Jennifer Frahm
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8
The way we research and gather information has, and will continue, to change. The information available to us online is growing at a phenomenal rate (have you checked out IABC Discovery yet?)
But there are still times when nothing beats reaching for a book from your personal library.
That’s where IABC Victoria Chapter can help!
Over the years, we have built up a library of about 20 books, CDs and journals available for members to borrow. However, like the old corner bookstore, we’ve seen a decline in the number of books borrowed. As a volunteer Board, we can offer more value to our members than storing and tracking of books, and as such, we are going to give back to the members. Literally!
At the next Be Heard event (Speed Networking on August 25) our library will be available for members to take home a book (or two)! Topics include employee engagement, organisational leadership, public relations and managing communication functions.
This is a once-only chance. Following this event, whatever books are left will be disposed off.
May
19
Our ever organised Gala Dinner organiser Mel Pay thinks we need a FAQ on the night. She might be right…here’s the ones we are getting at the moment, leave us additional ones in the comments and we will update
What is the dress code?
Seriously? It’s a Gala Dinner. Think glamour, think shiny, think bling, think red carpet. Try After 5. Ok, floor length frocks may be overstating it, but if you did want to wear one, we wouldn’t raise a freshly plucked eyebrow.
But I’m coming from work!
Sure, this does add a degree of difficulty, but at least you have a week to work out how you might make the transition from work to glamour puss. The LBD that transforms with a sequined bolero, or satin shrug? Gorgeous shoes in a fab tote? Bling and more bling.
Ahem. I’m a man. What about me?
Well, word on the street is that there might be a bow-tie appearing, ping @cowboypirate. And we are expecting some sartorial splendour from our MC Jeremy Irvine. But, a suit and snazzy tie will suffice. Glam is an attitude.
Are drinks included?
Ah. Yes. Yes of course.
I’m gluten free / vegetarian / insert food intolerance of choice
Technically, that’s not a question. However, provided you have let us know we can certainly accomodate. Drop us a line at events@iabcvic.com.au if you are not sure. And yes, we are all aware that salmon is not a red meat, even if it looks a little pink.
What are the parking / transport options?
There is lots of street parking alongside Fitzroy Gardens. Trams 41, 78 and 75 stop in front of it, and Jolimont station is also across the road.
Will we be entertained?
Yes! We have the very fabulous illusionist Simon Taylor starting off the night and a riveting debate between three terrific speakers on “Which Generation Contributes Most to the Communication Profession”
What else is on the agenda?
We will be celebrating and presenting the best of the Victorian Comms profession with the Bronze Quill Awards
Can I chose who to sit with?
No, not unless you have bought a table ticket. We will take requests into account but this cannot guarantee. Look at it as accelerated networking opportunities!
I bought my ticket but cant come, can I get a refund?
No, we’re sorry — you can have some-one else go in your place, but we have had to pay for your place already.
Can I buy ticket on the night?
No, sorry. Registrations close on Monday 22, if not sold out before
Are there still tickets?
A handful. And only a handful. Like about 10.
We hope this is of assistance — let us know if you have more queries!
May
18
Thinking you want to be more engaged in IABC Victoria?
Taking responsibility for one of our professional development streams is a great way to do so!
We’re looking for a team of volunteers, three in particular.
1 x Volunteer Be Heard Co-ordinator
Be Heards are our after work wine, cheese and discussion groups on a specific topic. The next two have been planned for August (Speed Networking), and November (Community Engagement) and we have our discussion leaders and topics organised. Other activities include:
· Confirm and liaise requirements with the venue
· Prepare the links for the online booking system
· Prepare the comms on this in consultation with our Communication Chair and
· Promote through the IABC Victoria Channels as well as other public media notice boards.
· Set up the venue on the eve and delegate roles to Board Members and Volunteers attending
· Co-ordinate some-one to do a write up of the event for our website afterwards
· Liaise with the facilitator / discussion starter
See the details on the February Be There to see what it was like
1 x Volunteer Be There Co-ordinator
Be Theres are our lunches with a thought leader or case study. The next two have been planned for July (Crisis & Reputation), and September (Innovation and Creativity) and we have our speakers and dates organised. Other activities include:
· Confirm and liaise with the venue,
· Prepare the links for the online booking system
· Prepare the comms on this in consultation with our Communication Chair and
· Promote through the IABC Victoria Channels as well as other public media notice boards.
· Set up the venue prior to the lunch and delegate roles to Board Members and Volunteers attending
· Co-ordinate some-one to do a write up of the event for our website afterwards
· Liaise with the speakers
See the details on our March Be There to see what it was like!
