By Trace Ulland
Back for a second year, the day-long Convergence Summit is set for March 24, 2017. Planning is underway, and the committee is looking for presenters to help fill out the day.
A joint effort between the University of Minnesota School of Journalism and Mass Communication and IABC Minnesota, the summit brings together experts from both the business and academic realms to explore the changes and challenges convergence presents for business communicators. The sessions will explore cutting-edge theories alongside real-world case studies to help you learn how to build your organization’s reputation, connect with your audiences, and influence stakeholders in this ever-changing environment.
The theme “convergence” focuses on converging issues, trends, or areas within the communication profession. Examples from last year involve the convergence of:
• marketing and communication within organizational structure
• social media marketing and consumer trust
• brand alignment and corporate social responsibility
New this year, the summit will include a foundation track with speakers focused on practical, how-to information for communicators new in their career.
The Call for Presenters is available on the Convergence Summit website. Deadline for proposals is Friday, Dec. 4, 2016. Questions may be sent to clschmieg@gmail.com.
The Convergence Summit will be held at the McNamara Center at the University of Minnesota. Look for more information about the summit, including an early-bird registration offer in the coming weeks.
Trace Ulland is a member of the 2016 Convergence Summit planning committee and a past-president for IABC Minnesota.
