planning company that sets itself apart from the rest with a focus on customer service and value. With over a dozen years of providing quality conference programming to communications professionals across Canada.
SummersDirect events deliver:
- quality speakers presenting on real-life case studies
- tools and techniques that you can take away and use
- networking opportunities with your peers to exchange ideas and best practices
- value for your money
Join our email list for updates on this event and future internal communication events.
Venue
Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Downtown & Online
- Reserve a guest room for $299 CAD per night
Book your group rate for Strategic Internal Communications Meeting
Alternatively, you can call Marriott Reservations and make a booking at 1 (800) 847-5075
Become a sponsor, contact us.
Monday, November 20, 2023
| 8:30 – 8:45 a.m. | 
Priya Bates, ABC, MC, CMP, IABC Fellow, President |
WELCOME AND OPENING REMARKS FROM THE CHAIR |
| 8:45 – 9:45 a.m. | 
Bianca Freedman, Chief Executive Officer, Edelman Canada |
Edelman Trust Barometer
Edelman Canada CEO Bianca Freeman will present the 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer, the world’s most robust exploration of trust across 32,000 respondents in 28 countries. This year’s study delves into the effects of polarization on trust across four institutions — business, media, government, and NGOs. Freedman will speak to what the results mean for business, including companies’ role in improving economic confidence and strengthening the social fabric. |
| 9:45 – 10:15 a.m. | NETWORKING REFRESHMENT BREAK | |
| 10:15 – 11:15 a.m. | 
Erik Waddell, Manager of Strategic Communications, Communications Security Establishment (CSE) |
One CSE: How communications enables equity, diversity and inclusion in the public sector
On June 1, 2022, CSE launched One CSE, a framework for equity, diversity and inclusion. This framework, built on core principles and clear strategic objectives, was a call to action to the entire organization. CSE’s Internal Communications team played a central role in the design, launch, and implementation of this framework. In this presentation, Mr. Waddell will share the lessons learned throughout this ongoing project, and speak to the importance of making EDI a key priority for any organization’s communications efforts. |
| 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. | 
Jared Curtis, Senior Director of Corporate Communications, Maximus |
Generative AI: Maximus’ Journey from Study to Application
The presentation will reveal our discoveries through our groundbreaking study exploring the potential of AI writing assistants in business communications. We will journey from theoretical research to practical applications, demonstrating how these advanced tools can elevate the efficiency and quality of professional writing. From decreasing content creation time to refining readability and engagement, AI-assisted writing has proven to be a game-changer. With a blend of detailed analysis and real-world examples, we’ll shed light on the transformative power of generative AI and how you can harness it effectively. |
| 12:15 – 1:15 p.m. | NETWORKING & LUNCH BREAK | |
| 1:15 – 2:30 p.m. |
Priya Bates, ABC, MC, CMP, IABC Fellow, President |
Fighting misinformation inside and out
Misinformation is defined as false or inaccurate information. Often, it is provided deliberately to deceive. In our world of alternative facts and echo chambers on social media designed to feed individuals information aligned to pre-existing beliefs, what role does communication play in fighting narratives that may not be true. In this session, Priya will review the current stories of organizations actively fighting false stories that can damage reputation and impact results. We will then have group discussions on:
Moderated by Priya Bates. |
| 2:30 – 2:45 p.m. |
NETWORKING REFRESHMENT BREAK |
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| 2:45 – 3:45 p.m. |
Kerry Gaetano – VP & Head, Corporate Communications, BMO Financial Group
Ali Duncan Martin – Director, Corporate Communications, BMO Financial Group |
From Announcement to Acquisition – Best Practices in integrating organizations In 2021, BMO announced the intended acquisition of Bank of the West, the largest acquisition in Canadian banking history. The acquisition closed in February 2023. Join the BMO Comms team as they tell their communication story from the beginning to the end including:
And because the integration is the beginning of a new story. They’ll share their plans for what’s next. |
| 3;45 – 4:45 p.m. | To be announced | |
| 4:45 p.m. | CONFERENCE CONCLUDES FOR THE DAY |
Tuesday, November 21, 2023
| 8:30 – 8:45 a.m. |
Priya Bates, ABC, MC, CMP, IABC Fellow, President |
WELCOME AND OPENING REMARKS FROM THE CHAIR |
| 8:45 – 9:45 a.m. |
Jefferson Darrell |
Are you ready for a diversity & inclusion (D&I) journey?
