Presented by Banfield's Digital Director Antra Balode.

Will new privacy regulations undermine our ability to meet people where they’re at? Antra will discuss content personalization as a way to create individual digital experiences, enhance user engagement—and maintain compliance.

What you may learn:

• The impact of privacy regulations
• Ways marketers are adapting
• What content personalization is
• The benefits of content personalization
• Examples of how to implement it
• Successful case studies

About Antra Balode

Antra is the Digital Director at Banfield, Ottawa's longest-standing marketing agency. There, she helps clients of all shapes and sizes make their digital properties, email campaigns, and interactive experiences as effective as possible. With a strong focus on content strategy, she is passionate about streamlining and optimizing digital experiences through Martech integration, AI, and personalized content. Whether it's refining website user journeys, enhancing email performance, or leveraging the latest tools for engagement, Antra thrives on making digital work smarter—not harder.

Member Meet Ups provide IABC Ottawa members with an opportunity to connect, socialize, and chat with other communication and marketing professionals. No cost, just you and other like-minded professionals connecting, sharing, and advancing the profession one Meet Up at a time.

Every meet-up may be slightly different. It may vary in theme, location and perhaps have a designated topic of conversation; this gives people the opportunity to start a structured conversation with colleagues. For virtual meet-ups a moderator facilitates the conversation. For in-person meet-ups the format is more casual; people are free to mingle and chat.

Session Overview

Objective: to equip senior level communicators with the strategic knowledge to effectively lead SEO in or for an organization.

The practice of SEO has evolved, and the rate of change is ever-increasing. It’s hard enough to keep up, but one of the most significant changes is Google’s move away from simple optimization tactics to a focus on EEAT - the experience, expertise, authority and trustworthiness of web content. While marketers and web teams are scrambling to shift their SEO strategy and determine exactly what that means from a ranking point of view–this shift creates an ideal opportunity for communicators to lead SEO efforts within an organization.

This full-day in-person workshop will equip communications leaders with the strategic and technical know-how to effectively lead SEO efforts within their organization and how to consider SEO and its impact in all communications efforts.

Key Learning Outcomes

• A leadership level understanding of SEO and its value to an organization, including key performance indicators and a structure to manage a cross functional team.

• An approach to SEO audit and strategy techniques that align with organizational priorities

• An overview of the technical knowledge and skills needed to manage staff responsible for implementing SEO

• AI’s influence on SEO and how it impacts your decision making

Join us for a Masterclass: Solving Communication Challenges!

A dynamic, consultant-led masterclass where business communication professionals come together to solve real-world communication challenges. In this interactive, lunchtime session, participants will troubleshoot their current communication issues. You’ll work alongside fellow professionals to craft actionable strategies, share insights, and leave with new tools for tackling communication obstacles in your own work. This is a perfect opportunity to learn from industry peers, enhance your problem-solving skills, and apply expert guidance to your communication challenges.

Your facilitator: Maria Ford
Clarifier of purpose. Facilitator of change.

Meaningful change begins with clarity. I help clients perfectly articulate verbal identity—for businesses, brands, organizations, and teams.

I bring clarity and confidence to leaders and champions at the front-end of change initiatives. Pivoting business models, entering new markets, rebranding, reimagining, reorganizing, adjusting to new realities, and getting “unstuck” are common situations I help to navigate through my Essential Story Process and ongoing coaching support.

Curiosity and creativity drive all that I do.

Prior to Phrase Strategy, I owned and operated Kaszas Marketing Inc. for sixteen years, helping businesses build and maintain effective B2B marketing and communications disciplines. I hold two degrees in English Language and Literature, have worked as a Professor of English in business and technical writing, and am a Prosci® Certified Change Practitioner. I am also a poet, book editor, dancer, and maker of glass beads.

Expertise includes:

• Strategic alignment, core messaging, and positioning strategy

• Strategic brand identity

• Change strategy, facilitation, and coaching

• Communications strategy

Are you ready to take your career to the next level? Join us at IABC Ottawa’s exclusive event featuring Andrew Dumont, a top recruiter and Partner at Boyden.

Whether you’re a senior or mid-level professional, or just starting your career journey, Andrew’s insights on the P.I.E. model are designed to help you thrive. If you’re in communications, marketing, customer experience, or a digital role, this event is your gateway to building a fulfilling career.

Here’s why you should attend:

Discover actionable career strategies to stay ahead in your field.

Connect with like-minded professionals and expand your network.

Gain tailored insights and get a chance to ask your questions to experts.

Event Details:

• Doors open: 5:30 p.m.

• Presentations begin: 6:00 p.m.

• Ticket includes pizza and one drink ticket

• Additional drinks will be available for purchase at the cash bar

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn and grow!

