The Plank Summit
AI Technologies in Public Relations: Intercultural Opportunities and Challenges
November 7, 2024
11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
WNDR Museum, Chicago
This Summit will focus on how the public relations profession is navigating AI and new technologies in relation to culture. What are the biases of AI/tech? What is working and what is not? In addition to focusing on the United States, the Summit will also focus on how AI, PR and culture are perceived in other countries. While the goal of the Plank Summit is to help develop emerging leaders, all audiences are welcome.
Panel One: Historical Perspective of PR and Tech with Senior Leaders
12:45 – 1:45 p.m.
Historically, our profession has navigated numerous moments of change and disruption in delivering targeted and customized programs to our audiences and stakeholders. Today, we face another pivotal moment: the rise of artificial intelligence and its transformative impact on our field.
This panel is designed to explore past experiences—what we did right and what we could have done better during times of change. By reflecting on these insights, we aim to prepare ourselves for the current evolution and effectively integrate AI into our strategies.
Our panel features senior practitioners who are at the forefront of this transformation. They will share their perspectives on how AI shapes their approach, the questions they are fielding from clients and C-suite leaders and the strategies they employ to upskill their teams. We’ll dive into the pressing concerns they are addressing, such as aligning AI with business goals, managing data ethics, and leveraging AI to enhance communication strategies.
Join us as we explore these critical discussions and gain valuable insights into how we can embrace AI, support our stakeholders and connect with our audiences in a meaningful and authentic way.
Panel Two: Current Conversations on AI, Tech and PR with Emerging Leaders
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the communications landscape, bringing new trends, ethical considerations and opportunities for innovation. This panel brings together a distinguished group of practitioners on the cutting edge of AI implementation in communications.
Join us as this group of emerging leaders share their firsthand experiences and insights into how AI is currently utilized in the profession. They will address key ethical considerations, discuss how AI shapes day-to-day operations and highlight the impact on employee perspectives.
The discussion will delve into current conversations around AI technology, exploring the most pressing opportunities and challenges. Panelists will also share their thoughts on how emerging leaders are navigating these changes and what frontline practitioners should elevate to senior executives. Expect a myth-busting exploration of AI’s role in communications, focusing on the potential for enhancement and the common misconceptions that need addressing.
Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable insights from those actively shaping the future of AI in communications.
Panel Three: Envisioning the Future of AI, Tech and PR with Student Leaders
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the communications profession, the perspectives of emerging professionals—those just entering the profession from college or in their first few years—are crucial. This session focuses on the insights and aspirations of these newcomers, offering a fresh perspective on the evolving landscape of AI in communications.
Join us as a panel of early-career professionals shares their thoughts on how AI is influencing their roles and what they hope to see from their managers and senior leaders. These rising stars will discuss their expectations for AI’s role in their day-to-day work, the ethical considerations they are passionate about and how they envision leveraging this technology to drive innovation.
Key topics will include:
- The impact of AI on their early career experiences and learning curves.
- Their perspectives on ethical considerations and responsible AI use.
- The opportunities they see for AI to enhance their work and career development.
- How they believe senior leaders can support them in adapting to and thriving in an AI-driven environment.
This session provides valuable insights into the evolving expectations of the next generation of communications professionals–and highlights methods seasoned leaders can support and guide them through this transformation.
