Proving internal comms ROI in 2026: Lessons from the other side

Demonstrating ROI is no longer just nice to do — it’s necessary.

In 2026, internal comms teams are under more pressure than ever to justify their tools, their strategy, and their impact. “Engagement” is no longer enough — leadership wants numbers, outcomes, and a clear line to value.

Securing budget and proving the ROI of internal communications is one of the biggest challenges leaders face in 2026. To get executive buy-in, your campaigns must look polished and drive real engagement. If you are struggling to visualize what highly effective output looks like, reviewing professional business communication examples is a great way to ensure your strategy aligns with leadership expectations before you start tracking metrics.

This session brings a rare perspective.

Join Ricky Sickelmore, a former internal communications and employee app buyer who led frontline comms initiatives at Stagecoach and Arriva — and now supports Blink customers directly — for an honest look at what actually convinced leadership, unlocked budget, and drove adoption.

No theory. No hindsight bias. Just honest lessons from someone who’s sat on both sides of the table.

What you’ll learn:

• What “ROI” really means to leaders in 2026 (and what doesn’t count anymore)
• The metrics that mattered most when budget decisions were on the line
• How adoption, reach, and behavior change beat vanity engagement stats
• Common mistakes internal comms teams make when trying to prove value
• What Ricky would do differently if he were building his business case today

Who should attend:

• Internal comms leaders being asked to prove their impact
• HR, IT, and Ops teams reviewing or justifying employee experience spend
• Anyone preparing for a new platform rollout — or defending an existing one

Why this session is different:

Ricky isn’t selling a framework — he’s sharing lived experience.

He’s launched employee apps, fought for buy-in, reported to skeptical stakeholders, and dealt with the consequences when things didn’t land as planned. Now, he helps teams avoid the same missteps.

If you’re shaping your 2026 roadmap, this is the perspective you want before budget conversations get uncomfortable.