The UK IABC Board is keen to support the UK comms profession during the downturn. One way we thought we could do this was to encourage people to meet, share ideas and - basically - stick together. To help this we are holding a free networking event which is open to all members and their contacts, colleagues and friends. Pass on the details.

Although it is free, please be sure to register as this is a security requirement for all attendees.

You can also find out how improved communications skills helped skipper Duggie Gillespie, winner of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. In an informal session, Duggie will share some communication lessons and some unique stories from one of the world's toughest yacht races.

Duggie first sailed round the world in the British Steel Global Challenge in 1996 as a member of the crew - having never sailed before! He was back in 2004, this time as skipper of 'the Isle of Sark'. Although he won both of the gruelling Southern Ocean legs, he narrowly missed out on a podium position coming 4th overall. In 2008 Duggie was brought in to skipper 'New York' in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race when the previous skipper had to retire. Taking all the lessons learnt from the Global  Challenge, Duggie rallied the crew and took them from 10th place to pole position.

Duggie will share the communication lessons he learnt in the Global Challenge and how he applied them to turn a losing team into the winning team.