Benefits of Membership

HPCA is a supportive community of self-employed or freelance communications professionals. We provide members with opportunities for personal and professional development and a platform for the sharing knowledge and wisdom among peers. We also provide a “virtual water cooler” that keeps you connected and helps fight the isolation you can sometimes experience working solo!

Membership benefits include:

Free or discounted rates to HPCA events
The HPCA program year runs from September through June, at various locations in Halton and Peel Regions. Many of our meetings feature guest speakers who are specialists in their fields, or provide a forum for members to discuss and share their own expertise on a given topic. At other events, the focus is strictly social, providing a platform for friendly talk over dinner and a drink – something that often eludes those of us working from a small-office/home-office environment. HPCA members may attend these events for free or well-discounted rates.

Access to a community of like-minded professionals
Besides offering regular member meetings and informal discussion groups, HPCA encourages members to communicate and share our specific expertise with each other. The HPCA e-mail discussion group offers quick access to a wealth of information and a forum in which to ask questions or share knowledge and expertise.

Presence on the HPCA website
Full members of HPCA are provided with a public profile page to promote themselves and their work. Members also have the opportunity to publish articles and writings about their particular expertise, along with news and opinion related to the communications profession. Members may also contribute a portfolio of works for public display and discussion.

HPCA members enjoy the added benefit of membership in the Mississauga Board of Trade and the Halton Hills Chamber of Commerce.

Find a Communicator

We offer three fast, convenient methods to access the expertise of our members:

1. Search the Membership Directory. An abundance of creative talent is available at your fingertips.

2. Click here to e-mail our membership

3. Call toll free 1-888-742-HPCA (4722) to locate the communication professional you need or talk directly to a project leader. We’ll help you find the right person for your project or assemble a virtual team to handle all your communications needs.

Featured Member

Donna Papacosta

Donna PapacostaExperienced, reliable communicator working in traditional and digital media. More than 20 years of experience helping corporations, nonprofits and government agencies communicate with employees, customers and prospects. Expertise in writing, editing, project management, podcasting and multimedia production.

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Featured News & Articles

  • Business Benefits of Improv – spontaneous communication

    You may have laughed a lot while watching the TV show “Whose Line is it, Anyway?” (The original BBC radio version moved to TV in 1988 and then to US TV in 1998. ) Watching it on TV is NOTHING like actually doing it. You can watch someone ride a bicycle but actually riding a bicycle is beyond description. It’s the same with improvisation.

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  • Designers share Web site advice

    If you’ve been thinking about setting up a Web site for your business but don’t know where to start, talk to a graphic designer or two for some guidelines. HPCA designers agree that having a “flat” site is important, taking as few clicks as possible to get to the content. “People don’t want to have to click down and down and down to get information,” says Craig.

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  • Coffee talk—how to build business while sipping java

    If the thought of “working a room” is nerve-wracking, break up your networking goals into smaller, attainable steps. Basically, networking for business is getting to know people so you can help each other. I suggest the best way to accomplish this is by meeting people one-on-one over a nice hot coffee.

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  • So, you want to do a newsletter

    Newsletters are a popular way to keep in touch with people, from current and prospective clients to members of associations to friends and family. Before launching one, whether it’s printed or electronic, take some time to think about why you want to send a newsletter, who is going to read it, how you’re going to send it—oh yes, and how you’re going to keep it on schedule!

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  • How to get free publicity for your business

    Having your business featured by newspapers, magazines, TV or radio gives you valuable exposure that money cannot buy. Some people get this attention because they know how to create and make the most of media opportunities. Here are five techniques to use for your own business.

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  • Setting goals and creating a business plan—why and how?

    In the early part of 1999, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in the Self Employment Assistance (SEA) program, offered by The Oakville Enterprise Centre, for people wishing to start their own businesses. As I reflect on my first year of self-employment, I would like to share with you some of the valuable lessons I learned.

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Upcoming Events

HPCA Social with a Latino Twist Party

Bright coloured clothes, piquant flavours, upbeat music and a little salsa – put them together and we have the HPCA Social with a Latino Twist Party! The March 25th event is being hosted in Oakville by Joanna Turlej and she has some fun and surprising things in store for us.

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