PRESS RELEASE: Logos President to Deliver Keynote at International Association of Business Communicators World Conference

New York (March 6, 2023) – On June 5, 2023, Logos President Helio Fred Garcia will deliver a keynote address on “The Dangers of Disinformation: How Professional Communicators can Preserve and Promote Civic Order” at the 2023 International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) World Conference.

The IABC is a global association that serves professionals in the field of business communication, bringing together the profession’s collective disciplines.

The 2023 IABC World Conference, happening between June 4 through June 7 in Toronto, Canada, will bring together communication professionals from around the world for four days of collective learning, professional development, and networking. This year’s conference centers on how effective communication can deepen relationships, purpose, impact, curiosity, and more among teams and organizations.

“Disinformation is a problem well beyond the United States. It is responsible for political turmoil and oppression also in Latin America, Europe, Asia – around the world,” Garcia said. “This conference is a meaningful opportunity to connect with professional communicators from around the world to heighten their awareness and sharpen our individual and collective skills so that we may protect and promote civic order.”

Garcia’s keynote address will focus on the challenges professional communicators face in an environment of increasing mistrust and political turmoil. He will examine the ways in which disinformation and misinformation can – and have – put human life and democracy at risk. And he will share strategies that professional communicators can deploy to avoid becoming misinformation mercenaries and to help their clients and employers more likely communicate honestly and in ways that build trust, rather than erode trust.

“Disinformation and misinformation kill — both people and society,” Garcia explained. “And communicators have a critically important role in pushing back on disinformation. IABC’s Code of Ethics notes that professional communicators have the potential to influence society and affect lives. And with that power comes responsibility. The first two principles of the Code are: 1) I am honest. My actions bring respect for and trust in the communication profession; and 2) I communicate accurate information and promptly correct any errors.”

“The risks of disinformation and misinformation have never been more serious,” Garcia reflected. “And the need for communicators to protect the integrity of the communication process – and thereby to protect democracy – has never been greater.”

Learn more about the 2023 IABC conference and register at https://wc.iabc.com/.