BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//IABC/Toronto - ECPv6.18.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://toronto.iabc.to X-WR-CALDESC:Events for IABC/Toronto REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Toronto BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20270314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20271107T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260513T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260513T203000 DTSTAMP:20260417T200936Z CREATED:20260415T152456Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260417T200936Z UID:23245-1778695200-1778704200@toronto.iabc.to SUMMARY:IABC/Toronto Pride Social DESCRIPTION:Wednesday\, May 13\, 2026\, 6 to 8:30 p.m.\nUnderstory Café\, 505 Church St.\, Toronto \nPride is many things: a protest\, a celebration and an opportunity for communicators to reflect on how we show up in authentic solidarity with 2SLGBTQ+ communities through our work. \nJoin IABC/Toronto for an evening of connection\, conversation and celebration as we gather ahead of Pride month. Come dressed in your colourful best for an evening with fellow professional communicators in a welcoming\, vibrant space. \nPanel: A chance to learn and ask all those not-so-silly questions! \nPanelists: Eli Carmona\, Communications Specialist at The 519\, Dane Griffiths\, Media Relations Advisor at Toronto Public Health and Andrea Houston\, Managing Editor at Ricochet Media. \nModerator: Zaina Meher Kadiri\, Senior Communications Coordinator at Pro Bono Ontario \nWe’ll talk about authentic 2SLGBTQ+ representation\, identifying and avoiding pinkwashing\, the impact of AI on 2SLGBTQ+ issues and practical takeaways for Pride and year-round comms campaigns. \nSupport a local trans-owned business: Enjoy coffee\, snacks and alcoholic drinks (all for purchase). \nLearn what’s on at IABC/Toronto: Join our upcoming events and the 2026 IABC World Conference. \nQuestions or access needs? Email: toronto-idea@iabc.to \nFees: \n• $15: IABC/Toronto professional members ($16.95 with HST) \n• $20: IABC Lite members ($22.60 with HST) \n• $30: Non-members ($33.90 with HST) \nSpots are limited. Register here \nThanks to our venue partner Understory for supporting this important conversation. \n \n \n \n Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email URL:https://toronto.iabc.to/event/iabc-toronto-pride-social/ LOCATION:Private: Understory\, 505 Church St.\, Toronto CATEGORIES:Networking,Professional Development ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://toronto.iabc.to/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Pride-Social-Final-Banner.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260521T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260521T200000 DTSTAMP:20260527T175036Z CREATED:20260406T163458Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260527T175036Z UID:23185-1779384600-1779393600@toronto.iabc.to SUMMARY:Communicating on the World Stage: Positioning Canada Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 DESCRIPTION:Thursday\, May 21\, 2026\, 5:30 to 8 p.m.\nAPEX PR\, 160 Bloor St. E.\, Suite 600\, Toronto  \nJoin IABC/Toronto for an in-person leadership discussion on how strategic communications\, tourism\, sponsorship and storytelling can position Canada on the global stage ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. \nAs Canada prepares to welcome the world\, communications leaders across tourism\, aviation\, brands and agencies will explore how organizations can leverage one of the world’s biggest sporting events to drive engagement and long-term impact. \nModerated by Amie Silverwood\, President\, IABC/Toronto\, the evening will feature two panel discussions: \n6:15 – 6:40 p.m.\nBuilding the Stage – City\, Tourism and Readiness \nRussell Baker\, Director\, Media Relations and Issues Management\, City of Toronto\nInsights on city readiness\, issues management and communicating major global events at scale. \nKathy Motton\, Senior Manager\, Corporate Communications\, Destination Toronto\nDestination storytelling and how Toronto is positioning itself ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. \n6:40 – 7:05 p.m.\nLeveraging the Moment – Brands\, Sponsorship and Storytelling \nNitish Bissonauth\, Senior Manager\, Corporate Communications\, Hyundai Canada\nHow global brands can leverage sponsorships and storytelling during major sporting moments. \nJennifer Stein\, Executive Vice President\, APEX PR\nHow brands can authentically connect with audiences through culture\, fandom and sport. \nGabrielle Totesau\, Vice President\, Earned Media Strategy\, Weber Shandwick\, Canada\nIntegrated media strategy and building cultural relevance during global events. \n7:05 – 7:15 p.m.