The Corporate Communications Conference Europe

17 JUNE 2025 | AMSTERDAM

Full Programme

Navigate Crisis, Harness AI Innovations & Prepare For The Future Of Communications Strategy In The Ever-Changing Business Landscape

Corporate Communications Strategy Updates For Proactive Reputation Management & Authentic, Responsible Comms During Change & Uncertainty

A One-Day, Industry-Led Conference & Networking Exhibition, Central Amsterdam, 17th June 2025

REGISTRATION OPENS

08.30 Registration & Informal Networking

09.00 GIC Welcome & Morning Chairs’ Opening Remarks

Doris Madlberger, Director Corporate Affairs DACH, Ipsen Pharma GmbH

POWERFUL & PROACTIVE REPUTATION MANAGEMENT

09.10 Deliver Engaging & Reputation-Boosting Corporate Communications That Strengthen Brand Value During Uncertain & Volatile Times

  • With so much volatility and change in the world how can we craft reputation strategies which are both adaptable and also embed core brand values?
  • Develop and cultivate an authentic tone of voice that reflects your brand purpose and truly engages stakeholders
  • When misinformation can spread like wildfire, how can brands build authentic reputations that can weather fake news and emerge stronger?

Fabiano Lima, Global VP Corporate Affairs, Decathlon

CRUCIAL HOT TOPIC: PERSPECTIVE ONE

WALKING THE TALK OF DATA-BASED DECISION-MAKING IN COMMUNICATIONS

09.30 How A Premium Car Brand Is Using Data & Artificial Intelligence For Their 360° Communications Approach

Richard Tigges, Director Global Strategic Communications, AUDI AG

PANEL Q&A

ENGAGING MEDIA & JOURNALISTS

09.50 Navigate A Changing Media Landscape To Develop Powerful Relations With Journalists, Earn Editorial Content & Build Reputational Value Through Traditional Outlets

  • How can comms professionals cut through a cluttered environment and generate content that’s truly newsworthy for journalists?
  • With media outlets changing rapidly, how can comms teams adapt their strategies to match what journalists are looking for and their current ways of working?
  • How can journalists and comms teams develop deeper relationships that are truly advantageous to both parties?
  • When incorrect information can travel fast and harm reputations, what’s the best way to collaborate with journalists to ensure corrections travel just as quickly?

Lucy Ellis, Chief Communications Officer, MSC Cruises

Annelore Marynissen, Head of Media Relations, BNP Paribas Fortis SA/NV

Alexander Ernert, Director of Government Relations, Europe, Trainline

Gary McDonald, Business Editor, The Irish News

10.20 Morning Refreshment Break With Informal Networking

CRUCIAL HOT TOPIC: PERSPECTIVE TWO

HARNESSING AI: NAVIGATING OPPORTUNITIES & THREATS FOR BRAND & COMMUNICATIONS

Join Nanne Bos, Chief Communications and Brand Officer at Aegon, as they explore the transformative power of AI in the brand and communications landscape. This presentation will delve into why AI is set to fundamentally change the way we approach branding and communications, offering both unprecedented opportunities and significant challenges.

Discover how Aegon has developed a corporate communications model through hands-on experience, learning by doing, and adapting to the evolving digital environment. Gain insights into navigating the dual nature of AI, balancing its potential benefits with the threats it poses, such as the rise of deep fakes.

Key takeaways include:

  • Understanding the fundamental transformation AI brings to the brand and communications function
  • Learning from Aegon’s journey in developing a robust corporate communications model
  • Preparing for an era where deep fakes and other AI-driven threats are a reality

Nanne Bos, Group Chief Communications & Brand Officer (CCO), Aegon

INNOVATIVE INTERNAL COMMS & EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT STRATEGIES

11.10 Develop Strong Internal Cultures Through Authentic & Brand-Building Comms That Deliver Measurable Impact For All Colleagues

  • It’s an age-old question, but what strategies can internal comms harness to best reach their entire workforce, deskbound or otherwise, and ensure all employees are reached and engaged?
  • Effectively adapt comms content to appeal to different employee groups so key messaging achieves maximum engagement and impact
  • How can purpose-led communications deepen employees’ relationship with an organisation, and boost positive employee sentiment and engagement?

11.30 Bonus Session; Reserved For Exclusive Conference Partner

PANEL Q&A

GOLD-STANDARD CRISIS COMMS

12.00 Seize The Initiative & Control The Narrative During Crisis Situations Through Impactful Comms That Protect Corporate Reputation In The Long Run

  • When is a crisis not a crisis? Determine when issues require crisis plans to go into action and when negative stories can fade out on their own
  • Getting through the crisis is just the beginning! Develop long-term strategies to rebuild reputations post-crisis and deliver long-term value
  • As new kinds of crisis emerge around issues such as cybersecurity or AI, how can teams adapt their crisis plans to new and complicated issues?

