“Let Me Get This Straight”: When Identity Politics Becomes Identity Language

Plenty of articles have been written about achieving gender parity in the PR profession. But what nobody’s talking about is the collision course we’re heading for as communicators when gender parity meets gender neutrality. Can we—should we—be gender-agnostic in the workplace? What are the issues? How can communicators influence the conversatio

On January 22,  Michael Deas, ABC, SCMP, took us on a deep-dive into this topic, comparing current AP style guidelines with practical workplace realities. 

Our presenter:
Michael Deas, ABC, SCMP
Director of Communications and Public Relations, Volkert, Inc.

Michael Deas, ABC, SCMP, is at his heart a teacher and a writer but professionally, he has never been either of those. Instead, he has poured his ability into a variety of roles over his 34-year career: editor, missionary, translator, marketing manager, corporate communications manager, and communications director. Currently, Mike leads all internal and external communication at Volkert, Inc., an infrastructure engineering firm based in Franklin, Tennessee. Prior to this position, Mike was an independent consultant with Ideas Abound, LLC, a marketing communications agency that he and his wife Colleen owned and operated.

Mike has been a member of IABC for 23 years, a past president of IABC South Carolina, an Accredited Business Communicator since 2004, and a Strategic Communication Management Professional since October 2018. Mike is also a fluent German speaker and certified translator and interpreter.

His wide range of experience in communication roles–for companies large and small, public and private, for-profit and nonprofit, on both sides of the Atlantic, in two languages–equips him with insight on the challenges facing today’s communicators.

Love That Heals + A Brand That Delivers: A Case Study on Thistle Farms

Since its founding in 1997, Thistle Farms has become one of the region’s fastest growing nonprofit social enterprises dedicated to helping women survivors recover and heal from prostitution, trafficking, and addiction. From providing a two-year residential program and medical services to offering on-the-job training and employment opportunities, Thistle Farms has empowered hundreds of women to overcome their past adversities through the most powerful force in the world: love. 

Join us Wednesday, May 15, for an in-depth conversation with Thistle Farms CEO Hal Cato, as he shares his insights on one of Nashville’s unique and beloved nonprofits.

Event information:

Schedule:

11:30am-12pm – Networking
12:00pm-1pm – Panel Discussion and lunch

Location:

The Cafe at Thistle Farms 
5122 Charlotte Avenue
Nashville, TN 37209

About the event: 

This interactive presentation will include an overview of:

  • Thistle Farms’ recent brand refresh
  • Evolution of Thistle Farms’ business model and financial structure 
  • Understanding nonprofit audiences 
  • Brand messaging and authenticity 

About our presenter: 
Hal Cato, CEO, Thistle Farms 

Thistle Farms’ fearless leader since 2015, Hal embraces the ever-changing nature of his day-to-day role as CEO. Whether leading a board meeting, weighing in on product development, getting to know the new women at one of the residences, or driving the mission in any number of ways, Hal keeps his eyes on the end goal: healing and employing survivors. Hal is uniquely qualified to address both the mission and the business of Thistle Farms given this extensive experience in the nonprofit and private sector, which includes founding Hands On Nashville, The Youth Opportunity Center, The Bright Horizons Foundation for Children, Zeumo, as well as serving as CEO for the Oasis Center from 2001-2011. Hal has been recognized as “Nashvillian of the Year” by the Nashville Scene and “Best in Business – Nonprofit Sector” by the Nashville Business Journal. 

Reserve your spot! 

Register today – we look forward to seeing you! 

  

Telling the Nashville Story: How top communicators “sell” our city

From Broadway to Bellevue and everywhere in between, Nashville has become one of the top destinations in our country for commerce, leisure, and creativity.

What are the factors that have made Nashville the “It City” in America over the past few years, and how can we tell that story to our audiences to elevate our local brands? 

Join us Wednesday, April 17 for an in-depth panel discussion with some of Nashville’s most well-respected communicators as they share their insights on how to maximize our city’s unique attributes to benefit your brand.

Panelists

Heather Middleton
Vice President of Public Relations
Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.

Dawn Cornelius
Vice President of Marketing & Communications
Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce

Ashley Bright
Vice President
Nashville Downtown Partnership

Moderator:
Nekasha Pratt, PMP

Director of Marketing
Tennessee Department of Tourist Development

Event schedule:

11:30am-12pm – Networking
12:00pm-1pm – Panel Discussion and lunch

This lively discussion will include:

  • Understanding current audiences visiting and relocating to our area
  • Highlighting Nashville’s unique attributes
  • How to maximize our city’s resources for your brand

Parking / transportation information 

  • Ride share options: Uber / Lyft 
  • Waller Law Parking Garage on Union Street (58 visitors spots) — validated by Waller Law. 
  • Open Lot (as part of the Waller Law building) on 6th Avenue
  • Valet at the Hermitage Hotel – $13 up to 2 hours, $18 over 2 hours.
  • Parking garages at the Library or McKenzie Methodist Church (one block away) 

Reserve your spot!

Register today – We can’t wait to see you there! 

Pitch Perfect: Mastering the Art of Media Relations

Three journalists, three different media outlets, one question: is your brand “newsworthy?” Whether you are in the marketing and advertising industry, retail, or something as intricate as bioengineering, assisting the media’s ability to reach you is essential to the longevity and relevancy of businesses everywhere.

Join IABC Nashville Wednesday, March 20, for an in-depth panel discussion with some of the city’s most well-respected journalists as they share their insights on how to sharpen your storytelling skills and establish a good rapport with the media.

Panelists:

Stephanie Langston
Emmy-nominated reporter, WKRN

Ashley Haugen
Managing Editor, StyleBlueprint

Joel Stinnett
Reporter, Nashville Business Journal

Moderator:

Paul Ladd
Senior Correspondent & Director of Listener Response, World Christian Broadcasting

This lively discussion will cover best practices for business communicators reaching out to news outlets including:

  • Researching Your Story Angle
  • Anticipating Journalist Needs
  • Proper Introductions and Correspondence
  • Practicing Good Habits and Earning Favor

Event schedule:

11:30am-12pm – Networking
12:00pm-1pm – Panel Discussion and lunch

Register today

error

Enjoy this blog? Please spread the word :)