Registration and Morning Coffee
Taking a Stand Amid Political and Societal Turmoil: Navigating Authentic Advocacy
In an era marked by societal turbulence, Sean unpacks the essence of authentic corporate activism through the lens of Ben &Jerry's impactful strategies. Drawing from their playbook, Sean illuminates the path to taking principled stands while preserving brand credibility. This session offers practical insights on aligning values with action, managing customer expectations, and safeguarding your brand's reputation amidst polarized landscapes. Join Sean to discover actionable steps for genuine, impactful advocacy, empowering your organization to navigate these tumultuous times with integrity and purpose.
Sean Greenwood, Director of Public Relations and Communications, Ben & Jerry's
Crisis in the Age of AI: Implications of Generative AI for Crisis and Reputation Management
Whether you are a PR professional, crisis communicator, or a decision-maker concerned about the impact of generative AI on reputation management, this session will equip you with the knowledge and strategies to navigate the evolving landscape effectively. Join us to explore the implications of generative AI for crisis and reputation management and discover innovative approaches to safeguarding your organization's brand and reputation in the age of AI.
Dave Fleet, Head of Global Digital Crisis, Edelman
Building & Maintaining a Brand Reputation in a World of Polarization ang Growing Mistrust
Drawing from her experience at the City of Atlanta Police Department (APD) and the Atlanta City Detention Center (ACDC), Chata will share with you how to build and maintain a brand reputation in a world of polarization and growing mistrust. She will discuss the strategies used to create a brand that is trusted and respected by the public and how to respond to negative publicity. Additionally, she will discuss the importance of transparency and accountability in building a strong brand reputation.
Chata M. Spikes, Public Affairs Director , City of Atlanta Police Department (APD) & Atlanta City Detention Center (ACDC)
Navigating Media Relations in Permacrisis: Strategies for Success
In this session, join Dee, a seasoned media relations expert, as she unravels the intricate web of maintaining effective media relationships during times of permacrisis. With the modern world characterized by ongoing and interconnected crises, the role of media relations has never been more critical. Dee will share invaluable insights and strategies to help you adapt and thrive in this ever-evolving landscape. Explore the art of crafting a proactive and resilient media relations strategy that ensures your organization's message is heard, even in the midst of enduring permacrisis scenarios. Learn to build and nurture relationships with the media that foster trust and credibility, allowing you to effectively convey your organization's story and navigate the constant waves of challenges. Discover how to provide timely, accurate, and empathetic responses to media inquiries and stakeholder concerns, ensuring your brand remains resilient and respected.
Dee Mostofi, AVP, University External Communications, Stanford University
Lunch for Speakers and Delegates
Crisis Planning at NASA: Preparing for the Unexpected
Join us for a riveting session with NASA's Allard Beutel, as he takes us behind the scenes of how the space agency meticulously prepares for the unexpected. Delve into the high-stakes world of crisis scenarios, where NASA's brilliant minds simulate a myriad of challenges, from technical malfunctions to unforeseen emergencies, in their tireless quest for exploration for the benefit of humanity. Discover the strategies employed to train and empower NASA's leaders to steer through adversity, collaboration across the agency, as well as commercial and international partners, and more to help ensure effective communications of NASA’s missions. Allard's insight will leave you in awe of the resilience and unwavering dedication that defines NASA's crisis planning, a testament to humanity's quest for the stars.
Allard Beutel, Director, News, Media, and Internal Communications Division, NASA Office of Communications
Stakeholder Engagement: Nurturing Trust and Credibility Through Crisis Management
In this informative session, led by Trisha, a recognized expert in stakeholder engagement, you will gain comprehensive insights into the art of managing relationships with stakeholders before, during, and after a crisis. In an era where stakeholder trust and credibility are paramount, Trisha will guide you through proven strategies to build, maintain, and strengthen these vital connections. Explore the proactive approach to stakeholder engagement, creating a robust foundation for trust that will withstand even the most challenging of circumstances. Learn how to tailor your communication and engagement strategies to various stakeholder groups, ensuring that your organization's message resonates and builds a lasting positive rapport. Trisha will also provide essential techniques for responding to stakeholder concerns with empathy and authenticity during crises, preserving the integrity of your organization's relationships. This session is your key to mastering the art of stakeholder engagement in the face of adversity, safeguarding your organization's reputation, and nurturing trust and credibility for the long term.
