by Megan Patterson, IABC/Tulsa President

How often are you reminded of the power of communication? Or amazed by the impact technology has on our lives? How about when the two come together? A recent CNN segment got me thinking about the relationship between communication and technology. It also left me intrigued, inspired and hopeful for the impact we can have on future generations.

During the segment, CNN reporter Sara Ashley O’Brien interviews Pinchas Gutter, an 85-year-old Holocaust survivor. The catch is that O’Brien interviewed a digital version of Gutter. Hours of real video footage in which Gutter answered thousands of questions about his experience during the Holocaust was compiled to create a digital version of himself, fully capable of understanding questions and seamlessly producing relevant responses. Through the use of speech recognition and natural language processing technology, Gutter’s digital self can interact with people and teach them about his experience. Read the related CNN article about the technology and how it’s being used.

This article provides a stark contrast to the numerous stories about technology’s negative impact on communication skills or how younger generations can only write in 140 characters or less. In this case, technology and communication are working together and using storytelling to teach people about a time in the world’s history that must be remembered and understood. This interactive and emotional learning tool offers a much deeper and impactful learning experience than any history book could ever provide.

Stories like these get me excited about the impact we can make as professional communicators and remind me of the many opportunities we all still have to continue learning.

Learn more about the relationship between communication and technology at this year’s IABC World Conference, June 11-14 in Washington, D.C. One of the keynote speakers, IBM’s Jon Iwata will discuss how data and artificial intelligence are changing communication. There is still time to register for the conference, which is sure to be packed with wisdom, networking, and yes, even a bit of inspiration.

Leading Business and brands operate at the wildest convergence of reputation, media, digital influencers and political advocacy ever seen. As communicators, we often find ourselves standing in the middle of this very complex intersection of stakeholders. How we lead and engage – both internally and externally – can mean the difference between success and setback.

Join us May 17 for a luncheon on Leading a “No-Surprises” Approach in a Chaotic World, sponsored by BolenInk. During this luncheon, Lance Latham, Williams’ director of external communications, will provide a look into a team-based, “no-surprises” approach to communication campaigns that support multi-billion dollar energy infrastructure projects in today’s politically charged environment. He’ll also bring firsthand stories and insights from companies like Scotts Miracle-Gro and Kimberly-Clark (Kleenex, Huggies).

Throughout the discussion, he’ll highlight critical leadership skills and capabilities required of communicators – regardless of position or level – and how those who embrace transparency and candor in today’s ever-changing world can contribute significant value.

When: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., May 17

Where: Tulsa Country Club, 701 N. Union Ave., Tulsa, OK 74127

Fee:

• IABC Member fee $25
• IABC Non-Member/Guest fee $35
• Student fee $15

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Title: Communications Consultant

Company: ONE Gas

Why do you love your job? I love my job because I get to write stories about great people working for a great company.

How long have you been a member of IABC? Six years.

Have you ever served on an IABC Board? Not yet. Someday!

What is the best IABC meeting/conference you have attended? Why? I enjoyed a meeting hosted by Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum because he reminded me how a good communicator listens, engages with people and can help influence change in a positive way.

How has IABC played a part in your professional development? IABC has been invaluable in my professional development. I gain new insights after every meeting I attend. I also get to meet and learn from fellow communicators.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work? Spending time with family, going to movies and reading when I have the time.

What’s your favorite vacation spot? The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island in Michigan.

Who is your favorite musical artist? I can’t name just one! I really like an eclectic mix of musical artists (mostly older stuff). For example, I might listen to Stevie Wonder, Johnny Cash, U2, Ella Fitzgerald and Bruno Mars in a typical day.

Which website do you visit daily? The New York Times (I’m a news junkie).

What is your favorite restaurant? Local: Juniper Restaurant. When visiting Chicago I enjoy Frontera Grill.

How will we recognize you at the next IABC function? Just look down. I’m the short guy with glasses.

Complete the following: The future of the field of communications is…merging traditional communication messages with new digital media platforms.

What advice would you give to new communications professionals? Learn to be adaptable. The industry is constantly changing. There are many ways to tell your company’s story.

by Megan Patterson, IABC/Tulsa President

The first quarter of 2017 is in the books. Are you where you thought you’d be?

If you aren’t quite on track with some of your 2017 goals, don’t stress, there are still more than 250 days to get there. Accomplishing the goals we set for ourselves and our teams is fantastic, but keep in mind the journey is usually the most valuable – whether we end up exactly where we wanted to or not. Celebrating those small wins along the way can be just as important as the end result.

