After my recent business trip to Colorado, I've decided I can officially call myself "extreme." Let me explain...

I work for ConocoPhillips in Bartlesville, Okla., and one of my projects is managing the PR and community relations for our campus-in-progress, which is located in Louisville, Colo. It could not be a more perfect location. Nestled at the foothills of the Flatiron mountains near Boulder and just minutes from Denver, it (to me) is about as close to heaven as one can get while still living. Ah, what a segue way to my point.

You see, Oklahoma is beautiful and has nice hiking options. But to compare it to Colorado would be like comparing pinot noir and merlot (need I say more, Lynn?). So, needless to say, I'm not exactly equipped for hiking. Physically, maybe. Gear wise, heck no. Watch out, REI. Here I come!

About $200 later and sporting a very chick-like Camelbak, I'm ready to take on Chatauqua's Royal Arch. Alone. I'm proud to say I survived and would make that climb every day to gaze upon the gorgeous terrain from up there. But I think I got a little too sure of myself. Next hike: Eldorado Canyon. Home of extreme rock climbers. In fact, fellow communicator Anders Gronstedt informed during lunch the same day that a climber friend of his recently died there. Well, I was just hiking. So on I went.

It was about 6 p.m. and I had foolishly turned down a fabulous dinner offer from my friend Stacy Wilson because I needed to shop Pearl Street (check!). As I pulled into the park, I was absolutely amazed by its beauty. I couldn't wait to hit the trail. Looking like a pro, I was about a mile out from the trailhead when it started to drizzle. No big deal. It felt great. Then the winds shifted and the sky literally unload on me. I'm talking pouring rain, roaring winds, lighting and thunder. And, as if that wasn't enough, it started to hail and the temperature quickly dropped from a comfy 82 degrees to 64. OF COURSE I don't have a parka. I'm from Oklahoma! Not looking so pro anymore as I take cover under a rock.

But I survived. And you know what? I would do it again. (Yes, I'll listen to the weather first.) It was that much fun. And it made me realize that so many aspects of my life really are a little extreme. Work, marriage, friends, kids. It's all a little crazy and we have to balance to make it work. And that applies to your communication teams. There is power in balance for the leader, communicator and customer. Join me on Sept. 29 for a not-so-extreme look at "The Power of a Balanced Communicator" in Denver.

Who knows, I might even have met a mountain lion by then.

Tracy Harlow, "Extreme" Speaker

It is exciting to know that in today’s world internal communicators have great value to bring to any organization wanting to build, modify or re-energize their company brand. Authentic company brands are created from the inside out. It must begin with leaders and the organization on the same page, understanding the purpose of the company and its goals. Internal communicators have the tools to help leaders and the organization have this kind of conversation. Energy, passion and optimism can be pumped into an organization during such an important conversation. Ownership and accountability to achieve the goals is the result. When an entire organization begins to see how each member makes a difference and contributes to the company’s success -- magic can happen. Think of the value added to the bottom line with a passionate, engaged workforce all working toward common goals and excited about their contribution to building something that matters. This must be the first building block in building company brand and reputation.

Think of the possibilities! Communicators partnering with marketing in new ways, communicators partnering with leaders on building the future, communicators tapping into the collective genius of any organization to continually reinvent itself for sustainable results. I look forward to hearing about new value, new opportunities and new ideas!

Dianne Culhane,
recently "retired" corporate executive; now in private practice helping leaders and organizations have courageous conversations --
Denver Session Title: Blog Helps Log Culture Change at Coca-Cola

I am looking froward to addressing how the sexes communicate in my program, He Speaks, She Speaks: What Different Things They Say. For 30 years I have conducted research, traveled to 48 states and internationaly advocating improved communication,especially among men and women! My book You Don't Say (now in 6 languages) addresses this topic.
Look forward to seeing everyone in a couple of months.
Questions,areas of gender communication you are interested in.let me know!
Audrey Nelson, Ph.D.

Welcome to the IABC Southern Region Conference Speakers' Blog! We're "Taking it to the Extreme" in Denver, September 28-30, and are excited to have you along for the adventure.

One of my favorite things about attending an IABC conference is the networking that takes place. Quite often, the conversation turns to what sessions you attended and what you have learned from the speakers. I always take away something new, and I end up wishing there was more time for this type of conversation.

That's why we're bringing you this blog. The Southern Region Conference programming committee, co-chaired by Janine Liscic and me, is working hard to bring you top-notch speakers in the areas of Communication Leadership, Internal Communication, Marketing & Brand Management, and Public Relations, along with some exciting keynote speakers, and we wanted to give you the chance to get to know them before you come to Denver in September.

This is your chance to hear what is on the speakers' minds and engage them in conversations. You'll have a better idea of what to expect from their sessions, and they will hear what you want to learn. We hope you enjoy this opportunity and we are looking forward to the discussions that will take place.

IABC/Colorado is very excited about being the host for the 2008 Southern Region Conference. We can't wait to see you in Denver!

Lynn Zimmerman
Programming Co-Chair
2008 IABC Southern Region Conference
September 28-30, 2008