Summer Schmoozing: Networking and Volunteer Recognition Event
2017-07-20 17:45 - 19:45 (America/Chicago) | Lizzie McNeill’s Irish Pub, 400 N McClurg Court, Chicago , 60611, United States
Join us Thursday, July 20 at Lizzie McNeill’s Irish Pub to toast to the summer and schmooze with IABC Chicago! We’ll mix and mingle right along the Chicago River. Stop by to network with other communications professionals, say “thanks” to our volunteers and munch on tasty appetizers while enjoying the great view!
Admission includes one drink, appetizers and networking galore.
Register here.

Date:
July 20

Time:
5:45 – 7:45 p.m.

Location:
Lizzie McNeill’s Irish Pub

400 N McClurg Ct, Chicago, IL 60611

Validated parking in building: $12

Price:
Member: $25

Nonmember: $40

Student: $5

2017 Bronze Quill Awards Celebration
2017-09-14 17:30 - 20:00
Join us on September 14 for IABC Chicago’s premiere annual event celebrating our 2017 Bronze Quill Awards winners.
Date: Thursday, September 14
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: 1871 at the Merchandise Mart – Classroom 2.03
(222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, #1212, Chicago)
Dress: Business attire
Register Here
On-site registration will be available.
Bronze Quill Awards Ticket Options (includes beer, wine, cocktails and appetizers)
IABC Member: $85.00
Non-Member: $95.00
Student: $70.00
Group of 5 only: $375.00
All winning entries will be on display, and award recipients will be available to discuss their projects. There will also be the presentation of the 2017 Karen Utterback Volunteer Award.
This event is a great networking and professional development experience. We encourage you to invite friends, associates and non-members – all are welcome!
Elite Sponsor

In-kind Sponsor

Free Webinar: Brand Transformation: How to Maintain Brand Relevancy in an Age of Disruption and Distraction
2017-09-21 13:00 - 14:00
Solution Provider Webinar
Brand Transformation: How to Maintain Brand Relevancy in an Age of Disruption and Distraction
Presented by Rick Herrick

We live in an age of disruption and distraction. New brands like Uber, Airbnb, Tesla, and Square are disrupting business models and challenging the status quo, while consumers have more choice and more distractions than ever before. How do brands stay relevant in what Salt calls “The Hyper-Choice Economy” and disrupt themselves from within to stay competitive?
The webinar will focus on how to develop and effective brand strategy, and update your brand positioning based on the methodology Salt co-created with Professor Kevin Lane Keller of Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business. Webinar will also cover methods to optimize your brand architecture, and how to develop a distinct brand personality and brand voice. Multiple case studies will be shared.
Presenter/Rick Herrick, who founded Salt Branding on 1 January 2001, held strategy and management positions at Chiat/Day, Saatchi & Saatchi, and Interbrand, and was also a founder of digital publisher MightyWords (acquired by Barnes & Noble). Believing that creativity and business go hand in hand, Rick majored in Music and Economics at Dartmouth, and attended NYU’s Management Institute. Rick’s branding experience spans Global 2000’s to start-ups. He lives in San Francisco with his wife and two sons.
Solution provider / Salt Branding, is a full-service brand consultancy headquartered in San Francisco. Since 2001, the Salt team has had the pleasure of working with many Fortune 500’s and disruptive start-ups. We work at the intersection of brand and digital, helping ambitious leaders define and express what makes their business truly essential.
Date: 21 September 2017
Time: 1 p.m.– 2 p.m. CDT
Free to the public
REGISTER NOW
IABC offers free member-only webinars with all-star speakers presenting the latest trends and best practices in communication. Join the live sessions or listen to the session recordings at your convenience. Bookmark this page to stay up-to-date on the latest webinar offerings.

Free Webinar for IABC Members: Saving Lives or Saving Face: Exposing the True Cost of “Playing it Safe”
2017-09-28 11:00 - 12:00
Saving Lives or Saving Face: Exposing the True Cost of “Playing it Safe”
Presented by David Lazarenko

As marketers, are we more concerned with saving face or saving lives? In 2016, the Canadian Yukon government retracted their “We All Need the [vitamin] D” public service campaign due to an embarrassing, unintended reference to male genitalia. Unfortunately, their scramble to save face may have put a stop to one of the most successful public campaigns in years, showing more concern for their image than results. And they’re not alone: marketers often shy away from controversial creative to protect their reputation. But what if this campaign decried smoking or drunk driving: would saving face still outweigh saving lives? For cause-based marketers especially, the stakes are high, as these decisions could end up hurting the very populations they’re trying to help. It’s time we understand the true cost of “playing it safe” and ask ourselves: is it worth it?
Presenter/David Lazarenko, with nearly 20 years of marketing experience, has led successful sales and corporate responsibility campaigns for some of North America’s largest organizations. As president at Think Shift, he has challenged clients to push the envelope to further their cause, and experienced firsthand the frustration of seeing agencies choose reputation over results.
Date: 28 September 2017
Time: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. CDT
Free to IABC members
REGISTER NOW

