Join us virtually on May 15 for an enriching experience featuring industry leaders and special guests.
The deadline for registrations is May 13 at 5 p.m. ET.
11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. ET
Employee trust in leadership is more fragile than ever in 2025. From one side, employees face relentless change — a post-COVID work landscape, return-to-office mandates, layoffs, and restructuring. At the same time, businesses face seismic shifts driven by factors including Al, inflation, global competition, and political upheaval. The paradox is clear: companies must transform rapidly, but each change widens the trust gap for employees.
In this year's VOICES keynote, Staffbase Founder and CEO Martin Böhringer confronts a massive elephant in the room: How can leaders be inspirational when trust is shaken and even shattered? Join Martin as he explores how professional communicators can turn today's challenges into opportunities to redefine their roles and empower business decisions at every level. This session is a call to action: It's time to inspire change in a fractured workplace and tackle this elephant in the room — together.
Martin Böhringer – CEO, Staffbase
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. ET
As the bestselling author of books including Revenge of the Tipping Point, Blink, and Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell brings a unique perspective to the world of communication. His groundbreaking work explores how small, strategic shifts can spark significant cultural changes. By examining the intersection of storytelling, audience engagement, and behavioral dynamics, Malcolm equips communicators with the tools to craft impactful messages that resonate and endure.
In this keynote address, Malcolm will delve into the immense power of communication, sharing insights from his books and research to reveal how even modest efforts can drive profound organizational transformation. Prepare to leave this session with fresh inspiration and a deeper understanding of harnessing communication as a catalyst for meaningful change.
Malcolm Gladwell – Author of Eight New York Times Bestsellers, Including Revenge of the Tipping Point
12:30 p.m. - 12:35 p.m. ET
12:35 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. ET
In times of crisis, companies often rely on a well-oiled machine of crisis managers to navigate external communications — yet the most critical and sometimes overlooked stakeholders are the employees who sustain the business through turbulent periods. When things go wrong, employees can be a company’s most valuable asset for reassuring stakeholders and building credibility. However, during crisis communications, employees are often left without transparent updates or clear guidelines on what to say and how to support their organizations effectively.
This session explores key insights from recent corporate challenges, highlighting how leaders effectively leveraged transparency, organizational values, and actionable strategies to build trust, sustain engagement, and foster long-term resilience. You’ll learn how prioritizing employee communication first with clarity and empathy not only strengthens internal trust but also empowers organizations to navigate adversity and emerge stronger than ever.
Announcing Speakers Soon
1:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. ET
Do employees really need to be in the office to be productive — or is RTO more about control than collaboration? Should political conversations be encouraged or avoided at all costs? How much do employees and customers actually care — and does it drive loyalty?
Join us for an electrifying panel discussion as seasoned HR and Communications leaders from top companies tackle today’s most urgent workplace challenges. Gain insider perspectives on navigating complex issues in workplace culture, employee engagement, and corporate responsibility — and discover the answers to the questions shaping the future of work.
Announcing Speakers Soon
2:00 p.m. - 2:05 p.m. ET
2:05 p.m. – 2:50 p.m. ET
The DEI landscape in North America is undergoing seismic shifts as political and cultural pressures reshape priorities and approaches. While 82% of executives across the political spectrum still say diversity initiatives are essential, recent research found 42% of leaders are planning substantive changes to their diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in 2025. While the acronym “DEI” may face increased scrutiny, the core work of building fair and thriving workplace cultures is far from over.
In this session, Joelle Emerson will explore how organizations can navigate this changing landscape and create impactful strategies that resonate in today’s environment. She will highlight how inclusive practices benefit everyone — not just specific groups — and why internal communicators and HR are pivotal in reframing the narrative, embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into organizational culture, and using data to tell powerful stories of progress.
Joelle Emerson – CEO Paradigm, Civil Rights Lawyer, Adjunct Professor at Stanford University Graduate School of Business
2:50 p.m. – 3:40 p.m. ET
Understanding the context of employees is more critical than ever as organizations navigate evolving workplace dynamics. Communicators, HR leaders, and IT teams are charged with building trust and fostering confidence through impactful messaging and experiences — and leveraging the right technology can be a game-changer.
In this session, Lara Dobson, VP of Product Marketing at Staffbase, will address some of today's biggest communications and employee experience trends, including the rise of AI and employee distrust. She’ll share how CommsTech advancements are transforming how teams inspire and engage their workforce. Attendees will also gain exclusive insights into new tools and strategies designed to elevate strategic engagement and drive measurable results.
Lara Dobson – VP of Product Marketing, Staffbase
3:40 p.m. – 4:25 p.m. ET
Internal communicators are no strangers to navigating a challenging landscape. Too often, they find themselves perceived as tactical executors rather than strategic leaders. In 2025, many face a unique set of career challenges: earning a seat at the table, proving the strategic value of their role to executives, and navigating complex organizational dynamics.
In this invigorating session, Global Peak Performance Educator and Scholar-Practitioner Shadé Zahrai will equip communicators with the tools to strengthen their influence and accelerate their career growth. Attendees will walk away with actionable strategies to build credibility and clearly demonstrate the impact of internal communications — to position themselves as indispensable strategic partners within their organizations.
Shadé Zahrai – Award-Winning Leadership Strategist, Global Peak Performance Educator & Scholar Practitioner, LinkedIn Top Voice
4:25 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. ET
4:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET
As organizations face ongoing internal and external challenges — such as economic uncertainty, policy changes, and internal business transformations — the need to cultivate an authentic culture of well-being and trust has never been more urgent, especially as rates of burnout and disengagement continue to climb.
In this fireside chat, Arianna Huffington, founder & CEO of Thrive Global, will explore how companies can authentically tackle burnout and disengagement. She will share actionable strategies for communicators and HR professionals to sculpt a thriving, resilient workforce.
Arianna will also highlight the critical role internal communicators play in navigating these challenges, emphasizing the importance of balancing their own well-being while supporting employees through stress and change. Attendees will gain valuable insights into rebuilding trust, inspiring teams, and cultivating a culture of engagement.
Arianna Huffington – Founder & CEO of Thrive Global
5:00 p.m. – 5:05 p.m. ET
To close out the day on a high note, we’ll recap the biggest highlights and offer an exciting sneak peek into what Staffbase has planned for the year ahead — before we reveal the VOICES Awards recipients.
5:05 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. ET
This year, Staffbase invited customers to showcase their outstanding use of the employee communications platform by submitting nominations in the following categories:
• Best Launch Strategy
• Best Content Format
• Best Inspiration Project
• Best Business Impact
In this session, the Best Business Impact Award winner will highlight what stood out about their communications campaign. After reviewing an impressive range of applications, we’re excited to announce the winner, whose innovative communication strategy has set a new standard for inspiration, engagement, and measurable impact. Join us to celebrate the award recipient and hear firsthand how they created a truly exceptional employee experience.
David Maffei – GM of Americas, Staffbase
Athena Koutsonikolas – VP of Marketing & Communications, Americas, Staffbase