In this session, participants will learn about creating the business case for diversity and inclusion and the five elements for a successful D&I strategy: Data, Accountability, Investment (both human and financial), Policy, and Measurement. We will walk through a real live case study titled “Meeting the Diversity Challenge at PepsiCo: The Steve Reinemund Era.” Where you’ll answer six specific questions about your own organization’s D&I journey readiness. By the end of the session you will learn if your organization is ready to embark on an Organizational D&I Journey and how this initiative will positively impact performance, productivity and profits. |
| 9:45 – 10:15 a.m. | NETWORKING REFRESHMENT BREAK | |
| 10:15 – 11:15 a.m. |
Michael Forbes, AVP,
Johanna VanderMaas, Senior Director, Communications, Toronto Metropolitan University
|
The Next Chapter: Becoming TMU In April 2022, Ryerson University was the first Post Secondary Education institution in North America to write a new chapter and launch a brand new name.
Public institutions around the world are dealing with challenges associated with historical names and commemoration. In November 2020, the President of Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), Mohamed Lachemi, convened the Standing Strong Task Force to examine and provide recommendations to address the legacy and commemoration of the university’s namesake, Egerton Ryerson. In August 2021, the Task Force presented a report with 22 recommendations, including to rename the university, which the university’s Board of Directors approved unanimously.
Whether you’re dealing with the name of a building, scholarship, public art or a larger name change, attendees of this session will:
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| 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. | 
Pat Cook, SIGA Vice President of Corporate Affairs
Alanna Adamko, SIGA Director of Communications & Media Relations |
Road to Reconciliation: Walking the Calls to Action
Truth & Reconciliation, it’s more than one day a year… Learn more about the communications initiatives that have been developed at the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA), since the inception of the inaugural Day for National Truth & Reconciliation (Orange Shirt Day) three years ago. Since that first Day, the organization has been on a journey to walk on the path of Reconciliation, through ongoing employee communications and cultural initiatives activating the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) 92 Calls for Action, as well as external public awareness efforts, at its seven casinos and Central Office. |
| 12:15 – 1:00 p.m. | NETWORKING / LUNCH BREAK | |
| 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | 
Rishma Hudda, CHRL, Head of Human Resources/Vice President HR
Marc Viola, Vice-President, Talent & Culture,
Michelle Edwards, |
Ask HR
The relationship between Human Resources and Internal Communication is an important one and needs to be nurtured to drive a positive employee experience. In this session, three HR leaders from the financial, consumer goods, and mining sectors will answer any question you have. You will learn:
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| 2:30 – 2:45 p.m. | STRETCH & NETWORKING BREAK | |
| 2:45 – 3:30 p.m. |
Sheri Morgan Senior Director of Communications & Engagement, PepsiCo Foundation |
Harnessing The Power Of Your Team To Impact Communities
One of the best ways for a workplace to serve its community is to implement employee-driven philanthropic programs. This is done by not only listening to your people but also being led by them. The most effective corporate giving frameworks offer a holistic suite of programs that empower employees to lend their time (i.e., volunteering), talent (i.e., mentoring, coaching, relationships) and treasure (i.e., financial contributions) where they are most needed in local communities. Sheri Morgan from the PepsiCo Foundation will share insights and best practices from the company’s philanthropic arm and how her team engages PepsiCo’s associates across the globe. |
| 3:30 – 3:45 p.m. | NETWORKING BREAK | |
| 3:45 – 4:45 p.m. | 
Sabita Singh, |
Activate your employees as brand ambassadors to build trust on LinkedIn
Did you know? 82% of people are more likely to trust a company when their senior executives are active on social media. Your LinkedIn brand elevation strategy needs to start at the top. As a result, it is important to ensure your key leaders have an “all-star” profile that reflects your brand in a consistent way. According to LinkedIn, all stars receive more views and engagement than profiles that are missing key components. In this session, step-by-step instructions will be provided on how to build an all-star LinkedIn profile. After your leaders have a new profile, what should they talk about? Sadly, if they just share company news on LinkedIn, their followers will probably tune out. Learn about the right mix of content to help them build an engaging and memorable presence as LinkedIn thought leaders. Finally, learn how the rest of your employee base can become powerful brand ambassadors on LinkedIn. Employee messages are reshared 24 times more frequently than messages shared by companies. When your leaders and employees are active on LinkedIn, their presence ignites internal pride and engagement with each other. In this world of remote and hybrid work, empower your employees to build a powerful digital brand and community for your organization! |
