15-16 October 2026
Austin
Austin, we’re back.
After successful editions across North America and Europe, the Crisis Communications Boot Camp returns to Austin this October.
This two-day, hands-on training is designed for communicators who need to lead when reputations are under pressure. The Boot Camp focuses on practical frameworks and real crisis scenarios, helping you prepare for the complex challenges communicators face today.
What you will gain:
• Understand how modern crises evolve in a world shaped by polarization, misinformation, and AI
• Learn how to communicate effectively under intense media and stakeholder scrutiny
• Explore how AI can support crisis monitoring, analysis, and decision-making
• Build a practical crisis response framework you can apply inside your organization
• Identify meaningful ways to measure crisis performance and reputational impact
Attendance is limited to ensure an interactive learning experience.
Join the pre-registration list to receive priority access to tickets and save 15% when registration opens.
Brochure download (260 kB)
The first 60 minutes of a crisis define the outcome. This is where decisions are made with limited information, under pressure, and with long-term consequences. This session breaks down what really happens in that first hour—how leadership aligns, how decisions are made, and where things go wrong. Through real-world examples, we will focus on how to structure your initial response, establish clear decision authority, and avoid early missteps that escalate risk. You will leave with a practical framework to take control fast—and keep control as the crisis unfolds.
Farnaz Khadem, Vice President, University Communications, Stanford University
Every issue now demands a response—but not every response is the right one. This session breaks down how leaders decide when to speak and when to stay silent in high-pressure, high-visibility situations. We will focus on how to assess risk, align stakeholders, and avoid reactive decisions that damage credibility. Through real-world scenarios, you will gain a clear framework for making deliberate, defensible choices—so your response is driven by strategy, not pressure.
Adam Pratt, Director, Issues & Government Communications, IBM
Most crisis plans fail in execution. This session focuses on how to build a crisis communications program that is designed to perform under pressure—from structure and governance to activation and decision-making in real time. We will break down how to define roles, create escalation protocols, align leadership, and embed crisis readiness into everyday operations. Through practical examples, you will see what separates a document from a functioning program—and how to ensure your team is ready when a crisis hits.
Trisha McDonell, Vice President, Public Relations, Flex
This program can also be delivered as a tailored in-house training for your organization. We adapt the content to your industry, objectives, and level of maturity, focusing on real challenges your teams face and the decisions they need to make. In-house formats allow your people to align on a shared approach, work through relevant scenarios, and build skills they can apply immediately.
If you’re exploring an in-house option, tell us a bit about your team, priorities, and timing, and we’ll recommend the right format.
Contact us about in-house training
