Event Details

October 7, 2009 6:00pm-8:30pm

Flying High Through Employee Engagement and Social Media all on a Low-Fare Budget

Join Yankee IABC and Communications Specialist for Southwest Airlines Millie Richter* for a special dinner presentation on Southwest’s highly successful employee engagement, social media and internal communications programs.

How could one publication deliver the right message at the right time to 34,000 Employees in 67 cities from coast to coast? The short answer: It can’t. That’s why Southwest Airlines communicates with its Pilots, Flight Attendants, Mechanics, Customer Service Agents, and Headquarters’ Employees using a variety of communications vehicles and specialized publications for each employee group– with complete management support.

At Southwest, interest in the individual and straight communication (with as much fun that fits) comes right out of the corporate culture. And what a culture it is: From President, Chairman and CEO Gary Kelly to the award-winning employee publication, LUVLines, Southwest communicators cover messages that encompass the big picture in the same breath that they touch on details such as personal achievements and milestones that keep the family focus.

Southwest Airlines has also navigated the uncharted territory of Social Media – first, with its award-winning corporate blog, Nuts About Southwest, and later with tools such as YouTube, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. Along the way, Southwest has experienced both highs and lows, but there’s always a new lesson emerging in the online world. From virtual riots to an industry crisis, Southwest has learned how to leverage today’s social media tools to successfully support Company efforts.

During the presentation, Millie will discuss:

Innovative ways to communicate to your entire Employee group– whether you have a highly mobile workforce or one with daily computer access
Creative ways to encourage Employee behavior to positively impact your bottom line
The important role culture can play in communications– and the Southwest business case behind developing a dynamic culture
How to strategize and develop web 2.0 campaigns that move your company ahead
When to listen to online conversations and when to chime in
How to use social media tools for crisis communications

WHEN AND WHERE:

Wednesday, October 7 from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.

6 – 6:30 p.m. – Registration and networking
6:30 – 7 p.m. – Dinner served
7 – 8:30 p.m. – Presentation and Q&A

RDW Group, the largest independent communications agency in New England, will be hosting the event at their Providence office (125 Holden Street, Providence, RI 02908). RDW Group has street parking and two parking lots and is easily accessible via the MBTA commuter rail and Amtrak. Directions and location details are available on their website.

REGISTRATION DETAILS

Online registration is now open!

Event fees:

IABC Member – $35
IABC Student Member - $15
Non-Member – $50
Student Non-Member – $20

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Millie Richter has “LUVed” her job at Southwest Airlines for more than eleven years. As a Communications Specialist focusing on internal communications as part of the Communications and Strategic Outreach Department, she is tasked with communicating Southwest’s message to 34,000+ Employees in 67 cities nationwide. Millie graduated with a Marketing degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio. She loves to travel, so it’s a good thing that she works for an airline! When she’s not living out of a suitcase, she resides in Dallas, Texas.

*Due to an unexpected scheduling conflict, Millie Richter has replaced Katie Coldwell as the speaker for this event.