A monthly newsletter for IABC leaders. Check out this special Leadership Institute edition of Leader Letter and learn more about what's happening in San Diego from 8-10 February. Plus, learn more about how attendees can take the CMP or SCMP exams while having the application fee waived.
Happy new year
Welcome to a special edition of Leader Letter dedicated to all things #IABCLI. As you enjoy a cup of cheer, read about the Leadership Institute programs, how you can take the CMP or SCMP exam without an application fee, and all the wonderful places to explore in San Diego. 
2018 Leadership Institute
Leadership Institute brings together chapter, regional and international leaders from around the world to create connection, share ideas and learn best practices that will help engage members and keep them involved.
 
Not only will you leave #IABCLI with fresh ideas to help you run your chapter, but you will walk away with invaluable skills that will help in your professional life and beyond.

When: 8–10 February 2018
Where: The Hyatt Regency La Jolla, San Diego, California
Registration: Register today for US$199
Room rate: Book today at the discounted rate of US$185 per night

We have an exciting line-up for LI this year. Here is what attendees can expect out of their time in San Diego.

Thursday, 8 February
  • 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Get certified (application fee waived for LI attendees). Thinking of taking the Communication Management Professional (CMP) or Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP) exam? We have some exciting news! The GCCC is offering both exams at LI—and the US$100 application fee will be waived for LI attendees who take the exam during the event. This is a unique opportunity that is only available to 2018 LI attendees. This is a one-time opportunity, so take advantage and get certified in San Diego. LI attendees will receive a promotional code to waive the application fee in their LI registration confirmation. If you have already registered for LI, you can expect to receive an email soon with the code. To take either exam at LI, you must submit your application by 8 January. Approved test takers must register for the exam by 1 February. Learn more about certification and apply today

  • 1–5:30 p.m. Registration is open.
 
  •  5–6 p.m. Welcome to the 2018 LI! We’ll be kicking off the event with the welcome reception.
 
  • 6–9 p.m. The Chapter Management Awards (CMA) ceremony will take place. Join us for this celebration of chapters and leaders who have implemented outstanding programs over the last year. Connect with fellow chapter leaders and learn more about their winning strategies. We’ll be honoring all of the 2018 CMA winners and the Chapter and Region Leaders of the Year during the ceremony.

Friday, 9 February
  • 7–9 a.m. Registration is open. Grab a light breakfast in the general session room before you take a seat.
 
  • 8–9 a.m. Settle in for some updates and a warm welcome from IABC Chair Sharon Hunter, SCMP, and IABC Vice Chair Ginger Homan, ABC, SCMP.
  • 9 a.m.–12 p.m. The opening keynote workshop takes place. Has your chapter struggled with recruiting new leaders and keeping board members engaged? You won’t want to miss our keynote speaker, Cynthia D’Amour, MBA, as she shares tips and strategies on building a strong chapter board and keep the momentum going. If you are tired of begging members to volunteer or feel like you are doing all of the work, Cynthia will be there to help. Come ready to roll up your sleeves, have fun, and learn simple, how-to ideas that you can apply right away in your volunteer efforts—and beyond.

A special thank-you to our keynote sponsors: Walmart , Zia Communications , ONE Gas and Byers Creative

  • 2–1 p.m. Lunch, including a special presentation by the IABC Foundation.

  • 1:15–2:15 p.m. Choose any of the following breakout sessions: “Bringing your A-game to the CMAs,” “Mentorship,” “Leadership starts with me,” or “Inclusive and diverse chapter programs.”

  • 2:30–3:45 p.m. The next set of breakout sessions will take place. Attendees can choose from the following: “Think globally, strategize locally: Integrating the IABC international Strategic Framework into your chapter's strategic plan,” “Professional development events: How IABC London increased attendance by more than 230 percent,” “Sponsorship programs that provide impact beyond the balance sheet,” “10 ways to create great thought leadership and content marketing.”

  • 4–5 p.m. We’ll wrap up on Friday with keynote speaker Chris Van Gorder, president and CEO of Scripps Health. Attendees will learn more about effecting change through front-line leadership, with takeaways that can be instantly applied to their chapters and their careers.

  • 5:30–6:30 p.m. Region receptions. Stay tuned for more information from your region.

  • 7–9 p.m. The Dine Around. This is a great opportunity to network and connect with your IABC peers from around the world. We’ll share more information on the restaurants and how to sign up in the coming weeks.

