IABC/Toronto

Horizon scanning is not about predicting the future. It's about preparing for it.

That was the message from Ann-Marie Blake, who led IABC/Toronto members through scanning for weak signals, building scenarios and making foresight everyone's job in an increasingly brittle, anxious, non-linear and incomprehensible (BANI) world.

Thank you Ann-Marie for practical tools communicators can put to work right away. Thank you to every attendee who joined us, asked thoughtful questions and dove into the scenario planning insights. Your curiosity made the conversation richer.

Congratulations to Deepika, Vice-President, Events and professional development , and her team for making this happen.

The takeaway: the strongest communicators ask "what if?" before they have to.



[Image: Thank-you graphic with the white IABC Toronto logo at the top of a teal background. Below it, a white rounded box holds a quote in orange text: “Horizon scanning is not about predicting the future. It’s about preparing for it.” – Ann-Marie Blake. Under the quote is a smiling photo of Ann-Marie Blake. Large orange text at the bottom reads “Thank you, Ann-Marie Blake.”]

"Can I pick your brain?"

It's one of the most common coffee chat requests and one of the least effective. It puts all the work on the other person and turns what could be a real conversation into a transaction.

On Oct. 20, Natalia Smalyuk and Lisa Pasquin will share better questions: the ones that spark real conversation, make you memorable and build relationships that last.

Details:
Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026 | 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. ET

Virtual Zoom session
Register today: https://www.karelo.com/register.php?BID=431&BT=10&Ev=23790



[Image: IABC/Toronto PIC webinar promotional graphic. A white speech bubble with a crossed-out question sits above an illustration of a steaming coffee cup on an orange background. The text reads, IABC/Toronto PIC webinar. Stop asking. "Can I pick your brain?" There's a better question. Learn what to ask instead, how to be remembered and how to follow up. Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. ET, virtual on Zoom. $15 members, $30 non-members. Register now. toronto.iabc.to.]

Our fall networking hike is back!

This Halloween, take your networking outside with IABC/Toronto. Come with a friend or on your own to meet new people, reconnect, and enjoy relaxed conversations.

What: Trail Talks: Halloween Hike ‘n’ Network
When: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where: Sunnybrook Park, 1132 Leslie St., Toronto, Ont.

Step away from the city’s bustle and into the natural beauty of Sunnybrook Park. Enjoy autumn scenery, fresh air, and conversations that come naturally as you walk, with time to reflect on the land, its history, and our wellbeing. The trail route is rated easy, making it a relaxed and accessible way to spend Halloween outdoors with fellow IABC Toronto members and friends.

The hike will be guided by Lev Calang, VP (Volunteers) and Chinyere Odinukwe, Director (Volunteers) IABC/Toronto.

Cost:
- IABC Professional members: $10
- IABC Lite members: $15
- Non-members: $25

Spots are limited. Register today at https://toronto.iabc.to/event/trail-talks-halloween-hike-n-network/

[Image: IABC/Toronto Trail Talks promotional graphic. Two photos show a wooded trail, one of a footbridge through trees and one of a staircase climbing a forested hillside. The text reads, Trail Talks: Halloween Hike 'n' Network. Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026. 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunnybrook Park, 1132 Leslie St., Toronto. toronto.iabc.to. Register now.]

How many coffee chats have you had this year? How many led somewhere?

A good coffee chat can open the door to new clients, new roles and lasting professional relationships. A forgettable one is a missed opportunity.

Join IABC/Toronto's PIC for a new webinar on the questions that make coffee chats count. Speakers Natalia Smalyuk, founder of NBAU, and Lisa Pasquin, president and founder of Craft Public Relations, join moderator Jacob Robinson to share what makes people remember you, how to follow up and what to ask instead of "Can I pick your brain?"

Details:
Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026 | 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. ET

Virtual Zoom session
Register today: https://www.karelo.com/register.php?BID=431&BT=10&Ev=23790

Fees:
$15: Members
$30: Non-members



Alt text
[Image: IABC/Toronto PIC webinar promotional graphic. Headshots of speakers Natalia Smalyuk and Lisa Pasquin and moderator Jacob Robinson appear side by side. The text reads, New webinar. Make Your Coffee Chats Count. The questions that turn a quick chat into a lasting connection. Natalia Smalyuk, speaker. Lisa Pasquin, speaker. Jacob Robinson, moderator. Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. ET, virtual on Zoom. $15 members, $30 non-members. Register now. toronto.iabc.to.]

30 years, One remarkable legacy.

Since 1997, IABC/Toronto’s Communicator of the Year has recognized GTA leaders who understand the power of communication to bring people together, inspire action, and create meaningful change.

