IABC Houston RSS Feed

(Don't) Use Your Words: Communicating Visually Through Presentations and Beyond

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 16:15:00 GMT

(Don’t) Use Your Words: Communicating Visually Through Presentations and Beyond
Start Date: 25-Mar-10 11:15 AM
End Time: 25-Mar-10 1:00 PM
Location: Maggiano's, Houston, TX 77056
Speaker: Katie Laird

Event Details:

[Back by popular demand. This presentation got great reviews at last September’s ESIG luncheon. Katie’s added new material to address working w/ graphics firms and within a corporate environment.]

In a business world where PowerPoint is the norm in nap-inducing meetings and many professionals have long since packed away their crayon boxes, the ability to communicate visually is more important than ever. Think all presentation slides are worthless and boring? Tired of being forced to make decisions based on verbose and confusing PowerPoint slides? This presentation is for you – re-capture your creativity and learn how to find the right way to say what you want to say – often without using a single word at all.

Join Katie Laird, a graphics-obsessed communications geek from Schipul – The Web Marketing Company (www.schipul.com), as she walks us through the do’s and don’ts of communicating visually. This presentation will be perfect for flexing your creative muscles and maintaining your sanity, whether you’re a frequent public speaker, a professional charged with creating the dreaded slide deck for company meetings or just someone who wants to be understood the first time around. Learn, also, how to work with a team – to ensure consistent messaging and that everyone on the team speaks with ONE voice. Plus tips for successful collaborations with design professionals.

Maggiano's

2019 Post Oak Blvd.

Houston, TX USA 77056

IABC Young Professionals Mixer

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 22:30:00 GMT

IABC Young Professionals Mixer
Start Date: 30-Mar-10 5:30 PM
End Time: 30-Mar-10 7:30 PM
Location: Yelapa Playa Mexicana, Houston, TX 77098
Event Details:

Looking for more sources to build your communication skills and network? We're here to help -- tell us what you need! Bring a friend and your ideas.

Open invitation to all young professionals in communications, including writers, graphic designers, photographers and marketing professionals. Or, if you would like to just introduce yourself, please do!

We will provide appetizers. Drinks are cash bar, but Yelapa has some great happy hour specials!

Yelapa Playa Mexicana

2303 Richmond Ave.

Houston, TX USA 77098

All''s Fair in the Business World, or Is It?

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 16:30:00 GMT

All's Fair in the Business World, or Is It?
Start Date: 8-Apr-10 11:30 AM
End Time: 8-Apr-10 1:00 PM
Location: The Fabulous La Griglia, Houston, TX 77019
Speaker: Dave Steitz

Event Details:

You do some writing for a design firm. The design firm’s client is very happy with the writing; less so with the design. The client contacts you directly and says he is going to pull a second project from the design firm but wants you to continue to do the writing. What do you say?

A friend who teaches a communication course at a college asks you to guest lecture when she is out of town on vacation. This person is paid to teach the class. Do you ask for a guest lecture fee?

Ethics and professional standards. We’d all like to think we’d do the right thing when faced with a difficult business decision. But sometimes, those decisions aren’t so black and white. Join ESIG at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, April 8, at La Griglia, as business coach and advisor, Dave Steitz, guides us through a discussion on professional ethics and standards.

The Fabulous La Griglia

2002 West Gray

Houston, TX 77019

Crisis Communications: Oil Spill Response Case Study Aramco Services Company This Is A Drill!

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 16:15:00 GMT

Crisis Communications: Oil Spill Response Case Study Aramco Services Company – This Is A Drill!
Start Date: 22-Apr-10 11:15 AM
End Time: 22-Apr-10 1:00 PM
Location: Maggiano's, Houston, TX 77056
Speaker: Panel Presentation

Event Details:

Houston-based Aramco Services Company (ASC) is the U.S. subsidiary of the world's leading oil producing and exporting company, the Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco). Each year, more than 100 ASC employees and contractors converge on a Gulf Coast community for several days to practice responding to a simulated oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

A key component of this emergency response effort involves the company’s Public Affairs team who staff an on-site media/community response operation. Working closely with internal ASC experts, and representatives with the U.S. Coast Guard, the Texas General Land Office, Texas Parks and Wildlife, U.S. Fisheries and Wildlife, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and others, the Public Affairs team strives to keep the public updated on all aspects of a simulated oil spill response as the scenario unfolds.

Join ASC Corporate Communications Advisor Judi Ottmann, ASC Environmental Response Officer Rob Lefevers, and U.S. Coast Guard Commander Jim Elliott, for a peek inside ASC’s Joint Area Command Center during an oil spill response drill. You will learn how this team prepares and implements ASC’s Oil Spill Response Plan from a communications perspective, including:

Establishing a Joint Information Center of communications operations or on-site press room;
Implementing effective and consistent message distribution to key audiences, including internal audiences;
Training ASC Public Affairs employees in drill communications activities;
Electronically logging all “calls” from simulated members of the media and community into an onsite Intranet database, and responding consistently, accurately and in a timely manner to questions and inquiries;
Drafting all press releases, media alerts and other media materials, and shepherding approvals with key ASC executives and joint command partners;
Simulating distribution of all media materials to a media contact database, as well as on-site ASC responders;
Organizing and publicizing any press conferences and townhall meetings; and
Briefing and providing talking points for ASC spokespersons and other agency spokespersons before mock press conferences.

