MAY 2026: PLUGGED IN
Contents
1.
‘Plugged In’ is all about connection
The future of PIC is built by people who plug in, contribute, and show up for one another, says Andrea Walasek, SCMP®, IABC/Toronto’s VP, Special Interest Groups and Chair of its Professional Independent Communicators.
2.
Contracts with confidence
PIC’s recent Contracts with Confidence webinar offered a reality check on why paperwork matters just as much as the work itself. Meline Beach shares her takeaways.
3.
And more!
Have you thought about volunteering with PIC? Meet new member Raihan Hussain. Find out why Matisse Hamel-Nelis, Kathryn Hollinrake and Cyrus Mavalwala are in the news. Last call for the session on media relations May 26. And check out the links shared on social media about contracts and accessible communications.
‘Plugged In’ is all about connection
By Andrea Walasek, SCMP®
As the days get longer and warmer weather settles in, there’s a renewed sense of energy across IABC/Toronto and its Professional Independent Communicators. With summer just around the corner, this edition of The Buzz feels especially fitting. “Plugged In” is all about connection, momentum, and the people helping shape our community right now. That momentum was clear during our recent Contracts with Confidence webinar, which sparked thoughtful discussion and fantastic feedback from members. From contracts and payment protection to AI and cyber liability, the conversation reinforced the importance of protecting both our work and our businesses as independent communicators. Meline Beach has provided a fantastic recap later in this issue! This edition also celebrates PIC members making an impact across the chapter and profession:
- Matisse Hamel-Nelis was recognized as a top 26 Strategic Communication Leader of the Year for her work in accessibility communications.
- Kathryn Hollinrake was named IABC/Toronto’s Volunteer of the Year in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the chapter and community.
- Cyrus Mavalwala was named an IABC Fellow, recognizing his leadership and contribution to the communications profession.
In this issue, we also welcome our newest PIC member, Raihan Hussain. And we remind you about our May 26 webinar, Media Relations in 2026, where industry experts will discuss how communicators can adapt to today’s rapidly evolving media landscape. Finally, if you’ve been thinking about getting more involved, this is your sign: we’re actively seeking PIC executive volunteers to help drive new ideas, strengthen member engagement and keep our community connected and thriving. Volunteering is a great way to expand your network, build leadership experience, and help shape what comes next for independent communicators. Please reach out if you’d like to join the PIC team! The future of PIC is built by people who plug in, contribute and show up for one another. There’s never been a better time to join the conversation. If you have any comments or questions, ideas for professional development topics, or wish to volunteer with PIC, reach out to me at toronto-sig@iabc.to. I’m always happy to hear from you.
Contracts with confidence: Essentials every independent communicator should know
By Meline Beach
Many independent communicators love the work we do, from strategy, storytelling and delivery to the relationships we build along the way. PIC’s recent Contracts with Confidence webinar offered a reality check on why paperwork matters just as much as the work itself. Moderated by Trish Tervit (she/her) of Tervit Communications and PIC co-Director of Programming, the session featured corporate lawyers Adam Freedman and Shoshanna Lebovits of KFG Law. The result was a frank, often funny and genuinely practical conversation about the fundamentals of contract protection for independent practitioners.
Start with the basics A contract doesn’t need to be lengthy to be effective. Its primary function is to document agreed-upon terms and reduce the risk of disputes. Shoshanna noted that without one, you’re relying on trust and common law, neither of which reliably favours the service provider. Even a well-structured email exchange that includes an offer, acceptance and agreed compensation can serve as a binding contract. Key clauses worth including in any services agreement include payment terms, scope of services, limitation of liability, and a clear statement that this is an independent contractor relationship, important for both tax and legal purposes. Read before you sign When a client provides the contract, review it carefully before signing. Templates written for large organizations may include provisions that do not necessarily apply to a solo practitioner, such as workers’ compensation coverage or automobile liability. Shoshanna recommends marking up or crossing out clauses that don’t apply and returning the document with a brief explanation. Adam added that in his experience, most clients accept reasonable amendments without issue. Protect your payment This risk is real. One participant described a client who stopped paying mid-project, relocated to another province, and ultimately left more than $60,000 in unpaid invoices despite a judgment in the participant’s favour. Adam offered several safeguards worth building into any agreement: invoice on a “due upon receipt” basis rather than net 30 days; require a deposit before work begins; and set interest on overdue payments at 10% to 15%. If collection is a concern, he also suggested asking clients to disclose their primary banking institution upfront. From his experience, this information is important if you’re ever left having to garnish an account. AI and cyber liability: two areas to address now As AI tools become more common in communications work, contracts are beginning to reflect that shift. Adam identified a number of clauses worth discussing with legal counsel: data usage restrictions, ownership of AI-generated content, disclosure of AI tool use to clients, and liability allocation in the event of an AI error. Given how quickly the landscape is changing, he recommended revisiting any AI-related contract language within six months of drafting it. On the cyber side, participants raised concerns about data breaches and hacked devices, which are realistic risks for anyone handling sensitive client information. Adam recommended pairing updated contract language with sound data security practices and cyber insurance. One participant received a quote in the $250 to $300 annual range for this. By the end of the session, the message was clear. As Adam put it, the best contract is the one you sign, file away, and never need to look at again. Getting there starts with putting the right terms in place from the beginning. A recording of this session is available to participants, who should have received a link from the chapter.
