Since the pandemic began, I’ve been to many places: Chicago, Australia, Texas, the United Kingdom, Edmonton, Regina, Malaysia and more. But, I’m not a “covidiot.” I’m networking virtually with communications professionals within Manitoba and around the world and I have the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) to thank for that.

I share this with you because it’s Member Month and you need to know you’re missing out. Before the 25% off membership offer expires October 31 (use code IABC50), take advantage of this virtual environment we’re living in and explore the world.

There are more than 90 IABC chapters worldwide, including ours in Manitoba, and we all offer members networking and professional development opportunities. I’ve participated in a fun happy hour networking event in the U.K., a relevant social injustice and communications session in Chicago where I heard American perspectives, and hosted a panel discussion here for our Manitoba members with panelists from Texas, the U.K. and Australia on their COVID-19 communications experience.

In Manitoba, we’re hosting our next virtual event on Thursday, October 22, an opportunity to whine/wine about 2020 and connect. I know you have something to whine/wine about – it’s 2020; we all do. I hope to see you there.

I also would love to see you join our global community. Here are 10 reasons to join IABC this October. Thanks to Sia Papageorgiou, an IABC member in my network from Australia, who created this infographic!

Those are 10 awesome reasons.

For Manitobans, there’s likely an 11th reason though. It’s a great deal. Who from Manitoba can resist that?

Jackie De Pape Hornick
President, IABC Manitoba