• Historic Hilton Hotel, downtown Fort Worth
• $147 single/double, $157 triple, $167 quad
• Registration and opening reception Friday evening, March 23
• Registration continues 8 a.m. Saturday, March 24
• Opening session 8:30 a.m. • Conference closes 5 p.m.
watch for details
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MEETINGS
Brush up on your two-minute pitch and print a new batch of business cards, as
speed networking kicks off IABC Fort Worth’s 2012 season at a new (very familiar) location, Joe T. Garcia’s. As you work the room, you’ll also meet recruiters specializing in creative and communication talent. Bring
the résumé.
Similar to speed dating, speed networking involves professionals meeting briefly
and then sliding to the next chair. A facilitator — think square-dance caller — ensures that everyone changes partners frequently and gets to meet as many
fellow networkers as possible.
“Speed dating is done to eliminate potential suitors and keep from wasting time
on people with whom you share no common interests and no mutual attraction,” business networking specialist Ivan Misner explains in an entrepreneur.com article. With speed networking, presumably you follow up with only those you connect
with. “The key to making speed networking work,” Misner writes, “is to take those contacts and develop them over time into ‘credible’ relationships that lead to referral partners.”
Time & date: check-in 10:45 a.m., program 11:30 Tuesday, Feb. 28
Place: the Villa at Joe T. Garcia’s, 2201 N. Commerce St., Fort Worth
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And the Winner Is ... YOU
Know what it takes to create a top-tier campaign? Gigi Westerman, APR, of Strategic Image and Mark Brinkerhoff from Moroch PR have copious street cred in this area and at the next meeting
will share lessons learned and discuss the benefits of submitting campaigns for
recognition. A special awards announcement will follow the presentations.
Westerman helped Tarrant County Public Health win a 2011 Silver Spur for “Live a More Colorful Life!,” a grant-funded assault on obesity by encouraging people to consume more fresh
fruits and vegetables. In 2001 Westerman founded Strategic Image, a full-range
marketing and PR firm targeting businesses and nonprofits. She has won two
Silver Spurs, a Best of Texas award from the Texas Public Relations Association
and Platinum and Gold Hermes and MarCom creative awards, as well as awards from
the Associated Press, the International Television Association, the Telly
Awards and The Communicator.
Brinkerhoff won a 2011 Silver Spur for “Summer Social,” a campaign that illustrated how to activate and monetize an online community,
offline. With nearly a decade of public relations and marketing experience, he
helps oversee Moroch’s social media and digital content strategy. His work has been honored by TPRA
and other organizations, and he recently was a PR News CSR awards finalist in
the First Choice Power “Food First” hunger action program.
Time & date: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8
Place: Colonial Country Club, 3735 Country Club Circle, Fort Worth
Cost: members $25, nonmembers $35, students $20 (walk-ups add $5)
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STRAIGHT STUFF
Dance students directed by Ellen Page Shelton, head of the TCU School for Classic and Contemporary Dance, will trip the light
fantastic at the TCU Guild luncheon, 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, in Erma Lowe
Hall (formerly the Dance Building) on the campus. Cost is $15; guests are
welcome. RSVP by Feb. 10 to Mary Lou Kelly, 817-688-9298. The Guild funds nine scholarships in the TCU Colleges of Fine
Arts and Communication. ...
Veteran writer/reporter/editor/blogger Christine Perez will discuss writing for magazines and newspapers at the Writers’ Guild of Texas meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 20, at the Richardson Public
Library. Third-Monday early-birds: March 19, Carmen Goldthwaite, narrative nonfiction; April 16, Mike Farris, literary agents; May 21, Rachel Simeone, high-impact book marketing. • Improve your writing/editing skills at WGT PCS (planned critique sessions),
third Wednesday of the month, Richardson Public Library basement, 7-8:45 p.m.
Participants present their own work and receive feedback from fellow members.
E- Earl Stubbs, earlstubbs34@gmail.com. • More at writersguildoftexas.org/joomla/. Send calendar items to Carol Woods at carol.woods@verizon.net.
IABC local update: In a move to better meet the needs of chapter members, IABC Fort Worth’s 2012 schedule will feature a variety of relevant programs at venues across
Fort Worth. The format stalls a meetings price increase, except for students,
who will now pay $20. Members pay $25 and nonmember professionals $30. As
before, meetings are scheduled around lunchtime on the fourth Tuesday of the
month.
IABC local update II: Laugh while you learn. Merrie Spaeth, a pioneer in communication theory and executive training with a background in
media, government, politics, business and entertainment, will discuss “Humor as a Leadership Tool” at the IABC Dallas luncheon Tuesday, Feb. 14. Info here.
