Communicating with Gen Z: What Actually Connects?

Name: Communicating with Gen Z: What Actually Connects?
Start: 2026-04-22T11:30:00-05:00
Location: 1 Horace Mann Plz, Springfield, IL 62715-0001, United States

Schedule

Wed, 22 Apr, 2026 at 11:30 am

UTC-05:00

Location

1 Horace Mann Plz, Springfield, IL 62715-0001, United States | Springfield, IL

How do organizations effectively communicate with Gen Z in a rapidly changing digital landscape? Join the Mid-Illinois Communications Association for a dynamic panel discussion featuring college students studying marketing and communications who will share firsthand insights on what captures their attention, what feels outdated and what makes them immediately scroll past.
The conversation will explore which platforms and formats resonate most right now, examples of brands and institutions that are successfully engaging Gen Z and the communication habits from managers and supervisors that foster connection and engagement. Panelists will also discuss how they prefer to receive feedback in the workplace and what messaging approaches feel authentic versus performative.
Students from Illinois College, the University of Illinois Springfield and Lincoln Land Community College will take part in the discussion. The panel will be moderated by MICA Past President and NPR Illinois Morning Edition host Michelle Eccles.