Interactive
Cosy Meerkat in partnership with the IoIC are launching Co:Lab, a new initiative designed to explore how internal communications can drive real business impact - not just engagement, but tangible, measurable outcomes.
Too often, comms is seen as a support function rather than a strategic driver of change. Co:Lab challenges that mindset. Through experimentation, collaboration, and real-world case studies, we’ll uncover what truly works when it comes to shaping culture, influencing behaviour, and delivering results that matter.
Expect to get your hands dirty as you join together in small groups to solve problem statements that we will present back in Dragon’s Den style pitches at the end of the Festival (Day 2, 13.40 in the Discover Zone). Whether it’s navigating AI, embedding leadership communication, or breaking down silos, we’ll be tackling the biggest challenges facing the industry.
This isn’t just about theory - it’s about real impact. Are you ready to push the boundaries of what internal comms can achieve?
Aimed at the following practitioner levels:
Kate Shanks will be joined by some of her team at creative communications agency, Cosy Meerkat. Kate is a strategic communications expert and founder of Cosy Meerkat, a creative agency specialising in internal comms, change communications, and employee engagement. With a passion for turning strategy into meaningful storytelling, she has worked with major organisations to help them connect, inspire, and drive real impact.
Beyond the world of comms, Kate is an adventurer at heart—whether she’s sailing competitively, skiing, or exploring new creative ideas. She thrives on collaboration, innovation, and finding smarter ways to communicate. When she’s not crafting compelling narratives, she’s likely planning her round the world siling adventure.
Sophie will be joining her team from Cosy Meerkat to host Co:Lab at the IoIC Festival.
With over a decade of experience in internal communications, Sophie brings clarity, creativity and calm leadership to every project. She’s a strategic project lead and skilled communicator, known for her straight-talking style and ability to get things done without a fuss.
She loves turning complex topics into clear, engaging content – always with people at the heart. Whether it’s shaping strategy, managing delivery or writing comms that actually land, Sophie brings energy and empathy to her work.
A true people person, she builds great relationships and creates the kind of working dynamic that makes projects feel smooth, collaborative and enjoyable.
Grace will be joining her team from Cosy Meerkat to host Co:Lab at the IoIC Festival. Grace is a communications expert with over 15 years’ experience across in-house and agency roles. She’s worked in large organisations, small start-ups and fast-growing scale-ups across telecoms, media, healthcare and beyond.
She quickly gets to the heart of a brief, aligning comms strategy with business goals to deliver content and campaigns that inform, inspire and make an impact.
Reliable and thoughtful, Grace combines strategic thinking with hands-on delivery – always bringing a calm, professional presence to complex projects.
