Harness Proven & Practical AI Tactics, Optimise Brand-New Channel & Content Strategies, Empower Employees, Add Strategic Value & Maximise Bottom Line Results With:
Authentic, Impactful Internal Communications Strategies
Returning To Manchester For The 11th Year:
A One-Day, Industry-Led Conference & Networking Exhibition, Pendulum Hotel Manchester, 28th January 2026
You will shortly receive an email with a further £20 off, if you don’t receive your discount please email
info@internalconference.com
08.30 Registration & Informal Networking
OPENING REMARKS
09.00 GIC Welcome & Morning Co-Chairs’ Opening Remarks
Kate Hughes, Head of Internal Communications Business Partnering, Cambridge University Press & Assessment
PROVEN & PRACTICAL AI, TECH & DIGITAL
PANEL Q&A
09.10 Unlock AI’s Real Potential & Power To Boost Comms! Drive Impact & Add Value With Proven New Tech & AI Implementation Strategies
- Deep dive into success stories and real lessons learned: how have top brands’ internal comms teams implemented AI and digital tools to enhance communication processes?
- Creating a benchmark for AI and digital skills – how can comprehensive training ensure tools and processes are used effectively, to engage new employees while keeping seasoned staff connected?
- An assistant not a replacement! Leverage AI to fuel creativity by automating repetitive tasks and freeing teams to concentrate on creating meaningful, high-impact content
- From budget implications to ethical considerations, discover AI’s impact on communications and how to unlock its full business potential
- What is coming next in the AI era? How can we embrace the use of agents in internal communications?
Christopher Taylor, Head of Internal Communications, Eurostar
Jarrod Williams, Head of Digital Communications, Content & Channels, St. James’s Place
NEW OPTIMISED CHANNEL MIX STRATEGIES
09.40 Streamline Channel Mixes & Deliver Clear, Impactful Communications That Meet Evolving Staff Needs & Revolutionises Employee Engagement
- Simplify to amplify! Reduce channel overload and centralise content and channel expertise to cut through the noise and maximise impact
- Measure what matters and utilise employee feedback and data insights to streamline clear and straightforward messaging that works for your whole colleague-base
- Navigate evolving workforce demographics and the introduction of new tech by aligning your channel mix with the shifting needs of your employees
- Leverage new tech advances alongside proven comms strategies to engage every colleague and secure real and demonstrable results
Rebecca Cassar, Head of Communications, Department for Business and Trade
10.00 Bonus Session; Reserved For Exclusive Conference Partner
THE NATIONAL REHABILITATION CENTRE: OPENING THE COUNTRY'S NEWEST HOSPITAL
DEEP-DIVE CASE STUDY!
10.30 Elizabeth Fry, Head of Strategic Communications, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
10.50 Morning Refreshment Break With Informal Networking
ENGAGING HARD-TO-REACH, DISPERSED & REMOTE EMPLOYEES
PANEL Q&A
11.20 Reach Every Role, Region & Generation With Comms That Cuts Through & Amplifies Engagement
- Debate and discuss how to unlock the full potential of employee engagement apps in order to reach and resonate with deskless teams and frontline staff
- Explore practical tips, tools and tech that can help bridge the gap, ensuring every employee feels informed, included and engaged no matter the geographical or generational barrier
- Align messaging with the real needs of different roles to drive relevance, inclusion, and engagement for all employees
- Incorporating into crisis comms: in an increasingly fragmented world, adapt IC strategies to ensure a sense of togetherness no matter the location
Steve Fairman, Head of Internal Communications & Engagement, RSPCA
Lee Irving, Head of Internal Communications, Avanti West Coast
Emma Ong, Head of Essentia Communications & Employee Engagement, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
Jeremy Gautrey-Jones, Assistant Director Employee Experience, RSPCA
Katie Featherby, Head of Internal Communications & Events, First Bus
Ellie Moore, Internal Comms Lead, Domino’s
James Forshaw, Senior Internal Communications Manager, Dreams
FOSTERING A CULTURE THAT DRIVES EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT
DOUBLE PERSPECTIVE
11.50 Supercharge Employee Engagement & Drive Long-Term Colleague Buy-In With Authentic & People-Centric Comms
- More than tools – it’s about impact: don’t just adopt new tech, activate it to get the most out of your existing platforms and spark real engagement with employees
- How are you using internal comms as a strategic lever to build belonging and shape the culture your people want to be a part of?
