What Membership Provides
Networking
Networking with other communicators is one of the primary benefits of IABC membership. IABC offers opportunities to network with members around the world through the IABC web site, as well as face-to-face at chapter events, the annual International Conference held in June of each year, and professional development seminars held at various times and locations throughout the year.
MemberSpeak
MemberSpeak is the meeting place for IABC members around the world. A high-powered posting area on the web site, MemberSpeak is where you can trade ideas, solicit advice and input, debate strategies, and share information with your peers...unconstrained by geography and time differences.
Online Directory of IABC Members
IABC's online member directory includes members' address, phone, and fax information, and is fully searchable on a number of parameters such as industry, company, or geography. You can even email other members through our confidential technology.
Chapter Events
IABC offers over 100 local chapters around the world for face-to-face networking and professional development. Many chapters offer additional services such as Special Interest Groups, local job banks, and social outings. To see what the nearest chapter is doing, consult our online chapter list.
The IABC Buzz
This IABC Buzz contains member posts about personal and professional achievements, such as educational degrees, promotions, weddings, job moves, births/adoptions and the like.
The IABC Café
See what IABC's executive board leaders and senior staff have to say on the IABC Café, as their individual blogs address what they're thinking.
The IABC eXchange
The IABC eXchange allows you to create private websites or blogs, as well as traditional public blogs. You control the content and who gets to see it.
Job Searching Assistance
IABC's Job Centre web site lists hundreds of jobs at all levels, which you can search by keyword, location, or job type.
The IABC Marketplace
The IABC Marketplace is a service to connect consultants and freelancers with prospective clients. While the public can view the directory, only IABC members can create entries describing their services.
Learning Opportunities
IABC offers plentiful resources to hone your skills, learn from the experiences of others, and study new areas of interest.
MyComm
My Communication (MyComm for short) is an online strategic planning tool available only to IABC members. MyComm takes users through a six-step process that results in a comprehensive, strategic communication plan. The tool also allows users to share and collaborate on plans via the web.
Communication World Magazine
Chock full of detailed case studies and how-to advice from long-time practitioners, Communication World is delivered six times a year to IABC members. With the latest news on industry research, technology, and trends, as well as interviews and analysis, each issue of Communication World is a continuing education course in itself.
CW Bulletin
Communication World's sister publication, CW Bulletin, is a monthly electronic newsletter addressing major topical concerns facing today's communicators.
Online Library of Content
Available only to members, IABC's online library includes CW Online (an archive of all CW articles), back issues of Communication World, and case studies from winning Gold Quill Award entries.
SR Link
A collaborative web site providing resources and fostering conversations, SR Link helps communicators advance their role in the field of social responsibility.
Generous Member Pricing
IABC develops numerous events and educational products throughout the year, including the annual International Conference which draws about 1500 communicators from around the world. Members get member pricing, as many times during the year as they like!
Membership Discounts
We've partnered with vendors to bring members discounts on products and services, and to
offer products and services members might not otherwise find available to them as an
individual (such as insurance). Legal restrictions prevent some products and services from worldwide availability.
Recognition: Accreditation and Awards Programs
IABC offers the opportunity for members to receive official recognition of their competence as business communicators and dedication to the profession…a valuable addition to any resume or C.V. Entry and/or application fees are offered at a significant discount to IABC members.
Accreditation
The "ABC" designation conferred by IABC acknowledges an individual's mastery of business communication, and is recognized throughout the world. A rigorous review of written and verbal tests, as well as a review of the candidate's portfolio are required for consideration. For more information, please consult the accreditation website.
Awards
IABC offers several awards, including the annual Gold Quill Awards, an international competition that provides an opportunity to receive expert evaluation of the entry against IABC's highest standards of excellence. IABC's other awards recognize service to IABC and/or accomplishment in the field of business communication.
A Note for your Employer
Communication with your employees and external audiences is vital to your business success. Learn more about how IABC membership adds value in the workplace.
What do our members say about IABC membership?
"IABC's resource materials and networking provided me with the quantifiable ammo required to influence senior management. I attribute my presence at the mahogany table in large part to IABC."
--Kellie Garrett, ABC, VP, Strategy, Knowledge & Communication
Farm Credit Canada
Regina, Saskatchewan Canada
"I've benefited (from membership) in many ways. As a young communicator, I was able to connect with and get ideas from people who had more experience than I. Being able to call someone saved time and helped build my skills and confidence. When I started my own business 18 years ago, my connections at IABC brought me most of my clients."
