Ann Gynn, Director of Marketing and Communications for Gay Games 9, Named 2014 IABC Communicator of the Year

IABC Cleveland is pleased to name Ann Gynn as the 2014 Communicator of the Year.

She is being recognized for her efforts as the Director of Marketing and Communications for the successful 2014 Gay Games event held this summer in the Cleveland+Akron area. The results of Gay Games 9 were impressive:  48 states and 50 countries were represented; 3,000 people volunteered; 8,000 athletes participated; and 20,000 spectators and visitors from around the globe cheered at the events. Those are just a few of the numbers. Gay Games 9 helped to open hearts and minds abroad and here at home and highlight our great area. It all was achieved from the ground-up, as a start-up effort.

 

Gynn developed and delivered on a four-pronged approach. She had to sell:

1. Cleveland+Akron as a destination to those within an 8-hour drive

2. Cleveland+Akron as a destination to those outside of an 8-hour drive;

3. The Gay Games to the LGBT community in the U.S. and internationally

4. The Gay Games to the ally community statewide

 

Gynn delivered using the tools of the communicator – understanding the audiences and developing messages and materials to reach a more conservative Northeast Ohio, as well as to reach progressive metropolitan populations. She led a team that focused on the multiplying strength of strategic partnerships, personal outreach, and niche, mainstream and social media.

 

She has been a communicator for more than 20 years. After starting out in journalism, she has turned her talents to marketing communications. She also has served as adjunct faculty for public speaking, interpersonal communications, journalism and senior-level public relations, and conducts work in special events and conference planning.

Celebrate Ann at the Nov. 6 IABC Cleveland Year-End Celebration.