In Session

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.”

Sitting in the crowd at today’s annual general meeting, listening to presentations from 2005-2006 Chair Warren Bickford, ABC; President Julie Freeman, ABC, APR; and Finance Director Scott Cytron, ABC.

The session began at 4.15pm. I arrived a bit late, some ten minutes into the show where Warren had already started. I’d intended to live blog this meeting but no wifi connection in the room.

So, some points I captured from what I heard. Not at all any kind of official IABC representation of all that took place (and clearly not minutes of any type), purely my snapshot view. If I missed anything, or I’ve not correctly reported anything, please add your corrections to the comments!

Chair’s report (the part I captured):

2005 was a transition year. Thanks to all who pulled it together. Still some growing pains. Members, Chapters, Regions are all critical.
On governance: at the most recent meeting, the board decided on a new governance model for the board. It’s a continual building process. The structure is now sound.
I visited 52 chapters during my term (loud applause from the audience). Thanks for your hospitality.

Presidents report:

Accomplishments of headquarters staff. Much working together with volunteers, but staff make sure things are implemented.
Membership in 2005 grew by 7% - the first year since 2000 with membership growth. 13,824 members at end April.
Redesigned website: member input for the new design. The website now has pictures of members - spend ten minutes on your next visit and hit that page-refresh button frequently.
IABC Job Site: a resource for members and revenue for the association.
New press room last fall.
The blogosphere: Warren led the charge by opening up the IABC Cafe. We also have the Communication Commons: more focused discussions on issues of interest to members.
Design changes to CW magazine and to CW Bulletin. More content outside North America, eg, first European supplement. Coming: supplements on Asia Pacific, Africa and another for Europe.
We produced 9 new manuals, 6 new templates and 2 new books.
I did a radio interview and 3 newspaper interviews including the Wall Street Journal re book.
The international conference - 1,364 attendees at the 2005 conference. 1,420 for 2006, projected 1500.
We’ve done small conferences, with Harvard Business Press and Delahaye, developing Eurocomm with Europe Middle East Region, and a couple on our own. We continue monthly web seminars and teleseminars.
Gold Quill Awards - 1,007 entries in 2005 and 1,180 in 2006: 17% increase.
Accreditation - 156 application in 2005: 30% increase. For the first time, this programme is profitable (loud applause).
Chapter support - online resources, monthly communications, staff available on the phone. We now routinely call Chapter leaders to offer support.
Annual Leadership Institute - 201 leaders in 63 chapters, now 207/70. Regional LIs in Berlin, Cape Town, Melbourne.
2005 IABC’s most profitable year, the first since 1996. If we’re financially healthy, we can expand services to members, take a few risks, plan services for members.
Our promise to you is staff will provide timely and accurate information. Create opportunities to network, online and in person. Our success dependent on your success.

Finance Director’s report:

Your eyes won’t glaze over!
$464,078 over budget surplus.
The deficit has been eliminated 2 years ahead of schedule (loud applause)
Staff does what it can to manage expenses. The headquarters office in San Francisco is very modest. It’s an admirable trait.
Surplus/net income $681,716 - 313% over budget. Healthy cash flow. Increased unsecured line of credit. Our revenue target is $5.8m.
Deloitte & Touche did the audit. Clean opinion. I want to recognize Colleen Foster, ABC, Chair of the Audit Committee.
Motion: approve the auditors’ report. Seconded: Barbara Gibson, ABC. Passed.
Choosing new auditors. RFP to 3 auditors. Staff made recommendation. Not based on price alone. Recommendtaion will save $25k this year.
Motion for new auditors Hood & Strong LLP. Seconded: Barbara Gibson, ABC. Passed.
Investment Committee chaired by Lori Joseph, ABC. The committee met a few times by conference call. 2005 was the first time we had any money to invest.
Regional Grants Committe.
Finance manual completed.
Umbrella policy in place re bonding for North America. Seeking underwriting for bonding outside North America.
We’re pleased where we’re headed in the future. Continuous monitoring.
Thanks to Iqbal Parupia. Everyone, send him an email to say thanks.

[IABC's 2005 annual report including financial statements is published in the July-August edition of CW magazine.]

General Q&A:

Q: Re the Stephen Lewis challenge on HIV/AIDS, how we can change the story, mobilize our global network to change the story?
A: (Warren): Trying to put together an advocacy committee in 2005, it didn’t happen, Glenda will address that. Advocacy for the profession is one thing, issues another. We need to find ways to make those things comes together.

Q: The governance model - what is it?
A: (Warren): Changing composition of the Board from regional representation to competency based. Now a smaller board, how to interact together and with staff. IABC has lots of traditons. some good, some not so good. Knowledge nimbles(?) trust model: shifts the Board away from operational things, moves towards issues (like advocacy, promoting the profession).

