Join us for Happy Hour at the brand new Prairie Brewpub!

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First drink’s on us! Join us for an IABC/Tulsa Happy Hour at the brand new Prairie Brewpub. We know you’ve been itching to try out this hot new pub, so come enjoy it with some old friends (and maybe make a few new ones).

There’s no cost to attend, but please RSVP by Wednesday, July 27, so we can gauge attendance. Feel free to bring a friend! Be sure to register for the total number of people in your party.

When: 5:30-7 p.m., Thursday, July 28
Where: Prairie Brewpub, 223 N. Main St., Tulsa, Oklahoma 74103
Fees: No cost, but please RSVP at the link below.

Click here to RSVP

May Luncheon – The Past, Present and Future of Measuring Communications

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There is a long and rich history of communications best practices, particularly techniques for communicating within an organization. Ways of measuring the effectiveness of such communication, on the other hand, have a less than robust history.

In this session, Kris Russell, a director of insights and analytics within Walmart’s Public Affairs Division who directly supports the internal communications teams, will discuss some of the challenges as well as opportunities for communications measurement in today’s environment. Artificial Intelligence and machine learning are changing many aspects of daily life and communications measurement is no exception. The session will conclude with examples and demos of how tools such as Quid and IBM’s Watson are playing a role in driving communications analysis into the future.

  • When: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., May 18, 2016
  • Where: Tulsa Country Club, 701 N. Union Ave., Tulsa, OK 74127
  • IABC member registration fee: $25
  • IABC non-member/guest registration fee: $35
  • Student fee: $15

About Kris
Kris started working in Walmart stores in 1996. Since coming to the home office in 1999, he has held a variety of positions ranging from analytical leadership roles in loss prevention/asset protection, claims management and advanced project management in Walmart’s Innovations Division. Kris’s current challenge is to figure out how to effectively measure the cause and effect relationship between internal communications and Walmart’s business. Ultimate success is arming the communications team with the knowledge of what weapon to use to achieve a desired outcome.

Prior to taking on that challenge, Kris was the senior manager for Global Security’s Analytics and Insights team. He focused on travel and event security for Walmart’s top executives, monitoring for potentially disruptive activity and catastrophic risk research.

He recently completed the Naval Postgraduate School’s Executive Leadership Program in Monterey, California (one of only a handful of private sector individuals allowed to participate).  Kris has a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice from the University of Arkansas and holds a variety of professional certifications and training including Six Sigma, statistical analysis and project management, to name a few.  Kris is active in his church and community, also sitting on the board of directors for his son’s daycare.

Meet a Member featuring Andrew Nestor

Title: Manager, Internal Communications

Company: Walmart

Why do you love your job? One of the parts of my job that I love is the responsibility of being a voice for associates. Our founder, Sam Walton, believed that our associates have great ideas, and that’s still absolutely true today. I love the challenge of bringing these ideas, thoughts and concerns to the business teams in our home office. Believe it or not, we don’t always get everything perfect.

How long have you been a member of IABC? Less than a year.

Have you ever served on an IABC Board? No.

What is the best IABC meeting/conference you have attended? Why? Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to take part in many, but I did enter work for a Bronze Quill for the first time this year – and won! All of the hard work and headaches was worth it.

How has IABC played a part in your professional development? It’s always nice to attend meetings and hear new ideas. Translating those ideas to suit your needs is a fun challenge.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work? I love to cook. Absolutely love it. These days my wife and I started taking tennis lessons a couple of times a week. Small victories like keeping the ball in play for more than 10 hits gets me way too pumped up.

What’s your favorite vacation spot? I love going to South Korea. The food is absolutely amazing. You get a perfect balance of sweet, spicy and savory all in one bite. Also, the hiking is incredible if you’re into that activity.

Who is your favorite musical artist? Hard to pick a favorite, but I always love me some Earth, Wind & Fire.

Which website do you visit daily? Besides Walmartone.com (our intranet)? Generally the NY Times and Morningstar.

