By David Gonzalez, past president, UH student chapter and new graduate. We look forward to working with David in his new role on the IABC Houston board’s newsletter committee.
I was extremely humbled to learn that I was invited to attend the 2009 IABC World Conference in San Francisco. I looked forward to the experience, but it was when I left the Conference that I truly realized how fortunate I was to have access to this opportunity. As a recent college graduate, the Conference was just what I needed to help me prepare for my entry into the communications industry as a professional. School taught me the theory and concepts relevant to the profession, but the Conference taught me how to equip myself to be a professional communicator and to help my organization better its services and reach broader audiences.
I learned so much from great presenters like James Lukaszewski, ABC, APR, who taught me how to think strategically in order to get an invitation to the table in the decision-making process. Or like Marco Franca, who helped broaden my understanding of what it takes to have effective communication when communicating with businesses in Latin America.
The City of San Francisco has to be among the most beautiful cities in the country that I have ever seen. Everything from the weather to the people to the great public transportation system fascinated me. I took a Bay Adventure tour that took me under the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz Island — awesome! Feeling the cool breeze when riding the trolley around the city was just what I needed, especially considering the heat I would be encountering when coming back home to Houston. Having the opportunity to enjoy a great Spanish dinner with fellow IABC members from around the world made for a very interesting dinner conversation. Everything about the Conference and the trip to San Francisco was amazing!
This was truly a great learning experience that I will always remember and carry with me for the rest of my career. I want to thank President Theresa Parker, the IABC Houston Board and all of IABC Houston for the opportunity given to me to attend this year’s World Conference. Thank you!
July 8, 2009 at 8:13 am |
Hey, David, what a great post, and how super to hear of your experience at the IABC World Conference. Many (too many) years ago, when I was first a member of the Houston chapter, I attended my first conference in San Francisco, and it remains a milestone in professional journey. It means a lot to hear how much this experience has meant to you. All the best of luck, and thanks again, Mark Schumann
July 9, 2009 at 1:10 am |
Hi, Mark. Thank you for the compliment. The IABC World Conference was an experience of a lifetime, and as I stated, “I will always remember it”. Beyond it being in San Francisco, it was a great learning experience! What struck me the most was how nice and helpful everyone really is. Every IABC member I met, whether a guest speaker or not, gave me advise and continue to stay in contact with me, which means a lot. Keep up the great work! Congrats on becoming the new IABC chair, all the best of luck.
July 9, 2009 at 4:53 am |
David, You have a unique, upbeat attitude. You will do well with it in business communications.
I’m with the Houston IABC chapter as well and may run into you in October. SF is a beautiful city and the IABC conference in June was among the best I’ve ever experienced. (Well, it was the only one I attended).