IABC Edmonton is thrilled to be entering our 2024/2025 term under the leadership of continuing President Dan St. Pierre! Dan has spent more than a decade building a career as a thoughtful, strategic communicator and relationship builder. With an undergraduate degree in political science From MacEwan University and a graduate degree in communications and technology from the University of Alberta, Dan has focused most of his career in the public and quasi-public sector. His work has led to a number of achievements, including being awarded a Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee medal in 2023 for his commitment to community service.
Dan firmly believes that thoughtful, impactful, and authentic communication is vital to organizational success. Even with all the technological innovations that are rapidly changing the industry, the human element can’t be overlooked. That’s why Dan joined IABC Edmonton, to help promote the importance of the industry and support the next generation of communicators through a sector transformation.
New board member Kendrea Sicotte (Director of Jobline/Email Marketing) had a conversation with Dan about his vision for the future of IABC and his hopes for the 2024/2025 term.
1. What is your overall vision for IABC Edmonton during your term as president?
My hope is that IABC evolves in a way that balances what makes the organization unique with the new context in which industry associations operate. The pandemic and innovative technologies have really disrupted our industry, but also associations like ours. As we think about how people make their decisions to join an association and participate in a meaningful way, a way that provides them with something new or engaging, IABC Edmonton needs to laser-focus on quality programming, networking opportunities, and events that members find valuable. So, in terms of vision, I think IABC Edmonton can be that convening force that brings communicators from every career stage – students, early career, mid-career, entrepreneurs, and senior communicators – together to learn from each other, make new connections with each other, build depth of connection that can be tapped for advice or input. I think so many amazing people have been a part of the IABC journey over the last five decades. I want to honour their contributions while rescoping and revitalizing the chapter in a way that makes sense for the times we’re in.
2. What key initiatives are you hoping to introduce or expand this year to support communicators in Edmonton?
There are three really important program elements we want to absolutely smash out of the park in 2024/25. First, the annual Capital Awards in early June is IABC Edmonton’s signature event. It’s where we celebrate leaders in Edmonton’s communications profession and hold our annual general meeting. The event is a highlight and a huge asset to IABC Edmonton. We are so fortunate to have Kara Paul on our board managing Capital Awards. The second thing I’d like to revive is the Cheers to Careers panel discussions. I love bringing students and early career communicators into a room full of experienced folks with professional experience. My first entry into IABC Edmonton was sitting on a panel and it really inspired me. I think we can put a really great panel together in 2025! Finally, I want to do a deeper dive into the changes and disruptions happening in professional communications. Not just AI, but more broadly all of the technology, software, and platforms transforming what we do. I think we have some ideas for really incredible speakers we’d like to bring into an event in 2025.
3. What advice would you give to up-and-coming communication professionals?
The number one thing I would say is that the human element remains fundamental to good quality communications. Don’t rely on AI and technology to do your work for you. Leverage it. Use it to help improve your work and your efficiency, but don’t rely on it to do everything. Get really savvy with how to use these tools and make them work for you. Talented, thoughtful, and experienced communicators can bring their knowledge to the table and use it to generate great content and outcomes. For me, AI has become very useful in reviewing, summarizing, and comparing material that I use in my messaging, communications plans, and reporting.
The other thing that I often talk about is how I like to organize my time. There is so much that demands our attention these days. It can be tough to stay focused on the task at hand. There are all kinds of fancy tools to organize work flow, manage projects, but honestly, planning my day in my Outlook calendar in colour coded, 30 minute chunks of time has been a game changer. Organize your days, identify and lean into when you are most productive, and track everything in a platform that works for you.
4. Reflecting on last year, what has been your proudest moment as president of IABC and how does that experience influence your approach for this year?
Truely, there was so much turnover and transition last year. I am really proud of how well Capital Awards went last June and our ability to recruit a fantastic board of passionate communicators to help guide the next phase of IABC Edmonton’s growth!
With a dynamic new board, we’re entering an exciting new chapter for our organization. This team brings fresh perspectives and diverse expertise, united by a shared vision for growth and innovation. With Dan steering the reins, we’re poised to drive impactful change, tackle new challenges, and hold exciting and informative events to connect Edmonton’s Marketing and Communications community. We can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish together!
