By Matt Quin, IABC London Chapter President

It feels like a whole new world for IABC London. Last week, the local chapter launched a newly-designed website and it is fantastic. 

This isn't just a refresh - countless hours were put in to evaluate usage, content and design in an effort to create the new online experience.

The site not only showcases events, resources and the job board, but it captures the energy of our vibrant community. Most of all, it features what makes this association great, the people.

 "We wanted to create a modern site with clean lines that would be easy for our members to navigate, utilizing lots of images to really bring to life our dynamic group of communicators," notes Mary-Ellen Willard, Chair of the Communications Committee.

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Who doesn't like a double dose of C's in the morning - communications and coffee? 

IABC membership is like that hot cup of coffee (or tea) in the morning - a necessity.

This October, we're celebrating International Membership Month. IABC is inviting new or previously lapsed members to join and we'll waive your $40 joining fee.

 New members in October also get the chance to win a year's supply of coffee, choosing from a US$500 Starbucks Card (where applicable) OR Gaggia espresso machine  (where available). 

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IABC is recognized as the professional association of choice for communicators who aspire to excel in their chosen fields. Our members represent a diverse range of professional experience, educational background and fields of expertise. 

Each member contributes to our community, offering support and working to elevate our profession. We sincerely appreciate your commitment to IABC!

Welcome to the new members who joined IABC London in September:

 Shannon Simpson-Peeling, Andrea Henderson and Andrea Nelson.

Thank you to the members who renewed their IABC membership:

Elaine Gamble, Birgit Lacey, Kenneth Steele and Janis Wallace.

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Dear IABC Members:

It's time for the 2015 IABC Gold Quill Awards and a chance to reflect on the great work you do as communication professionals, teams and agencies around the world.

The IABC Gold Quill Awards recognize the breadth and depth of the communication professional's role. Awards are offered in categories that span the gamut of communication management, skills, research and training.  And just as important as winning awards, we know our entrants use this opportunity to get feedback from senior evaluators that can lead to continuous improvement and professional development.

 There are a few key changes to this year's program that you should be aware of:

1.We've moved up deadlines.  The early bird deadline is 12 November 2014 while final entries must be submitted by 7 January 2015.  This will allow us time to evaluate entries and inform winners well in advance of our Gold Quill Gala being held at the IABC World Conference in San Francisco in June.

 2.We've made it simpler to submit an entry into the Communication Skills Division.  The new Communication Skills division allows you to simply fill in an online form along with your work sample.

 3.We'll recognize global agencies and teams "of the year."  Imagine your agency, corporate communication team or not-for-profit communication team being named one of the best of 2015. These organizations and teams will be showcased at our Awards Gala and can promote their earned status globally.

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When: Wednesday, October 22nd     7:30 a.m.

Where: Western Continuing Studies, 355 Wellington Street, London

Tickets:  $25 IABC members & students $35 non-members

 

RSVP  is required by 3 p.m, Monday, October 20th

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For more than 20 years, Elaine Gamble has been making good use of her IABC membership.  When she got her first job in communications in 1993, she immediately became a member.  "IABC always offers relevant training and learning programs, whether through breakfast seminars, lunch and learns, webinars or conferences.  It also offers great networking opportunities, especially for people who are new to the field."

Elaine has attended two world conferences. She also takes advantage of IABC's awards programs to test her skills and knowledge, and proudly displays her Silver Leaf Award of Merit and the Ovation Award she won when she belonged to the IABC Toronto chapter.

Elaine has spent a lot of time in her career handling media relations and issues management. In the six years she worked at the City of London, she was proud to work with a variety of staff to make sure they communicated quickly and effectively, whether it was about a winter storm, road construction, a new pool opening or clean water initiatives. 

 "One the things I am most proud of is the way we developed our use of social media. Among municipalities, the City of London was seen as an early adopter and leader in using social media to engage and inform citizens."