Saturday, 10 February
  • 7–8 a.m. Registration is open and breakfast will be available in the back of the general session room.
 
  • 7:30–8:30 a.m. Start your day early with the town hall. This is a great opportunity to learn more about what is happening at IABC from IABC Chair Sharon Hunter, SCMP, IABC Treasurer Alain Legault, and Executive Director Stephanie Doute, CAE. You may submit questions in advance to leader_centre@iabc.com.
 
  • 8:30–9:30 a.m. Participate in a chapter hack activity. During this session, you will have an opportunity to connect with chapters of a similar size and work through some common issues that IABC chapters face.
 
  • 9:45–11 a.m. The last set of breakout sessions. Topics during this time slot include: “SIGs: Programs that build engagement and membership community,” “Difficult conversations are the ones we need to have,” “Using data to better understand your members and their needs,” “Style check: Discover your leadership style and how you can use it to engage, manage, and retain volunteers,” or “Preparing for the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).”

  • 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Join us for a panel discussion “Three Easy Ways to Grow Your Chapter” with Alice Brink, ABC, IABC Fellow, chair of the IABC Academy Committee, Deb Hileman, SCMP, chair of the Global Communication Certification Council (GCCC), and Joanne Kazmierski, CTL, immediate past president of IABC Jacksonville, as they share tips on how to use IABC programs to strengthen your chapter. You’ll learn more about how the offerings of the IABC Academy, certification, and the Communication World editorial calendar can be used together to offer stellar programs and opportunities to members while also engaging non-members, leading to long-term growth. Don’t miss this session, which will be packed with strategies and tactics on how to leverage IABC programs and resources to bring maximum value to members.

  • 1 p.m. LI will wrap up following some closing remarks from IABC leaders. Be sure to make your flight arrangements so that you can stay for the entire event!
 
#Createconnection and take advantage of leadership development opportunities by registering for the 2018 Leadership Institute today. Online registration is open until 24 January at the rate of US$199. We have a block of rooms reserved at a discounted rate of US$185 per night at The Hyatt Regency La Jolla but you must book by 24 Januar y to receive the group rate.
 
Contact leader_centre@iabc.com with any questions about the 2018 Leadership Institute and stay tuned for additional details as we get closer to the event. Be sure to connect with other IABC leaders who will be attending using the hashtags #IABCLI and #WeLeadIABC.
Explore San Diego
Want to make the most of your time in San Diego? The IABC San Diego chapter has provided some suggestions on things to do in the area.

10 minutes from the hotel
  • Birch Aquarium at Scripps. See more than 5,000 fish in 60-plus habitats, plus a museum featuring cutting-edge research from Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego.
  • Shopping at Westfield UTC, a one-million-square-foot, three-level outdoor shopping center.
  • La Jolla Shores Beach, a long, wide, popular beach in northern La Jolla.
15 minutes from the hotel
  • La Jolla Cove. La Jolla is known for its beach, its cliffs and its restaurants. Get your fix of seals, palm trees and ocean views.
  • Torrey Pines State Park: 2,000 acres of coastal state park for hiking or trail walks with stunning overlooks of the Pacific Ocean.
20 minutes from the hotel
  • Balboa Park & Museums. Balboa Park is home to more than 17 museums, multiple performing arts venues, lovely gardens, trails, and many other creative and recreational attractions.
  • San Diego Zoo. The world-famous zoo is home to more than 3,500 rare and endangered animals representing more than 650 species and subspecies, and a prominent botanical collection with more than 700,000 exotic plants.
30 minutes from the hotel
  • San Diego Zoo Safari Park. The Safari Park is an expansive wildlife sanctuary that is home to more than 3,000 animals representing more than 300 species.
  •  USS Midway Museum. Experience life on a floating city on one of America’s longest-serving aircraft carriers.
  • Historic Gaslamp Quarter, a 16-block historical neighborhood in Downtown San Diego. Its main period of development began in 1867. Now it is a lively home to restaurants, shops and bars. 
Happy new year
On behalf of the international executive board and the IABC staff, we wish you and yours a happy new year. 
Important dates
6 December 2017
Chapter Management Award deadline

31 December 2017

24 January 2018
Pre-registration deadline for Leadership Institute
8 10 February 2018
San Diego, California

15 February 2018

3 6 June 2018
Montréal
Sharon Hunter
International Executive Board Chair