As usual, as I look at the conference program this year I am wrestling with the challenge of how to attend all the sessions I want to attend and hear all the speakers presenting on great topics across the spectrum of communication. The Strategy and Counsel track covers areas as diverse as aligning talent and business goals, reputation management, cultural sensitivity and breaking through the gender barrier in business.

But I had to ask myself where is corporate responsibility on the strategy and counsel agenda? And just because it’s not on the conference agenda as such, does that mean this vital topic will be missing from the discussions? Issues related to climate change, pandemic risk, poverty, conflict are part of our daily diet of news and will impact every one of us in some way or other sooner or later. They should be on every communicator’s agenda in the 21st century because if we don’t care about these issues, the leaders we counsel and the strategies we develop will be the poorer and our future as strategic counsellors at risk. It was certainly on the agenda of the Australian Institute of Company Directors conference held in Shanghai this year.

IABC is participating in the development of the ISO 26000 standard on social responsibility - a strategic move on IABC’s part. We had the brilliant Steve Lewis as a keynote speaker at last year’s conference and the Habitat for Humanity initiative is one of IABC’s resposnes. But what have we been doing in our organisations since that emotionally gripping call to action? And what are you going to do at this year’s conference to make sure this topic gets the strategic coverage it deserves?

Nearly two years after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, what’s the city like today? How has the city and its people got back on their feet? And what can you expect to see and experience in New Orleans as a conference attendee?

Award-winning communicator and long-time New Orleans resident John Deveney, ABC, APR, talks passionately and convincingly about New Orleans today, setting the scene for the 2007 conference.

 

 Interview with John Deveney about vibrant New Orleans [14:30m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Tom Sancton — author, journalists, and musician — presents a unique keynote that includes live music. In this podcast interview, Sancton talks about his career, his love of music, and how he plans to blend journalism and jazz to offer a different perspective on communication. Opening and closing music is “Born in Louisiana” by Bob Kirkpatrick, from the Podsafe Music Network.

 

 Interview with Opening Keynote Speaker Tom Sancton [14:05m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

The trouble with diaries and time zones is that they interfere with podcast schedules!

But we’ll soon be cranking out the 2007 ConferenceCasts that will add some insight and exclusive commentary about the 2007 International Conference later next month and the people who will make up this great event.

Each podcast will be concise, ranging in length anywhere from 8 to 15 minutes or so depending on the topic we’re discussing.

I’ve just recorded my first interview for the 2007 series of podcasts and plan to have that one up here on the site early next week.

Who is it with? Now that would be telling

Make sure you don’t miss a single ConferenceCast - subscribe here to automatically receive them as soon as they come out.

Coming soon is In Session - the event blog for IABC’s 2007 International Conference, 24-27 June. Here you’ll tune into weekly podcasts (ConferenceCast) with hosts Shel Holtz and Neville Hobson who will interview some of our more colorful conference speakers and IABC’s behind-the-scenes team. In Session is also the place to discuss session content with speakers, debate hot topics like live blogging, get insider information on post-Katrina New Orleans, hot restaurants and clubs, where to find Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, etc.

Our blogging team will also post from the conference starting on 24 June with session highlights, pithy insights and commentary from attendees as they personally experience the event. Meet our blogging team who will take you behind the scenes.

IABC members and nonmembers alike are invited to participate - comment, ask questions and keep the discussion rolling as we head to historic New Orleans where the Convention and Visitors Bureau theme is “soul is waterproof.”