What is your favorite restaurant? Before my wife and I moved to Arkansas we were living in NYC. We treated ourselves to Jean-Georges before relocating. It was, without a doubt, the best food I’ll ever have the privilege to eat.

What advice would you give to new communications professionals? Absorb as much as you can, while you can. Walk, don’t run toward your career ambitions. Stay humble while working your butt off.

President’s Column – April 2016

by Megan Lewis, IABC/Tulsa President

MeganLewisHave you ever wondered why New Orleans is nicknamed The Big Easy? Is it the relaxed pace of life? The local music? The ease at which a person can purchase a Hurricane on Bourbon Street?

Whatever the reason, I can’t help but believe the best way to find out is to visit, and there’s no better time to visit than during the 2016 IABC World Conference. Did I hear someone say, Mardi Gras? Ok fine, let’s call it a tie.

This year’s conference is being held June 5-8, in New Orleans. There’s still time to register and potentially win a free registration for the 2017 World Conference in Washington D.C. (register before April 30).

There are so many reasons to attend. This year’s international slate of more than 60 speakers will expand your thinking with new perspectives, useful insights and concrete examples that span the globe. Nearly 70 unique breakout sessions will focus on a wide variety of topics including content and inbound marketing; storytelling; new and emerging technologies; marketing campaigns and crisis communication, just to name a few. The conference also will feature three powerful keynote speakers including Geoff Colvin, Fortune’s senior editor.

If that’s not enough for you, consider these fun New Orleans facts, and prepare yourself to learn even more in June:

  • Canal Street was named for an actual canal that was planned, but never built, on the street’s dividing median.
  • The official colors of Mardi Gras were chosen in 1872 by honored visitor, Russian Grand Duke Alexis Romanoff. The purple stands for justice, green for faith and gold for power.
  • Each seat in the Superdome is a different color than the one next to it, providing the illusion of a full house even when some are empty.
  • The total mileage of New Orleans canals both above and below ground exceeds that of Venice, Italy.

Learn more here, and join me in the Big Easy for a few Hurricanes, fun and unparalleled professional development.

April Luncheon – Personality: The Dark Side, the Bright Side and How it Impacts Communication

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Personality underlies our behavior, actions, reactions, communication and interactions. Understanding personalities will give you insight into how to better execute business strategies, manage change, deal with conflict and relate to others. It can also provide you added insight on individual and team strengths, values and blind spots, as well as influence our effectiveness in collaborating with business partners.

Join us April 20 to hear Dustin Hunter, from Hogan Assessments, who will share how understanding personalities will help you be a better communicator.

  • When: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., April 20, 2016
  • Where: Tulsa Country Club, 701 N Union Ave, Tulsa, OK 74127
  • IABC member registration fee: $25
  • IABC non-member/guest registration fee: $35
  • Student fee: $15

About Dustin
unnamedDustin is the international distribution manager at Hogan Assessment Systems. He is primarily responsible for strategic planning and growth in Hogan’s indirect business channel. Dustin has designed and implemented leadership development programs, selection-based assessment systems, high-potential programs and other talent management activities across a wide variety of organizational applications.

Dustin works with key domestic partners, multinational consulting companies, and international distributors to integrate Hogan’s solutions into current business offerings (B2B). He also explores new alliance relationships in unrepresented geographies, and is responsible for negotiating contracts and forecasting growth for Hogan’s global network.

Dustin holds a Master’s in Educational Psychology and an MBA from Oklahoma State University. Prior to joining Hogan, Dustin held positions in marketing and business development. His academic background in psychology and business provide a foundation for his client engagements at Hogan.

Meet a Member featuring Kendra Thompson

kendrathompsonTitle: Senior Public Affairs Specialist
Company: Cancer Treatment Centers of America

Why do you love your job? I love my job because of the people I work with and serve – from our talented team members who I admire, trust and laugh with every day to our skilled physicians and clinicians who are working diligently to change the face of cancer to our courageous patients with inspirational stories who are amazing fighters. I am blessed to be a small part of a place that puts our patients first and thrives on restoring hope and improving quality of life. In addition, I am blessed to have a flexible work schedule, so I can maintain a good family/work life balance.