IABC offers free member-only webinars with all-star speakers presenting the latest trends and best practices in communication. Join the live sessions or listen to the session recordings at your convenience. Bookmark this page to stay up-to-date on the latest webinar offerings.

Free Webinar for IABC Members: The Importance of Emotional Intelligence
2017-10-10 12:00 - 13:00
The Importance of Emotional Intelligence
Presented by Penelope Newton-Hurley

This webinar will provide an insight into our own internal communication (mind chatter) – where it comes from (core beliefs, culture, values, experiences), how it influences our behavior and how it results in our reactions to situations, and connections with other people. Penelope Newton-Hurly will give an introduction into the components of emotional intelligence, the impact of EI on business relationships, efficiency and ultimately, organizational performance, and ways in which we can increase our EQ levels. We will discuss the four point process for more professional and compassionate communication (as used in mediation), focusing on non-judgement and core needs rather than perspectives and blame-language, and offering a way to engender a culture of effective, open, authentic, transparent communication within teams and across the organization.
Presenter/Penelope Newton-Hurley, is a communication consultant, trainer and mediator with over 30 years’ experience of studying and working with international organizations, in the field of marketing and internal communication. Her company, The Communication Troubleshooter, helps organizations transform culture, engage employees and grow their potential by developing emotional intelligence and advanced communication skills through a specialized communication philosophy and model. Clients include Thomson Reuters, Reed Elsevier, Cambridge University Press and BSI British Standards.
Date: 10 October 2017
Time: 12 – 1 p.m. CDT
Free to IABC members
REGISTER NOW
IABC offers free member-only webinars with all-star speakers presenting the latest trends and best practices in communication. Join the live sessions or listen to the session recordings at your convenience. Bookmark this page to stay up-to-date on the latest webinar offerings.

Stein and Dine: An IABC Chicago Young Professionals Oktoberfest Event!
2017-10-12 17:30 - 19:30
Fall into one of Chicago’s most talented groups of communications professionals by joining us at an Oktoberfest Happy Hour at Bohemian House in River North from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 12! Come for the happy hour specials, stay for the fun and friendly networking with a unique mix of professionals whose areas of expertise cover a wide spectrum of communications practices.
This event is open to professionals of all ages, and you need not be an IABC member to attend. A small fee covers your first drink, light appetizers and a wonderful evening of great company and conversation with IABC Chicago friends and colleagues.
Register here.
$15 members, $25 non-members, $5 students.

October Professional Development Luncheon: Navigating Emotional Change to Influence, Engage and Mobilize Employees
2017-10-25 11:30 - 13:30
Help kickstart IABC’s fall season with a networking luncheon and interactive session led by Chris Williams, managing director of Root Inc. Chris will guide us through a discussion about how organizations can navigate the emotional implications of change on employees by taking a more thoughtful and systematic approach to ensuring emotional and intellectual engagement.

11:30 – 12:00 p.m.
Registration and networking

12:00 – 12:30 p.m.
Lunch begins

12:30 – 1:15 p.m.
Presentation and Q&A

1:15 – 1:30 p.m.
Wrap up

This event is open to professionals of all levels and you need not be an IABC member to attend.
Register here.
Event pricing:
Members: $35
Nonmembers: $50
Students: $15
Members at the door: $40

November Professional Development Luncheon: Trends Shaping the Way We Approach Social Media Today
2017-11-02 12:00 - 14:00 | Golin, 875 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60611, United States
Join us for a site visit to the offices of Golin to learn about their approach to keeping abreast of social media trends and to visit their “Bridge” – a command center where they monitor up-to-the-minute events and news pertinent to their clients’ brands and reputations so they can advise them on appropriate actions.
Attendees will take away information about:

How to harness the organic equity of influencers.
Key trends in social media and how you can ensure you’re effectively applying them to your social media strategy.

Tuesday, Nov. 2:

12:00 – 12:20 p.m.
Arrival, registration, networking

12:20 – 12:50 p.m.
Welcome and lunch

12:50 – 1:10 p.m.
Golin presentation about the need for more relevant, authentic and breakthrough influencer marketing; social media tools used by the Millennial workforce; and social listening and analytics.

