Schedule of Events

In a world defined by growing uncertainty, organizations face unprecedented pressure to make sense of long-term change. Geopolitical shifts, technological acceleration, and evolving cultural expectations are reshaping every industry, creating a landscape that is more volatile, complex, and contested than ever before. In response, leaders across strategy, insight, risk, and innovation functions are investing in horizon scanning, scenario planning, and long-term decision-making frameworks. Yet in many organisations, something critical has been missing: the communicator’s voice.

Building on the success of the 2025 IABC World Conference session, this practical, energizing session introduces new insight, tools, and case studies to help communicators fill that gap. Attendees will learn how to build their own horizon-scanning practice, translate external signals into internal meaning, and prepare people to engage with change confidently and constructively. We will explore how to connect foresight to behavior — equipping employees to adapt, stay curious, and make decisions that support long-term resilience. Attendees will leave with actionable methods to shape future-ready communication strategies, embed strategic thinking into everyday workflows, and strengthen their role as trusted advisors in an age of constant disruption.

• Define horizon scanning and explain how it equips strategic communicators to add value by anticipating disruption, identifying emerging risks and opportunities, and guiding informed decision-making.
• Apply a structured framework for horizon scanning within their organization to identify, interpret, and prioritize trends that could shape future communication, reputation, and stakeholder engagement.
• Translate emerging trends into actionable insight, using practical techniques to craft proactive, future-ready communication strategies and messaging that help their organizations navigate and thrive amid disruption.