IABC DC Metro

IABC Seattle ProTalk: “Elevating All-Hands with Creativity, Connection, and Humor”
2026-01-13 15:00 - 16:00 UTC
The next IABC Seattle ProTalk — “Elevating All-Hands with Creativity, Connection, and Humor” — will be on Tuesday, January 13, at 12 p.m. PT / 3 p.m. ET. Kasia Kalstad at Microsoft will lead the discussion.
What you’ll learn:
☑️ Lessons learned from producing creative, high-impact all-hands
☑️ Examples ranging from small, scrappy ideas to large-scale productions
☑️ Strategies for using storytelling and humor to strengthen engagement and culture
This is a free, virtual event, but reservations are required. No matter where you are in the world, IABC Seattle hopes you will attend.
Click HERE to register!

IABC Toronto: “Negotiation Strategies with Fotini Iconomopoulos”
2026-01-20 16:30 - 18:00
Join IABC Toronto Professional Independent Communicators (PIC) for “Negotiation Strategies with Fotini Iconomopoulos” on Tuesday, January 20, from 4:30 – 6 p.m. ET.
Negotiation is part of your work every single day, whether you’re setting your fees, scoping a project, navigating client expectations, or advocating for your value.
That’s why the chapter is thrilled to invite you to an upcoming IABC Professional Independent Communicators webinar featuring negotiation expert Fotini Iconomopoulos.
Fotini is known for helping professionals “get what they want” in business conversations, without damaging relationships. You may know her from her book, Say Less, Get More, speaking appearances, and media interviews where she breaks down practical, real-world negotiation techniques.
In this interactive Zoom session, she’ll share tools that are directly relevant to independent communicators, including how to:
☑️ Approach pricing and scope discussions with more confidence
☑️ Push back on unrealistic requests while preserving the relationship
☑️ Navigate common client objections without defaulting to discounts
☑️ Prepare for high-stakes conversations so you’re not negotiating on the fly
☑️ Use empathy and curiosity to create win-win outcomes
Cost:
▪️IABC/Toronto members ($22.30 with HST): $20
▪️Lite members ($33.90 with HST): $30
▪️Non-members ($45.20 with HST): $40
Click HERE to register!

IABC Master Class: “AI for Thought Leadership 2.0: From Idea Harvesting To Scalable Thought Leadership”
2026-01-21 11:00 - 15:00
Attend the IABC Master Class “AI for Thought Leadership 2.0: From Idea Harvesting To Scalable Thought Leadership” on Wednesday, January 21, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. CT and 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. ET.
Journalist and thought-leadership expert Rhea Wessel shows communication professionals how to use AI as a strategic partner — not just a writing tool. Learn how to analyze thought-leadership landscapes, identify gaps, uncover audience pain points, and develop distinctive, counterintuitive story angles.
This class emphasizes strong editorial judgment, ethical guardrails, and a clearly human point of view — so your ideas build credibility, not just visibility. Ideal for professionals who already use AI and want to apply it more intentionally, strategically, and responsibly.
You’ll learn how to:
• Identify gaps in a thought leadership landscape (what’s being said, and what isn’t)
• Define and sharpen a personal or organizational though leadership niche
• Research the deepest internal and external pain points of your audience
• Generate strong, counterintuitive story ideas using AI
• Build a scalable thought leadership engine without diluting voice or credibility
Click HERE to register!

IABC Atlanta: “State of the Job Market: Insider Viewpoints for Atlanta MarCom Professionals”
2026-01-21 12:00 - 13:00
Join IABC Atlanta for “State of the Job Market: Insider Viewpoints for Atlanta MarCom Professionals” on Wednesday, January 21, at 12 p.m. ET.
Join the chapter for a candid virtual conversation for business communicators navigating today’s job market. Panelists will share real-world insights, including in-demand skills, applicant volume, what hiring managers are really looking for, and why ghosting happens.
They’ll dig into the power of networking and community during career transitions, plus practical résumé and positioning tips straight from recruiters and hiring managers. You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at the interview questions that matter most — and what they’re really designed to reveal.
Bonus: Attendees can sign up for complimentary résumé review sessions (details shared during the event).
Whether you are actively job searching or preparing for what’s next, you’ll leave with clear, actionable insights to help you stay confident and ready.
Cost:
▪️Non-members: $25
▪️Members: $20
Click HERE to register!

