Join us for a half-day, in-person event with keynote speaker, Advita Patel, and other speakers from organisations like Accenture Ireland, An Post, Irish Rail, Ryanair, and many more. Register now to secure your spot before it’s too late!
This year’s theme, ‘Internal Communications in a Time of Uncertainty,’ reflects the ‘known unknowns’ and ‘unknown unknowns’ organisations are dealing with as they grapple with a global tariff roller-coaster, disinformation, rapid technological advancements including AI, and, in some cases, a rollback on DEI initiatives. Always business-critical – if not always recognised as such - the role of strategic internal communication has rarely been more important. Join us for a half-day, in-person event that will explore how internal communications teams can provide clarity, reassurance, and cohesion during turbulent times. Format:Half-day, in-person event taking place in the The Irish Architectural Archive, 45 Merrion Square East, Dublin on:
Afterwards, attendees will have access to a dedicated event resource webpage including video recordings, notes and relevant materials. Opening Keynote by Advita Patel:This year, we are honoured to welcome Advita Patel as our keynote speaker. Advita is the founder of Comms Rebel, a consultancy specialising in internal communication and employee experience, and President of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) in the UK. She is also the co-founder of A Leader Like Me (a global communication consultancy), the Asian Communications Network, and co-host of the Amplifying Diverse Voices podcast. A Chartered PR professional, Fellow of the CIPR, and award-winning author, Advita brings a wealth of experience in change management, inclusion, and leadership confidence. Her keynote will set the tone for a morning of insight, inspiration, and practical takeaways. Other speakers include:
And more...watch this space! There will also be an opportunity for peer-to-peer learning with an interactive session and collective feedback. |
Former Internal Communications and Engagement Consultant & Captain , Irish Defence Forces
Internal Communications Manager, An Post
Anne-Louise is an experienced internal communication professional. She currently works for An Post, where she leads the internal comms team in connecting colleagues across Ireland with the company’s purpose and strategy.Managing Director, Accenture Ireland
Michelle is a Managing Director at Accenture in Ireland and executive sponsor for inclusion and diversity. For over 30 years, Michelle has worked at the intersection of technology and the humanities. She drives Accenture’s ambition and actions across enablement, LGBTQ+ inclusion, ethnicity, social mobility, and gender equality. She is a strong advocate for diversity in leadership and co-founder of Accenture’s Women on Walls initiative with the Royal Irish Academy, RCSI, DCU and UCC, which seeks to make women leaders visible through a series of commissioned portraits to inspire future generations. She serves on the Board of Governors and Guardians, the National Gallery of Ireland. She was named Woman of the Year at the 2018 Women in IT Awards and is a DCU Alumni Achievement honouree.
Internal Communications Manager, Iarnród Éireann / Irish Rail
John Larson is a seasoned communications and policy professional with 20 years of experience across legislative, public sector, and corporate settings in both the United States and Ireland.
Currently serving as Internal Communications Manager at Iarnród Éireann / Irish Rail, John previously led communications for the Dublin South, Kildare and West Wicklow section of the HSE and Avista CLG. In the US, he served as Director of Communications and Public Policy for the Los Angeles Unified School District Board President Emeritus and held roles with the Los Angeles City Council and the United States Senate.
John brings deep expertise in legislative affairs, public safety policy, planning, land use, education, health care and innovation, with a career grounded in clear, effective messaging that influences action and builds public trust.
Former Internal Communications and Engagement Consultant & Captain , Irish Defence Forces
Eddie joined the Irish Defence Forces as a Cadet in 2014, as his Father did in 1973 and his Grandfather did in 1932. Upon commissioning, he first specialised in Transport and Logistics. He has completed two tours of overseas duty, firstly to the ‘European Union Training Mission in Mali’ (EUTM) during 2018, where he was responsible for leading a specialised Logistics team. His second tour was to Lebanon in 2020, leading the ‘United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon’ (UNIFIL) Reconnaissance and Force Protection Company.
Upon return from overseas in 2021, Captain MacSweeney was appointed as the first Internal Communications Officer for the Irish Defence Forces, which comprises of three Corps: Corps: Army, Air Corps and Naval Service. His new Mission was to revolutionise the delivery of vital information from the Strategic to the Tactical levels of Leadership while embedding a new digital communication culture both at home and to troops stationed overseas.
His talk will bring you on a journey, navigating and overcoming unique challenges, tapping into ten years of military experience while sharing lessons learned from the frontlines. This information is designed to assist all organisations in delivering creative solutions in the areas of employee experience, engagement and internal communications.
Founder, Comms Rebel
Advita is the founder of Comms Rebel, a consultancy specialising in internal communication and employee experience, and President of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) in the UK. She is also the co-founder of A Leader Like Me (a global communication consultancy), the Asian Communications Network, and co-host of the Amplifying Diverse Voices podcast.
A Chartered PR professional, Fellow of the CIPR, and award-winning author, Advita brings a wealth of experience in change management, inclusion, and leadership confidence.