Make the 2019 Leadership Institute the best yet
Planning is underway for the 2019 Leadership Institute (LI), taking place 7–9 February at the Hotel Maya in Long Beach, California , and we need your input to help shape the event. Here are a few ways that you can help make this the best LI yet:
 
  • Take the LI Planning Survey: The survey takes only 8–10 minutes to complete and gives chapters and regions a chance to share how they function and what they want to see at LI.
  • Apply to present at LI: Is your chapter/region doing something awesome that other chapters could benefit from knowing about? The LI Program Advisory Committee (PAC) is seeking speakers from every region and chapter size to share practical takeaways and/or case studies that can strengthen chapters around the world. Submit your proposal by 17 September to be considered.
  • Email your suggestions: Have an idea for the LI PAC? Send your suggestions to leader_centre@iabc.com.
 
Don’t miss the chance to share your interests and needs so that we can maximize your LI experience. 
Join the conversation in the new chapter and region leader community
Last week, a new group for IABC chapter and region leaders launched in IABC’s exclusive online community, The Hub. This new community creates connection among IABC leaders year-round and provides a collaborative space where leaders can ask questions, share best practices and resources, and exchange ideas. All current chapter and region leaders have access to the group by logging into The Hub using their IABC member ID and password and selecting “Communities.” 
Phishing scams
IABC has received reports from a few chapters that have been targeted by advanced phishing scams. In most cases, these scams are conducted by a fake email address that is similar to that of a chapter leader, requesting that funds be transferred to another account. Chapters should never request money transfers via email and should always make financial requests via phone or in person to avoid potential scams. Chapters are encouraged to set a clear procedure for these requests that is transparent to the entire board. 
Save the date for the September Leadership Forum
Starting in September, we’re bringing back the monthly Leadership Forum, which will take place on the third Wednesday of each month at 3 p.m. PT. We’re introducing a new, collaborative format that allows all participants to be visible on the screen for a more personal interaction designed to help leaders share ideas and get support with their challenges year around. Participants can use this time to ask questions to the IABC executive director and/or other IABC leaders. The first call, taking place on 19 September, will start with a focus on the October Member Month, but will leave time for those in attendance to discuss their most pressing questions and challenges. Click here for details on how to join.
Communication Calendar
A communication calendar has been added to Leader Centre so that chapters have a better understanding of what communications will be sent from IABC headquarters and when. The calendar is subject to change and new communications will be added as they are scheduled. As a reminder, IABC headquarters does not send communications on Mondays, which are reserved for chapters and regions to send communications to members.
Last chance to pre-register for the 2019 World Conference
Are you planning to attend the 2019 World Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia ? Throughout the month of August, active IABC members are eligible to pre-register for the 2019 IABC World Conference for just US$999. That is a savings of more than US$700 compared to the regular member rate. Pre-register now —this great offer ends today, or as soon as the limited supply of 150 spots are filled. 
Start preparing for the CMAs: Tips from IABC Edmonton and IABC Calgary
The CMAs will be launching in September and we have some exciting enhancements that will be announced soon. As you start thinking about your entries, check out some tips from the 2018 International Chapter of the Year, IABC Edmonton, and the 2017 International Chapter of the Year, IABC Calgary, who collaborated to share their winning strategies. Stay tuned for more information about the 2019 CMA program in the coming weeks.
Important dates
10 – 11 September 2018
Melbourne, Australia

17 – 19 October 2018
Nashville, Tennessee

24 – 25 October 2018
Johannesburg
11 – 13 November 2018
Richmond, Virginia

7 – 9 February 2019
Long Beach, California

11 – 12 February 2019
EMENAComm19
Manama, Bahrain

9 – 12 June 2019
Vancouver, British Columbia
Ginger D. Homan, ABC, SCMP
IABC Chair