Woo hoo! Toronto is getting ready. Some 1,400 of our dearest communicator friends from 40 countries are coming to our backyard for the 2010 IABC World Conference June 6-9. And it’s going to be one heckuva barbecue!
Well, OK, it’s not going to be a barbecue, but it’s going to be fun — and yes, a tremendous learning, growing and networking good time. And shopping. (More on that later.) Visitors will have a chance to go on walking tours of the hip and historic Distillery District, anchored by the old Gooderham & Worts distillery constructed in 1859, and Casa Loma, a medieval-style castle in the middle of the city. We’re going to the Royal Ontario Museum for the opening reception, checking out the love-it-or-hate-it Michael Lee-Chin Crystal addition that opened in June 2007.
As always, there’s a stellar lineup of content, including high-profile speakers like Guy Kawasaki and Craig and Marc Kielburger, and IABC luminaries like Steve Crescenzo, Shel Holtz, Les Potter and Ron Shewchuk (sorry, I’m leaving off all your ABCs and other designations). My own more local friends and colleagues Jan Graves, Linda Johannesson, Cyrus Mavalwala and Donna Papacosta are also speaking.
I’ll be there! As an independent, I need to regularly update my knowledge and skills, and the conference is a great place for that. It’s also important to pull myself out of my home office once in a while and see and be seen; again, the conference is great for that. What I’m also looking forward to is something I found happened at the 2009 conference in San Francisco: meeting or renewing friendships with communicators I’ve met online. This year, I’m making an extra effort to meet up with other independents, so please let me know if that’s you, and let’s talk about how we’ll find each other amid the crowd of 1,400 or so.
Oh, yes, about the shopping. I’ve found at past conferences that attendees end up trying to dash out at lunchtime or between sessions to grab a souvenir of the city, find a new pair of jeans or indulge that passion for new shoes. If that’s you, you’ll be glad to know that your Toronto pals are putting together a quick guide to the “don’t miss” places to shop, whether you have an afternoon or just an hour. I’d love to hear what you’re looking for, or if you’re a local, where you think the hidden gems and great shopping spots can be found.
Are you coming to Toronto? If you’re already here, are you going?
8 Comments
Can’t wait. It’s going to be great for us to host the world in Toronto. (Ok, the IABC world, but still!)
The program looks amazing–what a great opportunity to hear and meet like-minded professionals. This will be my first IABC world conference!!!
I’m honored to be one of the low-profile speakers at this event, and look forward to my return to Toronto. I spoke there last fall at a smaller IABC event, and enjoyed the hospitality. (Meeting Donna Papacosta was a treat.) I may be an unimaginative tourist, but I recommend dinner atop the CN Tower and a side trip to the Falls. My young children still talk about the latter.
Thank you all for commenting! Donna, you mean there is a world beyond the IABC world?
Paulina, your first IABC world conference! I’m sure it will be an amazing experience for you.
William, you come highly recommended by our mutual friend Donna, and I look forward to hearing you speak. I wouldn’t call the CN Tower and Niagara Falls “unimaginative;” there are certain things you must do in a city, and those are on the list! Your children will love Casa Loma’s secret passages.
I can’t wait to return to your beautiful city, Sue. I attended an IABC conference there before, and it was wonderful. Note to Paulina — attending your first IABC World Conference is indeed a thrill. I hope you have a terrific time. I know I will.
Packing party shoes now…
as are a number of the IABC Victoria (Australia) members… be warned…: -)
Any independents from other chapters coming? We have more than 15 in Toronto and we’re looking forward to meeting indies from other places. We are special people.
Les, I’m looking forward to hearing you speak as well and connecting over a coffee.
Jennifer, a whole contingent from IABC Victoria, that’s terrific! I hope we get a chance to meet.
Barb, I’m already hearing about other indies who will be here. We’ll definitely have to arrange a gathering!