Our very own Adrian Cropley recently delivered an insightful virtual presentation from Australia, engaging the audience in Edmonton, Canada, at the Stronger Together Library Conference. He discussed the topic of artificial intelligence (AI). He began by exploring the origins of AI, highlighting how it has evolved from a concept in computer science to a powerful tool impacting multiple industries.

A key focus of Adrian's presentation was the ethical and governance challenges surrounding AI. He emphasised the need for careful oversight to ensure AI systems are transparent, fair, and accountable. This included discussions on data privacy, bias in algorithms, and the importance of establishing ethical frameworks to guide AI development.

Adrian also discussed the practical applications of AI in libraries and for librarians. His talk underscored AI’s potential to empower library professionals by automating routine tasks, thereby allowing them to focus more on complex, value-added services.

The presentation sparked thoughtful dialogue on both the promises and challenges of integrating AI into library systems, leaving attendees with much to consider about the future of AI in their field.

If you’re looking to join the conversation about AI, check out our virtual AI forum!

Is professional certification becoming a must for the industry? Sia Papageorgiou recently sat down with Doug Downs as she argued that certification is the real game-changer for PR professionals. She shared insights on why the Global Communication Certification Council (GCCC) stands out with its internationally recognised standards, and why it’s crucial for communication professionals to continually update their skills to stay relevant in a rapidly changing field.  

Join us in Melbourne this November for our suite of in-class
Strategic Communication Management courses!

Our friends at Strategic Magazine recently published an op-ed written by Sia discussing the importance of certification in the communication profession. Below is an excerpt from the article.

The profession vs. the occupation

For those still wondering why certification is necessary, let’s draw a distinction between a profession and an occupation. A profession requires a specialised body of knowledge, formal qualifications, and a commitment to ongoing learning and accountability. It involves mastering a discipline and adhering to a set of ethical and operational standards. Occupations, on the other hand, often involve skill and experience but do not demand the same rigour or continuous professional development. Certification is the hallmark of a profession, and by pursuing it, communication professionals prove that they belong in the realm of trusted, accountable experts. This is the standard we must hold ourselves to if we want to be seen as strategic leaders within our organisations.

Allison Carter recently wrote an insightful PR Daily article discussing Edelman's new counter-disinformation unit. In the past week, the United States has been flooded with mis- and disinformation, particularly around hurricane aid, which has hampered relief and evacuation efforts. This is compounded by state-sponsored disinformation from countries like Iran, Russia, and China related to the upcoming elections, making it increasingly difficult to separate fact from fiction.

Edelman, a global communication firm, responded to this growing challenge by launching a Counter Disinformation Unit. Dave Fleet, Edelman’s head of Global Digital Crisis, explained that organisations have been seeking help to combat this rising problem, driven by the weaponisation of culture, geopolitical instability, and advancements in AI.

Fady Ramzy is an independent consultant and trainer specialising in online communication and social media, with over 27 years of international experience. He serves as an adjunct faculty member at The American University in Cairo, training and mentoring across the School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, the School of Business, and the School of Continuing Education. Fady has worked with global organisations such as Google, Facebook, Thomson Reuters Foundation, and the UN, delivering strategic training and consultancy services. He co-founded InsideOut Today, a regional research and development hub focusing on emerging technologies like AI, machine learning, and the semantic web. As an international speaker and media figure, Fady frequently appears on BBC, CNN, SkyNews Arabia, and other prominent networks.

Jo Detavernier brings nearly two decades of experience in corporate communication and B2B public relations. Early in his career, Jo worked for leading independent PR agencies in Brussels. Since 2008, he has been based in Texas, where he founded and manages his boutique agency, Detavernier Strategic Communication. Jo holds both SMCP (IABC) certification and APR (PRSA) accreditation. In 2022, he contributed to the second edition of the “Handbook of Crisis Communication” edited by W. Timothy Coombs and Sherry J. Holladay. In addition to his consulting work, Jo is a seasoned media trainer. He has trained hundreds of executives across diverse industries, including food, entertainment, finance, mass transportation, and education. A native of Belgium, Jo is fluent in English, Dutch, French, and German.

Join us on Wednesday 6 November 2024, from 6:00 PM AEDT | 3:00 PM SGT | 9:00 AM EET for a free, must-attend webinar with leading LinkedIn expert, global media influencer and creator of the LinkedIn Influence and Income program, Fady Ramzy.

With over 27 years of experience and collaborations with leading organisations including Google, Facebook, Thomson Reuters, and the UN, Fady has helped countless professionals—including LinkedIn Top Voices—elevate their personal brands. In this exclusive session, Fady will reveal how to build a powerful LinkedIn presence, grow strategic connections, and convert your content into opportunities. Attendees can pre-submit their questions when registering for a truly tailored experience.

In this episode, host Adrian Cropley chats with leadership communication specialist Ulrike Seminati. Ulrike shares her insights on ‘leader led communication,’ emphasising its importance in fostering genuine, face-to-face dialogues. They discuss leaders’ critical rol in translating company goals into relevant and motivating messages for their teams and how effective communication can bridge the gap created by digital interactions and the pandemic.

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