Co-moderating the panel discussion is Pam McConathy, principal with Foresight Communications Group, and Ben Wheatley, of Ben Wheatley Public Relations, both of whom have worked with ASC for more than 10 years on the company's annual Oil Response exercise.

Maggiano's

2019 Post Oak Blvd.

Houston, TX USA 77056

Test Student Pricing

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 13:30:00 GMT

Test Student Pricing
Start Date: 4-Apr-12 8:30 AM
End Time: 4-Apr-12 5:30 PM
Location: test

test

2010 IABC/Houston Bronze Quill Awards: Simply. The Best.

Hattie Horn — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Call for Entries

2009 was a year of tremendous challenges for Houston communicators. Staff reductions. Budget cuts. Even communications paralysis — a condition caused when the price of oil drops from $147 to less than $37 per barrel in a matter of weeks. Through it all, Houston communicators continued doing what they do best — planning award-winning communications campaigns, writing compelling copy, designing Web and print publications, taking photos and creating graphics that communicate, inspire, motivate, or educate.

IABC/Houston believes that getting recognized for outstanding work during such a difficult year shouldn’t be as challenging. So we’re rewriting the rules for the 2010 Bronze Quill Awards competition. An online entry process and streamlined call for entries now make entering the competition easier and less time consuming. No more three-ring binders or cumbersome entry rules.

Our goal is to recognize those who deserve it most: Simply. The Best.

FINAL DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES: March 29, 2010. Download the call for entries. E-mail questions to houstonbronzequill@gmail.com. We’re here to help.

11-Mar-10 10:00 AM

Call for Entries: 2010 PRSA Houston Excalibur Awards for Excellence

Hattie Horn — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:00:00 GMT

The Excalibur Award is the most prestigious local award a public relations professional can receive. Gold, Silver and Bronze Excalibur Awards will be presented to talented public relations professionals in dozens of categories. Visit the PRSA Houston website for more details and to download the call for entries package.

11-Mar-10 9:00 AM

Kodak's Chief Marketing Officer to Speak

Theresa Parker — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:00:00 GMT

Forbes Magazine calls him the celebrity CMO. Advertising Age says, “a new style of CMO has arrived.” He’s been described as a chief marketing officer on steroids.

Jeffrey Hayzlett, Chief Marketing Officer and Vice President, Eastman Kodak Company, is equally at home in the boardroom and on the Internet. He tweets regularly; in fact, he’s one of the top ten C-level executive twitterers in the world. When he’s not online, Jeff runs Kodak’s Marketing, Brand Management, Market Development, Public Relations and Public Affairs.

Join the Houston Interactive Marketing Association for A Digital…A Brand…A Marketing Transformation luncheon on Wednesday, March 3, 2010, at the Intercontinental Hotel to hear how Kodak successfully transformed itself into an innovative leader in digital imaging.

IABC members can attend the luncheon at the HiMA member rate of $40. Nonmember rate is $55. Click here to register and take advantage of this unique opportunity.

24-Feb-10 9:00 AM

IABC/Houston, You're Invited: Engaging Audiences in Changing Times

Merrisa Turner — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 14:00:00 GMT

IABC/San Antonio invites members of the Houston chapter to attend a workshop featuring Houston's own Suzanne Salvo.

The Communication Revolution: Engagement Audiences in Changing Times
Monday, March 1
8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Led by three of the nation's leading communications experts, the workshop will address the new challenges each of us face each day:

The revolution in social media – Ron Shewchuk
The revolution in visual communications - Suzanne Salvo
The revolution in corporate creativity – Steve Crescenzo

Houston members can attend at the local SA-IABC member rate for the workshop and also take advantage of discounted pricing at Staybridge Suites Sunset Station. Anyone interested should e-mail SA-IABC President Becky Bridges: bbridges@sachamber.org for details.

18-Feb-10 8:00 AM

Bronze Quill Call for Entries Coming Soon! Simply. The Best.

Hattie Horn — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 22:00:00 GMT

IABC Houston believes that getting recognized for outstanding work shouldn’t be challenging. So we’re rewriting the rules for the 2010 Bronze Quill Awards competition. No more three-ring binders or cumbersome entry criteria!

Watch for a streamlined call for entries in February and an online process to make entering the competition easier and less time consuming.

Mark your calendar for these important dates:

Tips for Submitting a Winning Entry Webinar (free): Feb. 24, 2010
Early-Bird Deadline*: March 1, 2010
Entry Deadline*: March 15, 2010
Procrastinator Deadline*: March 29, 2010
Awards Dinner: June 3, 2010, at The Parador

Get the recognition you deserve. Simply. The Best.

