Jump-start your conference experience by attending these interactive workshops. These information-packed sessions are a great opportunity to network with fellow attendees while taking a hands-on, common-sense approach to mastering strategic internal communications that will enhance your understanding of the informative, case study presentations throughout the entire conference.

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Morning Workshop A
Registration & continental breakfast will be at 8:30 a.m.
for the morning workshop attendees.

Performance-Based Communication 101: How To Implement A Proven Process For Creating A Long-Term Communication Strategy That Drives Results

In most high-performing public entities and corporations, the role of internal communication has evolved into a critical management function. The focus of the communications department has shifted from reporting change to managing change in alignment with organizational goals.

• Build a contextual framework that is critical for an effective communication strategy
• Gain support from key stakeholders
• Determine which communication channels are appropriate to meet different goals
• Demonstrate the linkage of internal communication to organizational results
• Identify and develop the competencies needed by strategic communication professionals to succeed in high-performing organizations

You'll also learn about planning tools that you can use to develop an effective communication strategy in your own organization. As part of this interactive, high-energy workshop, you'll gain hands-on experience by participating in team exercises.

WORKSHOP LEADER: David H. Jackson, PhD, is a Principal in the Global Communication Practice of Mercer Human Resource Consulting. David has more than 25 years of experience in communication, including working with a variety of public-and private sector organizations.

1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Afternoon Workshop B
Lunch will be at 12:15 p.m. for the afternoon workshop attendees.

How To Use Strategic Internal Communications To Engage Employees At All Levels By Connecting Them To Your Organization's Goals And Strategic Plan

We know that people are our most important asset. But too often we don't act that way because deep down it is hard to shake the feeling that people are costs. Big costs.

We also know that people are the only asset that can make us successful in today's government environment. And we know what makes people successful -- managers. The proof is clear: mediocre management means mediocre results and disengaged employees.

Unfortunately, employee disengagement is a big problem and a big cost. Recent research finds that 29% of government employees are "actively disengaged" compared to 16% in other sectors. Actively disengaged means they are beyond unhappy in their work...they act out their unhappiness at work and plant seeds of negativity at every opportunity. Across the U.S. it is estimated that there are 22 million actively disengaged employees costing the American economy up to $350 billion per year in lost productivity. Fortunately, there is much you can do to engage employees and achieve higher levels of success and in this session you will learn how!

• Recognize the key organizational attributes that heighten engagement
• Use five management techniques that can reduce turnover by as much as 67% and really do engage employees
• Create a scenario plan for employee engagement in your organization
• Map your organization's strategy and goals to communicate effectively with all employees
• Practice communicating your strategy and goals so that everyone understands

WORKSHOP LEADER: Deborah L. Kerr, Ph.D., is Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Organizational Development, American Heart Association, and serves on the graduate faculty at the George Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University. Prior to joining the American Heart Association, Deborah was on the executive team of the Texas State Auditor’s office for 14 years driving organizational and cultural change as well as focusing on strategic management and tracking results with performance measurement.