Unleashing AI's Potential: How to Drive Employee Adoption Through Strategic Communication
In today's rapidly evolving workplace, AI isn't just another tech trend—it's a transformative force that can dramatically enhance productivity and innovation. But how do you move your organization from AI anxiety to enthusiastic adoption?
Join us as Shel Holtz shares Webcor's success story in introducing generative AI tools across Webcor. This engaging 45-minute session reveals the communication strategies that turned skeptical employees into confident AI users who now leverage these powerful tools in their daily work.
What you'll discover:
- Demystifying AI through storytelling – Craft internal communications that transform complex AI concepts into relatable, accessible narratives that resonate with employees at all technical levels
- Building momentum through strategic pilot programs – Learn how to identify and engage early adopters who can become your AI champions and help create organization-wide excitement
- The art of effective prompting – Master practical techniques for developing clear, powerful prompts that unlock AI's full capabilities and deliver meaningful results
- Navigating the human side of technological change – Discover proven approaches to address concerns, build trust, and align AI initiatives with both organizational goals and employee needs
Don't miss this opportunity to gain actionable insights that will position you as a strategic leader in your organization's AI journey. Leave equipped with the tools to transform how your colleagues perceive and utilize this game-changing technology.
About Shel Holtz
Shel Holtz is senior director of communications at Webcor, a commercial builder in California. He brings to the job more than 45 years of experience in employee communications, corporate public relations, crisis communications, media relations, financial communications, investor relations, marketing communications, and compensation and benefits communications.
In addition to integrating technology into communications strategies, his expertise includes strategic communications planning, change management, organizational culture, business initiatives, and communications research.
Before joining Webcor in 2017, he had consulted independently for more than 20 years as principal of Holtz Communication + Technology, working with organizations worldwide to employ technology in their communications, from email and intranets to social media.
Earlier in his career, Shel was director of corporate communications for Allergan and Mattel and spent time at two global human resources consulting firms. His first job in the organizational communication field was with energy company ARCO in Los Angeles as an internal communications representative.
He has written six communication-themed books and is co-host of the first and longest-running communication-focused podcast, “For Immediate Release,” which debuted in early January 2005. Shel is a certified Strategic Communication Management Professional and an Accredited Business Communicator.
Shel has been a regular speaker globally on topics surrounding the application of online technology to strategic communication. He is a Fellow of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), a Senior Fellow of the Conference Board’s Marketing and Communication Center, and a Founding Research Fellow at the Team Flow Institute. He is a certified Strategic Communication Management Professional and an Accredited Business Communicator. Shel served six years on IABC’s international executive board and is a five-time winner of IABC’s Gold Quill award. He began his career as a newspaper reporter and editor after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from California State University, Northridge. He lives with his wife and their dog in Concord, California.
Alcantara Discusses IABC and Public Relations in October's South Jersey Magazine
IABC Philadelphia's president, Rick Alcantara, discusses public relations, professional development, AI and more in the October issue of South Jersey Magazine. "His number 1 piece of advice for companies looking to communicate effectively in today's landscape is to 'walk the walk.' In other words, don't just recite certain platitudes, but actually back them up by conducting business in an ethical manner."
Committees
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Programming |
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Daniel Paulling is the Director of Communications and Publications at U.S. Masters Swimming, as well as the Editor-in-Chief of SWIMMER magazine. He develops and executes USMS’s internal and external communications and email marketing campaigns, and leads the organization’s content marketing strategy. He’s also a nationally-ranked swimmer in multiple events. |
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Communications Diane Streleckis |
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Diane Streleckis has dedicated her 30+-year career to understanding what people need from communications and then crafting content that fulfills those needs. Diane has created almost every form of content. Social media, videos, podcasts, blogs, news articles, sales and proposal materials, emails, presentations, and even full-blown white papers are all in her repertoire. She’s developed communication strategies for internal and external audiences in business-to-business and business-to-consumer communities, as well as the general public. Much of Diane’s experience is in the financial services industry, for organizations including American Century Investments, KPMG, and Vanguard. She’s also worked in several other industries, such as public affairs, advertising, and software. To get even better at creating connections through content, Diane is pursuing a Master of Science degree in Strategic and Digital Communications at Drexel University. |
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Diversity, Equity & Inclusion |
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Roy Woods Jr. is the Director of Communications for Springpoint, a nationally recognized senior living provider serving older adults and their families in the Mid-Atlantic region. Roy is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing communications to inform and engage internal audiences (employees, residents, members, and clients) and external audiences (prospects, families, and industry peers). He has over 16 years of communications experience in the public and non-profit sectors. Previously, he was a Senior Communications Technician with the Office of Information Technology for the State of New Jersey. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Thomas Edison State University and a Master of Communications and Media from Rutgers University. |
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As senior vice president, of corporate communications at Radian, Rashi is responsible for leading the development and implementation of the company’s corporate and business public relations including online print and social media channels; corporate and business brand experience; corporate philanthropy/social impact; corporate reputation and crisis management; event marketing; corporate and business creative services and executive/strategic employee communications strategies and programs. Rashi holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Communications, Journalism and Media Studies, and before joining Radian worked in various capacities in academia, government and corporate in communications roles of increasing and varied responsibility. She holds several postgraduate certificates in both internal and external communications and is a current holder of the IABC’s Communications Management Professional (CMP) certification. |
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Pam is a Principal and Senior Strategist with Power & Light Collaborative, a strategic growth consultancy that advises fintech and financial institutions. As a seasoned public relations leader, she has over two decades of experience in agency and corporate settings, managing high-performing cross-functional teams, implementing marketing and brand strategies, employee engagement initiatives, and effectively executing crisis communication plans. She has supported brands such as Toyota, Volvo, Honda, Mattel, and Nestle. Pam holds a master’s degree in professional communication from DePaul University. An active thought leader, she is an adjunct instructor at Temple University and a member of the International Association of Business Communicators, serving on the 2025 IABC World Conference planning committee. |
About IABC Philadelphia
The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philadelphia Chapter is a membership-based trade association for business communicators, who live or work in southeastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, and Delaware. IABC Philadelphia represents one of the 100 chapters of IABC worldwide.
Mission
IABC Philadelphia empowers its members to be successful professional communicators by providing learning and development, networking and career enhancement opportunities.
We provide opportunities to further professional development, network with industry peers, and connect communications professionals with local companies and organizations.
The IABC Philadelphia Chapter provides educational programming, networking, job search assistance, job postings, and volunteer opportunities for its members and non-members. We represent a diverse array of expertise and experiences, including:
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IABC Philadelphia Chapter members also represent varied organizations, such as:
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Committed to helping its members advance their professional careers, IABC Philadelphia offers valuable opportunities to students, entry-level, mid-career and executive communicators.
If you would like to expand your knowledge, learn new skills or meet new friends, we invite you to join IABC Philadelphia.