1:10 – 1:40 p.m.
Tours of the “Bridge”

1:40 – 2:00 p.m.
Group discussion

This event is open to professionals of all levels and you need not be an IABC member to attend. Register here.
Event pricing:
Members: $35
Nonmembers: $50
Students: $15
Members at the door: $40

Free Webinar for IABC Members: How to Reestablish Trust in the Media
2017-11-07 13:00 - 14:00
How to Reestablish Trust in the Media
Presented by Annie Scranton

69% of Americans do not believe the news media are “honest and truthful.” That means we’ve lost the attention of almost two thirds of our country, and the power of influence with it.
How do you regain trust? What makes a good media campaign in today’s environment? How do communication specialists battle public opinion to continue advocating for their clients? One word: Storytelling. Even predating writing, storytelling has been the most widely accepted way of communication and is the way business communicators can build trust between brands and customers.
Annie Scranton, Founder of Pace PR, will discuss the power of a good story and share insights into how to allow truth and honesty to re-enter media through storytelling. ​
Presenter/Annie Scranton, is a communication consultant, trainer and mediator with over 30 years’ experience of studying and working with international organizations, in the field of marketing and internal communication. Her company, The Communication Troubleshooter, helps organizations transform culture, engage employees and grow their potential by developing emotional intelligence and advanced communication skills through a specialized communication philosophy and model. Clients include Thomson Reuters, Reed Elsevier, Cambridge University Press and BSI British Standards.
Date: 9 November 2017
Time: 1 – 2 p.m. CDT
Free to IABC members
REGISTER NOW
IABC offers free member-only webinars with all-star speakers presenting the latest trends and best practices in communication. Join the live sessions or listen to the session recordings at your convenience. Bookmark this page to stay up-to-date on the latest webinar offerings.

IABC Gold Quill Awards Early Bird Entry Deadline
2017-11-15
Every year, IABC’s Gold Quill Awards program recognizes work from around the world that soars to new heights.
For more than 40 years, IABC’s Gold Quill Awards have recognized and awarded excellence in strategic communication worldwide. Gold Quill is the only awards program that honors the dedication, innovation and passion of communicators on a global scale. Since 2008, more than 4,451 projects have been entered in the Gold Quill Awards.
Are you ready to soar? Share your best work by entering the 2018 IABC Gold Quill Awards program! More information is available here on www.iabc.com.
Early-bird deadline: 15 November 2017

Coffee with Communicators: Experiential Marketing
2017-11-16 07:30 - 09:00 | Women’s Athletic Club, 626 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60611, United States
Join us for Coffee with Communicators on Nov. 16 to learn about what experiential marketing is and why it’s trending as a new tool for communicators and marketers.
Please join us for breakfast and networking as we welcome Melisa O’Keeffe and Kristin Quinn of Gravel Experiential who will guide us through their work in experiential marketing and demonstrate how they combine it with more traditional marketing techniques to create measurable ROI.
All levels of communications expertise and experience are welcome and you need not be a member of IABC to attend.
Register here.
Event pricing:
Member: $15
Nonmember: $25
Student: $5

Free Webinar for IABC Members: Exploring the Convergence of Internal and External Communication
2017-11-16 11:00 - 12:00
Presented by Katie Macaulay and Mario Theodorou
Social media continues to have a profound impact on the communication landscape. A significant change for practitioners has been the convergence of internal and external communication. Once discrete practices with their own teams, processes and audiences, they are now forging ever-closer ties.
What are the implications for communicators on both sides of the fence? Is it possible—or beneficial—to merge both disciplines? Or are there important differences that must be understood and respected?
Two experienced consultants on each side of the internal/external divide explore this shift in the media landscape.
Presenter/Katie Macaulay brings the internal perspective having spent a 27-year career in employee communication. Today, Katie is managing director of AB, the UK’s longest established employee communications agency, founded in 1964. Her book, “From Cascade to Conversation,” explores the future of internal communication and was the subject of a popular presentation at the 2017 IABC World Conference.
Presenter/Mario Theodorou is an experienced digital director and evangelist. As head of digital at News International—one of the UK’s oldest and biggest newspaper groups—Mario was instrumental in helping this traditional media organization embrace the web. Theodorou recently joined AB to help a diverse range of organizations explore the benefits of digital, social and mobile technology.
Date: 16 November 2017
Time: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. CDT
Free to IABC members
REGISTER NOW
IABC offers free member-only webinars with all-star speakers presenting the latest trends and best practices in communication. Join the live sessions or listen to the session recordings at your convenience. Bookmark this page to stay up-to-date on the latest webinar offerings.