25-Jan-10 4:00 PM

Last Week to Save on an IABC Membership!

Robin Leeder — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:30:00 GMT

Time is money, so act fast! Right now—just til the end of February—you can save money on a new IABC membership or on the renewal of a lapsed membership.

For this month, IABC is waiving the application fee. You’ll save $40 ($30 for Internet enrollments, which are already discounted $10). On top of that monetary benefit, you’ll gain a vast network of colleagues, professional development opportunities, and a wealth of international resources, all for less than $1 a day.

To read what IABC membership can do for you, go to http://www.iabc.com/about/membership/ and select What Membership Provides. It's an excellent value!

There’s never been a better time to become a member of IABC. For more information on IABC membership, contact Robin Leeder.

25-Jan-10 9:30 AM

400-Plus Years of IABC Membership: Longevity and Success

Mara Soloway — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:00:00 GMT

by Mara Soloway

Several of IABC/Houston’s recent membership anniversaries help explain why the chapter is so successful. Counting the January anniversaries of 10 or more years, these members have been with IABC/Houston for a total of 442 years. That’s an abundance of experience, persistence, talent, determination, achievement and risk-taking in one group.

Lee Anne Snedeker, who is Senior Vice President of Global Membership Development for IABC Headquarters, is impressed by this longevity:

“Our longtime members are the very foundation of IABC. Their commitment to the association demonstrates their rock-solid allegiance to the profession, to the other members, and to excellence in the field. We are both grateful and humbled by the devotion shown by so many Houston members,” she says.

Our January 442-year club:

57 years Downs Matthews, ABC

38 years Beverly Freeman, APR

36 years Susie McMichael, ABC

35 years Marvin Brown, ABC, APR

33 years Anne Ribble, ABC, APR

32 years Ben Wheatley, ABC, APR and Helen Fischer, ABC

29 years Peter Poulsen, ABC and K Smith Leonard, ABC

25 years Tracy Torma

24 years Mark Singer

22 years Pam McConathy and Theresa Parker

18 years Pat Schroeder, ABC

10 years Sarah Palmer

Congratulations on your staying power. And thank you for your contributions to IABC/Houston. Your success encourages newer members that they can achieve it as well.

21-Jan-10 10:00 AM

Tidbitz

Denise Allen Zwicker — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:00:00 GMT

by Denise Allen Zwicker [DZ1], writer

Communication World tidbits for instant use

“While many members have embraced Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, MemberSpeak, IABC’s original online discussion forum, is still buzzing with activity.”

[Link to CW article, January-February, pg. 7.]

19-Jan-10 8:00 AM

Volunteer of the Month - Jason Ray

Merrisa Turner — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 14:00:00 GMT

Name: Jason Ray

Company: Joined Alcon Laboratories and moved to Ft. Worth in January 2010; formerly with Lexicon Pharmaceuticals in Houston for nine years

Title: Manager, Internal Communications

Hometown: Burleson, Texas (suburb of Fort Worth)

Education: Bachelor of science degree in Psychology from Texas A&M University

My line of work is: Corporate communications, investor relations and community affairs

I got into my line of work because: I enjoy developing communications materials, personal interactions with employees and clients, as well as dealing with the public … and Lexicon was the first company to hire me out of college!

Career landmarks: Developing and executing corporate communications and investor relations strategies at Lexicon; developing annual reports; leading Lexicon’s community affairs activities and speaking to local university students; most recently joining Alcon Laboratories

Goals: To oversee the corporate communications function at an organization

I’ve been an IABC member since: January 2009

My contributions to IABC/Houston include: Insider newsletter editor

I belong to IABC because: It’s a diverse group of business and communication professionals with similar interests

My favorite IABC events are: New member breakfasts, board meetings

I think everyone should be an IABC volunteer because: It keeps you involved and provides access to other experienced communications professionals

When not working for a living: I enjoy spending time with my wife and our 9-month-old son, traveling, watching TV and movies, hunting, backpacking, home improvement projects.

People who know me would say: Friendly, good-looking (at least my wife says so), good sense of humor, hard working, optimistic

18-Jan-10 8:00 AM

The Fans Know Best: Building On-Line Brand Communities, What Works & What Doesn’t

Jason Ray — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 19:15:00 GMT

There’s a deafening buzz around online customer communities – but do they affect sales or other relevant outcomes? Dr. Utpal Dholakia of Rice University’s Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business (JGSB) shares his marketing research to help us tell fact from fiction.

Dr. Dholakia’s presentation, “Customer communities as marketing programs: Promises and pitfalls,” will cover

The current marketing environment (spending cuts, social media buzz, role of traditional programs)
Benefits of online communities
Case studies of successes and failures
Limitations and pitfalls
Steps in launching an online community
Using a Facebook fan group: results from a controlled experiment

Speaker: Dr. Utpal Dholakia
Dr. Dholakia is William S. Mackey, Jr., and Verne F. Simons Distinguished Associate Professor of Management, JGSB, Rice University. His teaching areas include choice behavior, customer retention, e-commerce, marketing research, pricing and distribution. Dr. Dholakia’s research interests lie in studying motivational psychology of consumers and online marketing issues such as virtual communities and online auctions. He also studies relational aspects of consumer behavior.

