How artificial intelligence is impacting jobs in communications and public relations

The Greater Washington Board of Trade hosted our Communications and Public Relations discussion featuring guest speaker Greg Kihlstrom, a published author, customer experience expert, and marketing technology transformation consultant, who spoke to our members about the impacts of artificial intelligence to the communications profession.

As we gathered to explore the various categories of AI and its impact on industries, it became evident that AI’s potential is boundless, offering innovative solutions and revolutionizing the way we approach automation.

One of the key highlights of the event was the introduction to Generative AI. Systems like ChatGPT and Dall-E Midjourney can generate content like text and images based on prompts. Witnessing the AI’s creativity in real-time left us in awe, and we couldn’t help but envision the endless possibilities for businesses and creative endeavors alike.

We also dived deep into Predictive Analytics, which intrigued everyone with its data-driven insights. The ability of AI to make accurate predictions about future outcomes using historical data and statistical modeling is nothing short of remarkable. From customer segmentation to churn prediction, the potential applications of Predictive Analytics left us inspired.

Going beyond traditional marketing automation, we explored the human touch of AI through Personalized Customer Journeys. This AI category focuses on delivering tailored experiences to individual customers based on their behaviors and preferences.

Workflow Automation, also known as Robotic Process Automation (RPA), was another engaging topic during the event. Learning how AI could automate routine tasks like report generation and customer service left us contemplating how much time and effort this could save for businesses, allowing employees to focus on more strategic and meaningful work.

As we discussed the potential of AI, it was crucial to address the concerns and risks associated with this technology. The threat of biases in decision-making and the need for transparency in machine learning models raised important ethical considerations. However, it was reassuring to see that these concerns could be managed and mitigated with responsible and thoughtful implementation.

Moreover, we couldn’t ignore the impact of AI on the job market. Contrary to common fears of massive job displacement, our discussion highlighted a more collaborative future. AI is expected to augment human capabilities, not replace them entirely. While repetitive tasks may be automated, humans will play a crucial role in curating AI-generated ideas and defining desired outcomes for AI optimization.

Overall, participants left this AI-focused discussion optimistic about the future of technology and its potential to transform industries for the better. We are excited to continue exploring AI’s possibilities and its responsible integration into our lives, maximizing its benefits, and creating a brighter, more efficient world.

The Communications & PR cohort is led by board members, Michael Akin, President of LINK Strategic Partners and Beth Johnson, Founder and CEO of RP3 Agency. Each roundtable session brings together communication professionals to discuss industry trends and share best practices. Share your thoughts on this series by filling out this survey.