The Accessibility Advantage: Revolutionizing Brand Reputation
As PR and communications professionals, you know that your brand's reputation is everything. But today, how your brand is perceived goes far beyond just words—it's about actions, inclusivity, and accessibility. This presentation dives deep into the vital connection between brand reputation and digital accessibility, showing you how making your digital content accessible to all audiences isn't just the right thing to do—it's a powerful strategy for amplifying your brand's impact and credibility.
This practical and engaging session will help PR and communications pros with the tools and knowledge needed to elevate your brand's reputation through digital accessibility.
Key Takeaways
- Discover how digital accessibility directly influences brand reputation in our socially conscious and connected world.
- Learn how investing in accessibility can expand your audience reach, enhance user experience, and drive tangible business results.
- Gain practical insights on seamlessly integrating accessibility into your PR and communications strategies, ensuring your content is both inclusive and engaging.
- Explore ways to effectively communicate your commitment to accessibility, build deeper trust, and position your brand as a leader in the industry.
About Matisse Hamel-Neils
Matisse Hamel-Nelis is an award-winning Métis communications and digital accessibility consultant based in Toronto. With extensive public relations experience, Matisse is both the founder and principal of Matisse Nelis Consulting and a part-time professor at Durham College, where she developed and now leads the Public Relations Graduate Certificate program. She is the founder and host of PR & Lattes, a podcast and blog that provides a platform for communications professionals to share insights and ideas on public relations, marketing, and accessibility. Matisse is deeply committed to fostering inclusivity and accessibility in all her roles. Certified as an Accessible Documents Specialist (ADS) and a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) through the International Association of Accessibility Professionals, Matisse is a respected authority on accessibility in digital communications.
Alcantara Discusses IABC and Public Relations in October's South Jersey Magazine
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."
Committees
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Programming |
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Daniel Paulling is the Director of Communications and Publications at U.S. Masters Swimming, as well as the Editor-in-Chief of SWIMMER magazine. He develops and executes USMS’s internal and external communications and email marketing campaigns, and leads the organization’s content marketing strategy. He’s also a nationally-ranked swimmer in multiple events. |
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Communications Diane Streleckis |
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Diane Streleckis has dedicated her 30+-year career to understanding what people need from communications and then crafting content that fulfills those needs. Diane has created almost every form of content. Social media, videos, podcasts, blogs, news articles, sales and proposal materials, emails, presentations, and even full-blown white papers are all in her repertoire. She’s developed communication strategies for internal and external audiences in business-to-business and business-to-consumer communities, as well as the general public. Much of Diane’s experience is in the financial services industry, for organizations including American Century Investments, KPMG, and Vanguard. She’s also worked in several other industries, such as public affairs, advertising, and software. To get even better at creating connections through content, Diane is pursuing a Master of Science degree in Strategic and Digital Communications at Drexel University. |
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Diversity, Equity & Inclusion |
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Roy Woods Jr. is the Director of Communications for Springpoint, a nationally recognized senior living provider serving older adults and their families in the Mid-Atlantic region. Roy is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing communications to inform and engage internal audiences (employees, residents, members, and clients) and external audiences (prospects, families, and industry peers). He has over 16 years of communications experience in the public and non-profit sectors. Previously, he was a Senior Communications Technician with the Office of Information Technology for the State of New Jersey. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Thomas Edison State University and a Master of Communications and Media from Rutgers University. |
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As senior vice president, of corporate communications at Radian, Rashi is responsible for leading the development and implementation of the company’s corporate and business public relations including online print and social media channels; corporate and business brand experience; corporate philanthropy/social impact; corporate reputation and crisis management; event marketing; corporate and business creative services and executive/strategic employee communications strategies and programs. Rashi holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Communications, Journalism and Media Studies, and before joining Radian worked in various capacities in academia, government and corporate in communications roles of increasing and varied responsibility. She holds several postgraduate certificates in both internal and external communications and is a current holder of the IABC’s Communications Management Professional (CMP) certification. |
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Pam is a Principal and Senior Strategist with Power & Light Collaborative, a strategic growth consultancy that advises fintech and financial institutions. As a seasoned public relations leader, she has over two decades of experience in agency and corporate settings, managing high-performing cross-functional teams, implementing marketing and brand strategies, employee engagement initiatives, and effectively executing crisis communication plans. She has supported brands such as Toyota, Volvo, Honda, Mattel, and Nestle. Pam holds a master’s degree in professional communication from DePaul University. An active thought leader, she is an adjunct instructor at Temple University and a member of the International Association of Business Communicators, serving on the 2025 IABC World Conference planning committee. |
Welcome to IABC Philadelphia
Welcome to IABC Philadelphia - We unite business communicators in the greater Philadelphia area.
One of 100 chapters of the International Association of Business Communicators, IABC Philadelphia serves Southeastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and Delaware.
Our networking events, workshops and webinars bring together local professionals and influencers in corporate communications, public relations and marketing.
On January 14, Jessica Hallahan will deliver an engaging presentation on transforming stress into strength.
On January 23, network with members of PRSA, PPRA, AMA, Philly Ad Club, and several other regional marketing communications associations at the third annual Marcomm Super Meetup.
On February 6, Rebecca Bultsma will be our guest for a robust discussion on how to level up your crisis communication strategy with generative AI.
On February 19, Matisse Hamel-Neils will deliver a presentation on the accessibility advantage: revolutionizing brand reputation.
The International Association of Business Communicators was founded in 1970 and now has 8,000 members across 100 chapters. It organizes an annual, four-day World Conference, where attendees network and learn the latest tactics in everything from crisis management to employee engagement.
Join us today to expand your network, expertise, and circle of friends.
Check out all our upcoming programs.
About IABC Philadelphia
The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philadelphia Chapter is a membership-based trade association for business communicators, who live or work in southeastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, and Delaware. IABC Philadelphia represents one of the 100 chapters of IABC worldwide.
Mission
IABC Philadelphia empowers its members to be successful professional communicators by providing learning and development, networking and career enhancement opportunities.
We provide opportunities to further professional development, network with industry peers, and connect communications professionals with local companies and organizations.
The IABC Philadelphia Chapter provides educational programming, networking, job search assistance, job postings, and volunteer opportunities for its members and non-members. We represent a diverse array of expertise and experiences, including:
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IABC Philadelphia Chapter members also represent varied organizations, such as:
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Committed to helping its members advance their professional careers, IABC Philadelphia offers valuable opportunities to students, entry-level, mid-career and executive communicators.
If you would like to expand your knowledge, learn new skills or meet new friends, we invite you to join IABC Philadelphia.