How long have you been a member of IABC? Twenty-four years and counting!

Have you ever served on an IABC Board? Yes! The exact years are a little fuzzy as time goes by, but when I first joined IABC I served on a professional development committee for the Houston chapter. In the late 1990s I helped the Tulsa chapter with professional development. And again in the mid-2000s I served as secretary.

How has IABC played a part in your professional development? IABC has been a constant in my career. I first joined the Houston chapter in 1991 when I worked for an energy company handling internal communications. I was impressed with IABC’s high caliber of professional development opportunities, the talented people and the networking opportunities. When we moved back to Tulsa in 1995, I was able to continue my membership and get involved with the board and planning committees. I’ve always worked for companies that have also valued IABC and have supported my membership and time away from the office to attend meetings. For that, I am grateful. I’ve also had the opportunity to meet many talented people who I admire, such as Melissa Carlson, Kim McLeod, John Hartman, Leon Bolen, Russ Florence, Steve Higgins, Ginger Homan, and Angela Byers, just to name a few!

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work? Spending time with family above all else, watching and attending OU sporting events (Boomer Sooner!), supporting Union Public Schools (since my husband and both of our children are lifers), attending church and supporting mission work.

What’s your favorite vacation spot? I love the peaceful mountains in Colorado. We’ve had many fun and relaxing vacations there. In fact, we just spent a week in Breckenridge this past winter where I conquered Peak 6, the newest peak at the resort. Okay, so I actually made it down “Bliss” with only one major fall, but it was worth it.

Which website do you visit daily? Being a journalism major and handling media relations in my current job, I like to follow the news, especially local news. I generally visit tulsaworld.com on a daily basis.

What is your favorite restaurant? KEO. I love their Pho (Vietnamese noddle soup). For dessert, I love Napa Flats. The hot, fresh fruit cobblers are out of this world.

How will we recognize you at the next IABC function? Commuting from south Tulsa, I’ll probably be a tad late.

Complete the following: The future of the field of communications is… exciting and ever-evolving. It all comes down to knowing your audience, your anticipated goal and then communicating clearly, concisely and effectively.

What advice would you give to new communications professionals? Since almost every job I’ve ever held was initiated because of a networking opportunity, I’d say make the most of every networking opportunity you can. Getting involved with a professional organization like IABC is a great place to start. Besides the professional development opportunities, you’ll have the chance to meet some remarkable people.

President’s Column – March 2016

by Megan Lewis, IABC/Tulsa President

MeganLewisCan you believe we’re nearly through the first quarter of 2016? It’s even beginning to feel like spring; although, I have a feeling it could be a trick. As the weather has warmed up, so have the IABC/Tulsa events. In February, we held a standout luncheon on the topic of inbound marketing. On March 3, we held our annual Bronze Quill Awards.

The awards ceremony was a huge success with record attendance and winners. We recognized our area’s top communicators for their outstanding work throughout the year including these special award winners:

  • Shagah Zakerion, executive director, Tulsa’s Young Professionals – Communicator of the Year;
  • Kendra Thompson, Cancer Treatment Centers of America – John Hartman Professional of the Year (Get to know Kendra in our Meet a Member article this month);
  • Hayley Westwood, ONE Gas – Leon Bolen Service Award; and
  • Keith Isbell, Williams – Best of Show Award. (See the event recap below and a full list of winners on our website.)

We also presented the first ever IABC/Tulsa Lifetime Dedication Award to John Simmons, a co-founder of IABC/Tulsa, member for more than 50 years and co-creator of Tulsa’s Bronze Quill Awards.

The impressive talent of our area’s communicators never ceases to amaze me. The knowledge, experience and love of the communications field I see every day through IABC/Tulsa is truly inspiring. Thank you to the board members who spearheaded this year’s awards. It was a very special night – we have the photosto prove it.