Q: When and how filter information back to the chapters?
A: (Julie): The international board will take a little while to see how this will work. The primary link for info will be via the Region. Governance models have to fit the circumstances of the Board.

Q: Revenue/expenses projections - specifics?
A: (Scott): more to to with goals in the strategic plan re growth. Achieve revenue through programmes more than dues. (Julie): New staff positions in 2006: one to sell corporate membership packages, the other an additional IT person (applause). The primary reason for increase in expenses.

Q: Will the 500 Club be expanded?
A: (Julie): It’s not our intention. There are about 470 members now. We will cap at 500.

Q: IT help for small chapters to register members for events (benefit of additional IT person)
A: (Julie): Can’t give you a specific answer. Chris Hall spends time on tech isuses more than strategic ones. The new person is mid level not entry level. Free up Chris for strategic thinking. How we can support chapters better.

Q: (from Australia) It’s a misnomer to say IABC is not for profit as we are making a profit. We get questoions from members and the Chapter Board on why are rebates only for renewing members.
A: (Lee Anne Snedecker): We do rebate new member Chapter dues.

Motion to approve by law revisions - Todd Hattori, ABC, moved to approve those revisions. Seconded: Jill Sackett. Passed

Motion to ratify 2006-0207 Executive Board: Jill Sacket moved to approve the motion. Seconded: Steve(?). Passed

(5.34pm) Warren passes the gavel (glass) to Glenda Holmes, ABC, the 2006-20007 Chair, saying “Anything you need, call Scott!”

Glenda Holmes, ABC:

It’s a big honour, a priviledge to be your Chair. I’ve got every job in my professional career thanks to IABC. A moment about Mr Bickford. 2005 was a great year for IABC. I applaud one more time for great achivements. Now time to look ahead. A great time for IABC. Now the time and a great position to look more outward. Attention on issues. This is not about me, it’s about IABC and you. My job and that of the Board is to push and ask questions. Kelly Garrett is Chair of the IABC Research Foundation.

Our focus is on the strategic plan. The member experience. Strategic international growth is a key objective. Chapters are our shareholders and members our salesforce. (Glenda introduced each Board member).

[Listen to Glenda's thoughts as the new Chair in today's earlier podcast interview.]

Warren: Thanks to Tom Keefe for covering the IABC Cafe.

Barbara Gibson, ABC, moves to adjourn the meeting. Jill Sackett seconds the motion. Passed. Meeting closed at 5.50pm.

A conversation with Glenda Holmes, ABC, who becomes IABC’s 2006-2007 Chair at the association’s annual general meeting today.

Topics discussed in this informal interview include Glenda’s views on key issues IABC will discuss and address in the coming year such as advocacy and ethics in the profession; her thoughts about the 2006 international conference; plus some ideas of what to expect from Glenda and the IABC Cafe blog.

 

 CC12: Glenda Holmes, ABC [17:29m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

It’s Monday 5 June and the IABC conference is in full swing (particularly with memories of the dancing Mounties at the Canada party last night) but that’s not the only rock that’s struck me here in Vancouver. I’m more convinced than ever about the power of authenticity and story-telling in global corporate communications. And that is learnt from conference sessions such as Carol Kinsey Goman’s ‘I heard it through the grapevine’ and Marianne Allison’s ‘communicating innovation: driving the adoption of new ideas’, plus stories of the Vancouver Siwash Rock on the Seawall Promenade. To quote the plaque on the shore of Stanley Park, “Indian legend tells us that this 50 foot high pinacle of rock stands out as an imperishable monument to Skalsh the Unselfish who was turned into stone by Q’uas the Transformer as a reward for his unselfishness.” A second plaque tells a sad tale of Robert Dennis Tribe who aged 17 dived into the waters at Siwash Rock exactly 40 years ago on June 5 1966. Robert failed to notice that it was low tide and he dived to his death. The plaque was put up by Robert’s friends as a reminder of the danger of diving from Siwash Rock.

The messages to me are the enduring power of concern for others, truthfulness and the need to learn to make improvements. In the words of Marianne from Waggener Edstrom “everything we do in communications is about trust building and now that everyone is contributing to communications through every kind of media -every company should have a Chief Listening Officer and be deciding how it should communicate its innovations and communicate with innovation.”

Change management is now the constant and we as professionals need to be more knowledgeable as to what our companies really are and what they want to be, what our communication strategy is and how we put people at the centre of this strategy.

As a write this my mind is still buzzing with today’s outstanding lunchtime presentation by Tod Maffin and his powerfully honest insight into the power of the Geek when avenging poor customer treatment. Next time you see this guy turning up at a conference make a point of being there and learning from him.

One thing I’ve noted in particular about being here in Vancouver is the hospitality of Canadians and, specifically, those from this attractive city (known as Vancouverans? Vancouverites?)

It’s my first visit to Vancouver and, although I’ve had little opportunity to see anything outside of the conference venues, it looks to me to be a place I’d very much like to get to know. So I sense a return visit at some point.