Free Webinar for IABC Members: Performance Reviews that Actually Enhance Performance
2017-12-07 12:00 - 13:00
Presented by Jay Sullivan

Communication plays a vital role in delivering a successful performance review. However, finding the right words may not always be easy. Without proper planning, you run the risk of missing opportunities for growth and not addressing issues that could hinder progress.
In this session, Jay Sullivan will walk attendees through giving and receiving an annual review to support the goals of the company and grow the individual. This webinar will cover strategies and tactics to plan for, engage in and follow through on the most important conversation most employees have all year.
Presenter/Jay Sullivan helps professionals have greater impact by teaching them to focus on the needs of their audiences, in group or one-on-one coaching arrangements. He works closely with the learning and development professionals at many global organizations to customize communication skills solutions for their teams. Prior to joining Exec I Comm, Sullivan spent nine years as a practicing attorney. He is also the author of Simply Said: Communicating Better at Work and Beyond.
Date: 7 December 2017
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. CST
REGISTER NOW
Free to IABC members
IABC offers free member-only webinars with all-star speakers presenting the latest trends and best practices in communication. Join the live sessions or listen to the session recordings at your convenience. Bookmark this page to stay up-to-date on the latest webinar offerings.

IABC Chicago Holiday Party
2017-12-14 18:00 - 20:30 | Beatrix Fulton Market, 834 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL, 60607, United States
The end of the year is near and we are ready to celebrate! Join us for IABC Chicago’s annual holiday party on Thursday, December 14, 2017 in Beatrix’s beautiful new Fulton Market location. Mingle and network with fellow communications professionals as we slow down and enjoy each other’s company in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the season. All are welcome. Appetizers and drinks are included.
Thursday, December 14, 2017
6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Beatrix – Fulton Market
834 W Fulton Market
(West Loop)
Chicago, IL 60607
Members- $35
Non-Members- $45
Students- $15
REGISTER HERE

IABC Gold Quill Awards Entry Deadline
2018-01-10
Every year, IABC’s Gold Quill Awards program recognizes work from around the world that soars to new heights.
For more than 40 years, IABC’s Gold Quill Awards have recognized and awarded excellence in strategic communication worldwide. Gold Quill is the only awards program that honors the dedication, innovation and passion of communicators on a global scale. Since 2008, more than 4,451 projects have been entered in the Gold Quill Awards.
Are you ready to soar? Share your best work by entering the 2018 IABC Gold Quill Awards program! More information is available here on www.iabc.com.
Deadline: January 10, 2018

Young Professionals Mid-Winter Social @ Concrete Cowboy in River North
2018-01-25 17:30 - 19:30 | Concrete Cowboy, 646 N. Franklin Street, Chicago, IL, 60654, United States
It’s winter in Chicago and we all need a place to warm up on the way home from a long day at work. So come kick up your boots and enjoy a drink and some appetizers as you network with Chicago’s brightest communications compadres. First drink is on us!
This event is open to professionals of all ages, and you need not be an IABC member to attend. A small fee covers your first drink, light appetizers and a wonderful evening of great company and conversation with IABC Chicago friends and colleagues.
Details:
January 25, 2018 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Concrete Cowboy
646 North Franklin Street
Chicago
$15 members
$25 non-members
$5 students
Register now.

IABC Gold Quill Awards Late Entry Deadline
2018-01-30
Every year, IABC’s Gold Quill Awards program recognizes work from around the world that soars to new heights.
For more than 40 years, IABC’s Gold Quill Awards have recognized and awarded excellence in strategic communication worldwide. Gold Quill is the only awards program that honors the dedication, innovation and passion of communicators on a global scale. Since 2008, more than 4,451 projects have been entered in the Gold Quill Awards.
Are you ready to soar? Share your best work by entering the 2018 IABC Gold Quill Awards program! More information is available here on www.iabc.com.
Late deadline: January 30, 2018

Webinar: Crafting and Telling the Story of Your Strategy
2018-01-30 15:00 - 16:00
Crafting and Telling the Story of Your Strategy
Presented by Shawn Callahan
It’s the dirty little secret of the business world: Between 80 and 95 percent of employees don’t know or understand the strategy. And it occurs regardless of how good the strategy is.
Using industry case studies, this presentation will highlight:

Why communicating strategy fails.
How strategy can be converted into a co-designed story that can be told and retold, so everyone has clarity on what the organization is trying to achieve.
Identifying and tackling anti-stories that prevent progress.