\nAudience Q&A \n7:20 – 8:00 p.m.\nNetworking Session \nThe session will also include networking opportunities with communications professionals and industry leaders from across Toronto. \nRefreshments will be provided. \nFees: \n• $20: IABC Members ($22.60 with HST) \n• $30: Lite members ($33.90 with HST) \n• $50: Non-members ($56.50 with HST) \nRegister now and secure your spot \n \n \n \n Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email URL:https://toronto.iabc.to/event/communicating-on-the-world-stage-positioning-canada-as-a-global-tourism-destination-ahead-of-fifa-world-cup-2026/ LOCATION:APEX PR\, 160\, Bloor Street East\, suite 600\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 0A2\, Canada CATEGORIES:Professional Development ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://toronto.iabc.to/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Banner-FIFA-PD-event-FINAL.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260526T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260526T130000 DTSTAMP:20260414T160343Z CREATED:20260414T160038Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260414T160343Z UID:23234-1779796800-1779800400@toronto.iabc.to SUMMARY:Media Relations in 2026: What's changed and how to adapt DESCRIPTION:Tuesday\, May 26\, 12 to 1 p.m. ET\nZoom session \nMedia relations no longer works the way it did even a few years ago. What’s delivering results now? \nJoin IABC Toronto and Professional Independent Communicators for a practical\, candid conversation on how practitioners are navigating today’s media landscape. Our panel of experts – Natalia Smalyuk\, Jacob Robinson and Masha Mikey – will provide insights from the agency and independent perspectives. \nGuided by moderator Trish Tervit\, the panel will explore: \n• How media relations has changed and what that means for your approach \n• Where and how to connect with journalists today \n• Tactics that are cutting through and ones that are falling flat \n• Practical tips you can apply immediately in your own work \nWhether you’re refining your approach or looking to add media relations to your service offering\, this session will leave you with fresh ideas and a clear sense of how to move forward. \nFees: \n• $15 for IABC/Toronto members ($16.95 with HST) \n• $25: Other IABC chapters and Lite members ($28.75 with HST) \n• $35: Non-members ($39.55 with HST) \nRegister now to save your spot and join the conversation on May 26. \n \n \n \n Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email URL:https://toronto.iabc.to/event/media-relations-in-2026-whats-changed-and-how-to-adapt/ CATEGORIES:PIC,Professional Development ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://toronto.iabc.to/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Media-Relations-in-2026-1500x535-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260625T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260625T130000 DTSTAMP:20260626T163752Z CREATED:20260515T142053Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260626T163752Z UID:23483-1782388800-1782392400@toronto.iabc.to SUMMARY:2026 IABC/Toronto Annual General Meeting DESCRIPTION:Thursday\, June 25\, 2025\, 12 to 1 p.m.\nVia Zoom \nJoin IABC/Toronto for its upcoming 2026 Annual General Meeting\, where we will engage in a dynamic discussion\, reflect on the past year\, and celebrate our achievements from an exciting 2025-2026 board term. \nThis is an opportunity to come together\, vote on the proposed 2026-2027 Board slate\, and ask any questions that you may have for the chapter leadership. \nThe 2026-2027 proposed board slate will be presented to IABC/Toronto members for ratification at the 2026 Annual General Meeting. \nAgenda: \n\n12 p.m.: Land Acknowledgement\n12:05 p.m.: Welcome and approval of 2025 AGM minutes\n12:10 p.m.: Remarks from outgoing President (Amie Silverwood\, SCMP)\n12:15 p.m.: Report from VP\, Finance and Association Management (Yasmine El Shafei\, SCMP)\n12:25 p.m.: Motion for approval of 2026-2027 Board slate\n12:35 p.m.: Remarks from the incoming President (Yasmine El Shafei\, SCMP)\n12:45 p.m.: Q&A\n1 p.m.: Adjournment\n\nThis event is for IABC/Toronto members only. \nRegister here \n \n \n \n Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email URL:https://toronto.iabc.to/event/2026-iabc-toronto-annual-general-meeting/ CATEGORIES:Professional Development ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://toronto.iabc.to/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IABC-Agm-2026.