The Bar Raiser Summit
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Skirball Cultural Center
2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd. Los Angeles
As the world of strategic marketing and communications continues to evolve, we need spaces like StratComm’s 2024 Bar Raiser Summit where we can collectively navigate this dynamic landscape together. This year’s summit promises to be our boldest and most illuminating yet, where we’ll explore transformative sessions on artificial intelligence, navigating political climates, leadership transitions, happiness, strategic planning and more.
This is not just an event; it’s a convergence of minds shaping the future. Join us in raising the bar as we harness collective wisdom, share resources and inspire one another to elevate our roles as storytellers.
Schedule
8:30 AM
Check-In Begins
Herscher Hall
Networking Breakfast
9:15 AM
9:30 AM
Practice Makes Happy
Small changes can have an enormous impact, helping you feel less overwhelmed, more present and more satisfied with your life overall — things that money can’t buy. It all starts by transforming just one hour into a happier hour.
- Optimally spend your hours and feel confident in those choices
- Sidestep distractions
- Create and savor moments of joy
- Design your schedule with purpose
- Look back on your years without regret
10:00 AM
A Vision for UCLA from its Head Storyteller
Chancellor Gene Block with Amy Guerra
UCLA’s past, present and future converge in this session exploring Chancellor Block’s perspectives on the challenges and opportunities that tell the story of his tenure. As he prepares to pass the baton, what are priorities that Chancellor Block hopes will be furthered by his successor for the next generation of Bruins?
10:35 AM
Morning Break
11:00 AM
Morning Breakout Sessions
When registering, select between one of the following breakouts:
AI: Colleague 2.0
Safiya Noble with Jessica Wolf
Learn more about AI’s impact on storytelling, job security, higher education and society. How do we recognize and counter the inherent biases of AI and how do we use the technology effectively and responsibly?
or
Weathering Fraught Political Climates
Lynn Vavreck with Ricardo Vasquez
Heading into what will undoubtedly be another polarizing election — at a time when it is already difficult for many to agree on what facts are, much less on the meaning of those facts — can the research happening here at UCLA offer insight into how storytellers can promote dialogue across differences and build our capacity for compassion? How can we as communicators show how the knowledge coming out of universities can support productive debate that encourages people to be in community rather than seeing one another as adversaries?
12:00 PM
Networking Lunch
Taper Courtyard
1:00 PM
Afternoon Breakout Sessions
When registering, select between one of the following breakouts:
Proven Strategies for Reaching Reporters
Alison Hewitt, Claudia Bustamante and Diya Chacko with Barbra Ramos
In a dynamic media landscape, how can our pitches stand out above the noise? Learn proven strategies from experts on how to establish and strengthen authentic and meaningful connections with media professionals across mediums.
or
Navigating Leadership Transitions as Storytellers
Yolanda Gorman, Dean Michael Waterstone and Emily Rose with Eric Greene
Leadership transitions have both practical and emotional implications for us in our roles as storytellers. How do we build excitement around a new leader both internally and externally, maintain momentum and continue to advance priorities?
2:00 PM
Afternoon Break
2:15 PM
Creating the Future: Furthering the Strategic Plan
Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Darnell Hunt with Mary Osako
The question at the heart of UCLA’s 2023-28 strategic plan is how we deepen our impact at a moment of transformation within our broader society, within Los Angeles and within our university. What is our role as storytellers in contributing to the goals of the plan?
3:00 PM
Networking Reception
Ruby Foyer