| 4:45 p.m. | CHAIR’S CLOSING REMARKS AND CONFERENCE CONCLUDES |
Wednesday, November 22, 2023
Register Now
| 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | [IN PERSON] Workshop A: How to become the Trusted Advisor leaders need. | [ONLINE] Workshop C: Building a Culture of Inclusivity: Effective Internal Communication for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. |
| 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. | [IN PERSON] Workshop B: Power & Privilege Bias (and Unconscious Bias). | [ONLINE] Workshop D: How to become the Trusted Advisor leaders need. |
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. In Person / 1:00 – 3:30pm Online
Workshop A & D: How to become the Trusted Advisor leaders need.
Join us for this workshop on how to go from discussing tactics to advising leaders on strategy and direction. Priya will share research result on a recent Internal Communication Skills Assessment she has conducted.
In this workshop you will:
- Take the Inner Strength i5 Skills Assessment and understand how you compare to benchmark results.
- Understand how to evolve from Implementation to Impact.
- Learn the importance of Interaction and Influence in order to build relationships and gain respect.
You will leave with a clear plan on what you need to do next do drive growth and career success.
Priya Bates is an award-winning professional communicator with a passion for driving strong performance from the inside out. As President and owner of Inner Strength Communication, Priya builds strategic internal communication, engagement, branding and transformational change plans that enable, engage and empower employees to deliver business results. Her clients include organizations and leaders across technology, retail, financial, healthcare, mining and manufacturing sectors looking to build strategic internal communication expertise.
As co-founder for A Leader Like Me, Priya creates an empowered community for women of colour to help them build skills, define strategies, and find support to grow in their careers.
Priya is an Accredited Business Communicator (ABC) and was proud to become one of the first Certified Strategic Communication Management Professionals (SCMP) in the world. In 2010, she received the Master Communicator (MC) designation, the highest honour bestowed upon a communication professional from IABC Canada. In 2016, she was recognized as an IABC Fellow, a global lifetime achievement award for her contribution to the profession. Priya is also a passionate volunteer with the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), and is proud to have led the organization’s successful global rebranding effort.
1:00 – 3:30 p.m. Online
Workshop C: Building a Culture of Inclusivity: Effective Internal Communication for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
When it comes to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Internal Communication plays an integral role in driving strategies through engaged leaders and employees.
Join Advita to understand of the role of Internal Communication in driving conversations, creating connections and supporting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts to drive business results. Get insight into highlights from her recently launched book on Building a Culture of Inclusivity: Effective Internal Communication for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion – written with Priya Bates
- Learn to lead with empathy when DEI is not only professional, but deeply personal
- Understand you and your organization’s present state in the DEI E-volution
- Articulate the DEI-Why for organizations to drive recruitment, retention, reputation, recognition, and results.
Communication professionals are navigating their role in DEI carefully, sometime afraid to make the wrong moves. By attending this session, they will find a safe space to ask questions and be introduced to models that will help drive progress and support organizations where employees can belong, leaders can lead, and organizations can benefit.
Book is available for pre-order on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Indigo/Chapters.
Advita Patel, Founder, Comms Rebel
Advita is a seasoned expert in internal communication and employee experience. As the founder of CommsRebel, she’s helped numerous organisations cultivate inclusive cultures where employees can thrive. With more than two decades worth of experience, Advita is committed to helping organisations create meaningful connections with their employees through effective communication strategies.