If you attended the event and were as inspired as I was, and if you aren’t currently a member, I hope you’ll consider joining this amazing group of communicators. March is Member Month, which means great savings for new and renewing members if you join this month (see below for additional details). Consider joining, and help make IABC/Tulsa an even stronger organization.

Bronze Quill 2016 Recap

Last week we got our kicks on Route 66 for our annual Bronze Quill Awards ceremony.  With over 160 attendees, we had a blast recognizing our area’s top communicators. Guests also answered trivia questions from our emcee, Josh Ritchey, of Live Event Trivia to compete for “100 Grand.”

Bronze Quill award winners serve as a benchmark in our industry for excellence in creativity, skills, management and overall, producing measureable results. We thank you for entering your projects and for attending the event.

For those of you who submitted an entry, you should have received your final scores and judging feedback this week. If you haven’t, please contact Kim Kuehler at kimkuehler@tulsaairports.com

We will be reaching out soon to collect duplicate award orders.

Thank you for your support, and please enter your projects again next year!

2016 IABC/Tulsa Bronze Quill award winners:

  • IABC/Tulsa Lifetime Dedication Award: John Simmons
    • John Simmons helped establish the Industrial Editors of Tulsa, which eventually became IABC in 1971. He served as president of the Tulsa chapter, was named district chair in 1972 and served on the IABC International board from 1972 to 1974.
      In 1984 John received IABC International’s prestigious Chairman’s Award for service to the organization and to his profession. John was involved in planning district conferences and was incremental in founding IABC/Tulsa’s Bronze Quill awards program.
  • Leon Bolen Service Award: Hayley Westwood of ONE Gas
  • Best of Show: Keith Isbell of Williams for his entry in the Audio/Visual for “Rockaway Wow!” Keith scored 6.54 out of 7.
  • John Hartman Professional of the Year: Kendra Thompson of Cancer Treatment Centers of America
  • Communicator of the Year: Shagah Zakerion, Executive Director of TYPros

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Join us for our February Luncheon: Why 2016 is the Year to Try Inbound Marketing

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The way we make purchasing decisions has changed. We still use the Internet heavily to research products and services before buying, but the growth of social media has expanded our universe to find information. It also has enhanced our ability to connect with the customer by allowing them to find us.

Traditional marketing, or outbound marketing, is interruptive and attempts to grab customers’ attention through things like TV ads, spam, direct mail, circulars and telemarketing. With inbound marketing, you use media like blogs, videos and social media to capture attention more organically by providing content that brings customers to you instead of you seeking them out.

By placing compelling content online for the customer to find at their own pace, we avoid the annoyance of traditional marketing. Further, when done well, inbound marketing encourages the customer to give us their contact information so we can form the relationship on their terms — and, build a lead generation report.

About Jesse

jesse boudiette United WayJesse Boudiette, founder and president of Propeller Communications, will share compelling statistics showing the value of inbound marketing while also addressing the key elements of this approach that companies need to include for success.

Join us for our January 2015 Luncheon: CMP Certification – What it is. Why it matters. How you attain it.

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Certification is intended to support communicators throughout their careers and demonstrate your knowledge and expertise. The Global Communication Certification Council (GCCC) has identified roles, responsibilities and competencies for four broad career levels: Foundational, Communication Management Professional, Strategic Adviser, and Business Leader. At this time, only the Communication Management Professional (CMP) certification is available.

The Global Standard℠ was developed by IABC through research and consultation with the wider profession and states that “communication professionals around the world embrace a shared career purpose and six core principles as the building blocks of their work.” Those principles are:

  • Ethics
  • Strategy
  • Analysis
  • Context
  • Engagement
  • Consistency

Achieving certification from the GCCC designates that a candidate has professional competence in all these principles.

Join us on Wednesday, January 20 to learn about the certification process and what it takes to obtain the CMP designation. We are honored to have Priya Bates, provide direct insight into CMP exam and requirements.

Click Here to Register