1 x Volunteer Christmas Party Co-ordinator
Yes, this is the prime opportunity! Each year we run an end of year function simply to celebrate. No speakers, just the opportunity to relax, breathe, drink and be merry.
The activities here are to:
· Find a venue and determine the ticket price,
· Prepare the links for the online booking system
· Prepare the comms on this in consultation with our Communication Chair and
· Promote through the IABC Victoria Channels as well as other public media notice boards.
· Set up at the venue prior to the event and delegate roles to Board Members and Volunteers attending
· Co-ordinate some-one to do a write up of the event for our website afterwards
And here’s what we did last year…
The good thing about volunteering in Professional Development is that we have really well organised processes and systems to support you. You are not starting from scratch. You get to liaise with other Board Members who will support you eg PR & Branding, Sponsorship, Membership, Communications and the financials. So who’s interested? Who wants to get to know a very connected community of communicators a little bit better?
For more information on any of these roles contact us at events@iabcvic.com.au
Apr
26
True!! There’s two on offer!
IABC Victoria is offering one to its members, and all IABC Victoria Members are eligible to also apply for the Pacific Region Scholarship.
Worth over $1200, the scholarships are for a Regular Conference registration. This registration includes all of the conference general sessions, the Welcome and Networking Receptions, and the exhibit hall lunch. It does not include the Research Foundation Luncheon and Seminar, the Gold Quill Awards Banquet, or the Pre-Conference Workshop. It does not include travel or hotel accommodations
Criteria for entry
- Winner must be an IABC member
- Winner needs to make commitment to their chapter to take up a role on the IABC Vic Board 2011/2012 or other volunteer role for the 2011/2012 year.
- Winner needs to make presentation to their chapter about what they have learned from the conference at an IABC Vic event or write an article for the newsletter / and or blog
Process
In one page, please prepare a compelling case for how both you and your chapter would benefit by attending the IABC World Conference 2011.
Please send your entries to info@iabcvic.com.au by COB May 12th. The winners will be announced at the IABC Victoria Gala dinner on May 26th!
This offer is open to all IABC Victoria Members.
Apr
9
As professionals in the communication industry we are often expected to pull the proverbial rabbit out of the hat. That’s why we thought you might enjoy the talents of award winning illusionist Simon Taylor at our Gala Dinner.
We spoke to Simon as the tickets were released for sale on Monday. We found that he appeared to be a little bit cagey on a few of his answers…is he keeping something up his sleeve? Or are illusionists and professional communicators more alike than we thought…his answers rang true to us in our profession as well!
Q1. You have been described as part Jerry Seinfield, part David Copperfield, part educator, part entertainer. Which part sits most comfortably with you and why?
I think definitions in terms of creativity can often be limiting. In my case, I just choose the performance style that I think best suits the given message that I am trying to communicate. Those descriptions of what I do are really just marketing tools. When it comes to creating work, I don’t consider myself being any of those parts. They only come about once I am trying to sell tickets or book gigs.
Q2. The theme of our gala dinner is “Talking about your generation”. What (if any) are the generational differences within your audiences?
I perform at universities for 18 year olds, to cruise ships for 80-year-old. My style of performance doesn’t change between the audiences, just the references I make. For example, at universities I will make jokes about being Facebook friends, on cruise ships I make the same joke about being pen-pals. The principal behind the joke is universal; the dressing is what varies slightly. The magic tricks are always the same though, for any audience.
Q3. How does an illusionist differ from a magician?
Generally speaking they don’t. Again, it’s just a marketing tool to sound a bit different. However, in the magic community, an illusionist generally does large-scale stage illusions where a magician does a more cabaret style.
Q4. Simon Baker and The Mentalist: Fan or Foe?
I haven’t seen it but it sounds cool. I do like the show Lie to Me, though, which is similar.
Q5. What can our attendees expect from your presentation?
Me desperately trying to cram in a happy balance of entertainment, tricks and insight into 20 minutes so people feel they are getting a good dose of everything.
Thanks Simon! We’re looking forward to having you at the Gala Dinner. If you cant wait until May 26th head to our new Youtube Channel to watch some clips of Simon in action!
Mar
25
It’s the event you’ve been waiting for! Get your glam on and join friends and industry colleagues for IABC Victoria’s night of nights - The 2011 Gala Dinner!
This year we have an exciting line-up that will challenge your opinions, celebrate your achievements and of course, provide lots of opportunities for networking and catching up with colleagues.
Our theme for the night, “talking about your generation” will feature representatives from three generations talking about what they’ve each brought to the communications profession.