In addition to her work with CommsRebel, Advita is a confidence coach, a co-founder of A Leader Like Me, a global inclusion communications consultancy which she runs with Priya Bates and a co-founder of CalmEdgedRebels, a coaching retreat for professionals looking to achieve their full potential.
In June 2023 she published Building a Culture of Inclusivity which she co-authored with Priya Bates.
1:00 – 4:00 p.m. In Person
Workshop B: Power & Privilege Bias (and Unconscious Bias)
Making the business case for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs can be challenging. Part of this process involves understanding that we all benefit from some form of privilege; this Breakfast Culture course helps all team members regardless of their identities, backgrounds or work functions realize this fact in a relevant, engaging and approachable fashion. We use popular culture to discuss representation and why it is important. We share our own stories and journeys of understanding our own levels of privilege.
Finally, we facilitate a group exercise around different forms of privilege. What inevitably happens in every training session is the resulting lessons actually come from team members themselves as they work through the exercise and put the previous discussions into practice.
Focus & Learning Outcomes: Breakfast Culture’s approach to unconscious bias training. Participants will…
- Learn how we all benefit from some form of privilege and how these privileges impact our power in today’s society.
- Learn to acknowledge and investigate their privilege and how it impacts power.
- Be able identify privileges that they take for granted in their everyday life.
- Discuss the variety of privileges that some groups of people have limited access to including: gender, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, socioeconomic, and more.
- Discuss how no one privilege is more important than another and for some any privilege may feel essential.
- Discuss what types of privileges are important to them and why that may differ for other people.
- Learn to investigate and empathize with groups who may have limited access to some privileges and the effect that lack of access may have on an individual.
Jefferson Darrell is among Canada’s earliest outliers in the IDEA (inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility) arena; successfully driving positive change management for organizations since 2015 resulting in more diverse and inclusive teams, increased revenue, and/or new business opportunities. Jefferson is an accomplished marketing communications and change management professional with more than 17 years of brand strategy expertise, generating earned and owned media using both traditional and digital channels. In 2017 he founded Breakfast Culture™ Inc., a full-scale, data-driven, tech-forward diversity, equity and inclusion, marketing & consulting company.
2023 Conference Pricing
**Recordings of all conference presentations will be provided to both in person and online attendees. Workshops are not recorded.**
REGISTRATION TYPES |
ONLINE Early Bird Rate (until Sept. 22, 2023) |
IN PERSON Early Bird Rate (until Sept. 22, 2023) |
ONLINE Regular Rate (after Sept. 22, 2023) |
IN PERSON Regular Rate (after Sept. 22, 2023) |
| BEST VALUE! Conference + Two Post-conference Workshops (Nov. 20, 21 + 22) | $1075.00 | $1499.00 | $1200.00 | $1749.00 |
| Conference + 1 Post-conference Workshop (Nov. 20, 21 & a half day on Nov. 22) | – | $1399.00 | – | $1549.00 |
| Conference – 1 Day (Nov. 20 or Nov. 21 ) + 2 Post-conference Workshops (Nov. 22) | – | $1275.00 | – | $1475.00 |
| Conference – 1 Day (Nov. 20 or Nov. 21) + 1 Workshop (Nov. 22) | – | $895.00 | – | $1075.00 |
| Conference – Both Days (Nov. 20 & Nov. 21, 2023) | $825.00 | $1099.00 | $900.00 | $1249.00 |
| Conference – One Day Only (Nov. 21 or Nov. 21, 2023) | $449.00 | $599.00 | $525.00 | $699.00 |
| Post-conference One half day Workshop (Nov. 22, 2023) | $300.00 | $449.00 | $350.00 | $549.00 |
| Post-conference Full day of Workshops (Nov. 22, 2023) | $575.00 | $895.00 | $675.00 | $1075.00 |
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Substitution of delegates is permissible without prior notification. Refunds will be given for cancellations received in writing no later than 15 days prior to the conference date subject to an administration fee of $250 plus $32.50 for HST (in person) or $12.50 for GST (online). After this time, you are liable for the full registration fee even if you do not attend the conference. If you register during this 15 day period, you are also liable for the full fee. SummersDirect Inc. reserves the right to change program date, meeting place or content without further notice and assumes no liability for these changes.
