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Holtz Communications + Technology

Shel Holtz
Communicating at the Intersection of Business and Technology
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Nipping ribbon envy in the bud

I spoke yesterday afternoon to members of the National Speakers Association. The group is holding its annual conference—dubbed SpeakerPalooza—near San Francisco International Airport. I did a talk on how to build a speaking business using social media; this was at a pre-conference session for the writer/author group within the NSA. When I checked in at the registration area, I was struck by this sign:

Shel Holtz

Most conferences I attend feature a range of ribbons to attach to your name badge. At the annual IABC conference, in addition to official ribbons, a variety of people produce their own to hand out. There’s an uspoken competition for the most ribbons, and first-time conference attenders with their two ribbons—“Member” and one touting the venue for the next year’s conference—routinely remark on the number of ribbons longer-term members display—usually in elevators. Here’s one of mine from a few years back:

Shel Holtz

I kinda like the NSA approach.

02/14/08 | 5 Comments | Nipping ribbon envy in the bud

Comments

  • 1.Ribbons are very American, not really come across them much in the UK.

    Stuart Bruce | February 2008 | Leeds, UK

  • 2.I was never a big fan of the "mine is bigger than yours" school of thought re ribbons.

    Shel, I would love to hear more about your talk to the speakers. I'll bet their eyes were opened to new possibilities.

    Donna Papacosta | February 2008 | Toronto

  • 3.My first IABC conference... elevator down with another new member and a couple of IABC grand?es (who shall remain unnamed).

    Grand?es exit. Other member: "Gawd, they were dolled up like a couple of Third World dictators!"

    Remembering her line has sometimes stayed my hand when considering adding to the ribbon stack.

    Allan Jenkins | February 2008 | Toh?jgaard, Hjelm, M?n, Denmark

  • 4.I have nipple envy too, I wish I had three instead of two! Then my career would be through the glass ceiling :-(

    Raspusia | February 2008

  • 5.Shel:

    I enjoyed your talk at the NSA convention. Thanks for taking the time after your talk to give me your views on Social Media which I've podcast. You started a whole debate on Social Media at the convention which continues here and here.

    Ian | February 2008 | Castro Valley, CA

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