Looking Ahead: The Communications Profession in 2020

Any communicator must look ahead at what is happening in the world – and in business – and in the profession – to be certain to be developing the skills and experience needed to continue to thrive. But looking to the future involves more than assessing possible breakthroughs in technology. It’s a matter of understanding how people will receive, absorb and connect in a world that will only get noisier.

Join us for our second professional development meeting of 2010 as IABC International Chair Mark Schumann shares how to forge ahead in the broader world, the organization where you work, and in your own career, so you can be prepared.

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February is Worldwide Membership Month

If you’re a new or lapsed member who joins or re-joins this month, IABC will waive the normal application fee (US$40 for faxed/mailed/phoned enrollments; US$30 for Internet enrollments). Please remember: your application must be received at IABC World Headquarters in San Francisco during the month of February to qualify.

Join online now or contact BV chapter president Pam Wiley for more information.

Call for entries: 2010 Brazos Bravo Awards

It’s time again to recognize the work of the Brazos Valley’s best communicators. The 2010 Brazos Bravo Awards are here!

Brazos Bravo recognizes the achievements of individual members in a wide range of categories. A project can be submitted in multiple categories.

All entries are judged by professional communicators from IABC chapters across the country. Each entry is judged on its own merit, not against other entries. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a novice, Brazos Bravo is your best opportunity to have your work reviewed by objective and experienced peers.

All work entered must have been completed between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2009. Entries are due no later than 5 p.m. Feb. 26, 2010. Those entered by 5 p.m. Feb. 12, 2010, are eligible for a discounted entry fee.

Click here to download the Call for Entries – includes contest details and entry form [PDF]

The Brazos Bravo 2010 awards banquet will be April 22, 2010, at the University Club on the 11th floor of Rudder Tower at Texas A&M University. Registration for the banquet will open soon, so be sure to watch your inbox and join us to celebrate local communications excellence.

Job: Freelance designer

Admail (Advertising Mail Corporation) is looking for a freelance designer for postcards, small newsletters and other direct mail pieces. The ability to write a little copy would also be welcomed.

If you’re interested in applying for the position, contact Jack Gressett, owner of Admail and IABC/BV member, at (979) 779-7788 or jack@admailtx.com.

Mark Schumann’s tips on entering/judging IABC competitions

Here are some highlights from IABC International Chair D. Mark Schumann’s January 21st talk about entering and judging IABC competitions on all levels.

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Important update concerning our January meeting

Due to circumstances beyond our control, Mark Schumann is going to be unable to fly in for tomorrow’s IABC/Brazos Valley monthly meeting.  We are sad to hear that Mark will not be speaking tomorrow, but Eric Herbst from Texas A&M Marketing and Communications has graciously agreed to step in and take Mark’s place.  Eric is still putting together his presentation, but I am sure that it will be filled with a wealth of knowledge from his vast experience in marketing and branding.

We are working now on getting Mark rescheduled because we know that everyone was looking forward to hearing him speak. I know that he regrets not being able to come tomorrow, but he is looking forward to visiting us in the future.

If you were unable to register and pay online for tomorrow’s luncheon, we will open that back up for the next few hours.  Please visit http://iabcbvjan10.eventbrite.com/. We look forward to seeing you at tomorrow’s meeting and are confidentthat you will enjoy hearing Eric speak, but if you need to cancel, please contact Nicholas at roz@tamu.edu before 2:00 p.m. today.

The 10:00 a.m. awards workshop with Mark at the Real Estate Center is still taking place (via videoconference), and you can still register for that event at http://schumannjan10.eventbrite.com/.

Once again, the deadline to pay for a registration or cancel is 2:00 p.m. today.

Looking Ahead: The Communications Profession in 2020

Any communicator must look ahead at what is happening in the world – and in business – and in the profession – to be certain to be developing the skills and experience needed to continue to thrive. But looking to the future involves more than assessing possible breakthroughs in technology. It’s a matter of understanding how people will receive, absorb and connect in a world that will only get noisier.

Join us for our professional development meeting of 2010 as IABC International Chair Mark Schumann shares how to forge ahead in the broader world, the organization where you work, and in your own career, so you can be prepared.

Continue reading »

Job: Web Designer

The College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M University is looking for to fill a new Web Designer position. The person who fills this position will design, author, and support web sites for the college using appropriate tools, including assisting faculty/staff with web sites and pages and working closely with content creators to ensure content is timely, accurate and functional. This position is also responsible for the coordination, management and deployment of web communications; review design and implement web content.

To apply for this position or for more information, go to http://tamujobs.tamu.edu and search for NOV #100254.

Ho ho ho! It’s time to spread a little cheer.

Current IABC/BV members and a guest are invited to join us for an evening of wintry cheer and general merriment on December 11 at the IABC/Brazos Valley Holiday Party. Mary Vinnedge has graciously opened her home to host the chapter’s annual holiday gathering and we’d like for you to join us as we cap off another great year with some heavy hors d’oeuvres and yuletide networking.

This year’s event is FREE for all current IABC/BV members, as well as one guest apiece. Think of it as our little gift to you.

If you can join us (and we hope that you can), please be sure to RSVP online by Thursday, December 3. The more the merrier, but we need to make sure there’s enough egg nog to go around.

What’s Your Thang? Building Your Personal Brand

When a great opportunity comes along, how do you set yourself apart from the dozens of other people who think they’re also the best match for that opportunity? How do you maximize your chances of being first on the must-call list?

Join us for our November professional development meeting as Robin McCasland of Buck Consultants discusses how having confidence in the qualities that set you apart, and knowing how to showcase those qualities most effectively, will help you build a personal brand to maximize your professional opportunities. We’ll learn some fun, simple things you can use to establish and grow your personal brand.

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