They have led organizations, strengthened communities, challenged perspectives, and shaped conversations that matter.

Now, as COTY marks its 30th year, we’re looking for the next leader whose impact belongs in that story.

Nominations for the 2026 Communicator of the Year are now open until November 15.

Swipe left to look back at some of the remarkable people who have received this honour.

Who should be next?

Nomination link - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SBZKCCW

Today at noon ET.

The communicators leaders trust most are the ones who see what's coming.

Join Ann-Marie Blake at the IABC/Toronto Lunch and Learn for a focused hour on horizon scanning and scenario planning, with practical tools you can use with your team this week.

Only a few hours left to save your spot.

Details:
Today, Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026 | Noon to 1 p.m. ET

Virtual Zoom session
Register Now: https://www.karelo.com/confirm.php?&pic=1&BID=431&Ev=23781&Lang=EN&NoGuest=1&action=Book&PTID=78PP9UI7DIUW&PHPSESSID=j4csg8jh89nueamkhhbth0b985



[Image: IABC/Toronto Lunch and Learn promotional graphic. A headshot of speaker Ann-Marie Blake sits in front of teal and green geometric shapes. The text reads, Join us today. How Communicators Can Prepare for Tomorrow. Horizon scanning and scenario planning for communicators. Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026, noon to 1 p.m. ET, virtual. Ann-Marie Blake, Co-founder of True, Speaker. Register Now. toronto.iabc.to.]

Students and new grads: what do you wish the communications industry knew about you?

Maybe it's how hard it is to land that first role. Maybe it's finding a mentor, building a network from scratch, or knowing which skills will matter five years from now.

We want to hear it. IABC/Toronto is relaunching the Student Communicators Circle, and it starts with listening. Join our Next Gen Communicators Listening Session to tell us what would make a real difference in your career. Come ready to share your ideas, and you might help lead what comes next.

Details:
Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026 | 5 to 6 p.m. ET

Virtual Zoom session
Register now : https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9FM29DH



[Image: IABC/Toronto Next Gen Communicators Listening Session promotional graphic. A photo of professionals mingling and exchanging business cards sits below the event details. The text reads, Next Gen Communicators Listening Session. What do you wish the communications industry knew about you? Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026, 5 to 6 p.m. ET. Virtual on Zoom.]

Tomorrow: give one lunch hour to thinking three years ahead!

Ann-Marie Blake, chartered PR practitioner and co-founder of True, joins IABC/Toronto to share how horizon scanning and scenario planning can sharpen your strategic advice and strengthen your place at the leadership table.

Grab your lunch and bring your toughest what-if questions.

Details:
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026 | Noon to 1 p.m. ET

Virtual Zoom session
Register today: https://www.karelo.com/confirm.php?&pic=1&BID=431&Ev=23781&Lang=EN&NoGuest=1&action=Book&PTID=78PP9UI7DIUW&PHPSESSID=j4csg8jh89nueamkhhbth0b985



[Image: IABC/Toronto Lunch and Learn promotional graphic. A headshot of speaker Ann-Marie Blake sits in front of teal and green geometric shapes. The text reads, 1 day to go. How Communicators Can Prepare for Tomorrow. Horizon scanning and scenario planning for communicators. Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026, noon to 1 p.m., virtual. Ann-Marie Blake, Co-founder of True, Speaker. Register Now. toronto.iabc.to.]

Two days to go.

If a policy shift, a reputational issue, or a new technology upended your sector next quarter, would your team be following a plan or scrambling?
Join Ann-Marie Blake at the IABC/Toronto Lunch and Learn on Wednesday for a practical look at how communicators can read the signals, map possible scenarios, and lead with confidence when things change.

Details:
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026 | Noon to 1 p.m. ET

Virtual Zoom session
Register today: https://www.karelo.com/confirm.php?&pic=1&BID=431&Ev=23781&Lang=EN&NoGuest=1&action=Book&PTID=78PP9UI7DIUW&PHPSESSID=j4csg8jh89nueamkhhbth0b985



[Image: IABC/Toronto Lunch and Learn promotional graphic. A headshot of speaker Ann-Marie Blake sits in front of teal and green geometric shapes. The text reads, 2 days to go. How Communicators Can Prepare for Tomorrow. Horizon scanning and scenario planning for communicators. Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026, noon to 1 p.m. ET, virtual. Ann-Marie Blake, Co-founder of True, Speaker. Register Now. toronto.iabc.to.]

NEW! IABC/Toronto CareerLine: Manager Communications, Issues Management, Full Time, Toronto
(October 2, 2026) https://toronto.iabc.to/careerline/careers/