Newsletters
September 29, 2023

September 2023 Newsletter

September 2023 Newsletter

September 2023 Newsletter

Message From Our Co-Presidents


IABC San Diego,

We’re excited to have kicked off another IABC San Diego fiscal year with a series of webinars where we overviewed what’s staying the same, what’s changing, and what you should expect for this year.

During the sessions, we introduced our board, explained how we’re refocusing on membership, talked through communication changes (spoiler alert: watch our LinkedIn page for the latest news and information), overviewed events, and highlighted opportunities for those who follow IABC San Diego. If you missed the calls, you can watch the recording.


We’d love to see you in October for our first quarterly networking event of the year. Not only will you be able to spend the evening with like-minded communicators, have an opportunity to expand your network, and engage in insightful conversations, you’ll also enjoy an exceptional venue. Details below!

As always, we welcome your feedback. We want to make this chapter the best it can be for our members and followers so drop us a line if you’d like to chat.

Brandee Beiriger and Rob Campbell

Co-Presidents, IABC San Diego

Membership Recognition

Thanks for joining or renewing your membership!

Sarah Bilyeu, VP, Marketing Strategy, California Bank & Trust

Jack Chirrick, Director of Corporate Communications, American Specialty Health

Melissa Eckmann, Communications Director, SVP, Wells Fargo Banking

Charity Edgar, Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Navy

Dave Flynn, Marketing & Comm. Manager, Scripps

Michael Godfrey, Senior Director, Corporate Communications, Scripps

Kathleen Lozen, Director, Communications, Director, Merger & Acquisition Communications, Philips

Michelle Mowad, Communications Specialist, County of San Diego

Tenille Otero, Communications and Public Affairs Advisor, Otay Water District

October Networking Event!

Date & Time: Wednesday, October 18, 5:30-7 p.m.

Location: The Wine Bar, Westfield UTC, 4301 La Jolla Village Drive Suite 2045, San Diego, CA 92122

Cost: Free! Please register so we know how much space at the venue is needed. Attendees are welcome to purchase their own food and beverages.

Register today

Inspire the Next Generation

of Comms Professionals at SDSU

Our ongoing partnership with SDSU’s School of Journalism and Media Studies is growing! We’re excited to be participating in a few of their upcoming student events. Based on responses to the following, we will decide how and when to proceed in further developing this relationship.

JMS Screening Circle

Wednesday, October 4, 4:30 p.m. at SDSU Montezuma Hall

Volunteer to speak to students about IABC, our mission and opportunities for student involvement (including student memberships). Stay and hear from Japanese-American comedian/writer Fume Abe during the program focused on inclusion and representation in the media.

Note: volunteers are asked to be present for the pre-event time during which we’ll have a presence. You are welcome to stay for the event, if you so choose.

In Class Speaking Opportunities

Those interested in sharing more about IABC and, more specifically, what internal communications is about can consider in-class speaking opportunities. Guest speakers have a few minutes in either Principles of PR or Introduction to Media to share your story and answer questions.

If interested, contact Rob Campbell

Join our AI Panel in November

IABC/San Diego is hosting a virtual professional development panel on AI on Tuesday, November 14, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. We’re building our lineup of panelists and invite our members to join the discussion!

We’re looking for those with experience leveraging AI, preferably on various platforms, who are willing to share what works and doesn't, and dive into general concerns about the technology and its impact on the comms industry.

If you’re available and interested in sitting on our panel, please email our VP of Programming, Sarah Bilyeu, by Thursday, October 5 with the following:

  • Your title
  • Experience with AI, including which tools you have used
  • Your general perspective on AI
  • One example of a recent experience you had using an AI tool


Email Sarah Bilyeu your interest

New IABC Annual Dues Structure

Starting October 2023

IABC is adopting an annual dues model to enhance member service. This change enables a member recruitment focus during two annual periods, while also strengthening relationship-building and member benefits.

The transition to the new dues structure starts soon, with member renewals for 2024 beginning this October. By 2025, all members will follow this cycle, including extended membership options from June to September.

Read the full details on IABC’s website or watch a prerecorded presentation.