Baby Boomer - Geoff Kelly
Geoff Kelly works with leaders who are frustrated that people are not buying into their ideas and strategies.
He spent the first 20 years being thrown out of the best companies in the land. Along the way he worked with some of Australia’s most effective business leaders and learned that working with leaders who want to achieve something meaningful is the most fun a middle-aged married guy can have - aside from reminiscing with old friends about how good we are compared with the next lot coming through.
Gen X - Andrew Maiden
Andrew Maiden is the Executive Director of Communications and Media Relations at Telstra. Andrew is responsible for Telstra’s media relations, internal communications, and online and social media. He joined the company in 2000. Prior to joining Telstra, Andrew worked in politics as a press secretary, speech writer, advisor and chief-of-staff for politicians in state and federal government.
Gen Y - Kate Kendall
Kate Kendall is a digital marketer, communications manager and community specialist hailing from Melbourne. She consults on things such as branding, culture, social media, people engagement and content strategy. She is also a freelance writer and avid tweeter, and is listed as one of 15 recommended-to-follow Australians by Twitter. Kate founded and organises the Social Media Melbourne meetup and recently launched The Fetch - a what’s on guide to Melbourne’s digital, creative and business communities.
We also have a treat for you in the form of a thought-provoking performance from illusionist and award-winning entertainer, Simon Taylor.
During the evening, we will be taking the opportunity to recognise some of our top industry performers, winners of this year’s Bronze Quill Awards. Bronze Quill winners are professionals who have been accepted for blue ribbon judging at the International Gold Quill Awards in San Francisco. Congratulations to all! For more details: http://vic.iabc.com/professional-development/awards.
Thursday May 26, from 6:30pm
Hilton on the Park, Melbourne
- $125 for members and Bronze Quill award entrants.
- $175 for non-members.
Tables of 8 are also available.
- $1120 when booked and paid by Member or award entrant
- $1280 when booked or paid by Non-Member
Book your spot early to avoid disappointment. Last year’s event was a sell-out! See the happy snaps from all the fun here.
For table, Corporate member bookings and more information contact events@iabcvic.com.au
Mar
16
Today I was fortunate enough to attend the morning session of the knowledge management roundtable (KMRT), a regular event facilitated by the vivacious Michelle Lambert. I’m always armed with my natural level of comms skepticism when attending such events, but it was very quickly obvious how the affinity we have with social media tools like wikis are a natural link to our cousins in knowledge management.
The timing was impeccable, having recently just been in touch with IABC Vic member Keith De La Rue, one of the best KM guys in the business.
So Keith, tell us what a KM guy like you is doing in a comms group like the IABC?
I joined the IABC a few years ago while working at Telstra. The work I was doing there at the time was in Knowledge Management. So why did I join the IABC?
It started when I bumped into another Australian while speaking at a conference in Singapore - on communications. You may have heard of this man - his name is Adrian Cropley. (Oh? You’ve heard of him?)
Adrian and I had both been on the speaker list at the conference, and just happened to bump into each other again at the Qantas Club on the way home. We got chatting about the IABC (probably over a gin and tonic, so far as I can remember), and a little while later I joined up. I convinced my employer that it was worth paying for my membership. (Later, Telstra managed to get corporate membership, reducing the fee somewhat.)
What’s KM got to do with it?
Knowledge Management is a term that can mean many things. In my role at the time, I was working on the transfer of product knowledge from a team of Product Managers to an Enterprise Sales Force. For some people, KM is about document storage and management, and, while this was an important element of what we were doing, there was a lot more to it than this.
In order to transfer knowledge effectively, access to documents - even online - is only one piece of the puzzle. Other elements of the toolkit we used would more traditionally be regarded as comms (a weekly online, web-based newsletter with an email alert, and a range of recorded audio and video programs) and learning (face-to-face and e-learning techniques).
Some of the tools we used didn’t really fit any of these categories. For sales people travelling by car between customers, we produced a professional-quality CD in the style of a radio program. This featured news updates on the product set and interviews with senior staff and customers. We also ran an online quiz, with a range of prizes on offer. Later, we replaced the CDs with podcasts. Also, our document library operated on a strong principle of open access for both contributors and audience, and offered subscription services for updates.
The Big Picture
Are these comms, learning, social media or KM techniques? We didn’t ever stop to make these distinctions - our sole aim was an informed audience, equipped to meet their own business objectives. All our material was targeted at the audience - providing the information they needed, in a format and language that made it easier for them to pass on the right information to their customers. (I have recently written a detailed book chapter on this program - go here for more information.)
In this line of business, we also worked closely with marketing staff and other general comms and learning teams in the organisation, and we helped each other to build a broader skill base.