IABC: “What You Need to Know About the IABC and PESO Model Partnership”
2026-01-22 10:00 - 11:00
Join IABC for “What You Need to Know About the IABC and PESO Model Partnership” on Thursday, January 22, at 9 a.m. CT / 10 a.m. ET.
In this 30-minute session, IABC National and PESO Model® creator Gini Dietrich introduces the PESO Model Certification and why it’s a cornerstone of modern, integrated communications.
Learn what the certification includes, how it strengthens strategy across paid, earned, shared, and owned media, why IABC members receive a special rate, and how chapter leaders can share it as meaningful, high-value programming.
There’s no cost to attend.
Click HERE to register!

IABC Crisis Comms Shared Interest Group: “Inside Out: Aligning Internal and External Comms in a Crisis”
2026-01-22 12:00 - 13:00
IABC Crisis Communications Shared Interest Group (SIG) will host “Inside Out: Aligning Internal and External Comms in a Crisis” on Thursday, January 22, at 11 a.m. CT / 12 p.m. ET.
Alison Arnot, a seasoned communication consultant, trainer, and author of Internal Communication in Times of Crisis, will explore how communicators balance the inside and outside demands of a crisis.
This session unpacks what “inside-out” communication looks like in practice, how trust and consistency are built under pressure, and how internal decisions shape external responses with employees, media, and stakeholders.
IABC looks forward to another candid, interactive discussion that will continue building a global SIG community of crisis communication professionals.
There’s no cost to attend.
Click HERE to register!

IABC San Diego: “2026 Communications Trends: An Expert Panel with San Diego’s Comms Pros”
2026-01-29 14:30 - 15:30
IABC San Diego hosts “2026 Communications Trends: An Expert Panel with San Diego’s Comms Pros” on Thursday, January 29, at 11:30 a.m. PT / 2:30 p.m. ET.
As communications evolves faster than ever — from AI to shifting employee and stakeholder expectations —today’s leaders must deliver greater speed and impact in a complex landscape. Join IABC San Diego for a virtual, interactive panel with senior communicators from Vuori, Sempra, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and ResMed as they explore what’s ahead for internal and external communications in 2026 — and how to stay ahead of the curve.
Topics include: key 2026 trends, the real-world impact of AI, aligning internal and external communications, external forces shaping messaging, and emerging tools driving efficiency.
Panelists: Kelly Short (ResMed), Charles Cawte (Vuori), Katie Nieri (Sempra), and Chancelor Shay (Thermo Fisher Scientific).
Click HERE to register!

IABC California Chapters: “California Community Connect: Work-Life Balance in 2026”
2026-01-30 15:00 - 16:00
Join IABC Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco for “California Community Connect: Work-Life Balance in 2026” on Friday, January 30, at 12 p.m. PT / 3 p.m. ET.
Kick off 2026 with practical balance and breathing techniques from experts — and real conversations about staying grounded when work gets busy.
Not your typical Zoom: no slides, no schmoozing — just small breakout groups, authentic conversation, and shared learning. Come as you are, bring lunch, and join between meetings.
Who should attend: communicators, marketers, PR and creative professionals, consultants and freelancers, related-field professionals, and students or recent grads.
Free and open to members and non-members (even outside California).
Click HERE to register!

