Special Interest Groups

Special interest groups (SIGs) help you develop skills, increase your knowledge and expand your network. Our groups are:

Tech/SIG

Tech/SIG focuses on the convergence of new media, technology and organizational communication. The group:

  • meets the second Thursday of each month from 7:30-9 a.m. at Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation (enter under the sign that says Kauffman Foundation rather than the “conferences” entrance). Please RSVP with facilitator Keith Mays.
  • features topical roundtable discussions and encourages participants to bring laptops and other technology to meetings
  • strives to provide a hands-on experience (as much as the monthly topic allows), where participants experiment with hardware, software and interactive technology
  • maintains an online presence (blog, Facebook, etc.) to foster ongoing discussion between meetings
  • is free to members; non-members* pay $10 to attend (the host asks that no outside food be brought into the facility; however lunch is available at the Kauffman cafteria)

For questions about Tech/SIG, contact Keith Mays, the point person for the group.

*If you’re not a member of KC/IABC, visit the Why Join? and member resources pages more information, or join now.

Entrepreneurs Special Interest Group

KC/IABC’s Entrepreneurs special interest group is a forum for self-employed communicators to share ideas about managing and marketing their businesses. The group invites participation from communications consultants, writers, editors, graphic artists, photographers, website developers and other business communicators. Lisa Mallow (913.385.2232) coordinates the group’s activities.

Entrepreneurs group members are available as a resource to both KC/IABC members and non-members. These experienced communicators can expand the capabilities of your in-house staff, handle special projects or meet seasonal workload requirements. Download a directory of the group’s members to find an appropriate resource. Members share resources, viewpoints and work assignments via an e-mail discussion list.

The group meets monthly and for periodic programs, with a meeting format of informal presentations or roundtable discussions on topics relevant to self-employed communicators. Monthly meetings are scheduled over lunch and are free for KC/IABC members. *Guests pay $10. All attendees pay for their own lunch. Other programs are scheduled on a case-by-case basis. For program information, e-mail Lisa Mallow.

*If you’re not a member of KC/IABC, visit the Why Join? and member resources pages more information, or join now.

Rising Stars Special Interest Group

Rising Stars provides an opportunity for communicators (generally, those with fewer than 10 years experience) to develop and enhance the professional and leadership skills required to be successful in our field.

Rising Stars member get to know each other by participating in special events, including happy hours, and catching up at the chapter’s monthly breakfasts and luncheons. Group members have discovered that, although there are many member benefits to a large organization like IABC, it’s often the smaller groups where friendships and business relationships are established.

Rising Stars can become a launch pad for your career as you grow and develop in the communication industry. If you’re interested in learning more about the group or would like to join the Rising Star e-mail list to receive periodic updates about the SIG, e-mail KC/IABC or visit our Facebook page.

If you’re not a member of IABC Kansas City, visit the Why Join? and member resources pages more information, or join now.

Masters Special Interest Group

KCIABC’s Masters love to get together for casual discussions about communications issues. If you’re looking to test theories with your peers, explore solutions, share experiences or just engage in strategic discussions with experienced communicators, this is the group for you.

The Masters special interest group meets every other month for a brief program and roundtable discussion over dinner at a local restaurant.

You can self-identify as a Master communicator by meeting any of the following criteria:

  • a professional communicator with more than 10 years experience
  • an accredited member (accredited business communicator, ABC)
  • provide regular counsel to senior management
  • current or past member of the chapter or district board

 

Chapter members aren’t automatically added to the group; you must join our LinkedIn group if you’d like to participate and receive meeting notices. There is no charge for IABC members to attend the meetings. *Non-members pay a $10 fee. Everyone pays for their own dinner. Reservations are required. If you have questions or want to make reservations, contact Julie Bartels Smith, ABC. If you’re not a member of KC/IABC, visit the Why Join? and member resources pages more information, or join now.

Our tentative schedule is below, but check LinkedIn for the latest.

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