IABC Philadelphia: “What's Really Happening in Comms Hiring in 2026”
2025-12-11 12:00 - 13:00 UTC
Join IABC Philadelphia for “What’s Really Happening in Comms Hiring in 2026” on Thursday, December 11, 12 p.m. ET. Brooke Kruger, founder of KC Partners, a leading communications search firm, will lead the discussion.
It’s almost 2026, and the comms hiring market looks different — again. Roles that sat on hold are finally moving, but candidates are facing longer processes, higher bars and stiffer competition. If you’re job searching, hiring, or want to know what’s ahead, I’ll share what’s actually happening right now — and what it takes to stand out.
Key Takeaways:
☑️ How today’s interview processes are structured — and what to expect
☑️ Why take-home projects and live exercises matter, and what they reveal
☑️ What hiring managers are really listening for in reference checks
☑️ How smart follow-up can shift the outcome in your favor
☑️ What companies expect around hybrid work and how to talk about flexibility
☑️ The real markers of standout candidates in this market
Cost:
▪️IABC Philadelphia Members: $10
▪️Guests $25
▪️Students: $5
Click HERE to register!

IABC Chicago: “Design Your Growth: Mindset Shifts for Advancement”
2025-12-11 18:00 - 19:00
IABC Chicago will host “Design Your Growth: Mindset Shifts for Advancement” on Thursday, December 11, at 5 p.m. CT / 6 p.m. ET.
The chapter invites you to join in an interactive webinar with Michele Monte and Kevin Kowalick, co-founders of Offshoot Professional Development.
This session will show you how to design your career journey instead of leaving it to chance. You’ll explore the mindset shifts that drive advancement, uncover hidden barriers that may be slowing you down, and participate in two exercises that spark clarity and action.
You’ll walk away with:
✔ A personalized micro-mission
✔ A repeatable process for building momentum
✔ A framework for creating a strategic growth plan you can start using immediately
There’s no cost for IABC members and students. The price is $10 for non-members.
Click HERE to register!

IABC Consultants Shared Interest Group: “Community Roundtable: Our (Biz) Years in Review”
2025-12-18 12:00 - 13:00
Join the IABC Consultants Shared Interest Group (SIG) for “Community Roundtable: Our (Biz) Years in Review” on Thursday, December 18, at 11 a.m. CT / 12 p.m. ET.
This special session is dedicated to celebrating our wins, sharing wisdom gained, and dreaming big for 2026. We’ll showcase the diverse achievements and aspirations of our consulting community, and take the time and energy to hype one another up for our successes and what lies ahead. Whether you’re riding high or weathering challenges, your experience adds to our collective wisdom. Come ready to be inspired and perhaps surprise yourself with how far you’ve come!
Help us celebrate: Share your 2025 highlights and 2026 vision through our quick questionnaire by Monday, December 15. (Note: the form will be live some time in November.) While responding isn’t required to attend, your perspective enriches our community discussion.
Click HERE to register!

IABC Minnesota: Holiday Connect
2025-12-18 13:00 - 14:00
IABC Minnesota will host a Holiday Connect on Thursday, December 18, at 12 p.m. CT / 1 p.m. ET.
Curious about the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) and what it can offer you?
Join the chapter for a FREE online chat where you can learn all about IABC, hear firsthand insights from members about their career growth and the power of community, and get a sneak peek at what’s coming in the year ahead.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, this is the perfect opportunity to explore how IABC can help you advance your career and expand your network. Don’t miss out — come with your questions, and leave inspired!
Why Attend?
☑️ Learn about IABC’s mission and vision
☑️ Hear real member stories on career development and networking
☑️ Get an exclusive preview of IABC events, resources, and opportunities in 2025
☑️ Connect with like-minded professionals from across the globe
Click HERE to register!

PRSA NCC Holiday Party and Hall of Fame Reception
2025-12-18 18:00 - 21:00 | Hilton Arlington Rosslyn The Key, 1900 Fort Meyer Drive, Arlington, VA
Attend the PRSA NCC Holiday Party and Hall of Fame Reception on Thursday, December 18 from 6-9 p.m. ET at the Hilton Arlington Rosslyn The Key in Arlington, VIrginia.
This annual gathering brings together the communications community across the DMV to honor the 2025 National Capital Public Relations Hall of Fame honorees and connect as a community before the year ends.
IABC DC Metro members are eligible to register at the affiliate rate, which matches the PRSA NCC member price.
Click HERE to sign up!
PRSA NCC is also offering attendees the option to sponsor a ticket for our colleagues experiencing financial hardship due to job loss or career transitions. Those wishing to be considered for the sponsored-ticket drawing may apply by clicking HERE by December 14.

IABC San Francisco: “Community Connect: Holiday Coffee and Speed Networking”
2025-12-19 12:00
IABC San Francisco will host “Community Connect: Holiday Coffee and Speed Networking” on Friday, December 19, at
9 a.m. PT / 12 p.m. ET.
Come connect, share, and meet fellow independent communicators before the holidays.
This event is FREE for both IABC members and non-members.
Click HERE to register!

IABC California Chapters: “Job Hunting for Communicators”
2026-01-07 14:00 - 15:00
Join three IABC California chapters — IABC Los Angeles, IABC San Diego, and IABC San Francisco — for “Job Hunting for Communicators” on Wednesday, January 7, at 11 a.m. PT / 2 p.m. ET.
This is a casual, virtual gathering to connect and support job seekers in our community. This is a space to share experiences, compare notes on today’s job market, and explore the idea of creating an ongoing peer group for those in transition.
This event is FREE for IABC members and non-members. Attendees will be invited to join the chapter’s #jobs-careers Slack channel as well.
Who Should Attend:
☑️ People looking for roles in communications, marketing, PR, and creative fields.
☑️ Individuals actively hiring for communications-related roles.
☑️ Students or consultants who want to stay on top of job search trends.
There’s no cost to attend.
Click HERE to register!

