Ragan Communications has selected digital media entrepreneur and What’s Trending founder Shira Lazar as a keynote speaker for its 2026 Future of Communications Conference. The three-day event is scheduled for Nov. 11–13 at the Hyatt Regency Austin as part of Communications Week.

Lazar’s keynote, titled “Think Like a Creator: Thriving at the Intersection of AI, Trust and the Future of Communications,” will examine how artificial intelligence, creator-driven media and evolving expectations around authenticity are transforming organizational communications.

The communications landscape is changing rapidly. Executives are increasingly producing content themselves, employees are functioning as publishers, and brands are competing for attention across an expanding and fragmented media environment. Against that backdrop, communicators need to look beyond technology alone and consider how experimentation, curiosity, authenticity and trust can help organizations build stronger connections with their audiences.

During her presentation, Lazar will discuss the growing overlap between corporate communications and the creator economy, the ways AI is influencing work and media, and the steps communications professionals can take to stay relevant as the industry continues to evolve.

Three Days Focused on the Future of Communications
Lazar’s appearance is part of a three-day conference that will bring hundreds of communications professionals to Austin to discuss emerging priorities across internal and external communications, public relations, reputation management, employee communications and leadership.

The 2026 Future of Communications Conference is expected to feature more than 50 senior communications executives, leaders and subject-matter experts across more than 30 keynotes, workshops, case studies, fireside conversations and peer-to-peer sessions.

The speaker lineup includes communications professionals representing organizations such as Lockheed Martin, United Airlines, Dell Technologies, Notion, State Farm, IBM, Colgate-Palmolive, Hachette Book Group, Mozilla, Coca-Cola Bottlers’ Sales & Services, Dow Jones, Anker, Code for America and Cotality, among others.

AI and Emerging Challenges Take Center Stage
The conference agenda focuses on challenges communications teams are dealing with today as well as developments expected to influence the profession in 2027.

Topics will include AI governance, agentic AI workflows, executive communications, employee engagement, corporate reputation, crisis readiness, misinformation, organizational transformation, communications measurement and return on investment. Sessions will also address emerging media platforms and the increasing role of AI-powered search in how audiences discover information.

Another area of focus will be the changing nature of online discoverability. Attendees will explore how Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) and Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) are affecting brand visibility, along with the implications of AI systems becoming an audience for corporate information.

The program will also examine how organizations can respond to deepfakes and synthetic media and maintain an identifiable human voice as AI-generated communications become increasingly widespread.

Dedicated AI Strategy Summit
A dedicated Center for AI Strategy Summit, taking place Nov. 11, will provide additional programming focused specifically on artificial intelligence.

The summit will explore practical approaches to AI adoption, workflow development and governance, along with legal and brand considerations. It will also examine emerging opportunities that communications teams may need to prepare for as organizations expand their use of AI through 2027.

Networking and Peer Exchange
In addition to formal sessions, the Future of Communications Conference will provide opportunities for attendees to interact with other communications professionals. Structured networking, roundtable discussions, receptions and peer conversations are designed to encourage the exchange of practical experiences and ideas.

The conference represents the flagship educational event within Communications Week 2026, which runs Nov. 9–13. Communications Week brings together communications professionals and organizations to recognize the profession while exploring the technologies, trends and changing expectations shaping its future.

The next registration pricing deadline is Oct. 9.

Readers of 3BL Media can receive an additional $500 off registration by using the code 3BL.

Trina Evans, KeyCorp’s Executive Vice President, who is also the company’s Chief of Staff and Director of Corporate Center, has been awarded the prestigious 2022 Women of Note Award  from Crain’s Cleveland Business.

This is in recognition of her ability to “influence culture, gain business alignment and successfully implement enterprise-wide change”. She has invested nearly 30 years at Key.

During this time, she has led the bank’s call centres, advanced and accelerated the company’s long legacy in diversity, equity and inclusion, and has orchestrated the extension and expansion of KeyBank’s National Community Benefits Plan.

She currently oversees enterprise communications, media relations, digital and traditional marketing, employee and client experience, continuous improvement, board relations, government relations, community development, philanthropy and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Evans is a member of the senior executive team, and reports directly to the CEO.

Playing an active role in the community, Evans serves in executive positions on the Boards of Trustees of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, Cuyahoga Community College Foundation, College Now scholarship fund, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and in the Weatherhead School of Management Visiting Committee.

She is also a member of the National Association of Corporate Directors.

She has also been recognized as a Woman to Watch by Diversity Magazine and by the YWCA as a Woman of Achievement.

KeyCorp president and CEO Christopher Gorman, who has known and worked with Evans for 20 years, mentioned the following on the impact Crain has had in the community.

“Trina brings a versatile and dynamic set of skills to her role,” said Gorman. “While Trina demonstrates business acumen and a strategic mindset, she is best known and respected for her authenticity and emotional intelligence. She is a highly trusted partner and adviser who influences others, cultivates culture, and gains the alignment necessary to move the business forward. Trina is a culture carrier at KeyBank and a wonderful ambassador for our reputation and brand.”