Member Meet Ups provide IABC Ottawa members with an opportunity to connect, socialize, and chat with other communication and marketing professionals. No cost, just you and other like-minded professionals connecting, sharing, and advancing the profession one Meet Up at a time.

Every meet-up may be slightly different. It may vary in theme, location and perhaps have a designated topic of conversation; this gives people the opportunity to start a structured conversation with colleagues. For virtual meet-ups a moderator facilitates the conversation. For in-person meet-ups the format is more casual; people are free to mingle and chat.

Celebrate the Holiday Season with the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Ottawa and the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) Ottawa-Gatineau Chapter!

Join two of Ottawa's communications associations—IABC Ottawa and CPRS Ottawa-Gatineau Chapter—for a festive holiday mixer. Enjoy an evening of delicious food, networking, and holiday cheer!

Event Details:

• Doors open: 6:00 p.m.

• Presentations begin: 6:30 p.m.

• Ticket includes hors d’oeuvres and one drink ticket

• Additional drinks will be available for purchase at the cash bar

• CPRS special promotion: Sign up for a CPRS student membership for $89 at the national office, and we’ll cover your admission to the party—no extra cost!

This year’s event features a special keynote from Kelly Rusk, founder and president at KRC Digital. Kelly will discuss emerging trends for 2025 across marketing, communications, and digital strategy—insights that will be valuable to anyone navigating the fast-evolving landscape of communications.

Important: We have adjusted the location to 3 Brasseurs on Sparks Street (rather than Bier Markt). See you there!

Member Meet Ups provide IABC Ottawa members with an opportunity to connect, socialize, and chat with other communication and marketing professionals. No cost, just you and other like-minded professionals connecting, sharing, and advancing the profession one Meet Up at a time.

Every meet-up may be slightly different. It may vary in theme, location and perhaps have a designated topic of conversation; this gives people the opportunity to start a structured conversation with colleagues. For virtual meet-ups a moderator facilitates the conversation. For in-person meet-ups the format is more casual; people are free to mingle and chat.

Date & Time: Tuesday, October 22, 2024, 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Location: Parle by Viet Fresh (313 Dalhousie Street)
Speaker: Craig Lobban - Banfield, Creative Director
Topic: Creative ideation in an AI world

Ready to kick off an exciting season with IABC Ottawa?

Join us for the 2024-2025 Season Opener and explore how AI is transforming the world of marketing and creativity at Parle by Viet Fresh! On Tuesday, October 22, we’re thrilled to have Craig Lobban, Creative Director at Banfield, share insights on the rise of generative AI in the creative process.

What you may learn:

• How AI works

• Types of generative AI tools

• How AI is used in marketing

• What it can and cannot do

• How AI stacks up in terms of creativity

This is your chance to learn from an industry expert, meet the IABC Ottawa board, and connect with fellow communicators and marketers. Whether you’re curious about the intersection of AI and creativity or eager to network with professionals in the communications field, this is an event you don’t want to miss!

Your ticket includes a complimentary drink and a selection of light bites, which you can enjoy throughout the event.

Join us for a casual evening at CRAFT as we kick off the new season of networking and connection!

This is the perfect opportunity to meet and mingle with fellow communications professionals. We’ve reserved a table, so feel free to drop in, grab a drink and catch up with familiar faces or introduce yourself to new ones.

Drinks and food are available for purchase, so no pressure - come as you are, and let’s enjoy a great evening together. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your journey in communications, all are welcome.

We look forward to seeing you there!

It’s time to celebrate the close of another great season at IABC Ottawa! 🎉 

Join us as we reflect on our successes and look ahead to next year. We will celebrate our award winners, welcome new Board members, and hear from this year’s Communicator of the Year. IABC members will be invited to vote as part of our AGM during the event.

Enjoy connecting with Ottawa’s premier network of industry professionals, communicators, and creative minds over great food and drinks all evening!

IABC Ottawa's Communicator of the Year!

IABC Ottawa is pleased to announce that this year's Communicator of the Year award goes to the...

National Capital Commission Social Media Team

• Mélanie Amyotte, Director, Strategic Media

• Aaron Bell, Social Media Advisor

• Caitlin O’Higgins, Social Media Advisor

• Cassandra Demers, Stratège de contenu

• France Charlebois, Marketing Advisor

We are so happy to honour the team with this award for their innovation, creativity and success at reaching Ottawa residents in a highly saturated digital environment with their informative, timely, digestible, and fun content. We look forward to hearing more about their process and best practices, when Aaron Bell and Caitlin O'Higgins deliver the keynote presentation at this End-of-Year event. Don't miss it!

Join IABC Ottawa members for our monthly meetup!

We gather every month in a casual setting to discuss personal and professional challenges, successes and ideas. It’s a great chance to network and meet new peers in the communications profession in Ottawa and to catch up with old friends and colleagues.

Everyone is welcome!