Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Images of Austin

While there was plenty of learning going on at the PICA 2009 Workshop, we did manage to get out there and have a little fun, too! Here are some photos of our adventures...thanks to Sam for contributing some of these fine photographs.

The Duck Tour
Our Knowledgable and Witty Duck Tour Guide


Dinner at a Local Favorite, Stubbs

Scenes from Austin



Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Day Three - Open Forum

On the last day of our workshop, we meet to "talk shop." This year, our member-generated topics included how to get our co-workers to contribute articles to our publications, how to best reach our agents through e-mail and other media, how to get good ideas for stories, and who within our companies are responsible for maintaining company manuals.

Here is a perspective on the benefits of our Open Forum, shared by PICA treasurer, Julie:

One of my traditionally favorite segments of the PICA Workshop each year is the Open Forum. This is the time we set aside for all attendees to bring their questions and concerns to the group for discussion. It is the final segment of the workshop before everyone goes back to their companies with fresh new ideas and answers to any questions that might have.

It gives attendees the chance to bounce their ideas off other members and, in many cases, get new ideas from attendees that have already done “something similar.”

It has also shown me over the years where I needed to focus my efforts to remain in step with my fellow communicators in the industry. Every year there is a wide range of topics discussed and a great sharing of ideas. I’ve learned so much during my time spent at the Open Forum.

- Julie

Thanks, Julie! And remember, you can use THIS SITE as an open forum anytime you like. Is there a topic or question you want to bounce off other PICA members? Just e-mail Kirsten - (you've got my e-mail address...For SPAM's sake, I'm not posting it here!) - and I'll post it here on our blog and I'll notify our members that it's out here. We can reply to your question in the comments section. It's your way to keep the Open Forum open all year long!

- Kirsten

Day Two - Make a Plan to Impress

Here is a summary of our marketing and event planning session, as described by PICA's secretary, Becky:

Event planning and marketing of special events are key components to many of our job responsibilities as insurance communicators. We plan golf tournaments, agent incentive trips, networking events...whatever the event, our goal is to make it a success!

Stacey Rodrigues of C3 Presents was PICA’s final presenter during PICA’s Annual Workshop held in Austin, Texas last month. Stacey brought to the table a template for event planning success. Whether planning a small informal gathering or a huge 3-day festival with thousands of spectators, this template can be used from the initial planning stages to the final execution of the event.

During her presentation, Stacey discussed elements including: researching the logistics of an event, brainstorming ideas with a group, budgeting for small and large items and promoting the event to the right audiences. Finally we talked about the importance of gathering feedback after the event to gain insight on improvements for the next gig.

For me, the best part about being a part of the PICA group is when a workshop speaker opens up the floor for some great discussion! Stacey fielded tons of questions from our group and, in turn, gave us some great suggestions:

  • Think about using Facebook and Twitter as platforms to connect with your audience and promote your event.
  • Look to your local community for speaker resources to help curb expenses and stay within your budget.
  • When unveiling a new building location, consider a scavenger hunt for guests to participate in to familiarize themselves with the new building layout.

I definitely know I was able to take back a lot of fantastic ideas to my home office in Maryland. I look forward to experimenting with some of these suggestions in my next event – I hope you do, too!

- Becky

Day Two - Take Your Best Shot (then take another one!)


Here is a summary of Rick Patrick's photography session, as described by PICA director, Carol:

To say I’m “camera shy” is a gross understatement so I timidly packed my camera when I left for the PICA Workshop lamenting to my husband… "I don’t know why I’m taking this since I’m the poster child for the world’s worst photos!" But I must say, the session on Photography Tips was quite a pleasant surprise.

Rick Patrick, a valued and long time professional photographer in the Austin community, casually flipped through his photos and we knew immediately that he is a real pro at capturing real life in a most unique and intriguing way and I thought, "Oh no, I’m not going to understand any of this." But he quickly calmed my fears as he clearly addressed in plain English all of the issues that have caused the camera not to be my best friend all these years, like too much light, not enough light, too many people, boring backgrounds, too far away, too close, the dreaded Red Eye and more!

Rick showed us the most important thing about photography that I never understood…how to figure out why we don’t get good photographs. Whether we need to pick up a camera and take a picture NOW, or take posed photos, Rick gave us amateurs a simple checklist and conditions to consider before we shoot. And of course, a lot of practice has to take place but Rick brought us a lot of awareness about what the components of a good photo are (and it’s not that the grandkids have to be in it!)

- Carol

Day Two - Web Sites - The Good, The Bad...and How to Do it Better


Here is a summary of our session with Dr. Homero Gil de Zuniga, professor in the Department of Journalism at the University of Texas, as described by chairperson, Kirsten:

I'll admit it - I don't do a lot of things on the Web for my company. I'm a modern girl in many respects, but I love paper! Blackberry? No. Franklin planner? YES! Fortunately, my traditional company allows me to continue my love of paper through our printed marketing materials and publications, but if I'm honest with myself, even we are putting more and more of these items online.

So how do we paper-lovers adapt - and adapt effectively - to the Online World in such a way that our companies' Web sites are useful and useable? Enter Dr. Homero Gil de Zuniga...

Homero's conversational, animated and often humorous approach to explaining the good and bad of Web design kept our attention for the duration of his presentation.

From the very basic concepts of user habits and study to the B-word (not that word...I mean BLOGGING! ), Homero taught us about what makes a good, user-friendly Web site.

We started by examining user trends with the Poynter Institute studies. We found that we could also study our own habits here. Then we learned about icons, images and connotation. And how the use of these can enhance a Web page if placed properly.

And then we learned about C.R.A.P. No, really, we did! But the good kind: contrast, repetition, alignment and proximity. These concepts can make or break a Web site. Homero even took us to the World's Worst Web site. (And yes, after a few minutes there, we were happy to leave!)

Finally, we tackled the concept of blogging...more on a how-to level than principles, though. We all know that many companies are using this interactive approach to learn more about what their customers and employees think or need.

Homero got a great response from just about everyone who attended...looking around the room during the presentation, everyone was into it, and that is a sign of a great speaker. We appreciate Homero's time with us! Now, we're prepared to get a little introspective and check out our companies' sites to see if they are good, bad or in need of improvement!

- Kirsten