IABC Masterclass - AI Proficiency for Communication Professionals

Live Meeting Dates and Times

• 9 November, 2026, 9:00 - 10:45 AM CT
• 11 November, 2026, 9:00 - 10:45 AM CT

Description

AI proficiency is no longer just about knowing how to use the latest tools. Communication professionals need to know where AI can genuinely add value, how to use it responsibly and when communication expertise needs to influence wider organisational decisions.

In this practical 3.5-hour masterclass, IABC Fellow Sia Papageorgiou will take you from strategic use of AI in your own work through to responsible practice within the communication function and a stronger role in organisational AI adoption and governance.

Drawing on the Centre for Strategic Communication Excellence’s Responsible AI Leadership Framework for Communication, you will explore how to use AI purposefully, navigate ethical and professional issues, establish practical safeguards and contribute confidently when AI affects people, communication, trust and reputation.

Who should attend

This masterclass is designed for communication professionals who are already using AI, exploring how it could support their work or contributing to conversations about its use within an organisation or client environment.

It will be particularly valuable for professionals who want to move beyond basic AI tool use, make more considered decisions about where and how AI should be used, strengthen responsible practice within their team or function, and contribute more confidently to wider organisational AI conversations.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this masterclass, participants will be able to:

• Identify where AI can add value to strategic communication work and where human expertise needs to remain central.
• Apply a practical approach to considering the purpose, people, potential consequences and human role in an AI use.
• Identify the core elements of responsible AI practice within a communication function.
• Recognise when and how communication expertise can contribute to wider organisational AI decisions.

Masterclass outline

The masterclass uses the CSCE Responsible AI Leadership Framework to explore four connected areas.

1. Use AI strategically in communication

• Explore where AI can support research, analysis, planning, audience insight, content development, advice and evaluation.
• Consider where AI can strengthen strategic thinking and where communication expertise and organisational context remain essential.
• Decide what AI should contribute and what should remain human.

1. Make responsible AI decisions

• Start with the purpose of an AI use and the communication or stakeholder need it is intended to address.
• Consider who may be affected, what could go wrong and what level of human involvement is appropriate.
• Recognise when additional checking, transparency, specialist advice or escalation may be needed.

1. Build responsible AI practice

• Explore what communication teams need to use AI responsibly and consistently.
• Consider practical expectations, responsibilities, safeguards and routes for advice or escalation.
• Identify how responsible AI practice can connect with existing organisational policies, processes and expertise.

1. Lead and influence organisational AI

• Recognise when an AI decision has communication, stakeholder, trust or reputation implications.
• Explore when communication should lead, partner with others or provide advice and influence.
• Consider how communication professionals can bring stakeholder perspectives and communication expertise into wider AI decisions.