The PIC executive team is looking for volunteers
A reminder that we’re looking for volunteers for the 2026–2027 PIC executive team. This is a chance to expand your network, develop leadership and strategic skills you may not get in client work, and collaborate with other experienced professionals. Step forward and be part of shaping what comes next for independent communicators by getting in touch with Andrea Walasek, SCMP, at toronto-sig@iabc.to.
Welcome new member
Raihan Hussain (he/him) Communications Strategizer Toronto | LinkedIn | 416-599-2458 ext. 221 | raihanh95@gmail.com
A spirited communications strategizer who works on synchronous projects developing editorial materials consistent in approach, attentive to guidelines, and fostering positive stories about communities going unheard and underrepresented, such as people with disabilities and in low-income neighborhoods. Always looking to learn about how best to improve and build on communications plans and processes so please feel free to reach out and connect. My inbox is always open!
If you’re an IABC member reading this and want to join PIC too, or if you know someone who should join, please get in touch! Connect with Kathryn Hollinrake, our Director, Membership, at kathryn@hollinrake.com.
Member news
Matisse Hamel-Nelis, ADS, CPACC (she/her), was recognized in April as a top 26 Strategic Communication Leader of the Year at the Strategic Global Awards 2026 in Brussels. She and her co-author Lisa Riemers were recognized for their work in accessibility communications. “To be recognized alongside such incredible communicators from around the world is something I’ll be thinking about for a very long time,” she says. “This work, making communications more accessible, more inclusive, and more human, truly matters. And seeing accessibility take up space on a global stage like this? That’s the real win.”
Congratulations to Kathryn Hollinrake (she/her), named IABC/Toronto’s Volunteer of the Year! Kathryn was among the IABC members celebrated at the chapter’s Ovation Awards gala on May 7. “To say I was surprised would be an understatement,” she says. She called it “a slightly surreal moment” to be receiving the award while actively photographing the event. “I have definitely never had to put my camera down to accept an award before,” she adds. “Very grateful to IABC/Toronto for the recognition, and especially grateful to be part of such a smart, thoughtful, talented and dedicated community of communicators.”
Congratulations to PIC member Cyrus Mavalwala, ABC, MC (he/him), who was this month named an IABC Fellow. This is a global honour that recognizes not just professional excellence, but a lifetime of contribution to the field of communication. Just over 100 of the world’s top communication leaders have earned this designation. “It is both humbling and deeply meaningful to be named an IABC Fellow and to be included in this global community of leaders who have helped shape our profession,” he says. Cyrus was also recently in the IABC/Toronto Spotlight. Check it out to learn more about his career journey, what’s behind Advantis Communications’ success, and why communicators must stay in the driver’s seat as AI reshapes the way we find, access and engage with information. The chapter spotlights are written this year by PIC member Vander Correa.
May 26: What’s changed in media relations and how to adapt
Join IABC/Toronto and PIC on Tuesday, May 26 for a candid conversation on how practitioners are navigating today’s media landscape. Our panel of experts — Masha Mikey, Jacob Robinson and Natalia Smalyuk — will provide insights from the agency and independent perspectives. Guided by moderator Trish Tervit, the panel will explore:
- How media relations has changed and what that means for your approach
- Where and how to connect with journalists today
- Tactics that are cutting through and ones that are falling flat
- Practical tips you can apply immediately in your own work.
It all takes place on Zoom from noon to 1 p.m. ET on May 26. Cost is $15 for IABC/Toronto members ($16.95 with HST); $25 for other IABC chapters and Lite members ($28.75 with HST); $35 for non-members ($39.55 with HST.
See you on social media!
Build and strengthen your connections, advance your business and network with other PIC members on social media. In case you missed them, posts shared on our social media channels include these:
“Employers often present contracts like they are not a choice, but you always have the option of at least asking questions and suggesting changes.” The Canadian Freelance Guild offers contract advice.
Solo PR Pro describes why contracts are an essential tool for your business and that you need to agree to terms before you start work for a client.
The April issue of IABC/Toronto’s Communicator explored the topic “Inclusive by Design.” Read about ways communicators can evaluate their comms to ensure they are inclusive and accessible from the start. Our own Matisse Hamel-Nelis contributes an article about inclusive storytelling.
Who we are
Professional Independent Communicators (PIC) is a special interest group of IABC/Toronto. PIC’s mission is to support independent IABC/Toronto communicators through professional development, networking and marketing. The Buzz informs members about upcoming events, shares professional development tips from past meetings and keeps us connected.
IABC connects communicators from around the world with the insights, resources and people they need to drive their careers and their professions forward.
Editor: Sue Horner, SCMP®
Executive team
Chair: Andrea Walasek, SCMP® | Past Chair: Marie-Lauren Gregoire Drummond, SCMP® | Membership: Kathryn Hollinrake | Communications & Social Media: Brent Artemchuk, Sue Horner, SCMP® | Programming: Catharine Heddle, Trish Tervit