Trisha McDonell, Global Crisis Communications Director, Expedia
Networking Break
Measuring Success in Crisis Communications: Essential Tips and Strategies
In this session, Nicole Moreo, a distinguished expert in PR measurement, will provide essential insights into measuring the success of crisis communication strategies. In today's fast-paced digital landscape, understanding the impact and effectiveness of your crisis response is pivotal. Nicole will guide you through the most critical tips for crisis communications measurement, offering a practical roadmap for assessing your crisis management performance accurately. You'll learn how to set clear objectives, harness data analytics, master key performance indicators (KPIs), employ real-time monitoring, and identify trends and best practices in crisis communications measurement. Nicole's extensive experience and practical approach will empower you to navigate crisis management with confidence, ensuring your organization's reputation and financial health are safeguarded.
Nicole Moreo, Head of Customer Insights, LinkedIn
Empower, Protect, Communicate: Crisis Management in Safeguarding Inclusivity for Gender Health Amid Threats
Explore the critical crisis communications principles and essential multidisciplinary components Kristen and her team put in place beginning on August 11, 2002, when Boston Children’s Hospital suddenly fell victim to a coordinated barrage of threats over its trans health program. Kristen will discuss the ever-changing severity of the crisis and highlight the importance of a crisis huddle, how external and internal communications and content must be aligned, and how video content from 2017 ignited a storm. Kristen will also discuss the importance of sustaining a safe and inclusive environment for all, even amid protests, challenges, and threats.
Kristen Dattoli, Director, Enterprise Communications, Boston Children's Hospital
End of Day One
Revitalizing Your Crisis Plan: A Real-Life Scenario Workshop with Donald Steel
Join us for a transformative Crisis Simulation Workshop led by esteemed crisis communication expert, Donald Steel, as we dive into the ever-changing landscape of crisis communications in a post-pandemic world. In this extended session, we'll focus on the crucial process of updating your crisis plan with real-life scenarios, ensuring your organization remains resilient and adaptable in the face of modern challenges.
This immersive workshop combines established best practices with innovative approaches, empowering crisis communicators to effectively support those affected by crises and protect their organization's reputation. You'll engage in hands-on exercises, collaborating with your peers to navigate complex crisis scenarios that involve social media, media interviews, and delicate press conferences.
By the conclusion of this workshop, you'll walk away with:
- Donald's top ten crisis communication strategies tailored to the post-pandemic era.
- A concrete plan to enhance your leadership team's preparedness for crisis communication.
- A heightened understanding of effective communication in today's increasingly assertive environment.
Upon completing the workshop, you'll be equipped to:
- Understand the crucial connection between pre-crisis preparation and swift crisis response.
- Possess the skills to evaluate and adapt your organization's social media communication style during crises.
- Be proficient in handling assertive question types during crisis media interviews.
- Be well-prepared to update and revise your organization's crisis communication plan based on the valuable insights gained during the workshop.
Don't miss this opportunity to fortify your crisis preparedness and embrace the future of crisis communications with confidence.
About Your Workshop Leader:
Donald Steel, Vice President, Crisis Communications, Kenyon International Emergency Services and Former Chief Communications Adviser at the BBC
Donald Steel has built a global reputation as a crisis communicator. For more than 25 years he has given strategic counsel to organisations and high profile individuals in a range of serious situations, including aircraft incidents, terrorism, kidnapping, serious accidents, executive and personal misconduct, fraud, litigation and inquests and serious regulatory and diplomatic issues.
He was for 11 years, the chief media spokesman of the BBC.
In his own practice, based in London, he worlds with a range of corporate, government, NGO and individual clients across the UK, Europe, the Balkans, the Middle East, North America and Asia Pacific and Australasia. His clients includes airlines, hospitals, universities, hotel groups, UN agencies, orchestras, the Eurovision Song Contest, arts venues and high profile artistes.
He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations in London and of the Royal Society of Arts. He is a regular guest lecturer at the London School of Economics and the China Media Centre of the University of Westminster.
Alongside his own practice, last year he was appointed Vice President, Crisis Communications at Kenyon International Emergency Services, the worlds longest serving and most admired responder to incidents involving fatality and injury. Based in Houston, Berkshire (UK), Beirut and Santo Domingo, Kenyon’s clients range from leading airlines, cruise companies, hotel groups, governments, police forces, local authorise and companies across the world who work in high risk situations. In this role, Donald leads a team of senior crisis communicators based around the world, ready to respond to clients.
He was a member of Aviation Futures, a recent think tank of the UK Civil Aviation Authority supporting the CAA on planning the regulation of future developments in aviation.