IABC Chicago: “Go for Gold: How to Win an IABC Gold Quill Award”
2026-01-08 14:00 - 15:00
Join IABC Chicago for “Go for Gold: How to Win an IABC Gold Quill Award” on Thursday, January 8, at 1 p.m. CT / 2 p.m. ET.
Thirteen-time IABC Gold Quill winner Gabrielle (Gabi) Loring, managing consultant with Gallagher, will lead a webinar on what it takes to win the profession’s top honor.
Often called the “Oscars” of communication, the IABC Gold Quill Awards recognize work that delivers measurable impact — not just polished deliverables. Gabi will share top tips for winning entries, explain the difference between output- and outcome-based objectives, review award-winning case studies, and highlight key rules for successful submissions.
There’s no cost to attend.
Click HERE to register!

IABC Philadelphia: “Sustaining DEI Initiatives in a Shifting Landscape: Strategies, Challenges, and What’s Ahead”
2026-01-13 12:00 - 13:00
Join IABC Philadelphia for “Sustaining DEI Initiatives in a Shifting Landscape: Strategies, Challenges, and What’s Ahead” on Tuesday, January 13, at 12 p.m. ET.
This virtual panel will bring together leaders from various sectors who are guiding their organizations and private entities in their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategies. They will discuss how they support and evolve their initiatives, the challenges they currently face, and their preparations for the future. Expect an open conversation filled with real-world examples, practical tactics, and forward-looking insights on maintaining meaningful progress in DEI in today’s climate.
Join for a candid discussion on how organizations can sustain their DEI commitments while addressing today’s challenges, preparing for future changes, and communicating with authenticity, clarity, and impact.
Panelists:
☑️ Janet M. Stovall, CDE — Founder & Principal, Pragmatic Diversity, LLC
☑️ Ernest Owens — President, Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists; Author and Commentator
☑️ Jo Linda Johnson — Attorney and DEI Leader
Cost:
▪️IABC Philadelphia Members: $10
▪️Guests $25
▪️Students: $5
Click HERE to register!

IABC Seattle ProTalk: “Elevating All-Hands with Creativity, Connection, and Humor”
2026-01-13 15:00 - 16:00
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!

The ONE Party 2026
2026-01-22 18:00 - 21:00 | Royal Sands Social Club, 26 N St SE, Washington, DC, 20003, United States
Attend The ONE Party 2026 on Thursday, January 22, from 6-9 p.m. at the Royal Sands Social Club at
26 N St SE in Washington, D.C. The gathering is brought to you by AMADC, AAF DC, IABC DC Metro, PRSA National Capital Chapter, and WWPR.
This isn’t just any party. It’s THE ONE.
This grand celebration brings together DC’s advertisers, marketers, communicators, and creatives for a night of connection and good vibes in the spirit of the new year. It’s the only time all five powerhouse organizations join forces for one unforgettable event. Hence the name: The ONE Party.
Expect a bright, tropical escape inspired by beach bars and sunshine. The perfect spot to shake off DC winter and feel like you’re on vacation for a night. Come ready to enjoy networking, drinks (your first one’s on us!), tasty bites, and epic giveaways!
Cost:
▪️Members: $25
▪️Student Members: $15
▪️Nonmembers: $35
As far as public transportation, the nearest Metro station is Navy Yard–Ballpark on the Green Line.
Click HERE to register!

IABC DC Metro: “The LinkedIn Visibility Shift: How to Be Found in Today's Job Market”
2026-01-28 12:00 - 13:00
Join IABC DC Metro for “The LinkedIn Visibility Shift: How to Be Found in Today’s Job Market” on Wednesday, January 28, from 12-1 p.m. ET.
In this session, Melanie Mitchell Wexler and Chelle Shapiro of the LinkedIn™ Rockstar Academy explain how LinkedIn visibility has changed — and what job seekers must do now to be found by recruiters and hiring managers.
This isn’t about gaming the algorithm or posting nonstop, but about building a clear, credible, searchable presence that works even when you’re not actively applying. Attendees will leave with practical, immediately usable tips to strengthen their profiles, boost recruiter visibility, and use LinkedIn with confidence.
What We’ll Cover:
☑️ How recruiters actually search LinkedIn and why many strong candidates aren’t showing up
☑️ The most common visibility mistakes job seekers make (and how to fix them)
☑️ How to position your experience so it’s clear, credible, and searchable
☑️ What matters most on your profile right now and what matters less than people think
☑️ Simple, sustainable ways to stay visible without burning out
Cost:
▪️$10: non-members
▪️Free: members with promo code “IABCMEMBER”
Click HERE to register!

IABC Master Class: “When Change Management Fails: Rebuilding Trust and Reputation when a Major Change Project Becomes a Crisis”
2026-02-09 13:00 - 14:00
Join IABC Master Class for “When Change Management Fails: Rebuilding Trust and Reputation when a Major Change Project Becomes a Crisis” on Monday, February 9, at 12 p.m. CT / 1 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 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 Philadelphia: “The Ferris Bueller Guide to Smarter Storytelling”
2026-02-13 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 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 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 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!
