I'm delighted to report that I'm going to Australia next month! First stop will be Melbourne, to deliver a conference session and an all-day employee communications workshop at the 2nd Annual Public Relations Summit, organized by Frocomm Australia. At the Summit I'll also be hauling out my Rockin' Ronnie persona and firing up the grill to put on my trademark Communication Cookout for local IABC chapter members (except I'll be grilling pumpkin and lamb instead of asparagus and Alberta beef).
It will be an action-packed week. I'll also be speaking to the students at Deakin University School of Communication Arts. Deakin Lecturer Ross Monaghan is the kind soul who put my book on the reading list of his course, PR Writing and Tactics, and connected me with the good folks at Frocomm.
After Melbourne it's off to Sydney, where I'll be doing a luncheon speech for the local IABC chapter.
I'm so excited! I've never been to Australia but I know it's got lots great communicators, including one of my favorite new media commentators, Lee Hopkins.
Any readers of this blog from Australia?
Anybody planning to come to the conference?
Any advice on where to eat in Melbourne and Sydney?
HI Ron,
Great to hear you're coming over here, I will likely see you at the IABC lunch session in Sydney. I spoke at one myself recently and there were some great discussions and conversations over the course of the afternoon.
Aslo, you're spoilt for choice on where to eat in either city, Australians know how to do good food and there's lots of choice.
Posted by: Alex Manchester | July 04, 2007 at 03:58 PM
Cool! I look forward to seeing you, Alex. And, yes, I've heard that Australians truly know how and where to eat. I can hardly wait.
Posted by: Ron Shewchuk | July 04, 2007 at 04:17 PM
G'day Ron!
I'll have to check the diary and see if we can't meet up in Melb or Syd - it would be FANTASTIC to catch up!
Posted by: Lee Hopkins | July 04, 2007 at 06:06 PM
Yes, sadly I won't be able to make it to the beautiful Adelaide hills. They'll have to remain in my imagination for now.
Posted by: Ron Shewchuk | July 04, 2007 at 06:12 PM
I'll bring photos... {grin}
Posted by: Lee Hopkins | July 10, 2007 at 12:17 PM
Ron, you'll have a ball. I still smile whenever I think of my trip there. It was so heavenly I almost felt guilty turning in the expense report.
Posted by: David Murray | July 10, 2007 at 03:54 PM
I can hardly wait -- and the cool thing is I also get to cook!
Posted by: Ron Shewchuk | July 10, 2007 at 03:56 PM
Hi Ron, my name is Emily and im in Ross Monaghans PR writing and tactics class at Deakin Uni. It will be great to have you speak to our class when you come to Australia and we are really looking forward to it. I am reading your book at the moment and finding it really helpful- so thankyou! See you in australia!
Posted by: Emily Arnold | August 03, 2007 at 07:39 PM
Hi, Emily. Thanks for your note. I'm SO looking forward to coming to your beautiful country and meeting your fellow students. See you soon!
Posted by: Ron Shewchuk | August 04, 2007 at 01:46 PM
Hey Ron,
It was great to meet a fellow Canadian as dynamic as you! I had a great time listening to your talk at Deakin and I took away a few things that I know will stick with me when I pursue a career in the communications field. Too bad us students won't get a chance to taste your BBQ skills. I guess that just means that you'll have to take another trip to Australia to have a cook-off. (hehe) Enjoy the conference and say hi to Canada for me. :)
Posted by: Cassandra Withey | August 21, 2007 at 08:26 AM
Thanks, Cassandra. I can see why you love Australia. It was fun meeting you and keep in touch as your career progresses. And, yes, next time there will be barbecue!
Posted by: Ron Shewchuk | August 21, 2007 at 02:35 PM