The 2020/2021 IABC/Toronto Board year was full of challenges, including the global pandemic and opportunities like addressing systemic and institutionalized racism. These realities led us to look at our practices to seek ways to grow as an association, and ensure we created a strategic framework that addresses topics that are important to all of us.
Despite the challenges we knew lay ahead, the 2020/2021 IABC/Toronto Board of Directors went into the term with optimism, hoping – and planning – to host in-person events again in 2021. However, the pandemic showed no signs of slowing down during this time. Instead, our Board of Directors and passionate volunteers continued to pivot, delivering innovative and relevant virtual programming to better support our members – which, at times, came at no cost – and the broader communications community. While we’re proud of our accomplishments, the enduring global pandemic impacted our finances significantly, including sharp declines in membership and a drop in event revenue, as the restrictions around physical gatherings affected our ability to hold in-person events.