FOCUSING ON THE “I” IN IABC
As part of the International Association of Business Communicator’s (IABC) commitment to enhancing member experience and professional growth, three IABC regions across multiple time zones came together last week to conduct “Tea, Trivia and Conversations,” a virtual networking event. More than 30 members from the Africa, Asia-Pacific (APAC), and Europe, Middle East and North Africa (EMENA) Regions participated.
“The opportunity to bring communicators together, whether virtually or in-person, is always beneficial to our work,” said Michael Nord, EMENA Region board member and partnership director and cohost for the event. “This is one of the great advantages of an international organization like IABC; the ability to connect with professionals from around the world.”
The networking event included something for everyone, from communication trivia to personal membership testimonials to suggestions for future events.
Asia-Pacific Region President Kristy Christie, who also helped organize the event offered that IABC’s networking events “provide a great platform for professional communicators to share best practices, connect with like-minded peers in similar specializations, all while developing new friendships.”
Virtual collaboration events are cost-effective ways for communicators to connect to discuss important topics and refine business processes, and has proven to be an effective method during the pandemic. Leaders from the participating regions acknowledged that regardless of what’s happening in the environment, business communication must remain relevant, timely and meaningful, so these type of global networking opportunities with communication professionals enhances those efforts.
“We know that employee satisfaction is a result of good communication practices by leadership at all levels, so networking events open the door to new and innovative ways to connect,” said Carol Allers, chair of IABC’s Africa region.
All three regions look forward to future opportunities to expand virtual networking to other regions across the IABC community and to encourage those who participated to spread the word.