Cooking Up a Successful Communication Career
Year-end celebration to be held June 27, 2007 from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. at
The Chopping Block at The Merchandise Mart, Suite 107


Did you join us for Cooking Up a Successful Communication Career?
If not, here's what you missed.

By Trish Rios, Freelance Writer

Mixing culinary and career advice proved to be the icing-on-the-cake event for IABC/Chicago’s 2007 program year, during which a dozen professional development events were attended by more than 600 chapter members and guests.

Cooking Up a Successful Communication Career was presented at The Chopping Block at the Merchandise Mart on June 27, where attendees gleaned and dished out career advice from each other, and from the event’s distinguished moderator and panelists.

Guest speaker and panel moderator Vickie Austin, founder of CHOICES Worldwide in Wheaton, shared insights on how to reach one’s fullest potential in communications/PR – whether as a full-time employee or as an entrepreneur. Austin’s career ‘recipe’ included:

• Make time to do a self-assessment
• Always have a business plan for the present and future (and make changes accordingly as your career and goals evolve), and
• Have your arsenal or portfolio of work ready and up-to-date for when searching for your next dream job.

After a participative cooking demonstration by The Chopping Block’s chef instructor and a few audience volunteers, the program continued with a discussion among Austin and panelists Karen Bloom, principal of Bloom, Gross & Associates; Jadey Ryndak, regional manager of Paladin; and Mark Ragan, CEO of Ragan Communications.

Ragan addressed the importance of social and business Web sites (i.e., Facebook, MyRagan, LinkedIn) in the Information Age and how it can assist networking professionals.

Giving her positive assessment on the state of the PR/communication industry, Bloom informed attendees what some may already have known – that PR/communication professionals are a respected and in-demand breed.

And according to recruiting professional Ryndak, employers are looking for professionals who can use the latest technology to enhance internal and external communications.

Event Details:

Cost:
$40 for pre-registered IABC members ($60 at the door)
$60 for pre-registered non-members
Includes first drink, then cash bar

Great chefs never satiate their appetites for new techniques, flavors and dining experiences. They gather tips to perfect their skills by consuming great meals and savory knowledge from experts worldwide.

Likewise, great communicators know their careers need constant nurturing. Whether learning a new skill to secure a promotion, taking on a big project to stretch talents, or understanding employment trends in the marketplace, communicators need to regularly spice up their careers.

IABC Chicago brings together culinary and career advice in a one-of-a-kind, year-end celebration that will be held on Wednesday, June 27, 2007 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to arrive on time to enjoy the full experience. When guests arrive they will be able to explore The Chopping Block and enjoy a cocktail before the formal program commences promptly at 6:00 p.m.

Designed to be interactive and fun, Cooking Up a Successful Communication Career, will provide an array of opportunities to learn, taste, talk and create.

The First Course will whet your appetite with advice from one of the nation’s leading career coaches. Vickie Austin, founder of CHOICES Worldwide, will share the insights she has gained not only as a communications and marketing professional, but also coaching business and executive clients through career transitions since 1997.

The Second Course will encourage communicators to get cooking – literally – as The Chopping Block chef instructor shares great recipes and preparation tips that will get attendees involved in playful and fun demonstrations. Ample appetizers and an array of small plate specialties will be in abundance to eat and enjoy!

The Third Course will offer the perfect finishing touch, as a panel of leading communications career experts will join Vicki in an interactive conversation with IABC Chicago attendees. Adding their recipes and career tips will be: Karen Bloom, principal of Bloom, Gross & Associates; Jadey Ryndak, regional manager of Paladin; and Mark Ragan, CEO of Ragan Communications.

IABC Chicago members who register by June 22, 2007 will experience all that Cooking Up a Successful Communication Career will offer for a special rate of $40 per person. Non-members and walk-in guests will pay $60 each to attend.

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