The inclusion of communications tools and practices in the KM work appealed to me for another reason. Some years earlier, I was required to study a range of humanities electives in my otherwise fairly technical Applied Science degree at RMIT. To my surprise at the time, I greatly enjoyed these units - particularly Human Communication. (I wrote a major project comparing the public speaking style of Winston Churchill and Adolph Hitler.)
Joining the IABC gave me an opportunity to meet with other people interested in communications, and to further my learning of the craft. I have particularly enjoyed the chance to attend some interesting presentations face-to-face in Melbourne, but I have also appreciated the access to rich global online resources. It has also provided me with another opportunity to write, having contributed a couple of short pieces to CW.
You are here
I parted ways with Telstra nearly three years ago, and I now work in my own business. When I left, my IABC membership was the only paid subscription that I took over personally and continued to pay from my own income. While my main focus now is still on KM, I am also continuing to undertake both comms and learning activities. In fact, I am finding that the thing I enjoy most - and I believe is my main strength - is both presenting and writing about the broad field of my work in KM, comms and the related disciplines. One recent project has seen me developing post-graduate training material on communications for a client. I have found a number of useful resources for this work via the IABC web site. (All used with appropriate copyright permissions, of course.)
Being a member of an organisation like IABC is also itself part of practicing Knowledge Management. A key KM technique for sharing knowledge is the Community of Practice (CoP). In a CoP, people working in a common discipline meet together on a regular basis to share knowledge, offer mutual support and jointly develop and enhance their field of endeavour. The IABC certainly provides all of this in the comms field! (So did you know that as an IABC member you are actually practicing Knowledge Management?)
Conversation and connection
I enjoy the time I spend with IABC members - either at chapter meetings or individually - as we can all learn something from each other. The membership includes people working in a range of different aspects of comms. Like KM, the definition is not always precise.
One key element in innovation and creativity (also subjects that interest me) is to bring together as many disparate ideas as possible. I like to think that the IABC is one forum where we can do this quite effectively. One of the best ways to do this is through conversation.
Steven Johnson, the author of Where good ideas come from, wrote: “It’s not that creative individuals don’t matter; it’s that connectedness makes us more creative”. So I see the IABC as a place where we can all use our connections to help us to become more individually effective in what we do. And I would be happy to talk about it over a gin and tonic any time.
Mar
9
Greetings all,
I’m absolutely thrilled with the new IABC Victoria Website and thanks so much to all of you who have taken the time to write / tweet about how good it is looking. Big thanks go to Stacey Buchanan and Kelly Vandrine for driving it home, and also Mike Lagastes and Kate O Donnell for some solid time spent getting it ready for launch. There’s still a few tweaks to happen, if you see something that needs work do let one of us know.
We used a small Queensland firm Alyte Creative for this and the design of our new communications pieces (newsletter, events updates and special notices). They have been really fantastic to deal with – even in the midst of floods and cyclones; they have pushed on and respected our desired timeframes. A big thank you to Ben and the team at Alyte.
I have been in touch with members of IABC South Island, New Zealand to see if there is anything we can do. At this point they are very deep in crisis activity – and more the organising and distributing of supplies than the coordinated communications side of business continuity. They appreciate our thoughts and will let us know if / when they have something they would like some of us to pick up.
On a more uplifting note, I am delighted to introduce Anny Ma (University of Melbourne) and Jessica Ciccotelli (Deakin University) as our new Student Chairs on the Board. This is a new role for the chapter and one designed to advance our goals of sustainability. The brief is pretty broad at this point – basically assist in building linkages with Educational Institutions and student bodies, work with our Education Chair, Elise Olney, and increase cross generational communication and thinking in our chapter. We will profile them on the new website in the near future.
Planning for this year’s Gala Dinner (including the Bronze Quill Award Ceremony) is in full swing. Last year’s was a sell out, so don’t hesitate when the tix come on sale! I have heard whispers that Linkedin Members will get advanced warning and the early bird ticket price when it comes on sale, so if not a member of the Linkedin Group you may wish to be!!
And on that note, make sure you do get your ticket to the March 24 lunch on Measuring Social Media. It’s been a vexing issue for many, and it’s fantastic that we have now got to a point in the industry where there are some meaningful measures.
I’ll see you there?
Feb
27
PR Warrior Trevor Young dropped a bombshell at the IABC Victoria Be Heard event on 24 February when he suggested his experience of internal comms was that their outputs were often a bit ‘beige’.
Rather than being a comment on the practitioners, Trevor suggested this ‘beigeness’ was usually an outcome of organisational culture that often saw companies short-change their own people.