- Equip people leaders to become true IC champions by crafting tailored and inspiring content that drives employee engagement without crossing the line into micromanagement
- Think human first: prioritise authentic, human-led messaging that resonates across roles, functions, and connection types for long-term employee loyalty
11.50 Perspective 1
Helen Aird, Head of Internal Communications, Phoenix Group
12.10 Perspective 2
Mhairi McLaren, Head of Internal Communications, Transformation, abrdn
HIGH-IMPACT, STAND-OUT CONTENT, CAMPAIGNS & MESSAGING
12.30 Combine Data-Driven Insights & Marketing Best-Practice To Deliver Tailored, High-Impact Content That Connects, Cuts Through & Maximises Engagement
- Decode the best marketing campaigns and the strategies behind them to create first-class content that promotes organisational value, drives engagement and doesn’t bombard employees
- Leverage available automation to craft tailored communications that resonate and connect with diverse employee audiences
- Deep dive into colleague feedback to shape streamlined high-impact comms that cut through and connects all colleagues
- The perfect balance: combine engaging storytelling with clear messaging that resonates to drive internal engagement and deliver real results
Danielle Brewster, Head of Internal Communications, Flutter International
12.50 Lunch & Informal Networking For Speakers, Delegates & Partners
13.20 Informal Breakout Discussions
13.50 Afternoon Co-Chairs’ Opening Remarks
Daryl Woodhouse, Head of Culture, Nationalgrid Electricity Transmission
Karen Borrer, Head of Communications, UCB
CONSISTENT, AUTHENTIC & PURPOSE-DRIVEN LEADERSHIP
14.00 Connect With Every Corner Of The Workforce, Amplify Authentic Leadership Voices & Secure Senior Buy-In To Build Connections & Drive Organisation-Wide Engagement
- Top-down messaging: how can you amplify leadership voices to inspire teams, communicate strategy and guide employees across all levels?
- Lead with language from c-suite to middle-managers, ensure your leaders drop the buzzwords and drive engagement with authentic, relatable and inspiring messaging
- Move beyond internal comms silos and position leadership engagement as a strategic, organisation-wide effort
- How can you turn insight into influence? Leverage employee feedback to prove bottom-line value and encourage leaders to champion and leverage IC strategies
Yasmin Bell, Head of People, On The Beach
INTERACTIVE DELEGATE DISCUSSION: THE IMPACT OF MACRO-TRENDS ON INTERNAL COMMUNICATORS
14.20 Steph Wright, Head of Employer Brand & Internal Communications, THG
THE STRATEGIC ROLE & VALUE OF INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS IN 2026 & BEYOND
PANEL Q&A
14.40 Position IC As A Strategic Powerhouse & Empower IC Professionals To Champion, Execute & Drive Business Goals
- Secure your seat at the top! Position IC as a critical business partner by showcasing tangible results and demonstrating strategic influence
- Elevate internal communicators as strategic influencers, recognise their value and embed IC as a driving force across your business
- Unlock tomorrow’s internal comms today with future-focused insights and proven strategies from the brands setting the standard
- Break down silos and align brand messaging by collaborating with external comms teams to reinforce organisational core values across all channels
Sinéad Taylor, Head of Corporate Communications & Engagement, Tandem Bank
Michael-Ross Povoas, Internal Communications Manager, BT Group
David Taylor, Senior People Communications Partner, Tesco Insurance & Money Services
Helen Wareham, Digital Employee Engagement Lead, AstraZeneca
Sue Martin, Head of Communications & Engagement, Citizens Advice
Marianne Burgess, Director of Internal Communications, Openreach
Emma Coleman VP of Global Communications, Engagement & Inclusion, Groupon
HANDLING CHANGE & AVOIDING BURNOUT
15.10 Cut Through The Chaos To Support Employees Through Uncertainty With Strategic Comms That Beats Burnout & Fosters A Unified & Inclusive Company Culture
- Address change fatigue proactively by crafting concise and clear messaging that cuts-through and resonates with employees
- In times of constant change and increasing uncertainty, how can we craft IC strategies that drive collaboration, build resilience, and support your workforce consistently?
- Prioritise employee wellbeing by delivering strategic comms that reassures employees and fosters a supportive workplace amidst political and economic uncertainty
Sejal Popat, Director of Internal Communications & Engagement, RSA
15.30 Bonus Session; Reserved For Exclusive Conference Partner
16.00 Afternoon Refreshment Break With Informal Networking
CASE STUDY: INSIDE OUT – THE ROLE OF UNIFIED MESSAGING THROUGH A TAKEOVER
DEEP-DIVE CASE STUDY!
16.30 Ewan Robertson, Head of External Communications, Direct Line Group
NAVIGATING IC BUDGETS - DO MORE WITH LESS
16.50 You Don’t Need The Best Tools To Deliver The Best Results: Leverage Innovative & Creative IC Strategies To Drive Maximised Employee Engagement Without Breaking The Bank
Becs Grundy, Deputy Head of Communications & Engagement (Internal), Durham University
17.10 Afternoon Co-Chairs’ Closing Remarks & Official Close of Conference
Daryl Woodhouse, Head of Culture, Nationalgrid Electricity Transmission
Karen Borrer, Head of Communications, UCB