He has published in a number of marketing and management journals and consults with firms in financial services, energy, health care and other industries. “The Fans Know Best,” an article co-authored by Dr. Dholakia, appeared in the Aug. 19, 2009, Wall Street Journal. His article co-authored with Emily Durham, “How Effective is Facebook Marketing?” will appear in the March 2010 Harvard Business Review.

Dr. Dholakia’s academic degrees include a Ph.D. in Marketing and M.S. in Psychology from the University of Michigan; an M.S. in Operations Research from Ohio State University; and a B.E. in Industrial Engineering from the University of Bombay.

Location: Omni Houston/Galleria | Four Riverway, Houston TX 77056 | 713.871.8181

Please note EARLY deadline for this event: pre-registration & special meal requests must be submitted by midnight, Sunday, Jan 24.

Parking: FREE parking available at the Three Riverway Garage, located app. 1/2 block behind the hotel. Otherwise, guests may self-park in hotel garage (app. $12.00) or use valet at their own expense.

4-Jan-10 1:15 PM

IABC/HOUSTON HONORS IMPERIAL SUGAR CEO WITH 2009 COMMUNICATION LEADERSHIP AWARD

noemail@iabchouston.com — Mon, 11 May 2009 21:00:00 GMT

Houston – May 1, 2009 – The Houston chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC/Houston) presented John C. Sheptor, chief executive officer of Imperial Sugar Company, with the 2009 Communication Leadership Award during the organization’s Bronze Quill Awards Gala on April. 30. The award, given annually to an organizational leader who actively supports communications by initiating, directing, supporting or sustaining outstanding and effective communications programs, went to Sheptor in honor of the tremendous crisis communication efforts he directed after a tragic February 2008 explosion at the company’s refinery in Port Wentworth, Georgia. The explosion and subsequent fire occurred just eight days after Sheptor took the reins at Imperial Sugar. Sheptor was touring that plant on the day of the explosion. From the moment the tragedy occurred, he maintained a constant level of communication with all stakeholders — including families, first...

IABC 2009 Southern Region Conference RFP for Speaker Presentations

noemail@iabchouston.com — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 14:00:00 GMT

IABC U.S. Southern Region seeks speakers for our 2009 regional conference. The conference will consist of a full day of 75-minute breakout sessions, and may offer a number of in-depth sessions before or after the conference on key topics affecting today’s business communicators. We anticipate the conference may draw more than 200 communicators from the southern United States, and Northern and Southern Caribbean. The conference will provide sessions in four tracks or the key areas of communications leadership, public relations, branding and marketing, and employee communication. We are also looking for presentations that include tips and advice on managing career and work in tough economic times, doing more with less and success stories about using social media techniques. Our members work in corporate settings, academia, not-for-profit organizations, health/medical facilities, manufacturing, small businesses and independent settings. Attendees will represent entry-level...

IABC Chair to Address Houston Chapter on

noemail@iabchouston.com — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 20:00:00 GMT

IABC Chair to Address Houston Chapter on Learning to Communicate With an International Accent Luncheon Meeting Set for March 26 at House of Blues, Houston Houston, March 17, 2009 – After spending nearly 20 years building a career and a strong network of professional contacts in the United States, Barbara Gibson, ABC, quit her job, sold most of her possessions and moved to London with no contacts, no work permit and no idea of what lay ahead. Now, running a successful consultancy and serving as IABC/International Chair, Gibson will reveal to IABC/Houston members and guests on March 26, 2009, at the House of Blues, how she leveraged her IABC membership to overcome cultural barriers, gain understanding of differences in communication practice, build a network and gain professional credibility even though she was an outsider. She'll also share her tips for building a powerful network whether you want to expand your contacts worldwide or locally. Gibson currently heads London-based...

IABC/Houston Welcomes Nominations for 2009 Communication Leadership Award

noemail@iabchouston.com — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 21:00:00 GMT

Houston – March 5, 2009 – Each year, the Houston chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC/Houston) recognizes a top-level business or organizational leader who actively supports communications by initiating, directing, supporting or sustaining outstanding and effective communications programs within his or her organization. The deadline for this year’s nominations is Monday, March 16, so IABC/Houston is encouraging all communications professionals in Houston and southern Texas to identify and submit one or more exemplary communicators at the executive level for this year’s Communication Leadership Award. Information on the award and a link to the nomination form are available at http://www.iabchouston.com/Communicator/. There is no fee to submit a nominee for this award, and you can nominate more than one person, explained Theresa Parker, IABC/Houston president. The only guidelines are that the person must be an active member of your organization’s...