In this webinar, you will learn:

How to craft a strategy story that is owned by your most important influencers.
What a business story looks and sounds like and how to spot good ones.
Three big mistakes novices make when starting out with story techniques.

Presenter Shawn Callahan, is the author of Putting Stories to Work and the founder at Anecdote, the world’s largest business storytelling company. Shawn started his career in tech with companies such as Oracle and IBM but realized that, at the end of the day, it was the human factors that determined the success of any enterprise. In 2004 he founded Anecdote, a firm that helps leaders and sellers find and tell great oral stories. He works with Global 1,000 companies and a global network of partners. Shawn’s book, Putting Stories to Work, won a gold medal in the 2017 Axiom business book awards in the category of Networking (social networking, communication skills).
Date: 30 January 2018
Time: 3-4 p.m. CST
Free to IABC members
REGISTER NOW

Professional Development Luncheon "Becoming a Trusted Advisor"
2018-02-01 11:30 - 14:00 | Northern Trust, 181 W. Madison St., Englewood Room, 7th floor, Chicago, IL, 60603, United States
If you work in the communications business, you no doubt have come across someone who is a natural at owning a room, a pro at giving feedback clients will listen to or being the “go-to” person when all else fails.
How did they get there? More importantly, how can you get there?
Join us as we welcome Chris Varones, founder of Aesop Communications Group, who will take us through some steps to become that go-to advisor for your clients, your peers, or your boss.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
– Characteristics of a trusted advisor
– Actionable tips on becoming a trusted advisor
– Why all clients want and need a trusted advisor.
February 1, 2018 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

11:30 – noon
Registration and networking

noon – 12:30 p.m
Lunch

12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Presentation and Q&A

1:30 – 2:00 p.m.
Wrap up

This event is open to professionals of all levels and you need not be an IABC member to attend. Lunch is included in event pricing.
Members advance registration: $35
Nonmembers: $50
Students: $15
Members at the door: $40
REGISTER NOW
About Chris Varones
Chris is the founder and principal of Aesop Communications Group based in Chicago. Chris recognized the importance of being a trusted advisor early in his career and considers it a lifelong endeavor. Before founding Aesop, Chris worked at Burson-Marsteller, Hill + Knowlton Strategies, MWWPR and the Illinois House of Representatives.

Details
Northern Trust
181 W. Madison St., Englewood Room, 7th floor
Chicago
A photo ID will be required when checking in at the security desk.
Parking options:
WMW Self Park
172 W Madison St.
The Poetry Garage
201 W. Madison St.

Webinar: How to Use Video to Enhance Executive Communication
2018-02-15 13:00 - 14:00
Solution provider webinar: How to Use Video To Enhance Executive Communication
One of the biggest differences between high performing organizations and those that consistently fail to reach performance goals involves executive communication. All too often members of the C-suite hide behind others to convey their vision for the company. While they may think it is more efficient to communicate indirectly, they are doing little to endear themselves to their employees.
Streaming video allows executives to engage in interactive live communicate with all employees no matter where they are located. It is for this reason that many corporate communications departments are choosing to host All-Hands and Town Hall meetings with this technology.
In this webinar, we will discuss:

The benefits of using video for executive messaging.
How to prep your executives to communicate with video.
Tips for selecting a video platform for executive communication.

Presenter/Bill Accola, is vice president, professional services & customer success at MediaPlatform. He is responsible for delivering integrated solutions to address the challenging business requirements of MediaPlatform’s customers. He brings an advanced understanding of project management tools and best-practice methodology to manage complex, multi-disciplinary projects. Previously, he served as executive director of business development for the news distribution industry leader Marketwire.

Shazia Haq is senior content marketing manager at MediaPlatform. Haq has a professional background in b2b content marketing and technology writing. She earned her master’s degree in international politics from NYU and her undergraduate degree in print journalism from the University of Southern California.