So what did the members in attendance have to say?
What should marketing and PR realise about internal comms?
- We have no budget!
- The internal audience is an influencer
- Our people are advocates and we are the gatekeepers (in a good way)
- It’s good to let internal know before external
- We need our senior leaders to be the champions
Has your organisation integrated social media into its communications?
Overall less than half the room were able to say ‘yes’ to this question. Of those that did, people from Vic Roads and GE reported more progressive cultures, while there was also discussion on the ANZ firewall opening up for crisis communications.
What seemed to be the most common denominator on the night was the organisational uptake of Yammer, which was more popular amongst members than Twitter.
What are the examples of PR and Marketing you would hate to see infiltrate internal comms?
- Becoming too reactive
- The noise (creativity and colour) undermining the substance
Is 2011 a year for change?
- Yes - a move from one way to two way communication
- Large organisations will need to change their culture for that to occur though
Lots of other discussion took place, in the real world and the twitterverse. You can catch up with the conversation here, and add don’t forget to add your own thoughts.
Feb
19
Greetings all,
Another busy month for the IABC Victoria Board with fantastic efforts happening to launch the website, lock in a full calendar of events for you and lock in a venue for this year’s Gala Dinner. High five and thank you to Kelly Marshall, Kate O Donnell, Anna Whitlam, Kelly Vandrine, Stacey Buchanan, and Erin McFadden.
Gold Quill Judging
I’m just back from the first round of Gold Quill Judging for Australia and New Zealand entries. One word. Wow. Below are two of our Victorian members who judged Ross Monahan (with Kristin Britt of IABC Queensland), and Jo Curkpatrick (with Susan Lambe of IABC Queensland). I had the great delight of being partnered with Lori Lennon of IABC NSW, and if you get the chance to judge, take it. You really do learn a lot as you work together to come to agreement on the scoring. One of the things I like the most about the Gold Quills is that there is no cap on how many can win. Provided you score higher than 5.25 you go through to Blue Ribbon judging. Big props to Tracey Sen of IABC NSW for her organisation of the day - worthy of an award in of itself!
Be Heard Feb 24th & Be There March 24th.
We’re very much looking forward to the first of our Be Heard’s events - some wine and cheese, and good conversations about what we can learn from each others discipline (Trevor Young has provided a sneak preview of the types of questions we will be discussing). And I can’t wait until the 24th of March for the lunch on Social Media Measurement - it is exciting to get to the point where we can bring you some answers to questions we have been asking for ages eg “how do we measure our efforts in social media” . But what can I say? I am a data nerd.
Yay for us!
This month we were also notified that our efforts in retaining members and growing the chapter were paying off with the officicial stats provided on membership from 2009 to 2010. Delighted to announce that we have weathered the GFC storm, and grown 11%. We have also increased our retention of members - which is terrfic news. While size isn’t everything, in our case the bigger the network, the bigger the value for you. It also makes a difference when attracting sponsorship - our sponsors tell us that a growing chapter represents a better value proposition to them. And speaking of sponsorship…
VP of Sponsorship and Professional Partner Program
This month I would like to introduce you to Damian Mannix, our VP of Sponsorship. Damian is a director of The Agenda Group and joined the Board last August. Earlier in 2010, member Janine Young did a great piece of work researching what represents value for sponsors. Damian took this work and created a really innovative Professional Partners Program. Sponsorship is a necessary component of IABC Victoria - as you have told us that you would like free events or reduced cost offerings. From a revenue perspective we are compromised in that we received just over 10% of your membership fee for local expenditure, and only once you have stayed a member for a year. New members are exciting and satisfy our growth goals, but they actually cost us money. It’s why we place so much focus on retention of members. Besides the financial value of a retained member, satisfied members become our sales force and attract new members.
So as part of the new program, in any one year we will have a maximum of eight Professional Partners. These Professional Partners receive free tickets to events, member subscription, logo branding, and small speaking opportunities at the events. Most importantly, it is priced to be very attractive pricing. If you know of an organisation who wants to build their profile with a high calibre cohort of communication professionals and decision makers, send them Damian’s way!
On that note - it is with great pleasure that we welcome Market U as our first Professional Partner. Market U has a long association with IABC Victoria and has been very generous to our community. We are delighted to have you on board and continue the partnership.
While I’m on the welcoming wagon - a very big welcome to our new members this month so far,
Caroline Page (EESA), Matt Helme (Energy and Water Ombudsman Victoria), Tracie Walker (Kmart Australia), Alistair Phillips (True Energy), and Jamie Garantziotis (Southern Cross Media).
It’s exciting to have you with us…
Cheers all,
Jennifer