Deadline Nears for IABC/Houston Bronze Quill 2009 Submissions

noemail@iabchouston.com — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 20:00:00 GMT

Houston – Feb. 11, 2009 – The Houston chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC/Houston) is nearing the deadline for entries to its Bronze Quill Awards, which annually celebrates the outstanding efforts of the communications professionals in Houston and southern Texas. The deadline for entries is this Friday, Feb. 13, although procrastinators will be able to enter, for a small entry fee penalty, until Feb. 20. The Bronze Quill Awards are open to members and non-members alike, and all original communication programs and projects that produced measurable results in 2008 are eligible for submission. The chapter anticipates more than 100 entries in three award divisions: Communication Management, Communication Skills and Communication Creative. Communicators interested in submitting entries may start by visiting www.iabchouston.com/QuillAwards. The site includes links to the call for entries (only available online) as well as entry guidelines and forms,...

Canadian Barbecue Guru Mixes Business With Brisket

noemail@iabchouston.com — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 16:00:00 GMT

Rockin’ Ronnie Brings His Meaty Motivational Message to Houston Houston, Feb. 9, 2009 – In his day job, Ron Shewchuk is a business consultant who helps organizations communicate better with their employees. In his spare time, he’s built a second career as his alter-ego, Rockin’ Ronnie, international barbecue champion and bestselling cookbook author. A few years ago Shewchuk had a crazy idea to combine his lifelong passions for outdoor cooking and indoor business communications. The result: a combination multi-course meal and keynote address called Everything I Know About Communication, I Learned From Barbecue. Shewchuk is bringing his smoke-infused business wisdom to Houston’s famed Armadillo Palace on February 26, where he’ll deliver his talk to the local chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators. His visit is timed to coincide with The World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, the first big event of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. If famous...

IABC/Houston Announces 2 New Awards for Bronze Quill 2009

noemail@iabchouston.com — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 15:00:00 GMT

Houston – (Feb. 5, 2009) – The Houston chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC/Houston) is celebrating the local area’s top communication professionals by offering two new awards to honor them during its Be Heard, Be Awarded, Be Celebrated...Get Bronzed! 2009 Bronze Quill Awards Gala. In addition to its existing Awards of Excellence, Awards of Merit and Communication Leadership Award, IABC/Houston is adding a Best in Show Award for the entry with the highest cumulative score. As well, the criteria for the Communicator of the Year award has been made even easier—a panel of accredited business communicators will choose the Communicator of the Year from among the top ten scoring entries from IABC/Houston members. IABC/Houston’s annual Bronze Quill program recognizes and honors Houston and southern Texas communications professionals whose work the previous year has exemplified excellence in communications. This year, the chapter anticipates more than 100...

Dr. Peter Bishop, Futurist, Coordinator of Master Program in Future Studies, College of Technology, University of Houston, to Share Insights on Strategic Planning

noemail@iabchouston.com — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:00:00 GMT

HOUSTON, Jan. 19 – If developing a communications plan for your organization or client is on your to-do list for 2009, help is on the way. IABC/Houston presents Dr. Peter Bishop, futurist and coordinator of the graduate program in Futures Studies at the University of Houston, at its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, Jan. 22. Dr. Bishop will share strategic foresight concepts, procedures and tools that will help organizations anticipate change and influence the long-term effectiveness of strategic planning efforts. The meeting includes a morning workshop from 9 to 11 a.m., followed by a luncheon presentation from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Maggiano’s, 2019 Post Oak Blvd., in Houston. Drawing content from a new five-day certification seminar he is teaching at UH in Strategic Foresight, Dr. Bishop will cover how communications planners can scan the environment and analyze current trends, anticipate disruptive futures and effectively set strategic direction. Pam McConathy, principal...

Dr. Richard Murray, Political Analyst, University of Houston, to Discuss Election-Winning Communications Strategies at Dec. 4 Meeting

noemail@iabchouston.com — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:00:00 GMT

HOUSTON, Dec. 1 – After 20 months of campaigning that started with nearly 20 serious candidates, voters have decided who they want to be the next president of the United States. University of Houston political analyst Dr. Richard Murray will share his perspective on what have we learned from this historic marathon contest, the impact of communications on the election and what the next few months may look like during the Dec. 4 meeting of the Houston chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators. The meeting will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Aiden Hotel, 1117 Prairie St, in downtown Houston. Hors d’oeuvres will be provided and an interactive Q&A session will follow Dr. Murray’s presentation. For more details and to register, please visit www.iabchouston.com. Media who wish to cover this event are invited to attend as guests of IABC/Houston with an advance reservation. Please contact Tracy Torma, 832-293-3475 or tracy@torma.com. About IABC/Houston With...

