Approximately 220 attendees chose from four presentation tracks on Leadership, Employee Communications, Marketing & Branding, Public Relations, and Social Media, or flew free to several presentations that crossed multiple tracks. Fortunately, our keynote speakers did not compete with any other presentation, so attendees didn't miss their timely topics. With 35 different presentations, it was easy to personalize the schedule in order to take away the tools, tips and techniques necessary to align your career for future success. The most difficult part was choosing which sessions to attend.

World Class Presenters brought expertise learned in national and international communication initiatives. All were richly and uniquely qualified to illuminate the topics they presented.

Many speakers, but not all, provided their presentations ahead of time enabling IABC Houston to upload them to the jump drive pens distributed at the conference. Links to those presentations may also be found on the individual speaker pages.

If you attended the IABC Southern Region conference recently, I hope you’ve recovered and remembered to jot down those two or three epiphanies you took home with you.
 
Me? I’m still reflecting on…

• …. the energy in the rooms and the hallways with folks sharing ideas and trading business cards. As a speaker, it was a little disconcerting that I couldn’t get in the room to set up because people wanted to keep talking about the previous presentation. And then I realized – this is a great problem to have!
• … the reminder that our “entry-level” professionals can teach us “masters” a thing or two when it comes to the exciting new technology bridges boundaries and cultures. I need to listen more and talk less so I can continue to learn and grow.
• … the delight in our 21st-century networking model. Instead of bringing a stack of business cards home that collect dust in a Rolodex (remember those?)  I use them to connect virtually after the conference through LinkedIn -- or the networking platform of choice --so we can keep the conversation going.
• … the comment I heard over and over: “I follow you on Facebook/Twitter! It’s so great to finally meet you!” This reminded me that, even though we have lots of virtual ways to meet and learn, nothing replaces the value of meeting face-to-face. It may be before or after we establish the online relationship, but is a critical compliment to the dialogue.
• … what an incredible association we have in IABC, and what an honor it is to chair this wonderful region. Folks attended from all across the U.S. and represented all disciplines of our field. I was impressed by the diligence of the conference committee, the wisdom of the presenters (and attendees), and the professionalism of all IABC conference participants.