ABOUT IABC/TORONTO

Welcome to the IABC/Toronto chapter Web site.

As the largest chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators, we provide access to products, services, activities and networking opportunities in Toronto and around the world. We help people and organizations achieve excellence in corporate communications, public relations, employee communication, marketing communication, public affairs and other forms of communication.

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About IABC/Toronto

IABC, the International Association of Business Communicators, is a global network of communications practitioners committed to improving organizational effectiveness through strategic communications. With more than 100 chapters, IABC serves more than 16,500 members in over 70 countries and 10,000 organizations. IABC/Toronto, the largest chapter in the world, is the leading resource for effective communication practice for its more than 1,650 members.

Access more information about IABC/Toronto in our video.

The "Top Nine" Reasons to Join and Participate in Your Chapter

Once you join IABC, you immediately gain access to a wide variety of services designed to enhance your professional development and your role as a communicator. Many of these services are included in your annual membership dues, but some cost extra. All services are designed to help you become a more effective and successful communications professional. Here is a "Top Nine" listing of IABC/Toronto's products and services:

#1 Professional Development Programs
Offered either as morning, luncheon or evening events, these sessions help you to improve communication skills and bring you up to date on the latest industry issues. They are also a great opportunity to build relationships with a strong network of communicators and are designed to improve your communication skills and knowledge on a wide range of topics. They cater to junior-, intermediate- and senior-level communicators, and cover topics such as becoming a strategic communicator, evaluating your communications programs and revitalizing your writing skills.

#2 Munch 'n' Mingles
These evening events are offered in a casual setting to encourage networking and meeting other communications. Set in interesting venues to discover, offering new experience, communicators not only network but discover new areas of the town. Through networking games and/or live entertainment, they provide a fun and informal way to make new friends, meet other professionals and expand your network.

#3 CareerLine
CareerLine is a job placement service that is exclusive to IABC Ontario chapter members. It provides information on job openings and helps organizations meet their staffing needs. Positions are advertised in the Members Only (secured) section of IABC/Toronto's website. IABC/Toronto members can also subscribe to IABC/Toronto's e-Job Notification Service by sending an e-mail to toronto-info@iabc.com.

#4 Website: http://toronto.iabc.com
IABC/Toronto's website includes information about the chapter and IABC World Headquarters, the latest "news you can use" for communicators and a special section just for IABC/Toronto members. The members-only secured section includes CareerLine online, interactive opportunities to participate in your chapter and an online library of archived materials.

#5 IABC/Toronto'sCommunicator
Communicator, IABC/Toronto's bi-monthly newsletter, keeps you informed about chapter initiatives and events, member accomplishments, as well as the latest issues facing communicators.

#6 Volunteer Opportunities
As an IABC volunteer, you develop a range of valuable skills, including leadership and project management. Volunteering also provides the opportunity to give something back to the profession or community, make new friends and shape your career.

#7 Special Interest Groups including:

IABC/Toronto is one of only a few IABC chapters, worldwide, that offers the added value of membership of special interest groups at not additional charge. IABC/Toronto members interested in starting a special interest group are to contact IABC/Toronto's Executive Vice President for more information.

#8 Accreditation: The Accredited Business Communicator (ABC)
Accreditation is an IABC professional development program. It offers communicators a way of demonstrating their ability to think and plan strategically and to successfully manage those skills essential to effective organizational communication, which could include internal communications, media relations, crisis communications and external relations.

#9 Sessions for Students and Junior Communicators
IABC/Toronto is committed to providing student and junior members with career development opportunities, specific to their needs, to help facilitate their entry into the field of communications.

A Message from IABC World Headquarters

We invite you to join our exclusive network of more than 16,500 communications practitioners. Since 1970, IABC has been the leading international organization for business communications specialists like you, to:

Make a Bigger Impact in Your Job

Gain access to worldwide perspectives and international resources to get advice on cultural issues, laws and regulations in foreign countries and
Learn from experts in business communication.

Find the Hidden Job Market

Unearth the hidden job market for business communicators:

Access industry salary information and other benchmarks to help you negotiate the best package; and
Earn industry accreditation and even coveted awards to certify your qualifications for and commitment to the profession.

Meet Clients

Attract clients across the world by participating in our online community or at your chapter events.

Have Fun!

Meet new people and develop friendships; and
Network at the annual IABC International conference.

Our international membership comprises more than 16,500 people from more than 70 countries includes professionals from a wide array of industries who communicate with any or all of the following:

Employees (employee manuals, handbooks, kits, newsletters, videos, training materials, reports, proposals);
The media (news releases, speeches, and presentations);
Current customers/clients (editorial content, articles, instruction manuals/videos, presentations);
Potential customers/clients (marcom, branding, telemarketing, sales presentations, trade show exhibits);
Class/seminar/workshop attendees (training manuals, videos, presentations)
The investor community (reports, presentations); and
The public (interviews, speeches, press releases).

When you join IABC, you become part of a worldwide network. Take advantage of everything offered. For example, go directly to the Member Section of IABC's website (www.iabc.com), which allows members to:

Voice opinions, ask questions, and share solutions with IABC colleagues;
Search job openings specifically focused on communications;
Access the annual salary survey
Assess your career skills; and
Much more!

Other Suggestions

Attend your chapter events and programs for direct contact with your local colleagues and business leaders.
Read Communication World magazine for bimonthly insights, including case studies, analysis, news stories, how-to articles, opinion pieces and book reviews. Plus, our online archives are a quick, searchable reference tool when you need information right away.
Tap into hefty discounts on our exclusive knowledge products-books and manuals written by the leaders in the field, as well as conferences, seminars, and workshops covering all facets of business communications. The International Conference, held annually, is the largest IABC gathering of the year, attracting more than 1,500 attendees from all over the world.
Provide evidence to your company management that communication impacts your company's bottom line. IABC's Research Foundation conducts and publishes research to prove the connection between effective business communication and business success. Members gain immediate access to summaries of key research findings, and the full reports are available for purchase (members receive a discounted price).
Demonstrate your mastery of business communication by becoming an accredited business communicator (ABC), an international designation requiring extensive experience, judging of work samples, and the successful completion of oral and written examinations. Members receive a significant discount off of the application fee.
Attain recognition in your industry by submitting your work for a Gold Quill Award, which recognizes excellence in business communication. Winners are published annually. (Members receive a discount off the application fee.)
Demonstrate your mastery of business communication by becoming an accredited business communicator (ABC), an international designation requiring extensive experience, judging of work samples, and the successful completion of oral and written examinations. Members receive a significant discount off of the application fee.