You may have participated in ABCOM’s Annual Christmas Party and Golf Tournament every year, but who are the masterminds behind these events?  Learn about who we are, check out our mugs and say hi next time you see one of us around.

Aimed at keeping the industry dynamic, collaborative and forward thinking, ABCOM believes in the importance of educating members on issues and advancements in broadcast, media and advertising though regular seminars.

A brief history of ABCOM (The Association of Broadcast Communicators).

ABCOM’s roots trace back to 1985 when a group of Vancouver broadcast executives established B.E.S West, a chapter of the Broadcast Executives Society based in Toronto. The founding members included Carol Kirkwood, Peter Alpen, Shirley Sato, and Ray Dagg.

B.E.S West operated from 1985 to 1990, with other notable board members during that period being Joe Balangno, Barry O’Donnell, Mel Sprackman, Sherri Haibeck, Terry Dinsmore, Gord Forbes, and Red Robinson.

In 1990, the B.E.S West board decided to dissolve the chapter and create a new organization. This decision stemmed from the Toronto-based parent chapter’s request for fees for the use of the name B.E.S and a newsletter. The board felt these funds could be better utilized by supporting local initiatives, such as an annual bursary for the BCIT broadcast program.

In 1991, ABCOM was officially established. The inaugural board consisted of Carol Kirkwood, Ellen McMillan, Barry O’Donnell, Gord Forbes, Jim Crawford, Phillip Cameron, Lorne Riding, Bob Toni, Terry Dinsmore (Treasurer), Joe Balangno, Peter Alpen, Sherri Haibeck (Secretary), and Janet Lawrence (President).

Over the years, ABCOM has consistently supported the Vancouver media industry through seminars, the BCIT Bursary, and philanthropic contributions to NABS. ABCOM is widely recognized for its two annual events: the ABCOM Golf Tournament and the ABCOM Christmas party.