Communicate Stronger 2025:
Empowering People In A Digital World
This year's conference brings together professionals, students and scholars to explore the evolving relationship between individuals and technology in shaping communication practices.
9 a.m.-4 p.m. CDT
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
University of Mary Lumen Vitae University Center
7500 University Dr., Bismarck, ND 58504
Click here to see a campus map
The main conference is from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., plus you're invited to join us for a light breakfast and networking starting at 8 a.m.
and stick around afterward for happy hour and appetizers!
Sample headshot
Keynote Speaker Justin Piehowski
Justin Piehowski is a journalist-turned-tech-media ecologist who explores the intersection of technology, communication, and human identity.
In this interactive presentation, we’ll explore how curation helps us retain our humanity in an AI-driven media environment, why professional communicators must lead this shift, and how organizations can reclaim control over their narratives.
Presentations
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Behind the Scenes of the Next Generation of Communicators. School may be out for the summer, but as communicators we never stop learning and adapting to new technologies and trends. Hear from a panel of professors and students from the University of Mary Communications Department on what they are learning today to help the rest of prepare for working with and hiring the next generation of communicators.
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How GNDC Transformed a Basic Newsletter Into a Strategic, High-impactTool. GNDC’s Dakota Digest is a three-day-a-week newsletter that is read by business leaders across the state each morning and this wasn’t an accident. The session will cover how GNDC transformed a basic newsletter into a strategic, high-impact communication tool, covering the evolution of their approach, key metrics driving engagement, content repurposing strategies, and how they monetize and expand their reach. Learn how GNDC crafts messages that get opened, read, and engaged with—plus lessons learned along the way to keep stakeholders informed and coming back.
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Increase Your Influence. Whether you’re leading a team, consulting with clients, or striving to make an impact in your organization, influence is key to success. We’ll dive into the core principles of influence, including building trust, mastering communication, and harnessing emotional intelligence. Panelists will share techniques they’ve used to engage others, create alignment around a common goal, overcome resistance with confidence, and be a more effective, persuasive leader.
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The Curation Playbook – A Communicator’s Guide. In an age of infinite content, what we choose to curate defines us. This hands-on session will equip business communicators with practical strategies for curating content effectively, ensuring their message cuts through the noise, retains credibility, and reflects a brand’s true values. Attendees will analyze real-world case studies, experiment with different curation techniques, and develop a framework for human-centered curation in their brand or organization. Bring your laptop!
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And more!
THANK YOU
to our sponsors!
