Are you looking to reset, recharge and grow your career?
Join the International Association of Business Communicators and experience how communication can ... transform.
Authored by Charisa McNair
I love collaborating with and learning from people worldwide, so joining a global network of communications professionals was a simple decision for me.
Outstanding strategic communication also resonates with me, and I greatly admire the excellence demonstrated by IABC Gold Quill award recipients. IABC's website says, "Gold Quill is the only awards program that honors the dedication, innovation, and passion of communicators on a global scale.”
In addition, I recognize the value of flexible online learning opportunities, so when I joined IABC in 2016, I quickly leveraged an essential membership benefit: professional development workshops.
The IABC Academy provides live, on-demand, and self-paced workshops to help business communicators sharpen their skills and deliver tangible results.
Today, the recently launched IABC Advance platform brings together all academy offerings and more. Likewise, the new site supports the Global Communication Certification Council (GCCC) certification program. Through GCCC, business communicators can earn credits toward Communication Management Professional (CMP) or Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP) certification. The new platform also houses webinars, online workshops, and recordings from IABC’s premiere annual event, World Conference.
Like many career development associations, IABC was not immune to the impact of the pandemic and resulting uncertainty. So, when Audra Hession, IABC New York Chapter President, asked if I would join the volunteer Board of Directors to help rebuild the chapter, I accepted.
World Conference 2022 was the first in-person IABC conference in nearly three years. As the Host City for the event, our small, vibrant Board worked tirelessly to prepare. Held June 26-29 at the Marriott Marquis in Midtown Manhattan, it was my first time attending an IABC conference.
It was a truly memorable experience!
Passionate, like-minded communicators from Australia, South Africa, Barbados, Canada, Europe, and all corners of the United States gathered for four days of networking, learning, exchanging ideas, and simply having fun!
Frank X. Shaw, Corporate Vice President of Communications at Microsoft, opened the conference. His keynote presentation described why it's crucial for communicators to find their voice, especially when the stakes are high.
Opportunities to learn were prolific at the conference, so beyond the engaging opening keynote, I also:
Connected with colleagues in person at the thought-provoking Leadership Institute
Participated in an inspirational Strategic Advisor Masterclass and informative Digital Communications Strategy Masterclass
Listened to the International Executive Board at a highly informative Annual General Meeting
Was fueled by a diverse selection of educational, insights-packed #professionaldevelopment sessions
Cheered communication colleagues' #comms excellence at the annual Gold Quill Awards ceremony
Celebrated with IABC New York Tristate Area Chapter President Audra Hession, co-VP of Membership Lydia Peddicord, and other leaders and members at the lively IABC Heritage Region Reception
I was also thrilled to be chosen for a 1-on-1 conversation with the simply phenomenal Danielle Bond, SCMP, and past chair of the International Executive Board. We shared perspectives during #StrongerTogether: A Gift of Communication Idea Exchange, benefiting Ukraine's Media Development Foundation.
Finally, the eloquent Lisa Osborne Ross, U.S. Chief Executive Officer of Edelman, shared insights on "Communicating with Belief-Driven Employees & Consumers in 2022" during her closing keynote.
If you want to reset, recharge and grow your communications career, consider investing in an IABC membership. I am confident that you will realize a positive return on your investment, even if the only benefit you take advantage of is attending World Conference.
Contact me at the email address below or connect with me on LinkedIn if you want to learn more about what IABC offers.
I would love to meet you at IABC World Conference 2023 in Toronto!
Charisa McNair
Co-Vice President, Membership
IABC New York Tristate Chapter
charisam@iabcny.com