Date: 15 February 2018
Time: 1– 2 p.m. CST
Free to the public
REGISTER NOW

Professional Development Event “Unleash the Power of Storytelling: Win Hearts, Change Minds, Get Results”
2018-02-22 18:00 - 20:30 | Industrious, 171 North Aberdeen, Suite 400, Chicago, IL, 60607, United States
Every organization, be it a Fortune 500 company, a nonprofit or a startup, needs a story that captures the “why” beyond the “what” and communicates your purpose, brand and relevance in a way that’s unique and compelling. Yet, too often we resort to rattling off dry data points like lists of services or products, target markets, head counts and revenue figures.
In this interactive session, Rob Biesenbach will talk about why stories more effective than data, examine the key components to any successful company story and review examples of the good, the bad, and the ugly. Then you’ll have the chance to construct, refine and share your own story.
Feb. 22, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Register here.
About Rob Biesenbach
Through workshops, consulting and books, Rob Biesenbach helps leaders communicate with purpose, power and impact so they can achieve their business goals.
Rob is a former vice president at Ogilvy PR, press secretary to the Ohio Attorney General and a nonprofit and association executive. He’s also a Second City trained actor who brings a little show business style to the subject of business communications.
His latest book is Unleash the Power of Storytelling: Win Hearts, Change Minds, Get Results, on which this presentation is based.

Young Professionals: Luck O’ the IABC Networking Bash
2018-03-22 17:30 - 19:30 | Lizzie McNeill’s Irish Pub, 400 N McClurg Court, Chicago , 60611, United States
Celebrate an extended St. Patty’s Day with your favorite communications professionals at Lizzie McNeill’s Irish Pub in Streeterville from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 22! Join us for great networking opportunities with your IABC Chicago friends.
The event is open to professionals of all ages, and you need not be an IABC member to participate. The small fee covers your first drink, light appetizers and a night of low-pressure fun and networking with the finest group of communicators Chicago has to offer.
Tuesday, March 22 from 5:30-7:30.p.m.
Lizzie McNeill’s Irish Pub
400 N. McClurg Court
Chicago, IL
Pricing:

Member:
$15

Non-Member:
$25

Student:
$5

REGISTER HERE.

Webinar: Be a Talent Magnet—How to Retain, Engage and Attract the Millennial Workforce
2018-03-29 11:00 - 12:00
Be a Talent Magnet—How to Retain, Engage and Attract the Millennial Workforce
Presented by Jeff Butler

Recently, the millennial generation took the stage as a the largest generation in the U.S. workforce. Millennials (also known as Generation Y), born between 1981 to 2000, are your current and future leaders and they are bringing tremendous change, innovation and opportunity. In this program, you will hear up-to-the-minute data and case studies, as author Jeff Butler helps you better understand your organization’s millennials and provides actionable strategies to leverage the potential of this upcoming and rising generation.
Key learning points:

Learn what message is enticing to attract millennial talent to your company, even if you don’t have a strong brand.
Discover strategies to manage millennial talent for maximal retention.
Retention strategies companies are using that lead to 96 percent retention rates over a three year period.

Presenter Jeff Butler is a​ ​speaker,​ ​author​ ​and​ ​passionate​ ​millennial​ ​who​ ​helps​ ​organizations​ ​improve​ ​their​ ​retention of​ ​millennial​ ​employees.​ ​A​ ​native​ ​Californian​ ​and​ ​raised​ ​in​ ​Silicon​ ​Valley,​ he​ ​has​ ​spent​ ​his​ ​entire​ ​life​ ​during​ ​the​ ​highest​ ​pattern of​ ​employee​ ​turnover​ ​in​ ​recorded​ ​history.​ ​Graduating​ ​from​ ​UC​ ​Berkeley​ ​with​ ​a​ ​degree​ ​in​ ​Computer​ ​Science,​ Butler ​experienced the​ ​competition​ ​and​ ​challenges​ ​of​ ​recruiting,​ ​attracting ​and​ ​retaining​ ​top​ ​talent​ ​first​ ​hand.​ ​Unlike​ ​other​ ​experts​ ​on​ ​millennials, he​ ​has​ ​been​ ​in​ ​the​ ​trenches​ ​of​ ​what​ ​it​ ​means​ ​to​ ​be​ ​a​ ​millennial​ ​and​ ​what​ ​it​ ​takes​ ​to​ ​retain​ ​and​ ​keep​ ​them​ ​engaged.​ ​With​ ​Butler​‘s versatile​ ​background,​ ​he​ ​has​ ​helped​ ​fortune​ ​500​ ​companies​ ​and​ ​thousands​ ​of​ ​professionals​ ​across​ ​the​ ​United​ ​States—in addition​ ​to​ ​appearing​ ​on​ ​TEDx​ ​in​ ​both​ ​2016​ ​and​ ​2017.
Date: March 29, 2018
Time: 11 a.m.–12:00 p.m. CT
Free to IABC members
Register here.