IABC Change Management SIG: “Confessions of a Communication Exec: Four Mistakes When Leading Change and How To Fix Them”
2026-02-04 00:00
Join the IABC Change Management Shared Interest Group (SIG) for “Confessions of a Communication Exec: 4 Mistakes When Leading Change and How To Fix Them” on Wednesday, February 4. To accommodate various time zones, there will be two sessions — one at 9 a.m. CT / 10 a.m. ET and the other at 5 p.m. CT / 6 p.m. ET.
You can’t fix a problem until you understand what’s broken — and why. In this candid, humor-filled session, Mary Lou Panzano shares early-career missteps, research-backed insights on why change efforts fail, and practical ways leaders can get change right. Expect real stories, actionable takeaways, and leadership lessons you can apply immediately at work and beyond.
You’ll learn how to:
☑️ Identify the four reasons most change initiatives fail
☑️ Apply a proven framework for sustainable, people-centered change
☑️ Use practical leadership behaviors that drive lasting results
There’s no cost to attend.
Click HERE to register!

IABC: “What Communicators Need to Stay Relevant in 2026”
2026-02-05 12:00 - 13:00
Join IABC for “What Communicators Need to Stay Relevant in 2026” on Thursday, February 5, at 11 a.m. CT / 12 p.m. ET. Gini Dietrich, founder, CEO, and author of Spin Sucks, will lead the discussion.
What We’ll Cover:
☑️ What communicators need to know about visibility, credibility, and trust in today’s AI-influenced landscape.
☑️ Why traditional channel-first planning no longer works — and what to use instead.
☑️ How the PESO Model® integrates paid, earned, shared, and owned media into one strategic system.
☑️ Real-world examples of PESO in action (and where most teams go wrong).
☑️ How to move from disconnected tactics to coordinated, measurable communications programs.
☑️ How the PESO Model® supports both individual contributors and senior leaders.
☑️ Practical ways IABC members can apply PESO immediately — regardless of team size or budget.
Who This is For:
☑️ Communications professionals managing multiple channels and stakeholders.
☑️ Practitioners who feel stuck in execution mode and want to be more strategic.
☑️ Leaders responsible for proving the impact of communications work.
☑️ IABC members looking for modern frameworks that actually scale.
Click HERE to register!

IABC: “AI, Integrity, and Influence: The Communicator’s Role in Setting Ethical Guardrails”
2026-02-10 12:00 - 13:00
Join IABC for “AI, Integrity, and Influence: The Communicator’s Role in Setting Ethical Guardrails” on Tuesday, February 10 at 11 a.m. CT / 12 p.m. ET, led by Emily Primeaux, Chief Content Officer at Dragonfly Editorial.
As AI reshapes how organizations create and manage content, communicators play a critical role in ensuring it’s used responsibly. This session explores how communication leaders can set ethical AI guidelines that protect trust while enabling innovation. Through real-world examples, you’ll learn how to assess risk, partner with legal and IT, and develop clear, practical AI policies.
You’ll learn how to:
☑️ Identify AI risks and opportunities in communication workflows
☑️ Build ethical, transparent AI use policies
☑️ Balance innovation, agility, and accountability
☑️ Walk away with a customizable policy outline and sample language
Click here to register!

IABC Seattle: MasterMind
2026-02-10 15:00 - 16:00
The next IABC Seattle MasterMind will be on Tuesday, February 10, at 12 p.m. CT / 3 p.m. ET.
The chapter designed these sessions to help you workshop solutions to your current comms challenges and hear how others have grappled with similar situations.
Think of it as one part mentoring, one part community building, and one part career coaching — finding a way forward together!
Bring a comms problem that’s on your plate and tap into the collective creativity, community support, and professional brainpower of IABC Seattle members. They’ll help you figure out that “single best next step” to take to get you closer to a solution.
Click HERE to register!

IABC AI Leadership and Communication SIG: Introductory Meeting
2026-02-11 12:00 - 13:00
Join the IABC AI Leadership and Communication Shared Interest Group (SIG) for its introductory meeting on Wednesday, February 11, at 11 a.m. CT / 12 p.m. ET.
The IABC AI Leadership and Communication SIG supports communicators navigating the leadership, ethical, and organizational implications of AI — beyond the technology itself. In this members-only introductory webinar, founders Neville Hobson and Silvia Cambié explain why the SIG was formed, what it stands for, and how it approaches AI through a leadership and communication lens.
Participants will learn about the SIG’s purpose, guiding principles, and upcoming activities, explore ways to engage and contribute, and connect with fellow members committed to thoughtful, responsible leadership as AI reshapes communication practice.
Click here to register!