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20261007T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20261007T130000 DTSTAMP:20261008T141752Z CREATED:20260921T144512Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261008T141752Z UID:23867-1791374400-1791378000@toronto.iabc.to SUMMARY:How Communicators can Prepare for Tomorrow: Horizon Scanning & Scenario Planning DESCRIPTION:Wednesday\, October 7\, 12 to 1 p.m. ET\, Zoom session \nIABC/Toronto Lunch & Learn with Ann-Marie Blake \nAs communicators\, we’re often focused on helping organizations navigate today’s challenges. But how can we better prepare them for what may come next? \nJoin Ann-Marie Blake\, Co-Founder of True and Chair of the IABC Heads of Communication Shared Interest Group\, for an interactive Lunch & Learn exploring how horizon scanning and scenario planning can help communicators anticipate potential future scenarios\, assess their impact on current plans and help employees understand where they fit in the organization’s future. \nA Chartered PR practitioner and former member of the IABC International Executive Board\, Ann-Marie will also share how these tools can help communicators become more strategic advisors to their organizations. \nFees: \n• Free: IABC/Toronto members \n• $20: Lite members ($22.60 with HST) \n• $25: Non-members ($28.25 with HST) \nRegister here \n \n \n \n Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email URL:https://toronto.iabc.to/event/how-communicators-can-prepare-for-tomorrow-horizon-scanning-scenario-planning/ CATEGORIES:Professional Development ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://toronto.iabc.to/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/How-communicators-can-prepare-for-tomorrow.jpg.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20261020T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20261020T183000 DTSTAMP:20261022T150526Z CREATED:20261003T161030Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261022T150526Z UID:23897-1792517400-1792521000@toronto.iabc.to SUMMARY:Coffee chats that count: How to ask better questions and build stronger connections DESCRIPTION:Tuesday\, October 20\, 5.30 to 6.30 p.m. ET\, Zoom \nHow many coffee chats have you had this year? And how many actually led somewhere? \nA good coffee chat can open the door to new clients\, new roles and lasting professional relationships. A forgettable one can be a missed opportunity. \nJoin IABC/Toronto’s Professional Independent Communicators (PIC) to explore the questions that make coffee chats count. Speakers Natalia Smalyuk\, founder of NBAU\, and Lisa Pasquin\, president and founder of Craft Public Relations\, will join Jacob Robinson\,  PIC’s Co-Director of Programming\, to share what makes people remember you\, how to follow up and what to ask instead of “Can I pick your brain?” \nWhether you’re looking to grow your network\, explore a new opportunity or simply get better at building professional relationships\, you’ll leave with practical ideas you can put into your next coffee chat. \nFees: \n• $15 for IABC/Toronto members ($16.95 with HST) \n• $30: Non-members ($33.90 with HST) \nRegister here \n \n \n \n Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email URL:https://toronto.iabc.to/event/coffee-chats-that-count-how-to-ask-better-questions-and-build-stronger-connecti/ CATEGORIES:PIC,Professional Development ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://toronto.iabc.to/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/PIC-Website-banner.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20261105T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20261105T190000 DTSTAMP:20261006T144951Z CREATED:20261006T144916Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261006T144951Z UID:23910-1793899800-1793905200@toronto.iabc.to SUMMARY:Welcome to IABC/Toronto: Connect\, learn and get involved DESCRIPTION:Thursday\, November 5\, 5:30 to 7 p.m. \nAPEX PR\, 160 Bloor St. E.\, Suite 600\, Toronto \nNew to IABC/Toronto? Thinking about joining? Or already a member and looking to get more involved? \nJoin us for our Member Information and Networking Session\, generously sponsored and hosted by long-time IABC/Toronto member Linda Andross\, Managing Partner and Co-Owner of APEX PR. \nThis free\, informal event is a chance to get to know IABC/Toronto and the community behind it. Learn more about the benefits\, resources and opportunities available through IABC\, discover ways to get involved\, ask questions\, and connect with fellow communicators and members of the IABC/Toronto Board. \nNot a member yet? Join us and meet the community to find out what IABC/Toronto could offer you and your career. \nLight refreshments will be provided. \nRegister here \n \n \n \n Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email URL:https://toronto.iabc.to/event/welcome-to-iabc-toronto-connect-learn-and-get-involved/ LOCATION:APEX PR\, 160\, Bloor Street East\, suite 600\, Toronto\, ON\, M4W 0A2\, Canada CATEGORIES:Networking,Professional