Health and safety is our utmost importance, and in accordance with public health recommendations, IABC/Toronto has made the tough decision to cancel the “Top Six in the 6ix” half-day conference in October, and instead work towards hosting educational sessions in a virtual format over the coming year. Please stay tuned as we continue to plan our professional development programming for the year.
Six unique panels and speakers on topics specifically for communicators in the 6ix
The Broadview Hotel, Thursday March 26, 2020 from 2 to 7 p.m.
Register today to secure your spot! REGISTER NOW
What:
Join your fellow communications industry professionals for an afternoon of professional development focused on six key areas that matter most to Toronto’s communicators.
We’ll be exploring current and emerging trends from leaders in AI, branding, social influencers, women in media and digital transformation – plus a keynote speech from IABC/Toronto’s Communicator of the Year. Each session will include an opportunity for questions and the conference will conclude with a cocktail networking reception.
When:
Thursday March 26, 2020 from 2 to 7 p.m.
Where:
The Broadview Hotel, Lincoln Hall, 2nd Floor, 106 Broadview Avenue Toronto, ON, M4M 2G1
Located on the southwest corner of Broadview Avenue and Queen Street East, entrance via Broadview Avenue.
Transit: Accessible by the 501 streetcar from downtown Toronto or the 504 streetcar from Broadview station.
Parking: Public parking lots are located directly across from and slightly north of The Broadview Hotel. See map.
| 2 to 6 p.m. | Speakers & Panel DiscussionsDescriptions below; stay tuned for further details, coming soon! |
| 6 to 7 p.m. | Networking Cocktail Reception |
Note: If you are working towards your CMP or SCMP certification, you are eligible to receive one point per hour of attendance at this conference (max. of 4 hours, as the cocktail reception is not eligible).
Panel Discussion: Artificial Intelligence
There is no doubt that, in recent years, Toronto has become a hotspot for artificial intelligence. The top minds in AI research and development have been flocking to the city, with hubs and tech start-ups popping up at a rapid pace.
As this relatively new technology continues to transform our everyday lives, what are the emerging trends? How will they influence and shape our roles as communications professionals? What does the ever-growing prevalence of AI in Toronto mean for the future of our city.
This panel will bring together technology experts from various fields to tackle all of these questions and more.
Speaker: IABC/Toronto’s Communicator of the Year – Jodi Kovitz, CEO and Founder of #movethedial
IABC/Toronto’s Communicator of the Year (COTY) award recognizes a Greater Toronto Area communications professional whose demonstrated leadership and communications skills drive business results, or have had a substantially positive influence on the community. (IABC)/Toronto has selected Jodi Kovitz, the CEO and Founder of #movethedial, as its Communicator of the Year (COTY) for 2019.
Jodi will discuss how the experience of turning an idea into a globally recognized movement and brand reinforced her belief that we can achieve the unachievable. She will share how we can go out of our way to build genuine and generous relationships with people who are willing to connect with and support us. A book signing of Jodi’s book, “Go Out of Your Way: How One Small Act Can Move the Dial in Business and Life” will follow the talk. Read more…
Panel Discussion: Social Media and the Role of Influencers
The last decade gave us the rise of digital and social media and arguably the most notable movement to come from this – influencers. Integrated communications plans pivoted to include influencer strategies and all major brands quickly jumped on board to work with influencers for their authentic voice and personal approach to content creation.
But what does the future of the influencer landscape hold? Is the influencer trend sustainable into the 2020s and beyond? Our panel of industry experts will offer unique insights from various perspectives to discuss what’s next for influencers and share key tips for communicators to continue to work with influencers through the next decade.
Speaker: The Power of a Brand
The worlds of communications and marketing professionals often intertwine; however, each vertical maintains its unique purpose. For communications professionals, it’s crucial that we work with our marketing counterparts to truly understand the brand and its purpose, in order to tell its story.
A marketing expert from a top Toronto brand will discuss how their brand was created and share insights into the marketing strategy that evolved their brand into one that is globally recognized and truly represents Canada.
Panel Discussion: Women in Media
The last decade brought a women’s movement – what’s been called the fourth wave of feminism – and, with that, a heightened focus on female empowerment and achieving gender balance.
While conversations are being had and changes are being seen, the representation of women in Canadian media remains a challenge. Women continue to be underrepresented and underutilized, particularly as expert sources, in the media.
We’re bringing together a panel of leaders who are surfacing these issues and working to break down barriers for women. They will discuss the issues women today are facing as well as media training tips, specifically for female spokespersons.
Speaker: Communications in the Age of Disruption
How does design thinking and digital technology impact our roles as communicators and how can we keep up with the ever evolving trends in this space? This speaker will show us how (un)common sense goes a long way to make a big impact in an environment of unprecedented noise and competition.
Registration Fees:
- $200: IABC member early bird rate if you register on or before January 31 ($226 with HST)
- $250: IABC member rate if you register on or after February 1 (282.50 with HST)
- $75: IABC student and transitional member early bird rate if you register on or before January 31 ($84.75 with HST)
- $100: IABC student and transitional member rate if you register on or after February 1 ($113 with HST)
- $300: Non-member early bird rate if you register on or before January 31 ($339 with HST)
- $350: Non-member rate if you register on or after February 1 ($395.50 with HST)
- $150: Student non-member early bird rate if you register on or before January 31 ($169.50 with HST)
- $200: Student non-member rate if you register on or after February 1 ($226 with HST)
Stay tuned for speakers and panelists to be announced soon!
For sponsorship inquiries, please contact Cory Fisher, Toronto-pd@iabc.to, 416-854-2598