IABC Philadelphia: “The Ferris Bueller Guide to Smarter Storytelling”
2026-02-18 12:00 - 13:00
Join IABC Philadelphia for “The Ferris Bueller Guide to Smarter Storytelling” on Wednesday, February 18, at 12 p.m. ET. Rob Biesenbach, a keynote speaker and workshop leader, will head up the discussion.
If you want to sharpen your storytelling skills and help your people improve theirs, look no further than the classic American film, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.”
In this engaging, practical session we’ll unpack the movie’s most important storytelling lesson and learn how it can help us connect with, captivate and compel any individual or audience to action — from customers and clients to colleagues and other key stakeholders.
That means:
☑️ Identifying and rising above the ordinary information (the data, stats and info) that
☑️ prevents us from delivering the big picture — the context, meaning and perspective;
☑️ Drawing out the best stories from our customers, constituents, members, and others;
☑️ Creating more captivating campaigns, preparing winning pitches, and presentations
☑️ and extending our influence inside and outside the organization.
Cost:
▪️IABC Philadelphia Members: $10
▪️Guests $25
▪️Students: $5
Click HERE to register!

IABC AI Leadership & Communication SIG: “AI, Ethics, and the Responsibility of Communicators”
2026-02-25 10:00 - 11:00
Join the IABC AI Leadership & Communication Shared Interest Group (SIG) for “AI, Ethics, and the Responsibility of Communicators” on Wednesday, February 25 at 9 a.m. CT / 10 a.m. ET.
Led by Silvia Cambié, senior AI governance specialist and digital transformation advisor, and Neville Hobson, communication professional, writer, and podcaster, this session explores the ethical and leadership responsibilities communicators face as AI becomes embedded in everyday work.
Designed for senior communication leaders, the webinar focuses on ethical judgment — not technical instruction — and examines how communicators must safeguard transparency, trust, accountability, and human oversight in AI-enabled environments. Through real-world examples, you’ll gain practical insight into where ethical governance belongs and why communicators must lead.
You’ll learn how to:
☑️ Define communicators’ ethical responsibilities in AI adoption
☑️ Understand how AI reshapes trust, transparency, and leadership expectations
☑️ Keep judgment, accountability, and decision-making human-led
☑️ Apply ethical leadership principles to real AI-supported scenarios
☑️ Advise senior leaders on responsible AI use across organizations
Click here to register!

IABC Philadelphia: “Think Like a Reader”
2026-03-18 12:00 - 13:00
Join IABC Philadelphia for “Think Like a Reader” on Wednesday, March 18, at 12 p.m. ET.
Ann Wylie, a writing trainer, coach, and communications consultant, will share a four-step strategy for finding your voice and writing from the readers’ point of view. This ability will help you engage your readers and move them to act.
You’ll learn how to:
☑️ Take advantage of the formula readers use to decide what to read.
☑️ Top 2 rewards of reading to boost interest in your message.
☑️ Answer the No. 1 question your reader is asking about your piece.
☑️ Make a 2-minute perspective shift to focus your message on reader value.
Cost:
▪️IABC Philadelphia Members: $15
▪️Guests $25
▪️Students: $5
Click HERE to register!

IABC Master Class: “When Change Management Fails: Rebuilding Trust and Reputation when a Major Change Project Becomes a Crisis”
2026-03-30 12:00 - 13:00
Join IABC Master Class for “When Change Management Fails: Rebuilding Trust and Reputation when a Major Change Project Becomes a Crisis” on Monday, March 30, at 11 a.m. CT / 12 p.m. ET.
Bonnie Caver, Founder and CEO of Reputation Lighthouse, and Deborah Hileman, President and CEO of Institute for Crisis Management, will lead the discussion.
When change initiatives fail, poor communication is often the cause. This IABC Master Class explores why trust erodes during poorly managed transitions and how clear, honest, and consistent communication can rebuild credibility, stabilize teams, and restore stakeholder confidence. Learn proven frameworks, practical recovery strategies, and communication techniques that reduce risk and support lasting change.
Click HERE to register!