Rice University Professor Deborah Barrett to Share Keys to Effective Leadership Communication at IABC/Houston Meeting Oct. 23

noemail@iabchouston.com — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 15:00:00 GMT

HOUSTON, Oct. 20 – In a time of economic crisis and business uncertainty, it’s important for business leaders to communicate effectively with their employees and other stakeholders. IABC/Houston presents Rice University Professor Deborah Barrett for a program on effective leadership communication at its October 2008 program. The meeting will be held from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Damian’s Cucina Italiana, 2011 Smith St., in Houston. Dr. Barrett’s program, Leadership Communication: Establishing the Communication Needs of Senior-Level Managers, focuses on defining what senior managers need to communicate with impact and effectiveness in today's business environment and explores how consultants and corporate communications professionals can help them get there. Dr. Barrett will explain the central concept of her book, Leadership Communication, and discuss how this original framework can be used to map out the levels of communication ability business leaders need. Dr. Barrett is...

Associate Director - Executive and Corporate Communications

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Title: Associate Director - Executive and Corporate Communications Description: SunAmerica Financial Group is the fourth largest life insurance organization in the United States based on more than $221 billion of admitted assets as of September 30, 2009. It is comprised of several leading life insurance and retirement services businesses, including American General Life Companies, AGLA, VALIC, Western National Life Insurance Company, SunAmerica Retirement Markets, SunAmerica Mutual Funds, SunAmerica Affordable Housing Partners, FSC Securities, Royal Alliance and SagePoint Financial. The unified businesses, which comprise the domestic life and retirement services unit of AIG, offer a comprehensive suite of life insurance, retirement savings products and guaranteed income solutions through an established multi-channel distribution network that includes banks, national, regional and independent broker-dealers, career financial advisors, wholesale life brokers, insurance agents and a...

Corporate Communications Intern (Web Writer)

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Title: Corporate Communications Intern (Web Writer) Description: Summary: Provide support to the Corporate Communications group and gain experience working on a variety of projects, with an emphasis on web-based and electronic communication Essential Duties/Responsibilities: · Use a Web Content Management tool (Vignette) to publish and manage Web content. May also work with SharePoint, a Web-based collaboration tool · Write Web copy that supports marketing initiatives · Update the company intranet, as directed. · Draft stories and assist in the production of e-News, a bi-weekly company-wide electronic newsletter and CenterPoint Energy News, a quarterly company-wide printed publication. · Provide general assistance to Project Managers. Required Experience: Education: Currently enrolled and pursuing an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university in the field of Communications, Public Relations, Journalism,...

Client Team Leader

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Title: Client Team Leader Description: Client Team Leader About you: You’re an experienced A-player and do great work you love. You’re a well-rounded media and public relations and marketing talent able to counsel clients about traditional communications as well as emerging communication channels, social media, SEO, and mobile messaging. Your clients respect your counsel because you produce great ideas with great results on budget and on time. Your team members respect you for your mentorship and project management ability. You have varied industry experience and value a work environment that respects you and your personal life and time. You’re looking for a career opportunity to create a balanced life where you excel and thrive professionally and personally. About us: We’re a fast-growing, 20-year-old Houston marketing public relations agency with likeable clients. Both private and publicly traded, our clients are in real estate, commercial...

Employee Communications Advisor

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Title: Employee Communications Advisor Description: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP, headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas, is one of the world's top producers of olefins and polyolefins and is a leading supplier of aromatics, alpha olefins, styrenics, specialty chemicals and polyethylene pipe. With thousands of employees, manufacturing sites and research/technical centers around the world, Chevron Phillips Chemical has the people, assets and technology to pursue chemical opportunities on a global scale. The award-winning Corporate Communications group has an opening for an experience professional Employee Communications Advisor. The successful candidate will be detail oriented, flexible, and a team player. Strong writing skills are a must, and candidates must provide three writing samples with their resume. This opening is a full-time position. Required Experience: 2 years of practical experience in a communications position is preferred Must have excellent written...

Account Director (Location: Houston, TX)

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Title: Account Director (Location: Houston, TX) Description: Account Director (Location: Houston, TX) Vollmer Public Relations is a leading U.S. public relations firm that specializes in integrated, results-driven strategies and tactics. Our professionals put passion and expertise in action every day through a team-based approach that delivers exceptional, customized communication programs to meet a client’s specific business objectives. Headquartered in Houston with offices in New York, Dallas and Austin, we offer deep resources within a structure that focuses on small, personalized teams working in partnership with each account. We are currently seeking an Account Director to provide counsel and leadership with business-to-business and energy clients in our Houston office. The Account Director is responsible for the strategic direction of key accounts and identifying and developing opportunities to grow the business. Duties include: Client strategic counseling with...

Communications Consultant

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Title: Communications Consultant Description: About the Job The Fifth Business is an integrated communications and digital media design company specializing in Communications Consultancy, Multimedia Design and E-Learning. We are currently looking for a communications professional to provide consultancy services to our international client base. Job responsibilities include: Communications strategy development (emphasis on internal communications) Executive communications Business writing for websites, brochures, magazines and speeches Presentation development Event management Design project management This role will be based in Houston but the successful candidate will also be expected to work at the client's site and may sometimes travel on the client's behalf. Required Experience: Candidate Requirements: The ideal candidate will hold at least a bachelor's degree and have proven experience in corporate/internal communications, including strategy & planning, executive...

