AI is changing our comms strategies - ready or not. But how do you know what’s real, what’s hype, and what's coming next? Join us for this practical, interactive masterclass and learn how to strategically integrate AI forecasting into your communication planning. You'll map out future risks with proven, simple visual frameworks, leverage AI-powered research to pinpoint exactly what matters to your key stakeholders, and test new messages to uncover hidden problems and golden opportunities - before you ever hit “send” or "publish."  You'll walk away with a clear, one-page AI Messaging Playbook that captures your stakeholder insights, priority risks, and strategic next steps to keep your comms sharp, strategic, trusted, and ahead of predictable pitfalls. You'll also walk away knowing how to:

• Map and forecast the most important AI trends affecting your organization
• Leverage powerful AI research tools to uncover exactly what your audiences think, want, and worry about
• Build vivid, accurate stakeholder personas that spotlight communication risks and opportunities
• Quickly test ideas and messages against stakeholder personas to ensure your communications resonate AI won’t wait - and neither should your communication strategy. Sign up today to get the clarity, tools, and confidence you need to stay ahead.

AI won't wait - and neither should your communication strategy. Sign up today to get the clarity, tools and confidence you need to stay ahead.

About Rebecca Bultsma, AI Trainer, Speaker, and Consultant

As an internationally accredited communications professional and sought-after AI trainer, speaker, and consultant, Rebecca focuses on empowering communicators to integrate AI into their workflows confidently and ethically. She brings over 16 years of strategic communication and public relations experience to her work, having led communication strategies for diverse audiences in the K-12 education sector in Canada. Her extensive knowledge of AI is grounded in two years of dedicated research and practical application across various industries, and she is currently deepening her understanding of ethical AI principles with a Masters degree in Data and Artificial Intelligence Ethics at the University of Edinburgh.

Rebecca is known for her contagious enthusiasm and ability to draw on her extensive professional communications experience to bridge the gap between complex concepts and practical applications and make AI accessible, engaging, and relevant for every audience. Passionate about human-AI collaboration and ethical AI adoption, she is adamant that successful communication in the age of AI is about empowering people to leverage technology to connect more authentically, build stronger relationships, and create a lasting impact.

Outside of her work, Rebecca is a devoted wife to her high school sweetheart, mother of four college students, and Frenchie mom, proving that it IS possible to chase big dreams, raise a family, and still find time for mountain hikes—all while navigating the ever-evolving world of AI.

Featuring Ben Wise & Darren Chiu

Contrary to popular belief, sales and negotiation are skills that can be learned, not innate talents reserved for a few. While many frameworks exist, the tactical skills to implement them effectively are often neglected. This webinar aims to bridge that gap by incorporating research from psychology, behavioral economics, and influence.

Three Session Takeaways:

• Understand the psychology of influence and persuasion
• Learn the 3 Basic Human Truths of change and decision making
• Apply key psychological principles in your day-to-day role

View the promo video

About the Speakers

Ben Wise and Darren Chiu are the co-founders of Captivate, where they transform the art and science of persuasion into actionable strategies. As leading authorities on persuasion psychology, they bring unmatched energy and insight to audiences at industry conferences, private events, and professional development programs with their research-backed, results-driven approach.

Ben Wise brings 15 years of advertising expertise as Google's Head of Programmatic Media, where he shapes the future of digital advertising. A dedicated community leader, Ben serves on the Daily Bread Food Bank Board and mentors high-growth startups on sales strategy and market penetration. His unique blend of corporate leadership and philanthropic impact offers audiences actionable insights on influence, leadership, and strategic growth.

Darren Chiu, a Strategy Lead at Google, architects breakthrough marketing strategies across diverse industries. His innovative approach combines 12 years of business acumen with the dynamic creativity of professional storytelling. Recently named an Emerging Leader in Advertising & Sales by The Peak (2023), Darren brings a distinctive perspective that merges strategic thinking with engaging communication. His talent for comedic storytelling adds an unexpected dimension to his presentations, making complex concepts accessible and memorable.

by Katrina Hook - The power of AI is infiltrating nearly every element of daily life. What does this mean for the communications industry?

Matt Russell, Principal Business Analyst at Mayo Clinic, advocates for riding the generative AI wave.  “Generative AI tools can help you work smarter, not harder, and if used correctly, can help you do your best possible work,” he says.

by Katrina Hook - Nancy Harhut started her career in a marketing agency. Working on campaigns for various companies got her thinking: What gets people to say yes? “I’ve had a long-term interest in why people do what they do, and how we can make the most of that influence,” she says. “When we sent something out into the world, we wanted people to read it and respond.” Years of research later, Nancy has five tips and tricks to maximize your influence on your audience.

by Katrina Hook - As the world changes, communicating effectively requires empathy and understanding. Communications strategist Arlene Amitirigala is a film believer that mindfulness, self-awareness, and listening are the keys to compassion.

In today's rapidly evolving workplace, AI isn't just another tech trend—it's a transformative force that can dramatically enhance productivity and innovation. But how do you move your organization from AI anxiety to enthusiastic adoption?

Join us as Shel Holtz shares Webcor's success story in introducing generative AI tools across Webcor. This engaging 45-minute session reveals the communication strategies that turned skeptical employees into confident AI users who now leverage these powerful tools in their daily work.

