Leading up to the virtual IABC World Conference 2021, speakers will spotlight their can’t-miss sessions on Catalyst. Read on for a sneak preview of “Breaking Through Zoom Fatigue to Create Engaging and Meaningful Meetings and Events,” taking place 3–3:20 p.m. PDT on 28 June (11–11:20 p.m. BST, 28 June; 8–8:20 a.m. AEST, 29 June).
In many areas of the world, we’re starting to safely gather again. Whether you are in person again or not, one thing is certain — nothing will be the same as it once was. This goes for anyone who plans meetings or events for groups, large or small.
I’m fortunate to have one of the best jobs in the world, leading events for Walmart. We were honored to be named one of BizBash’s 10 most innovative brands in events in 2020. At the virtual IABC World Conference, I’m excited to share real examples about planning virtual events, engaging audiences, infusing creativity and more. Together, we’ll look at how events are evolving and how we’ll take what we’ve learned into the new normal: hybrid.
As I write this on 3 June, Walmart is preparing for our first in-person event since February 2020. Tomorrow, 4 June, we’ll host more than 1,000 people live and 10,000 more around the globe virtually as we celebrate the work of our associates over the past year. The information in this session will be almost as real-time learning as it gets. I can’t wait to discover what takeaways I’ll be able to pass along!
WORLD CONFERENCE PREVIEW
From Measurement to Meaning — Listening Grows Up
How do organizations listen to their employees? What challenges will communicators face as we emerge from the pandemic? These are the burning questions that have been on our mind in the last year and as we prepare our presentation for the IABC World Conference 2021.
If you’re wondering whether you should attend the conference, “it’s about time” you register. I drank the proverbial Kool-Aid a long time ago, beginning as a student member in 1995. IABC has provided me some of my dear friends, fond memories, amazing experiences and opened many doors. I’m also quite partial, as I was honored to chair the World Conference in 2019. We’ll be virtual, which means you’ll have to create those connections in a new format, but it will happen. You won’t regret it. And you’ll learn new practices and innovations along the way to take back to your day-to-day work and implement immediately.
I want to share a huge congratulations to this year’s chair, Jane Mitchell. She and the whole planning team were put to task to bring together this year’s conference, and I know you’ll be glad you joined.
I can’t wait to see you there!
Don’t miss “Breaking Through Zoom Fatigue to Create Engaging and Meaningful Meetings and Events” and many other inspiring sessions during the virtual IABC World Conference 2021, taking place online 28–30 June. Register now to secure your spot for this top-tier virtual event, and look forward to connecting with communication professionals from around the globe.