Report Explores Changing Face of Communications Industry

Ottawa, ON - On March 20th, 2012, over 40 communications professionals gathered for a day-long Ideation Session at the University of Ottawa to collaboratively discuss the past, present and future of the communications industry.

Facilitated by expert moderators, the day sparked conversation on the evolution of the industry and the changing role of the professional communicator. As a result of the conversation, the report Breaking Down the Silos: The future face of the communications industry was created.

"The fundamental nature of communications is changing and being redefined by social media and the emergence of citizen journalism," said Mike Colledge, President, Ipsos Reid Public Affairs. "To be successful, professional communicators need to not only be aware of evolutions in our industry, but become experts in a variety of new mediums."

Social media and its ability to spark worldwide, online interactive conversations was a central focus of the day's discussions. Viral campaigns such as Kony 2012, and the impact of social media in the 2011 federal election were explored.

"Communications has evolved from a two-way conversation, to a fully socialized dialogue which can span several online platforms," said Kerry Mortimer, President, IABC Ottawa. "Communicators need to understand these mediums and learn how to strategically harness them to rise above the nline noise."

The session used Ideation Exchange software provided by Ipsos Reid; a real-time electronic format promoting simultaneous user input, which visualizes ideas and the evolution of dialogue.

To view the report, visit: http://ottawa.iabc.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Breaking-Down-the-Silos_The-Future-Face-of-Communications-Report.pdf

For more information, or to request an interview, please contact:

Mike Colledge
President
Ipsos Reid
Public Affairs
613.688.8971
[email protected]

Jennifer Stewart
Vice President, Communications
IABC Ottawa
613.401.1097
[email protected]

About the IABC Ottawa

Founded in 1970, The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) provides a professional network of over 15,500 business communications and marketing professionals in over 80 countries.

As a member of IABC Ottawa, you can tap into a wealth of resources and opportunities that will help increase your value as a communicator. IABC Ottawa brings communications, marketing and creative professionals together to grow in their career and succeed in their jobs.

About Ipsos Reid Public Affairs

We are the social research and corporate reputation specialists. Ipsos Reid Public Affairs is a non-partisan, objective group of seasoned research professionals. We conduct strategic research and intelligence gathering for wide range of public and private sector organizations. Whether it is through public opinion research, elite and stakeholder studies, corporate and media research, program evaluations or the measurement of social media activities we provide our clients with the evidence they need to make decisions that move their organizations forward.