What you'll discover:

• Demystifying AI through storytelling – Craft internal communications that transform complex AI concepts into relatable, accessible narratives that resonate with employees at all technical levels
• Building momentum through strategic pilot programs – Learn how to identify and engage early adopters who can become your AI champions and help create organization-wide excitement
• The art of effective prompting – Master practical techniques for developing clear, powerful prompts that unlock AI's full capabilities and deliver meaningful results
• Navigating the human side of technological change – Discover proven approaches to address concerns, build trust, and align AI initiatives with both organizational goals and employee needs

Don't miss this opportunity to gain actionable insights that will position you as a strategic leader in your organization's AI journey. Leave equipped with the tools to transform how your colleagues perceive and utilize this game-changing technology.

Watch the promo video

About Shel Holtz

Shel Holtz is senior director of communications at Webcor, a commercial builder in California. He brings to the job more than 45 years of experience in employee communications, corporate public relations, crisis communications, media relations, financial communications, investor relations, marketing communications, and compensation and benefits communications.

In addition to integrating technology into communications strategies, his expertise includes strategic communications planning, change management, organizational culture, business initiatives, and communications research.

Before joining Webcor in 2017, he had consulted independently for more than 20 years as principal of Holtz Communication + Technology, working with organizations worldwide to employ technology in their communications, from email and intranets to social media.

Earlier in his career, Shel was director of corporate communications for Allergan and Mattel and spent time at two global human resources consulting firms. His first job in the organizational communication field was with energy company ARCO in Los Angeles as an internal communications representative.

He has written six communication-themed books and is co-host of the first and longest-running communication-focused podcast, “For Immediate Release,” which debuted in early January 2005. Shel is a certified Strategic Communication Management Professional and an Accredited Business Communicator.

Shel has been a regular speaker globally on topics surrounding the application of online technology to strategic communication. He is a Fellow of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), a Senior Fellow of the Conference Board’s Marketing and Communication Center, and a Founding Research Fellow at the Team Flow Institute. He is a certified Strategic Communication Management Professional and an Accredited Business Communicator. Shel served six years on IABC’s international executive board and is a five-time winner of IABC’s Gold Quill award. He began his career as a newspaper reporter and editor after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from California State University, Northridge. He lives with his wife and their dog in Concord, California.

by Sophia Pasquariello - Meet Bill, a longtime member and leader within IABC Philadelphia, whose dedication to the organization has helped shape its success over the years. Whether serving as chapter president, mentoring fellow communicators, or contributing to key projects, Bill has been a key figure in ensuring the chapter remains a valuable resource for communication professionals.

by Sophia Pasquariello - In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become an all-too-familiar companion. But what if there was a way to manage stress, understand it, and transform how we deal with it?

By Diane Streleckis - Technology has transformed how people work from interacting more via video calls and chat (even when we’re in the same office) to having generative artificial intelligence (AI) as an assistant or even a co-worker. How has all this technology affected the human need to connect with others who can help us develop as professionals?

by Sophia Pasquariello -  Amy Ashmen, a dedicated IABC Philadelphia board member, currently serves as the national director of communications at Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health.

by Sophia Pasquariello - Everyone wants to deliver presentations that make an impact. However, even the most experienced speakers can find themselves questioning their effectiveness. Communication professionals face an additional challenge, as they’re often in the role of advising others on presenting rather than presenting themselves. Presentation expert Meridith Grundei, founder of Grundei Coaching, has insights on bridging the gap and turning good presentations into unforgettable ones.

IABC Philadelphia's president, Rick Alcantara, discusses public relations, professional development, AI and more in the October issue of South Jersey Magazine. "His number 1 piece of advice for companies looking to communicate effectively in today's landscape is to 'walk the walk.' In other words, don't just recite certain platitudes, but actually back them up by conducting business in an ethical manner."

by Diane Streleckis - Ask a communication professional the ultimate goal of any message and they’ll likely say creating trust. Former two-star Navy Admiral and current Fortune 100 aerospace company VP Mike Manazir agrees. 

“Effective leadership is founded on trust,” he said. “Communication portrays that trust.” Most importantly, he noted, people follow those that they trust.

Mark your calendar for January 23 when the Marcom Super Meetup returns to Philadelphia. The third annual networking event will be open to members of several Philadelphia-area PR, marketing and advertising associations, including IABC, PRSA, Philly Ad Club, PPRA, AMA and others. Details will be coming in the next few weeks.

By Diane Streleckis - This highly charged election cycle can be particularly fraught for communication professionals. Leaders often want to share their policy perspectives or feel pressured to do so by expectant employees or stakeholders. But the risks to the company’s public perception, as well as a leader’s individually, can be high if a message goes awry.

Renew your IABC dues in October for a chance to receive complimentary registration to Alex Sevigny's AI Master Class, Part 2. You'll also receive access to Part 1.

Renew here.

The new IABC International website is live. It's colorful, easy to navigate, and loaded with professional development resources. The homepage lists IABC events from around the globe. www.iabc.com

By Diane Streleckis - The nature of politics means politicians are used to being interviewed on video. But just because they do it often doesn’t mean they’re immune from common missteps. Kerry Barrett, founder of media-training firm Kerry Barrett Consulting. and an Emmy-winning broadcast journalist, shared four anecdotes highlighting what communication professionals can look out for, whether they’re on camera or advising business leaders and colleagues.

Our August 6 masterclass on prompt writing for communication professionals drew several live attendees and 33 virtual guests. The online participants hailed from California, D.C., Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia and Edmonton, Canada.

Greg Matusky, CEO of Gregory FCA. delivered the engaging and informative presentation from his company's office in Ardmore, PA.