Communications and Marketing Director

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Title: Communications and Marketing Director Description: OPERATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS: Reports to the VP of Operations. Develops and executes marketing and communications plans to enhance IACP’s membership, advocacy and public relations programs. IACP is a professional organization whose mission is to promote and advance personalized medication solutions. Inherent in that mission is legislative and regulatory advocacy, media relations, member communications (both print and internet) and education. JOB SUMMARY: This position is responsible for participating in marketing strategic planning, developing and executing both internal and external communication programs that support brand positioning and the strategic goals of the organization established by the Board of Directors and our membership. This position will play an integral role in helping to develop and manage integrated communications and marketing programs for a variety of member programs, products and services...

Technical Writer, Proofreader, Editor

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 21:00:00 GMT

Desired Position Title: Technical Writer, Proofreader, Editor Experience: 0 false 18 pt 18 pt 0 0 false false false 0 false 18 pt 18 pt 0 0 false false false /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:Table Normal; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Times New Roman; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Times New Roman; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:Times New Roman; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} Highly skilled professional writer and editor with extensive experience...

YP Events Editable on Home Page*

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:33:32 GMT

IABC Young Professionals Mixer

Tuesday, March 30, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Yelapa Playa Mexicana

Looking to build your communication skills and network? We're here to help!

Young professionals in communications, including writers, graphic designers, photographers and marketers, are invited to join us for a mixer. Free appetizers and cash bar with happy hours specials! Read more and register.

Bronze Quill Student Entries

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:49:31 GMT

a img { border: 0; } IABC/Houston’s 2010 Bronze Quill Award Student Competition - open to any university, college or graduate student. Join us for the annual IABC/Houston Bronze Quill Awards Student Competition, recognizing young talent, rewarding excellence and showcasing some of the best communication work from university students across the Houston area and southeast Texas. Entering Bronze Quill is a great way to display your skills and start a portfolio; and the knowledge you gain from entering an established competition accentuates your résumé. For entry details, read the Student Competition Call for Entries. For tips on how to submit a winning entry, view this presentation. The Bronze Quill Awards Student Competition is not limited to IABC members; any university or graduate student who does not have significant professional experience may enter. Entries are encouraged from students of communication, public relations, business, journalism, graphic...

How to Volunteer

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 21:55:01 GMT

Wanted: IABC/Houston members who want to get the most out of their membership, meet people, show their stuff and learn new skills. Scan this wanted list and think about how you could plug in this coming year! Positions and projects are described within their board headings: Marketing Committee Members Who: Volunteers interested in assisting with Web and e-mail marketing, including writing and/or editing for our weekly e-newsletter, the IABC/Houston Insider. Great skill- and resume-building opportunity! Contact: Merrisa Turner, VP Web Communications, mturner@trmoore.com, 713-789-7081 x223. Registration Table Volunteers Who: Volunteers interested in assisting at registration table at monthly meetings. Great way to meet people, both members and guests! Helpful Skills: ability to help Hospitality Director record payments and make change for people who pay at the door, help people find their badges on badge table, etc.. Time Commitment: minimal - about 30 minutes during registration...

IABC/Houston Insider

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:17:45 GMT

Houston Interactive Marketing Association Kodak's Chief Marketing Officer to Speak Wednesday, March 3, 11:15 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. Intercontinental Hotel Join the Houston Interactive Marketing Association for A Digital…A Brand…A Marketing Transformation luncheon on Wednesday, March 3, 2010, at the Intercontinental Hotel to hear how Kodak successfully transformed itself into an innovative leader in digital imaging. Read more and register. CALL FOR ENTRIES IABC/Houston's 2010 Bronze Quill Awards Presented by The Brookwoods Group Producing award-winning communications is hard work. Entering it into an awards competition shouldn't be… Learn about our new online entry process! Final deadline for entries: March 29, 2010 ESIG Event Show Me the Money: How to (Actually) Drive Revenue With Social Media Apps Thursday, March 11, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. The Fabulous La Griglia We’ve witnessed many presentations and workshops...

***Special Events Editable on Home Page*

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:28:17 GMT

CALL FOR ENTRIES
IABC/Houston's 2010 Bronze Quill Awards
presented by
The Brookwoods Group

Producing award-winning communications is hard work.
Entering it into an awards competition shouldn't be.

New online entry process!

Final deadline for entries:
March 29, 2010

2009 Bronze Quill Award Winners

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:11:55 GMT

a img { border: 0; } Congratulations winners! Click on graphic above for the 2009 Gala Program (pdf, 6.8MB) Thank you to Robert Allred Photography for photographing our 2009 Awards Gala. Communication Leadership Award John C. Sheptor President and CEO Imperial Sugar Company Communicator of the Year Ronda Wendler Texas Medical Center Best in Show Ronda Wendler Texas Medical Center President's Award Janelle Ewing BP STUDENT DIVISION Category 3: WRITING Award of Merit David Gonzalez The Salvation Army of Greater Houston The Salvation Army: Making a Difference DIVISION 1: COMMUNICATION MANAGEMENT Category 2: COMMUNITY RELATIONS Award of Excellence Michael Corcoran, Stan Sehested, Kammy Reece, Brian Cain, Martha Moreno Chevron Phillips Chemical Company Online Video Messaging: The Letter and The Mail Award of Merit Nicholle Connolly Cone Jiffy Lube Maintenance Partners for Life Campaign Category 3:...

