The evolving role of AI in communications

Thursday, May 1, 6 to 8 p.m.

Cision, 88 Queens Quay W. [Suite 3000]

We’re hosting an in-person session in partnership with CisionOne and PR Newswire around the evolving role of AI in communications. This panel will explore how AI is changing the way communicators engage with their audiences, manage complex situations, and measure success.

The panel will cover the following topics:

• The role of AI in shaping communications strategies

• AI in crisis communications

• Personalization and automation in media relations

• Measuring communications impact with AI

• Ethical considerations with AI

• Future of AI in communications: trends and predictions

The event will offer networking, drinks, and snacks, providing a chance to connect with fellow attendees.

Speakers:

Veronica Langvee (she/her), Director of Communications, Microsoft Canada

Veronica Langvee is the Director of Communications for Microsoft Canada. She is responsible for defining the communications strategy and managing the storytelling agenda in Canada. She leads a team dedicated to telling stories that spotlight how Canadians are utilizing Microsoft’s cloud and AI technology to address challenges, generate new opportunities and enhance the growth of Canada’s economy. Veronica also oversees issues management, influencer relations and executive communications. Before joining Microsoft, Veronica spent seven years working on the agency-side, including Porter Novelli, Inventa and MSL Worldwide.

With more than 16 years of experience in communications, Veronica’s in-house and agency background has enabled her to work across a diverse range of industries and brands, including Rogers, Nintendo, Duracell, Loblaws Companies Limited, Philips, Indigo, The Almond Board of California, plus many others.

Veronica has an Honours BA in Media Studies, and a diploma in public relations from the University of Guelph-Humber.

Karla Congson (she/her), CEO & CTO, Agentiiv

Karla is CEO+CTO of Agentiiv. A seasoned veteran in business and marketing strategy, she’s the lead prompt engineer who designs our agentic workflows by combining domain expertise with powerful AI models.

A seasoned business leader and entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in innovation, strategy, marketing and digital technologies, Karla is passionate about the future of work, the power of culture and driving business results. In 2017, she was part of the founding team that brought Singularity University to Canada through the first SingularityU national conference.

At Agentiiv, Karla’s teams support clients such as Sun Life Financial, Ontario Medical Association Insurance, Scotiabank, TMX, Deloitte, Canadian Medical Association, the

Vector Institute, Deloitte, NAV CANADA, Canadian Marketing Association, sunwing, MD Financial, Medtronic and many others.

Karla has also held the roles of Executive Strategy Director & Managing Director at Mirum Agency, Executive Vice President at WPP/Young & Rubicam Canada, responsible for country leadership of the Ford of Canada business and VP Marketing at Invesco (formerly Aim Trimark).

Adnan Bashir (he/him), Global Lead, External Communications, Hansen Technologies

Adnan is a communications and corporate affairs professional, with prior expertise in publishing and journalism. In his current role, he oversees external communications at Hansen Technologies, responsible for communications strategy and C-Suite advisory, media and analyst relations, and executive communications, for the company worldwide.

Prior to joining Hansen Technologies in Toronto, Adnan was based in Dubai, where he started his career as a journalist covering technology, business and lifestyle stories, before subsequently moving into corporate communications and public relations. During his tenure with two global agencies, Golin and FleishmanHillard, he accumulated extensive experience across various industry sectors, as well as leading diverse, multi-country teams. In these roles, he provided strategic counsel to an array of clients, encompassing start-ups, nonprofits, state ministries, government officials and Fortune-500 multinational firms.

His commentary, insights and op-eds have been featured in The Toronto Star, Forbes, The National and TRT World.

Evelyn Chavez (she/her), Grammarly Brand Ambassador, Social & Lattes

Evelyn is a Content Strategy Coach with over 13 years of marketing and entrepreneurship experience. Through her “art of noticing” approach, Evelyn mentors creative brands to design sustainable content systems that create genuine connections without relying on conventional formulas.

Evelyn is a member of The Grammarly Collective (Grammarly’s Brand Ambassador Program). Her experience using AI tools in creative processes brings a unique perspective on balancing technology with human creativity to her work.

Evelyn’s approach demonstrates how communicators can leverage emerging AI capabilities without sacrificing their unique voice or work-life balance in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.

In her spare time, Evelyn enjoys paddleboarding, local travel, hot yoga, reading, and, recently, making sourdough.

Moderator:

Rasha Fawakhiri (she/her), Principal, RF Communications and VP, Professional Development and Networking, IABC Toronto

Rasha Fawakhiri is currently a Principal at RF Communications, based in Toronto. Her practice leverages over 10 years of experience in fast-paced global technology companies — more than half of her 20+ year career — from working at founder-led multinationals to leading global-first product communications initiatives. She also serves on the IABC’s Toronto chapter board as VP of Professional Development and Networking.

Before becoming an independent communicator, she was the Regional Head of Communications at X (formerly Twitter) in one of its top five global markets: the Middle East and North Africa. There, she profiled senior leaders, including the founder, Jack Dorsey, and was a spokesperson for some of the world’s most trusted broadcasters and news agencies. She has conceptualized and led several award-winning campaigns and DEI narratives, including Cannes Lions.

Rasha holds a bachelor’s degree in media from the University of Sussex, U.K.

Fees: 
• Free: IABC Members

• $35: Non-members ($39.55 with HST)

Capacity is limited.

Register here