Annual Open Forum Meeting
2018-04-10 18:00 - 20:00 | ROC Group, 300 E Randolph St., Suite 3400, Chicago, IL, United States
Get to know IABC Chicago! The IABC Chicago Board of Directors invites members and nonmembers to our annual Open Forum Meeting on Tuesday, April 10, 2018.
We have opened this meeting to all to provide an opportunity to share plans for coming months and to solicit ideas regarding ways we can better serve our members.
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
6:00–8:00 p.m.
ROC Group
300 E. Randolph St., Suite 3400
Chicago, IL
Light refreshments will be provided.
FREE TO ATTEND, BUT PLEASE RSVP TO dgomez3488@gmail.com BY APRIL 1.

Professional Development Luncheon: How to be Your Organization’s Go-To Speechwriter
2018-04-12 11:30 - 14:00 | Osterio via Stato, 623 N. State, Chicago, IL, 60654, United States
Crafting powerful speeches and remarks requires more than a flair for writing. But what are those things? Don’t miss this special presentation by Mary Jo Bohr, a communications and speechwriting pro who’s written speeches for scores of CEOs and other executives. In her presentation she’ll explore:
— The key differences between writing for the “ear” and writing for the “eye.”
— How to make “tired” topics sound fresh … even riveting.
— Keys to capturing the voice and style of the person you’re writing for.
— How to grab and keep an audience’s attention.
Whether you’re a seasoned writer or someone newer to the field, you’ll be glad you joined us. A full lunch will be served.
April 12
11:30am – 2:00 PM
Osteria via Stato
620 N State St.
Pricing:

Member:
$35

Non-member:
$50

Student:
$15

REGISTER HERE.

Webinar: How to Define, Articulate and Activate Your Company’s Purpose
2018-04-25 11:00 - 12:00
How to Define, Articulate and Activate Your Company’s Purpose
Presented by Guusje Bendelert

In today’s climate, purpose plays a bigger role in business than ever before. Purpose can be the keystone of your brand story or the X-factor for retention and recruitment efforts. But, what really is purpose? How should it be communicated? What value can purpose add to your business? Having worked with companies like Southwest Airlines, International Paper and Qualcomm around integrating purpose into their communications, we have seen the tangible benefits purpose can bring to any organization.
In this educational webinar you will learn how to identify your organization’s purpose and communicate it to a variety of stakeholders.
Presenter Guusje Bendelert is a founding partner and chief strategy and creative of thinkPARALLAX, a strategic brand consultancy that works with companies to define and activate their purpose. As a branding, strategy and citizenship expert, Bendelert helps companies articulate, communicate and activate their purpose to enhance performance, engagement and reputation.
Date: April 25, 2018
Time: 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. CT
Free to IABC members
Register here.

Rapido!
2018-04-26 18:00 - 20:00 | Hosted by Gagen MacDonald, 35 E. Wacker Drive, Suite 700, Chicago, IL, 60601, United States
Quick! Tell us a compelling story – a soup-to-nuts story – that includes the main character, plot, conflict and conclusion. Easy, right? Now do it in under five minutes.
That’s what Rápido is all about. Rápido, the Spanish word for “rapid,” is our annual high-octane event that challenges presenters to share an innovative campaign in under five minutes, using no more than 20 slides.
This year, we’ve invited a wide range of professionals to talk with us about a winning campaign, its strategy, results and lessons learned.
Below is the list of presenters, their companies and their topics.
Jolean Olson, Vice President, Scenic Road
G&S Communications and Scenic Road
Legacy. Farmers can rely on very few products for controlling weeds over time. We showcase one product’s longevity and brand loyalty through a content campaign.
Jane Hoffman, Consultant
Gagen MacDonald
Countdown to Day One: Creating DowDuPont.
Gabrielle Loring, Senior Consultant
ROC Group
Helping Littelfuse Associates Navigate Complex Medical Benefits.
Sara Mee, Senior Director, Corporate Communications
Transunion
TransUnion’s Data Incident Response Communications.
Dana Mellecker, Global Vice President, Marketing and Communications
Investis
How to get your picture in the Wall Street Journal.
Melisa O’Keefe, Vice President
Gravel
Gravel XP presents an inside look at the brand launch of Smith & Forge Hard Cider, a new alcoholic beverage with a ‘gritty but great’ brand identity.
Prash Sabharwal, Senior Digital Manager
Golin
MacDonald’s Bling Mac. In February 2018, McDonald’s tapped into a cultural trend to create an object of desire that had everyone tweeting their love for the Big Mac.
This is a great opportunity for attendees to learn what goes into planning and executing winning campaigns that propel company brand awareness thought innovative tactics that get noticed. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions after the presentations.
Rápido!
Hosted by Gagen MacDonald
35 East Wacker Drive,
Suite 700
Chicago, IL
April 26, 2018
6:00-8:00 p.m.

