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Breakout Session 3: The Human Signal in an AI World
Location: Cherrywood Room (275)
Technology accelerates communication. Human connection determines whether it matters. Nicki Gibbs and Marie Renckens from Beehive Strategic Communication will share how balancing emerging marketing strategies with authentic human insight has helped academic departments at UMN and other higher education institutions increase enrollment by up to 40 percent. Participants will see how human-centered communication creates stronger engagement, stronger culture and stronger reputation even as AI reshapes the information landscape.
Participants will learn how to:
- Anchor communication strategy in human insight
- Integrate AI tools without losing empathy and cultural understanding
- Build communication ecosystems that amplify trust
Presented by
Marie Renckens, Group Vice President, Beehive
Marie helps brands bridge the gap between how they operate on the inside and how they are perceived on the outside. It’s in that intersection where real, lasting reputation is built. At Beehive, she partners with C-suite teams—particularly in healthcare, education, and engineering—to navigate complex change. Whether it's a division-wide pivot or a shift in market positioning, she helps clients move past surface-level tactics to build strategies that drive real business impact.
Nicki Gibbs, Chief Strategy Officer, Beehive
Nicki specializes in simplify complex business challenges, combining communication and change management principles to find insightful and practical ways forward. She inspires clients in higher education, healthcare and professional services to think and act in ways that drive meaningful results. Nicki is described as confident, steady under pressure and the professional you want on your team in sticky situations.