2009 Communication Leadership Award

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:11:26 GMT

a img { border: 0; } Nominate an exemplary communicator at the executive level of your organization for the 2010 IABC/Houston Communication Leadership Award Nomination deadline: Monday, April 5, 2010 Award presentation (winner MUST be present): Thursday, June 3, 2010 at The Parador If you have support from the top, communication can make an even more incredible impact on your organization. For this reason, IABC/Houston each year recognizes a top-level business or organizational leader who displays understanding and active support of communication through the IABC Communication Leadership Award. This support includes such achievements as initiating, directing, supporting or sustaining outstanding and effective communication programs. You’re invited to nominate an exemplary communicator at the executive level of your organization in consideration of this award. A nominee: must be an active senior management official (communication and public relations...

Simply. The Best.

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:11:04 GMT

a img { border: 0; } IABC Houston’s 2010 Bronze Quill Awards Producing award-winning communications is hard work. Entering it into an awards competition shouldn’t be. 2009 was a year of tremendous challenges for Houston communicators. Staff reductions. Budget cuts. Even communications paralysis – a condition caused when the price of oil drops from $147 to less than $37 per barrel in a matter of weeks. Through it all, Houston communicators continued doing what they do best – planning award-winning communication campaigns, writing compelling copy, designing outstanding Web and print publications and taking photos that communicate. IABC/Houston believes that getting recognized for outstanding work during such a difficult year shouldn’t be as challenging. So we’re rewriting the rules for the 2010 Bronze Quill Awards competition. No more three-ring binders or cumbersome entry rules! Our goal is to recognize those who deserve it most....

Bronze Quill Awards

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:10:37 GMT

a img { border: 0; } Congratulations to the 2009 Bronze Quill winners! About Bronze Quill The Houston Bronze Quill Awards is the Houston chapter's annual award program. The Bronze Quill Awards celebrates the outstanding efforts of our best communicators and their unique talent, creativity, and resourcefulness. To ensure each submission is given equal opportunity, two senior communicators from other IABC chapters judge each entry and provide valuable feedback to the entrant. The 2010 Awards Dinner will be at The Parador in Houston on June 3 from 5:30pm onwards. Tickets go on sale in April. Bronze Quill Winners Receive: A professional award you’ll take pride in displaying. Individual recognition at the June 3, 2010 awards dinner. A professional photograph of you and your award. Display of your award-winning entry at the awards dinner. Mention of your name on the IABC/Houston web site and in the Insider, the chapter's online newsletter. Package of tips and tools for...

Home Page - Professional Development Event*

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:23:33 GMT

(Don’t) Use Your Words: Communicating Visually Through Presentations and Beyond Thursday, March 25, 11:15 a.m. - 1 p.m. Maggiano's Back by popular demand! This presentation got great reviews at last September’s ESIG luncheon. Katie’s added new material to address working with graphics firms and within a corporate environment. Think all presentation slides are worthless and boring? Tired of being forced to make decisions based on verbose and confusing PowerPoint slides? This presentation is for you – recapture your creativity and learn how to find the right way to say what you want to say – often without using a single word at all. Join Katie Laird, a graphics-obsessed communications geek from Schipul – The Web Marketing Company, as she walks us through the do’s and don’ts of communicating visually. Read more and register.

March 2010 ESIG Meeting Evaluation

noemail@iabchouston.com — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:00:00 GMT

Objectives:

1. Gauge ESIG member and guest response to each monthly program topic and speaker(s)

2. Monitor ESIG member and guest response to luncheon venue/service

3. Track where members and guests are hearing about programming/meeting announcements

Release Date: 10-Mar-10 3:00 PM
Expiration Date: 7-Jun-10 3:00 PM

February 2010 ESIG Meeting Evaluation

noemail@iabchouston.com — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 22:00:00 GMT

Objectives:

1. Gauge ESIG member and guest response to each monthly program topic and speaker(s)

2. Monitor ESIG member and guest response to luncheon venue/service

3. Track where members and guests are hearing about programming/meeting announcements

Release Date: 11-Feb-10 4:00 PM
Expiration Date: 16-Apr-10 4:00 PM

Test

noemail@iabchouston.com — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 23:00:00 GMT

Objectives:

Release Date: 8-Feb-10 5:00 PM
Expiration Date: 9-May-10 5:00 PM

Clone of January Meeting Evaluation

noemail@iabchouston.com — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 22:00:00 GMT

Objectives: To survey those who attended the IABC luncheon on January 28, 2010

Release Date: 8-Feb-10 4:00 PM
Expiration Date: 9-May-10 4:00 PM