Development ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://toronto.iabc.to/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Updated-Member-Info-2025-Banner-2-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20261123T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20261123T130000 DTSTAMP:20261102T153040Z CREATED:20261102T152743Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261102T153040Z UID:24035-1795435200-1795438800@toronto.iabc.to SUMMARY:Give your Ovation Awards the Best Chance at Success DESCRIPTION:Monday\, November 23\, 2026\, 12 to 1 p.m. ET\, Zoom \nYour project was a huge success! Let’s make sure it wins the awards it deserves. \nJoin IABC/Toronto for a practical session on how to write a winning Ovation Awards submission. Linda Andross\, Managing Partner at APEX Public Relations\, will share her expertise as the author of many winning entries\, and Mandy Gibson\, Senior Manager Internal Communications at KPMG Global Resource Centre\, will explain what judges are looking for. Mandy and Linda will then have a dialogue and take your questions. \nYou’ll learn how to make a stronger case for your work\, with concrete examples. Whether you’re entering for the first time or trying again\, bring all your questions and learn from the pros. \nEmail your questions in advance to toronto-awards@iabc.to\, or ask them live. A recording of the session will be available afterwards for those who can’t attend live. \nFees: \n• Free for IABC/Toronto members \n• $15: Other IABC chapters and Lite members ($16.95 with HST) \n• $25: Non-members ($28.25 with HST) \nRegister here \n \n \n \n Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email URL:https://toronto.iabc.to/event/give-your-ovation-awards-the-best-chance-at-success/ CATEGORIES:OVATION,Professional Development ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://toronto.iabc.to/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/Ovation-webinar-elert.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20261130T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20261130T180000 DTSTAMP:20261031T141243Z CREATED:20261029T235829Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261031T141243Z UID:24027-1796058000-1796061600@toronto.iabc.to SUMMARY:Irreplaceable in the Age of AI – Leverage Your Human Edge DESCRIPTION:Artificial intelligence is absorbing vast numbers of technical and analytical work at a pace most organisations are still catching up to. And yet the capabilities that determine who is trusted – remain unmistakeably human. Those who lead can accurately read the room\, hold a difficult conversation without fracturing a relationship\, make people feel genuinely heard while still driving crucial decisions. In this session\, Arabella draws on research in social neuroscience\, organisational psychology\, and behavioural science to make a case most leaders haven’t fully heard: the human edge is not a residual category left over after AI takes its share. It is the entire game. \nFeaturing: \n \nArabella Macpherson \nArabella Macpherson is one of Australia’s leading executive communications coaches and consultants\, with 20 years working alongside C-suite leaders and senior leadership teams at some of the world’s most recognised organisations – including McKinsey\, Google\, AstraZeneca\, LinkedIn\, Deloitte\, American Express\, Qantas\, CBRE and Cochlear. Her work sits at the intersection of behavioural science\, communication psychology\, and high-stakes leadership – helping executives at global multinationals communicate with the clarity\, confidence\, and influence their roles demand. Arabella is co-author of the communication section of Macquarie University’s global online MBA – one of the programme’s most popular sections\, rated 4.8 out of 5 by participants worldwide. She has spoken on over 500 stages internationally and domestically\, and approximately 95% of her client work comes through referral and repeat engagement – a reflection of the depth of relationship she builds with clients over time. Her conviction is straightforward: communication is not a soft skill. It is the engine of influence\, and influence is the currency of leadership.  \nFees: \n• $25: Members ($28.25 with HST) \n• $35: Lite members ($39.55 with HST) \n• $40: Non-members ($45.20 with HST) \nRegister here \n \n \n \n Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email URL:https://toronto.iabc.to/event/irreplaceable-in-the-age-of-ai-leverage-your-human-edge/ CATEGORIES:Professional Development ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://toronto.iabc.to/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Irreplaceable-in-the-Age-of-AI-–-Leverage-Your-Human-Edge.png END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR