CPUT recently hosted the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Africa Region during an evening of insightful talks and networking at the Cape Town Hotel School Restaurant.
The IABC is an international association of communications professionals. The event, themed: “Trends shaping the future of communication” provided an opportunity for connection and camaraderie between the communication professionals from different institutions, which included the University of the Western Cape and Nibble Africa.
Dr Garth van Gensen, Director of Marketing and Communication, delivered a welcoming speech on behalf of CPUT while Jo Eyre from IABC also welcomed the guests. Eyre also provided a brief overview of IABC and its programmes.
Creative Director at Nibble NIBBLE Africa, Glenn Kisela delivered a presentation on content and communication in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Gary Whitaker, Chief Executive Officer · Broadcast Research Council of South Africa, gave insight into the future of the radio. Eyre also provided insight into human connection in virtual workplaces. These presentations were followed by question-and-answer sessions and vigorous discussions.
Marketing and Media Manager: Institutional Advancement, University of the Western Cape, Gasant Abarder, who was amongst the guests, thoroughly enjoyed the event and said “it was most valuable in terms of re-thinking our strategic direction for the media and marketing office I manage”. Abarder was particularly impressed with the AI part of the presentations, and for him it was great to network with friends, colleagues but also to meet new people in the industry.
“I think the lid has been lifted on AI. The chat really demystified some of the misconceptions about this tool for me. In addition, I think many managers and bosses can benefit from the session about flexible working,” Abarder observed.
Reflecting on the event, Van Gensen said it was very insightful to listen to expert opinions on topical matters like AI, the future of radio, as well as the human connection in virtual workplaces. “It provided a lot of food for thought and topics for institutional discourse,” he remarked.
“To me, the setting and timing for the discussions on topical matters was just perfect… cold winters evening, good food, a small but intimate group of people and excellent presentations.”
Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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