Events

Speaker: Rob Biesenbach 

Biography: Rob Biesenbach specializes in helping busy professionals capitalize on the power of storytelling to engage and influence colleagues, customers and other important audiences. He’s an in-demand keynote speaker, workshop leader and coach, and a Second City–trained actor. He has worked with clients including AARP, Allstate, American Cancer Society, Coca-Cola, Feeding America, Lockheed Martin, and Northwestern University, among others. Earlier in his career Rob was a vice president at Ogilvy PR, press secretary to the Ohio Attorney General and a nonprofit and association executive in Washington, DC. He lives in Evanston and travels the world (and the Internet) to meet his clients’ needs. 

Presentation Title: Unleash the Power of Storytelling: Win Hearts, Change Minds, Get Results 

Description: Study after study confirms that storytelling is the most powerful form of communication at our disposal. The right story can help you break down walls with people, build trust and influence them to act. But what exactly goes into a good story? And how can you find, shape and tell powerful stories that will truly win hearts and change minds? This engaging and interactive session unlocks the secrets of storytelling to help you communicate in a more clear, compelling and authoritative way. You’ll come away with simple, practical tools you can use right away to become an even more powerful, persuasive communicator — in the workplace, the marketplace and your everyday life. 

*****Registration Closes on Monday June 8th, 2026 at 6:00 PM CT****

Please note that separate registration is required for both the Career Fair and the June Dinner Meeting.

Learning Objectives: By the end of this session, participants will be able to: 

● Understand the science behind the power of storytelling — how stories and emotion can supplement data and logic to make a more compelling case. 

● Apply simple structures and processes for creating and using stories in everyday communication. 

● Draw out the best stories from their customers, clients, colleagues and other sources. 

● Develop an inventory of relevant stories targeted to specific, common issues experienced by their target audience. 

● Become more powerful, persuasive, effective communicators. 

Agenda: 

● Registration & Networking : 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM CT 

● Dinner: 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM CT 

● Announcements: 6:30 PM to 6:45 PM CT 

● Presentation and Q&A: 6:45 PM to 7:45 PM CT 

● Raffles and Close Out 7:45 PM to 8:00 PM CT