IABC Philadelphia: “Meet Your New Communications Research Partner: Generative AI”
2026-04-14 12:00 - 13:00
Join IABC Philadelphia for “Meet Your New Communications Research Partner: Generative AI” on Tuesday, April 14, at 12 p.m. ET.
In this example-packed session, Shel Holtz will show practical, ethical workflows for public affairs and communications teams in their use of Generative AI.
Key Takeaways:
☑️ Choose the right copilot for the job: When to use ChatGPT Projects + Deep Research, Perplexity, Notebook LM, Custom GPTs/Gems, and other tools.
☑️ Prompt patterns that keep you honest: Structure prompts to prioritize primary sources, require inline citations, extract dates/deadlines, and flag secondary coverage.
☑️ Build reusable research assistants: Set up repeatable watchlists, weekly briefs, 30/60/90-day calendars, and risk heatmaps.
☑️ Create source-grounded Q&A binders: Use Notebook LM to interrogate curated material (e.g., CEO speeches, filings) with verifiable citations.
☑️ From findings to executive-ready outputs: Convert research into spokesperson notes, talking points, FAQs, and customer-facing summaries – fast.
☑️ Safeguards that protect your credibility: Disclosure, provenance links, and “never auto-publish” guardrails for responsible AI use in comms.
Cost:
▪️IABC Philadelphia Members: $15
▪️Guests $25
▪️Students: $5
Click HERE to register!

IABC Seattle: Early Career Catalyst Development Series
2026-05-04 - 2026-06-16
Join IABC Seattle’s Early Career Catalyst Development Series
Mondays, May 4-June 15 | 6 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. ET
Level up your comms career in just 6 weeks. This virtual series features 45-minute sessions (30-minute lesson + 15-minute live Q&A) led by experienced communications pros — designed for new and junior communicators.
You’ll cover:
☑️ Newsroom Essentials
☑️ Design 101
☑️ Executive Communications
☑️ Internal Communications
☑️ Leadership in Communications
☑️ Strategic Communications Panel
Live attendance encouraged; all sessions are recorded so you can catch replays if needed
Click here to register!

IABC Philadelphia: “7 Mistakes Communicators Make with B2B Messages (and the Brain Science to Beat Them)”
2026-05-21 12:00 - 13:00
Join IABC Philadelphia for “7 Mistakes Communicators Make with B2B Messages (and the Brain Science to Beat Them)” on Thursday, May 21, from 12–1 p.m. Nancy Harhut, co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of HBT Marketing, will lead this session.
Even with the right information and benefits, B2B messages often fall flat. In this fast-paced, example-filled webinar, you’ll uncover the most common messaging mistakes and learn brain-science-backed fixes that boost engagement and performance.
You’ll learn:
☑️ The simplest, most overlooked way to increase revenue (7x more effective, per the B2B Institute)
☑️ The misconception about your audience that costs you sales
☑️ A proven way to rewrite headlines to boost engagement by up to 140%
Click HERE to register!

IABC World Conference 2026
2026-06-14 - 2026-06-16
Get ready to connect, learn, and lead in one of the world’s most vibrant cities. This June, communication professionals from across the industry will come together June 14-16 in Toronto for IABC’s flagship event, World Conference 2026.
Designed for today’s communicator, World Conference brings together global perspectives, expert-led sessions, and meaningful peer-to-peer learning. Every session is aligned to the IABC Career Roadmap, giving you practical strategies you can apply at any stage of your career.
This year’s theme focuses on the communicator’s evolving role in a rapidly changing world, how we stay agile, lead responsibly, and drive innovation.
Click HERE to register!