At IABC/Tulsa we think it’s important to stop and recognize the good work we’re doing in our profession – both small wins and huge successes.

On March 30, we celebrated at our annual Bronze Quill Awards ceremony. We recognized our area’s top communicators for their outstanding work throughout the year including these special award winners:

• Jeff Stava, chief operating officer for Tulsa Community Foundation and executive director of Tulsa’s Gathering Place – Communicator of the Year;
• Jennifer Rector, ONE Gas – John Hartman Professional of the Year;
• Leslie Agee, Linde Engineering North America – Leon Bolen Service Award; and
• Kiley Roberson, Tulsa City-County Library – Best of Show Award.

In addition, 33 Bronze Quill awards were presented to local communications professionals for their exceptional work. See a full list of award winners.

Our area’s communicators are an impressive group, and it’s a pleasure to help celebrate your professional wins.

If professional development is on your list of 2017 goals, IABC/Tulsa is here to help. We have two fantastic events coming up. On April 18, best-selling author Marsha Petrie Sue will present on “The CEO of You” and May 2-4 join us for Crisis Communication Management Certification and media training courses. We’ll see you there!

A direct, no fluff message that empowers you to take action on your own success. Marsha will provide ideas that can be immediately applied to help you reach your goals. The discussion will also cover survival tactics to manage and lead people that suck the life out of business. Learn how to neutralize the Backstabber, Needy Weenie, Steamroller, Know-it-all, Whine and Cheeser, and more! All attendees will receive a complimentary e-book and listening skills CD.

When: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., April 18

Where: Tulsa Country Club, 701 N. Union Ave., Tulsa, OK 74127

Fees:

• IABC members: $25
• Non-members/guests: $35
• Students: $15

About Marsha:
Marsha Petrie Sue is the Muhammad Ali of personal development, leadership, communications and managing change. She can dance and look pretty and she uses the entire ring, but she knows how and when to land a knockout punch. Think of her presentations as charm school with live ammunition. She challenges every morsel of your beliefs while entertaining and enlightening. She dares people to take personal responsibility for their choices, success and life. Marsha is an original and one-of-a-kind professional speaker and author. Whether Marsha is dealing with employee relationships, increasing productivity or pumping up sales, her guiding principles bring energy and fun to any meeting or event.

Her clients include small and large corporations, associations, healthcare institutions and multilevel marketing companies. As a former corporate executive of Fortune 100 companies, Marsha understands what it takes to improve productivity and profits.

She is a best-selling author of Toxic People: Decontaminate Difficult People at Work Without Using Weapons or Duct Tape and also The Reactor Factor: How to Handle Difficult Work Situations Without Going Nuclear. She is also the author of several other resources including the award-winning book The CEO of YOU: Leading YOURSELF to Success.

Register Now

by Megan Patterson, IABC/Tulsa President

It must be awards season. From the Oscars, to the CMAs, to the Bronze Quill Awards – news is buzzing of trophies, fancy dresses and controversy. Admittedly the Oscars have somewhat stole the show, but if you keep reading, I think you’ll see that a couple of other awards programs are creating some local buzz of their own (minus the controversy).

Three of your IABC/Tulsa board members recently attended the 2017 IABC Chapter Management Awards (CMAs), where IABC/Tulsa received awards for its professional development, communications and financial management. Congratulations to all of our board members! Our board is a hardworking group of dedicated volunteers, and they truly deserve this recognition.

I’d also like to give a shout out to the 2017 International Chapter of the Year: “La La Land.”

Sorry, I couldn’t resist. Actual congratulations go to our friends at IABC/Calgary for taking home this honor.

Another fabulous awards program, IABC/Tulsa’s annual Bronze Quill Awards will be held March 30. I hope you’ll join us for a fun night of celebrating local communications professionals and their achievements. We’ll also announce this year’s Communicator of the Year and Professional of the Year. Whether you’ve entered an award or not, this is an event you won’t want to miss. RSVP by Friday, March 24. 

For any non-members looking to learn more about IABC, this is a great event to attend. And remember, 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.

For any members looking to get more involved with IABC, we’re accepting nominations for the next IABC/Tulsa board term, which begins August 2017. See more information below about board opportunities, and please reach out to me if you’re interested.