In the IABC context, I feel pretty honoured to be allowed to wear the badge you see pictured here on my strap hanger, what I call the little name tag everyone has that’s typically adorned with additional badges indicating a member’s affiliations or achievements. I actually saw one yesterday that looked at though it has at least 20 additional badges judging from the fact that it almost reached the shoes of the wearer.

Anyway, I was given this badge this morning by Elise Roaf, ABC, MC. And I’ve subsequently learned that it’s a pretty special badge that you’re unlikely to get hold of easily f you’re not involved with the IABC BC Chapter.

So thanks, Elise. I’m wearing it with pride!

This is just the second time I’ve participated in an IABC international conference. It’s a terrific event. For me, meeting so many great people has been the real highlight of my visit to this great city. More on that in another post.

Yesterday, I led a session entitled Organizational Communication 2.0: The Age of Social Communication. I had no idea how many conference attenders would join my fellow sessioners Shel Holtz, ABC, and Allan Jenkins. Perhaps 20, I thought, particularly as the weather wasn’t conducive to being out and about.

We actually had about 110, another indicator of how communicators really do want to find out about social media and how to figure it in to their communication planning.

This session might have been the most un-conference-like session. I did away with the podium and the usual speakers-talking-at-the-audience approach and instead had Shel, Allan and I sitting among the audience. A little unwieldy, I admit, with so many in the room. Still, I think it made for a far more engaging event for everyone. I did use a PowerPoint presentation as a scene-setter.

But the bulk of our time was spent in conversation and discussion and using the web as our sources of reference for all we discussed. if you’d like to have a copy of that PowerPoint, you can download it here.

Rather than comment in any detail about the session, let me direct you to Joseph Thornley, a fellow communicator and blogger who was in the session live blogging it. Some great commentary.

And a big thanks to John Grant who did a terrific job as session moderator.

As we come to the end of our Communication Cookout, I’m compelled to think about the future of our profession. The dessert is a dilly: Mission Hill Pears with Rhubarb Compote. Perfectly ripe Anjou pears are grilled until tender on a cedar plank, then treated to drizzles of lavender-icewine reduction, rhubarb compote made with late-harvest Vidal wine, honey-whisky sauce and a dollop of whipped cream flavoured with vanilla bean. The recipe was developed by a friend of mine, Michael Allemeier, who is the winery chef of Mission Hill Family Estate, the leading estate winery in Canada. Unlike me, Michael is a true chef, with incredible instincts, and he has taken some of my ideas and gone quite a ways beyond them in this recipe.

And so the metaphor to go with dessert is about pushing ourselves beyond our normal boundaries and using new technologies to enhance our communciations.

Yes, I’m talking about “social media” — the world of blogs, podcasts, wikis and streaming video. Web 2.0, as some call it. And in this area, my friend Shel Holtz is my Michael Allemeier. Shel, through his blog, A Shel of My Former Self, and his co-hosted podcast (with Neville Hobson), For Immediate Release, has opened my eyes and ears to this new world. At Shel’s prodding, I launched a blog about employee communication, For Your Approval. And, inspired by For Immediate Release, I created the Barbecue Secrets podcast, an internet radio show that celebrates the many pleasures of outdoor cooking.

Shel and his fellow cyber-libertarians have been preaching the gospel of social media for some time now, talking about the “collision of technology and communication” and positing a glorious future in which organizations engage in a refreshingly open, transparent conversation with their customers, employees and other stakeholders. The new technology is an enabler, unleashing the hidden power of the individual. By embracing social media and encouraging blogging and podcasting and such, corporations will gain a competitive edge. Their customers will be thrilled with the increased human contact, and their employees will all become enthusiastic brand ambassadors, lifting everyone to new levels of service and innovation.

Obviously we’re not there yet, and some might call the evangelistic zeal of the Shels and Nevilles of the world a bit of wishful thinking mixed with shameless self-promotion. Not me. I absolutely love it, and I have not been this excited since the advent of desktop publishing 20 years ago. We are on the edge of a huge and positive change in the way organizations communicate, and every one of us should be paying close attention to the social media phenomenon, even though it has not hit the mainstream yet.

Internal communication in large organizations has gone through a dark age over the past decade, with the blind adoption of Intranet and e-mail and the nearly complete abandonment of print. In the process of embracing the Internet, we have inadvertently disenfranchised millions of front-line employees by throwing away our main link with them — the print publication.

Finally, the new social media arrive, and although they still cannot replace print, they do encourage something that does not happen very much in today’s large organzation: a real, honest conversation. Social media are designed to encourage dialogue, debate, creativity and collaboration.

Just as the pears of our dessert are infused with the aromatic flavor of cedar and enhanced with innovative flavor combinations, let us infuse our organizations with refreshing new ways to communicate, enhanced by new technologies that make it easy, once again, to have a simple conversation.