education

IABC International Conference

The IABC International Conference is the leading international forum of its kind. More than 1,400 business communication professionals—decision makers in leading industries around the world—gather annually to learn the latest developments and best practices in communication and make connections that will advance their communication programs and careers.

Conference Session: Issues Roundtable 1

Issues Roundtable 1 / Social responsibility: To brand or not to brand?

Date: Monday, 23 June
Time: 7:15–8:15 a.m.
Track: Communication Leadership

Organizations large and small are embracing social responsibility (SR). But is it genuine commitment or just good PR? Does it make a difference? This interactive session will examine the pros and cons of branding an organization's social responsibility efforts.

Participants will also begin a dialogue to address these questions:

• How important is social responsibility to an organization's brand?
• Is it better to actively promote your actions, or adopt a more subtle grassroots approach?
• What role should you, the communicator, play in developing your organization's approach?

Presenter / Michael Zimet / Pennsylvania, USA, is president of Dialogue Solutions, a management consultancy. His firm assesses employee morale, attitudes and issues to provide insights and strategic counsel that help clients improve employee communication and engagement. Zimet previously served as architect and head of IBM's worldwide Speak Up program. He is chair of IABC's advocacy work group and a member of the Social Responsibility subcommittee.