The relief and excitement are tangible as we recover from the social impact the pandemic imposed upon us and we resume gathering with each other. We can, at last, have the opportunity to see each other in person!

As daunting as it was, one silver lining has come out of our collective experience over the past 15 months. We’ve discovered the benefits of digital programming. The connections we’ve kept intact and those we’ve established anew through virtual platforms have kept us grounded, inspired us, enlightened us, and helped us to continue growing in our profession. I’ve gotten to know some wonderful people that I otherwise might not have had the opportunity to meet. I’m sure you have, too. It was good to have this digital lifeline.

Over the past year, IABC Orange County and the other four California chapters collaborated on webinars and digital networking events, delivering relevant learning opportunities and bringing together diverse communications professionals. It’s been inspirational to collaborate and learn from such a deep network of experts that are a part of IABC, from those located right here in Orange County to as far away as Australia. The California chapters, collectively and individually, will continue to offer outstanding digital programming.

For now, we can turn our attention to nurturing our local communications community. I invite you to join us for our in-person events whenever you are able. To that end, the IABC Orange County Board of Directors is pleased to our chapter’s first in-person social event of 2021 to take place at the Center Club on Aug. 31 at 5:30 p.m. Details for our long-awaited networking mixer are available on our event page. We are looking forward to seeing you in person again.

Connect with me or any IABC Orange County Board member to learn how to strengthen your presence in our impressive and diverse communications community.

We have a bright future, together.