--Debra Conkey, President
Debra Conkey Communications
Laguna Beach, CA USA
"IABC is a wonderful network of people willing to share their knowledge and experiences with fellow practitioners. It is a very special association."
--P. Mark Drewell , Head of Corporate Communication
Barloworld Limited
Johannesburg, South Africa
"When I was ready to make a career change, my IABC friends kept an eye out for opportunities for me. I got a new job because of IABC."
--Adrienne Ciletti, Senior Editor
J.C. Penney Corporation
Plano, TX USA
"IABC was my stepping stone into higher levels of management. More precisely, serving as a chapter president allowed me to demonstrate to my current employer that I was ready for high-level responsibility and leadership."
--Susan K. Rogers, APR, Director, Member Relations & Marketing
Society for College and University Planning
Ann Arbor, MI USA
"IABC gave me the skills and contacts to find a great job, increase my salary and move ahead in a career I love."
--Heather Marks, Vice President, Change Management Communications
KeyCorp, Cleveland, Ohio USA
"I have been fortunate enough to live and work in Europe for more than two years because of IABC and its job board for communicators."
--Jeff Schmidt, Executive & Field Interaction
Hewlett-Packard International
Zurich, Switzerland
"Every project I've done in the last six years has come through someone I knew in IABC."
--Gloria Walker, ABC, FRSA, Consultant
Southall, England
"I have hired two IABC volunteers. They heard about my openings at meetings, and because I had seen them in action as volunteers, they came into the interview process in strong positions. ... Then there are all the friends I've made - at home and abroad! Knowing someone to have lunch with when you are traveling is so much fun. And when you need help, your IABC buddies are the world's best support system."
--Susan S. Rosthal, Director, Office of University Outreach
University of Houston
Houston, TX USA
"I recently took my boss out to lunch.I told him that skills I have developed through my involvement in IABC have had a direct positive impact on my job at Blue Cross. He agreed. I wouldn't be in my current position without the professional insights I have garnered from my IABC involvement."
--Karl W. Oestreich, ABC, Director, Media & Public Relations
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota
St. Paul, MN USA
"Through the power of the worldwide IABC network, I was able to place a team of my students with a Washington, DC-based member, working on an e-communication strategy for the World Bank. We were all delighted with the results of the collaboration. This project has also had a lasting impact on my students, and influenced the career choices of three in particular."
--Fiona Peterson, Program Leader, MA Virtual Communication
School of Creative Media, RMIT University
Melbourne, Victoria Australia
"Through IABC, I have gained business knowledge that supports my company's bottom line and I've forged professional friendships with people from around the globe!"
--Lisa Owens, Vice President of Public Relations
Regnier, Valdez & Associates
San Antonio, TX USA
"MyComm is a landmark achievement for the profession.I can't recall being this excited about a new technology since the introductions of spreadsheets and the World Wide Web."
--Charles Pizzo, Communications Consultant and Columnist, Ragan's PR Intelligence Report
New Orleans, LA USA
"IABC has made me a better communicator. By providing new perspectives and access to best practices and recommendations on strategic and logistical matters, IABC has helped me, and the association for which I work, respond effectively to the changing needs of our members. I've grown as a professional, the association has evolved, and the members are happy with the results."
--Kristen E. Sukalac, Head of Information and Communications
International Fertilizer Industry Association
Paris, France
"Being a member of IABC shows others that you're a professional-and that you are committed to continuing as a communications professional.Your membership becomes even more valuable when you work on a team or chair a committee. You meet some great people who share your interests, and broaden your knowledge of how other communicators handle various issues."
--Nancy Sarpolis, Internal Communications Manager - Vehicle Manufacturing
General Motors
Pontiac, MI USA
"In my short tenure as a member, IABC has already opened doors to new job opportunities, and given me access to invaluable knowledge. But what makes IABC really special is the people. I've never encountered such a fun, supportive and inspiring group before."
--Eric Green, Account Manager
Outcrop Communications Ltd.
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories Canada
"IABC is practically driving my freelance publishing business. I found two of my four major clients by networking at monthly chapter meetings."
--Kate Rein, freelance writer/designer
Wolf Creek Publications
Cleveland, OH USA
"Because of IABC, I have landed two great jobs in my past and met a network of FANTASTIC people! Thanks, IABC."
--Erica Brown, Director of Business Development
MC Group of Companies
New York City, NY USA
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