Changing hearts and minds

Time: Arrival from 9.30am for 10am start, concluding at 5pm

Join us for our special event on Wednesday 12 June that combines science, best practice and a roomful of highly skilled professionals with the express intention of creating powerful communications strategies and narratives that change hearts and minds.

You may be looking for ways to bring people together and heal division; you may be grappling with the myriad of ways in which vested interests use fears and insecurities to harm your organisation and its communities; or you may be looking to overcome stereotypes and inground prejudice. This event offers something for you.

What’s on offer?  

Combining academic research and science with real-life examples and hands-on activities, this event will equip delegates with the insights and inspiration to communicate with influence and impact.  

The day will be split into two distinct phases: thinking and doing. 

Thinking: Neuroscientists, framing experts and communications practitioners will share knowledge and insights on topics such as cognitive dissonance, the role of emotion and polarisation, as well as success stories from charities and campaigners.  

Doing: The afternoon will see delegates move into groups where they will apply the morning’s learning within themed scenarios. These scenarios will be loosely based on real-life situations and will provide opportunity for everyone to share experiences so we can all learn from each other.  

Confirmed speakers:  

Alison Goldsworthy, political advisor, campaigner and co-author of Poles Apart: Why People Turn Against Each Other and How to Bring Them Together (UK and USA) 

Ailbhe Smyth, activist, strategy specialist and co-director of the Together for Yes referendum campaign (Ireland) 

Celia Richardson, director of communications and marketing, the National Trust (UK)

David Bovis, neuroscientist, behaviour change expert and founder of Duxinaroe (UK) 

Dr Daniel Glaser, neuroscientist, communicator and director of science engagement at the Royal Institution (UK)

Victoria Barlow, communications strategist, trade union expert and co-director of Agenda (UK) 

Becky Slack, communications strategist, charity expert and co-director of Agenda (UK and EU) 

Is this event for you?  

Are you... 

• A communications professional who works in charities, trade unions and social movements? 

• Do you work for a cause such as workers’ rights, human rights, poverty and financial inclusion, racial justice, transrights, religious freedom, climate change or other social justice issues? 

• Has your organisation or sector ever been subjected to hostile attacks, media criticism, astroturf campaigns or online trolling? 

• Do you and your organisation use social and traditional media, public protest and direct action to raise awareness of your cause and create social change? 

• Do you want to learn more about how the brain responds to messaging so that your communications activities are more successful?  

• Do you want to share skills and experiences with colleagues facing similar challenges to you? 

If you answered yes to one or more of the above, then this event is for you 

The investment required: 

To ensure that attendees can get the most out of this event, we are keeping it small. Places are limited to 60 spots and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.   

Tickets cost £267 + VAT 

Terms and conditions: 

• Due to the participatory nature of the event, delegates will be required to attend the full duration 

• Tickets cannot be refunded but they can be passed to another colleague or organisation. Please contact rebecca.haack@your-agenda.com with the contact details of who the ticket is being transferred to. 

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