Get online professional development from IABC On Demand

Presented by: Anthony DeVergillo, Internal Digital Communications Associate, Amicus Therapeutics In 2020 the world was forced to transition from in-person events to fully virtual experiences. This transition started off slow with many unknowns, but over time we adapted and learned what worked best in order for engagement and participation to flourish. In this session you will learn why the virtual side of events should continue even after the pandemic ends, along with virtual best practices and techniques to be as inclusive as possible. You will have the opportunity to hear stories and personal experiences that highlight the importance of inclusive events and be provided with real-life examples of the beneficial impact it has on participants. I guarantee there are people who want to share their unique perspective at your events, but they cannot physically attend due to medical or transportation issues. So isn’t it about time you bring the world to your events AND bring your events to the world? Read more

Presented by: Deborah Gilboa, Family Physician & Resilience Expert, Ask Doctor G The developed world is terrified of stress. For decades we've accepted this narrative: struggle magically makes organizations, teams and individuals stronger; while simultaneously fearing the negative effects of every situation that makes us uncomfortable. Leaders do what they can to reduce and avoid stress for their teams, and teams work to prove to others that their service or product will eliminate stress in order to prove their worth. It's about time to look at the science of strength and success, and confront the fallacies behind the belief that stress is the enemy. Deborah Gilboa, MD (Dr. G), a board certified Family Physician and Resilience Expert, will demonstrate the usefulness of stress to build mental health, the value of addressing change with openness rather than fear, and the strategies to get teams and customers on board. Struggle doesn't make us stronger, but our mental fitness in the face of change can. Read more

Presented By: Mike Pounsford, Founder, Couravel; Howard Krais, Communications Manager, Johnson Matthey; Kevin Ruck, Co-founder, PR Academy This session will develop and explore the insights generated by the IABC Foundation sponsored Listening survey conducted during the pandemic which points the way to how we need to listen in future.   We will highlight key findings about why and how we listen, and the outcomes that good listening delivers in terms of change, innovation and percieved fairness.  We'll help participants explore the methods and approaches to use that generate the best outcomes.  We will show why it is about time to: Address complacency and identify new methods to listen Generate digital insights Challenge leaders to listen to improve organisational performance Move from measurement to insight - from surveys to deeper insights and meaning   The session will combine statistics, stories and discussions.  We'll engage participants by inviting them to work with others on the implications of the findings and their stories of listening challenges and successes. Read more

Presented by: D Mark Schumann, Principal, Re-Communicate & Brad Whitworth, Senior Advisor, Smarp We fill our days fighting the realities of time. Let’s stop the clock, take time to reflect and recommit to what we contribute.  During our busy conference, think of this session as an oasis that offers participants a chance to look at their work, the worlds they hope to change, the lives they want to touch, the difference they need to make.  Reaching beyond the standard lecture with Q and A, this facilitated experience will inspire participants to collectively imagine how to:  Consider how communicators can change the world if we take the time Recognize when it’s time for us to step up and speak out Change how we spend our time (so we can change the world), and Trust how time can heal.  In addition to a meaningful experience for participants who virtually connect, content emerging from the session will be used to create a “time manifesto” available to all conference attendees. Upon completion, participants will be able to: Diagnose: The session’s interactive exercises will help you diagnose how to spend your time as a communicator, resulting in a statement of personal and professional objectives and principles that can define your work Read more

Presented by: Neil Griffiths, Global Head of Diversity, Equality & Inclusion, Environmental Resources Management There is no doubt that diversity, equ(al)ity and inclusion has been a huge part of the discourse in organizations around the world like never before. Most were caught unawares by the events of 2020 and had to race to keep up with the pace of change. There is now enough water under the bridge to know what works and what is less effective. In this session, we will explore the key principles of great DE&I communication, drawing on the lessons of the past year and the organizations who got it right (and those who did not). Expectations on organizations have never been higher, so crafting the right DE&I story is essential. It's about time we focus on what makes authentic, compelling and strategic communication on diversity, equ(al)ity and inclusion. Read more

Presented by: Jonathan Hemus, Managing Director, Insignia Crisis and Reputation Management Limited COVID-19 has reinforced the criticality of getting communication right in a crisis, yet many organisations continue to make the same predictable mistakes in their crisis response. As a consequence, reputations, organisations and their stakeholders are unnecessarily harmed.  As the guardians of organisational reputation, it’s about time communicators played a critical role in ensuring their organisations avoid these crisis management traps.   With 30 years’ experience working with organisations in crisis, Jonathan Hemus knows the most common crisis management traps and their potentially disastrous consequences. This session will reveal his ten golden rules to avoid these catastrophic pitfalls and ensure a purposeful and surefooted crisis response.   Through Jonathan’s insights from the frontline and participation in a scenario-based exercise, attendees will learn how to deploy practical, powerful tools, provide sound counsel to leaders confronting a crisis and reduce the impact on both their organisation and its stakeholders. Read more