Fabien Darrigues, Director, Global Communications, Ubisoft

James Foster, Head of External Communications, FedEx Europe

Evi Robignon, Director Public Relations & Communications, Radisson Hotel Group

Andrea Riepe, Head of Corporate Affairs, DACH, Haleon

Lise Agerley Kürstein, Director, Head of Corporate Communication & Media Relations, Copenhagen Airports A/S

DIGITAL & SOCIAL MEDIA COMMS IMPACT

12.30 Develop Online Communications With Impact: Maximise The Value Of Digital Channels & Develop An Authentic Voice On Social Media That Boosts Reputation & Brand Confidence

  • Cutting through the noise online has never been harder, so what creative strategies can ensure online messaging truly reaches and engages your audience?
  • When unpredictable social media crises can either explode or burn out at rapid pace, how can comms teams determine the issues that need their attention and those that can be left to fizzle out?
  • Organisations might be using TikTok, but are they making the most of it? Leverage video content to meet and engage your audience where they are across your channel mix

12.50 Lunch & Informal Networking For Speakers, Delegates & Partners

FACILITATED PEER-TO-PEER DISCUSSIONS:

13.20 Network & Discuss Hot Topics With Insightful Experts    

A. Working With The Exec Board

Paul Thomas, Director, Global Communications, Cargill Animal Nutrition & Health

B. Diversity & Inclusion

Jolanta Stryjczak, Head of Corporate Communications, Poland & CEE & Nordic Region, SHEIN

B. Diversity & Inclusion

C. Purpose-Led Comms

D. Employer Branding

E. Combatting Misinformation

13.50 Afternoon Chairs’ Opening Remarks

Fiona Cohen, Head of Corporate Communications, Europe, Teva Pharmaceuticals

PANEL Q&A

COMMUNICATING AROUND GEOPOLITICS

14.00 Navigate Complex & Volatile Geopolitical Incidents & Reputation Risks Through Authentic, Powerful & Reputation-Strengthening Comms

  • How can comms professionals determine when is the right time to speak up around complex issues, and when other voices should be taking the lead?
  • Balance the organisational line on complex and emotive topics with the varied views of employees across multiple regions and backgrounds
  • When comms around complex issues leads to backlash, how can teams best react to reduce tensions and protect reputation, and not fan the flames of crisis?

George Morrison, Director of Global Public Affairs, Arla Foods

14.30 Bonus Session; Reserved For Exclusive Conference Partner

CRUCIAL HOT TOPIC: PERSPECTIVE THREE

AI CORPORATE COMMS: OPPORTUNITIES & CHALLENGES

15.00 Maximise AI Impact To Facilitate & Support Comms Success Whilst Mitigating Against Potential Risks

  • What practical uses and applications of AI in comms can deliver the most value for comms professionals?
  • Position comms as the AI guardrail within companies and ensure AI usage is ethical to avoid reputational harm
  • How far do comms teams need to go in informing and educating stakeholders around AI generated content to ensure transparency without introducing reputational risks?
  • What authenticity is such a crucial part of communicating, how can the human touch and true brand voice be guaranteed when creating content or comms using AI?

Chama Moumile, Head of Corporate Communications Europe, Trainline

HIGH-IMPACT SUSTAINABILITY & ESG COMMUNICATIONS

15.20 Harness Sustainability As A Key Reputational Driver & Lead The Pack Through Engaging & Compliant Sustainability Comms

  • With comms around sustainability now a “need to do” and not just “nice to do”, how can organisations make their sustainability comms stand out from the crowd and boost reputations?
  • In an era of both greenwashing accusations and fears around greenhushing, how can organisations communicate clearly and confidently around their sustainability successes and objectives?
  • Navigate legislative changes around sustainability claims to deliver accurate yet powerful comms around sustainability and ESG

Marianna Fellmann, Group Communications Director, L’OCCITANE Group

COMMUNICATING CHANGE & TRANSFORMATION

15.40 Effectively Communicate Around Change & Bring All Stakeholders With Your Organisation During Complex Transformational Journeys

  • When change and transformation brings uncertainty for employees, how can comms be used to motivate, explain and bring employees together on the journey?
  • Overcome change resistance through effective, clear and empathetic communications
  • Balance the need to communicate change messages internally whilst ensuring stakeholders still have the security and continuity of business-as-usual messaging

Carmen Vroonen, Head of Global Internal Communication, UCB

16.00 Afternoon Refreshment Break With Informal Networking

MEASUREMENT & VALUE

16.30 Determine & Demonstrate The True Value & Returns Of Comms Strategies To Showcase Your Strategic Impact To Senior Leadership

  • From leadership goals to internal benchmarks… how can comms determine the KPIs that truly prove the value and impact of comms strategies?
  • Translate your measurable data into compelling narratives which showcase comms achievements to leadership teams and illustrate the real business benefits comms brings to the table
  • When resources and data can be limited, what can comms teams do to make the most of what they have and present their true results for organisations?

Paul Thomas, Director, Global Communications, Cargill Animal Nutrition & Health

PANEL Q&A

STRATEGIC FUTURE OF CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS

16.50 Develop The Future Skills & Influence To Secure Comms As A Strategic Organisational Function That’s Fit To Tackle The Challenges Of The Future

  • In such a changeable environment, what key trends should comms professionals have on their radar over the next 18 months?
  • What skills do comms professionals need to develop to secure strategic influence and deliver business results for the future?
  • Build powerful relationships with leadership teams and strengthen the position of comms at the top table

Constance Balsamo, Corporate Relations Director, Northern Europe, Diageo

Shrey Pandey, Communications Manager, Güntner GmbH & Co. KG

17.20 Afternoon Chairs’ Closing Remarks & Official Close Of Conference