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2024 Summit Videos

As the world of strategic marketing and communications continues to evolve, gatherings like StratComm’s Bar Raiser Summit allow us to convene and discuss this dynamic landscape. In 2024, the annual summit featured sessions on artificial intelligence, navigating political climates, leadership transitions, happiness, strategic planning and more.

Unlock wisdom, share resources and seek inspiration to elevate your role as a UCLA storyteller anytime, anywhere, with access to recordings from our most recent Bar Raiser Summit right here.

Take a first look or revisit this convergence of Bruin minds shaping the future.


Practice Makes Happy

Solo Presentation

33:45


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.

Bio: Cassie Holmes


A Vision for UCLA from its Head Storyteller

Fireside Chat

26:33


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?

Bio: Chancellor Gene Block

Bio: Amy Guerra


AI: Colleague 2.0

Fireside Chat

54:45


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?

Bio: Safiya Noble

Bio: Jessica Wolf


Weathering Fraught Political Climates

Fireside Chat

58:45


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?

Bio: Lynn Vavreck

Bio: Ricardo Vasquez


Proven Strategies for Reaching Reporters

Panel Discussion

1:02:38


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.

Bio: Alison Hewitt

Bio: Claudia Bustamante

Bio: Diya Chacko

Bio: Barbra Ramos


Navigating Leadership Transitions as Storytellers

Panel Discussion

1:00:03


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?

Bio: Yolanda Gorman

Bio: Dean Michael Waterstone

Bio: Emily Rose

Bio: Eric Greene


Creating the Future: Furthering the Strategic Plan

Fireside Chat

40:59


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?

Bio: Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Darnell Hunt

Bio: Mary Osako