6:00-6:30 p.m.
Registration and networking

6:30-7-30 p.m.
Presentations

7:30-8:00 p.m.
Q&A

Pricing

Member:
$35

Non-member:
$50

Student:
$15

REGISTER TODAY!
About Our Event Host
Gagen MacDonald is a strategy execution consulting firm specializing in internal communication, employee engagement, culture change and leadership development. The firm works inside companies to move corporate and operating strategies off the shelf and into the workplace, turning them into reality.

How Does Your Company Spell CSR?
2018-05-03 18:00 - 20:00 | Astellas, 1 Astellas Way, Northbrook, IL, 60062, United States
An organization’s approach to corporate social responsibility (CSR) is nothing new, and companies use many ways to define what it means to them. Does it include transparency, sustainability, diversity, supply chain management, environmentalism or social involvement? All of them? A combination? It’s different for every organization.
Join us for a moderated panel discussion about what modern CSR means to our panelists’ companies, and how they communicate their position and programs to their employees and external stakeholders.
Panelists
Moira Knight, Executive Director, Communications and Corporate Citizenship, Astellas
Elieen Buckley, Director, National Responsible Business Leadership Team, PWC
Kasjha Moua, Manager, Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability, Allstate
Moderator
Anne Divita Kopacz, Director of Communications, Quinlan School of Business, Loyola University, Chicago
Event hosted by Astellas.
May 3, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
6:00–6:30 p.m. Register, networking, hors d’oeuvres and drinks
6:30–7:30 p.m. Welcome, announcements, panel discussion
7:30–8:00 p.m. Q&A, wrap up
Register today!

IABC Member:
$35

Non-member:
$50

Student:
$15

Webinar: Stuck in the 20th Century? The Shifts You and Your Company Need to Make to Thrive in the 21st Century
2018-05-09 11:00 - 12:00
Stuck in the 20th Century? The Shifts You and Your Company Need to Make to Thrive in the 21st Century
Presented by Maya Townsend and Martha Miser

Today, the world is a much different place than it was twenty years ago. Yet, we still rely on approaches to strategy that were developed in the 20th century (and a few that were developed over 2000 years ago). We need to move beyond the old methods to what works in our digital, global, rapidly changing world. In this active, engaging webinar, we’ll explore the five shifts organizations and individuals need to make in order to lead strategy and communicate effectively in the 21st century.
In this session, you will learn:

What the shift to a deeply interconnected, digitally ubiquitous, global world means for organizations and individuals.
The five shifts of thinking you’ll need to succeed in strategy and communications in the 21st Century.
The practical implications of the five shifts to your practice.

Presenter Maya Townsend helps individuals, teams, and organizations thrive in our networked world. Through her company, Partnering Resources, she uses the science underlying human relationships to make soft skills generate hard results. She serves on the Editorial Review Board for OD Practitioner. Her articles are regularly published by venues such as Inc.Com, CIO.Com, People + Strategy, and Nonprofit Quarterly. As co‐editor of The Handbook for Strategic HR, Townsend will happily tell you why you should throw out your performance reviews and why most HR departments need a total makeover.
Presenter Martha Miser focuses on disrupting organizations, so that people think differently about themselves and relationships, leading to organizations that are more awake, passionate, human and focused—all of which adds up to better business results. Her company, Aduro Consulting, serves a range of domestic and multinational companies. Prior to starting her consulting business, Miser held leadership positions in several organizations, including Global Head of Leadership and Change for ING Bank in the Netherlands. Her newsletter, Exploring Leadership, examines the unique challenges of 21st century leadership.
Date: May 9, 2018
Time: 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. CT
Free to IABC members
Register here.

Coffee with Communicators
2018-05-16 07:30 - 09:00 | Morningstar, 22 W. Washington Street, Chicago, IL, 60602, United States
Uh oh. A major media outlet has run a story about your company that has affected your bottom line. Everyone up to the CEO is unhappy. What do you do?
Join us for breakfast, networking and a discussion with Morningstar’s Sasha Bigda, as she walks us through a coordinated suppression plan to debunk a Wall Street Journalarticle that called their fund ratings into question.
All levels of communications expertise and experience are welcome and you need not be a member to attend. A light breakfast will be served.
Hosted by Morningstar.
Wednesday, May 16, 7:30 – 9:00 a.m.
Morningstar
22 West Washington Street
Chicago, IL 60602
Pricing:

Member:
$15

Non-member:
$25

Student:
$5

REGISTER TODAY!
