Connecting Today with Tomorrow: The Art and Science of Horizon Scanning for Communicators
In today’s globally connected world, strategic communications professionals need to know not only what is happening in their company but the competitor landscape, supply chain, their customers and communities. They also need to be able to read wider geo-political and economic winds. Following the news is not enough. That’s why horizon scanning—the art and science of identifying future trends and challenges has become a critical skill for strategic communicators. It provides the insights needed to stay ahead by understanding the impact of emerging technology, and cultural trends that impact an organisation’s messaging, branding and stakeholder engagement. In this interactive session attendees will be taken through a step-by-step framework for horizon scanning illustrated by examples and case studies. Attendees will discover new techniques to help them know how to connect the dots in a world where the pace of change continues to be marked by rapid shifts in technology, culture and public opinion. This session is ideal for communication leaders eager to strengthen their role as strategic advisors. They’ll gain actionable tools to shape resilient, future-ready communication strategies that truly connect with tomorrow’s challenges and opportunities.
Learning Objectives:
- Define horizon scanning and describe how it helps strategic communicators add value to their organization.
- Apply a structured framework for conducting horizon scanning within their organization, focusing on trend identification and interpretation.
- Demonstrate techniques to turn emerging trends into actionable insights that can inform proactive communication strategies and messaging.