Speed Networking: Learn from Six Industry Professionals at the AWCAustin March Luncheon

If you’ve never been to an AWC event or haven’t found time in your schedule to join us over the last few months, our March luncheon is one not to miss. For this luncheon, we’re trying sometime a little different from the typical format. Instead of hosting a panel discussion, were dividing the room into six tables, each with a special AWC member acting as host. Every table will have its own topic and there will be enough time for participants to visit two tables throughout the course of the lunch.

For an inside look at what you could learn at our March 21st event, read more details on topics and table leaders below, then register for your favorite two!

• Topic 1: Strategic PR Efforts that Deliver Results hosted by Anne Lasseigne Tiedt, APR,Co-Owner of Momentum Public Relations, LLC
  What do you hope attendees will gain from your session?
  On March 1, 2012, the national office of the Public Relations Society of America updated its definition of public relations. Reflecting on this new definition, our discussion will focus on how public relations can move a business or mission forward, while also delivering results that matter most to stated goals.Why is this topic important for communicators?
  Our ever-expanding communications tool box makes it easier than ever to connect and influence specific audiences. I believe the strongest communication programs evaluate all of the possible communications channels and pair together the ones that will poise you for success. I also believe that public relations should always be part of the strategic solution.

• Topic 2: Poised, Polished, Prepared – Communicating Your Personal Brand Effectively hosted by Julie Lara, AICI FLC, Certified Image Consultant
  What do you hope attendees will gain from your session?
  Attendees will understand why effective non-verbal communication is critical to their success. I’ll explain the mental and physical attributes required to have a poised professional presence, grooming and wardrobe tips to present a “polished” professional appearance and the intellectual and social skills needed to be “prepared” for any business or social situation.
  
  Why is this topic important for communicators?
  A communicator’s ability to connect with others in a face-to-face situation and to express their value non-verbally is equally as important as continually developing their hard skills for writing, blogging, creating web, video or other communication products.

• Topic 3:The Process of Writing a Nonfiction Book, Liz Carmack, Liz Carmark Communications
  What do you hope attendees will gain from your session?
  Attendees will be given an overview of the key steps involved in producing a nonfiction book. I’ll cover some of the practical realities of the process – from developing your idea to promoting the book once it’s published. And I’ll give tips for how to avoid problems and stay on track with the project.Why is this topic important for communicators?
  The possibility of becoming a published author is greater than ever before with the ability to self-publish, to create ebooks, etc.  Many communicators want to write a book to brand themselves as an expert on a particular topic or they may have a compelling story to tell and a nonfiction book is the way to do that.  Some may want to produce a book to diversify their income.

• Topic 4: Social Media: Why Your Most Powerful Strategy is Being Yourself, Ilene Haddad, Creator of BlogathonATX
  What do you hope attendees will gain from your session?
  I hope to show attendees that being themselves and opening up a little online can be not only a strength but, dare I say it, a real business strategy.
  
  Why is this topic important for communicators?
  Authentic online engagement is a powerful tool for making connections and sharing information.

 

• Topic 5: Testify! Putting Customer Testimonials to Work for Your Brand hosted by Julie Wickert, True Story CommunicationWhat do you hope attendees will gain from your session?
  The takeaways from the Testify! table will be practical tips and lessons learned from my experience creating testimonial programs for clients, so that attendees can put testimonials to work for their own business, their employer, or their clients.

  Why is this topic important for communicators?
  This is an important topic for any communicator engaged in persuasion, because testimonials are among the most powerful persuasive tools we have.

• Topic 6: Making WordPress Work for You hosted by Amy Hufford, Stellar Communications
  What do you hope attendees will gain from your session?
  I hope to be able to help those who have never used WordPress as well as current users. For example questions like:
  • Why WordPress versus other web site platforms?
  • How do I pick the right keywords to help with search engine optimization?
  • Where should I turn for training?

Why is this topic important for communicators?
WordPress is the go-to platform these days for not only blogging, but also for building and managing entire web sites. For communicators, WordPress is particularly good because it allows one or more site editors to add and edit content from any web browser or even a smartphone. The bottom line is that communicators who use WordPress can have more direct and code-free control over content as well the design and functionality of the site when compared with web site content management systems of the past.

While all the topics look fascinating, remember you will only be able to fit two rounds into our luncheon time slot, so choose wisely when you register.
We invite you to bring a friend and learn something new at our annual speed networking luncheon.
Hope to see you there!

Photo uploaded to Flickr Creative Commons.