The Future of Healthcare is Still Human – Erika Mayerle & Erika Brask, Mayo Clinic
In an era when misinformation spreads faster than facts and skepticism toward science and medicine runs deep, healthcare brands face a critical challenge: how to humanize innovation. As technology—particularly AI—reshapes diagnosis, treatment, and discovery, public trust in healthcare institutions continues to erode. Data shows that while people value progress, they increasingly doubt the humanity behind it. To rebuild belief, healthcare communicators must do more than explain innovation—they must help people feel it. The path forward lies in storytelling that connects breakthrough science to human experience. Stories—told by people, not algorithms—can transform abstract ideas into moments of empathy, understanding, and hope. Because in healthcare, technology may power progress, but humanity inspires trust.
Why Your Personal Brand is Your Only AI-Proof Asset – Cheryl Tan
This session tackles the core anxiety facing modern communicators: How do I stay relevant and valuable in the age of AI? As AI speeds up production and generates content at scale, your authentic voice and personal brand become your greatest competitive advantage. Cheryl will share how to leverage AI for acceleration and efficiency, without losing what makes you distinctive. You’ll explore practical “story-mining” techniques to turn your expertise into a compelling narrative, and learn broadcast secrets that build trust and elevate your on-camera presence. This session is designed for any communicator looking to level up, strengthen their personal brand, and boost their value to employers and clients in a rapidly changing landscape.
Go With the Flow: What a Decade of Hockey Hair Teaches Us About Creative Marketing – John King
“Minnesota All Hockey Hair Team” creator John King shares marketing lessons and content strategies learned from over a decade judging the best salads, mullets, and flow from the Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournament.
Storytelling in a Sea of Sameness: Creating Human Connection in the Age of AI – Ellen O’Brien
With growing responsibilities and shrinking resources, many communicators face a new challenge: helping leaders stand out in a polished but impersonal “sea of sameness.” In an era where AI can generate endless content, stakeholders are craving something it cannot deliver — human connection, emotional resonance, and stories that reveal real thoughts and experiences. Ellen’s session explores techniques communicators can use to help leaders replace generic messaging with personal storytelling that strengthens trust, deepens engagement, and helps them differentiate themselves in a world where everything else sounds the same.
Engaging Polarized Audiences Through Storytelling – Lynn Melling
In a time when people feel more divided than ever, video storytelling offers a powerful way to bridge the gap. Lynn’s presentation will explore how authentic, human-centered narratives can bring together audiences with opposing viewpoints. You’ll see how shared values, emotional connection, and well-crafted visual stories can open the door to empathy, reduce tension, and create common ground. Learn practical strategies for shaping stories that resonate across divides and inspire people to see beyond “us versus them.”
Leadership Case Study: How Thrivent Transformed its Communications Team to Support the Business – Jenna Reck
Join Thrivent communications leaders for a candid, practical case study on how Thrivent reinvented its communications team to deliver bigger business impact. Jenna—alongside members of her team—will share an insider’s view of the bold moves on the organization’s recent journey of redefining team structure and capabilities, setting ambitious new goals, and building a culture rooted in trust and personal development. This session will offer a comprehensive look at what worked, what didn’t and lessons learned along the way to help you lead meaningful change and elevate your team’s influence in your own organization.
From Challenge to Catalyst: How Purpose Brands Unified Communication Amid Merger and Platform Change – Tammy Nienaber
Two major changes—a company-driven merger and the sunset of Workplace by Meta—created a pivotal moment for Purpose Brands. Tammy Nienaber led a cross-brand team of communicators to turn these disruptions into an opportunity for modernization. Together, they replaced fragmented tools with a single enterprise platform, streamlining processes, reducing duplication, and strengthening collaboration across multiple brands. This session shows why success depends less on structure and more on partnerships—among communicators and with technology teams. Through real examples, you’ll learn how a shared vision can accelerate transformation, build trust, and deliver efficiencies that benefit the entire business.
Are Internal Communications Teams Becoming An Endangered Species? – Chris Lee
Leaders across organizations have perceptions about the value that internal communications teams bring to their teams, but is it aligned with what these teams actually bring to the table? The emergence of large language models and generative AI poses an existential threat to internal communications teams because too many leadership teams have a limited perception of the value of these teams. This session is ideal for leaders to understand how to better articulate the value of internal communications with an important audience: leadership.