Crisis Communications Boot Camp | Halifax, 22-23 May 2025
This two-day event is packed with valuable insights, real-world case studies, and practical workshops led by renowned crisis communication experts from top organizations like NATIONAL, CBC, Golin Canada, City of Ottawa, Gilean Sciences and Toronto Community Housing.
LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER! GROUP DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE!
You asked for it, we are delivering! After phenomenal success in 23 cities around the world, the Crisis Communications Boot Camp is finally coming to Halifax! Don’t miss your chance to be a part of the world’s leading training on crisis communications, designed to equip you with the skills and strategies needed to navigate today’s ever-changing crisis landscape.
Tickets are limited to just 70 attendees, ensuring a highly interactive and personalized learning experience.
Group discounts are available, making it easier for teams to attend together and strengthen their collective crisis communication capabilities.
Join us in Halifax to gain the tools, insights, and confidence needed to tackle any crisis head-on. Be part of this unparalleled learning experience and ensure your organization is ready to navigate the complexities of today’s world.
Reserve your spot today!
09.00 Registration and Morning Coffee
10.00 Mastering Modern Crisis Communications: Strategies for Preparedness, Response & Recovery
In an era of constant change, effective crisis communication is more crucial than ever. This session will provide a practical framework for anticipating potential crises, assessing risks, and strengthening your organization's readiness. Learn how to craft agile response strategies, manage media relations under pressure, and facilitate a smooth recovery post-crisis. Walk away with actionable insights and proven tactics to future-proof your crisis communication approach.
Andrew Forgione, Senior Director, Public Affairs, Canada, Gilead Sciences
10.40 When Politics and Business Collide: Navigating Crisis in a Polarized World
In today’s polarized landscape, your brand can find itself at the center of political and social debates—whether you planned for it or not. How do you respond effectively without alienating key stakeholders? In this session, Kristan will guide you through strategies for managing crises at the intersection of business and politics. You'll learn how to assess risks, craft messaging that aligns with your values, and navigate public scrutiny while maintaining trust and credibility. Be prepared to tackle tough conversations, make informed decisions, and lead with authenticity in an era of heightened expectations.
Kristan Hines, Senior Vice-President, Corporate and Public Affairs, NATIONAL Public Relations
11.20 Quantifying Reputation Before, During and After a Crisis
The advent of GenAI has raised the bar for virtually every professional service imaginable. As PR practitioners, that means confronting new challenges in how to best apply our expertise in ways that make a tangible difference. Leveraging this new technology to quantify reputational health before, during, and following a crisis can serve as one of those ways. This session will focus on the glaring need to reliably measure reputational health consistently, and the ways to effectively do so. The result of a strong measurement infrastructure shows its value when a negative event does occur - there is a firm understanding of how significant it is, how to mitigate it, and the trajectory of recovery.
Andrew Blanchette, Vice President, Data Intelligence, CHANGEMAKERS
Robert Gemmill, President, Reptuation Management, CHANGEMAKERS
12.00 Lunch for Speakers and Delegates
13.00 The Top Skills for Crisis Communicators in a Polarized World
In a world marked by division and heightened sensitivities, crisis communicators face unprecedented challenges in maintaining trust and credibility. In this insightful session, Katherine will highlight the essential skills every crisis communicator needs to succeed in today’s polarized landscape. From crafting empathy-driven messaging to mastering rapid response techniques, Katherine will provide practical guidance on how to engage diverse audiences without compromising your organization’s values. Discover how to leverage digital tools for proactive engagement, strengthen your ability to manage public scrutiny, and build resilience in the face of intense public pressure. Walk away with a clear roadmap for enhancing your crisis communication skills and leading with confidence during turbulent times.
Katherine Wolfgang, Head of PR, CBC
13.40 Mastering the Unexpected: Crisis Readiness Through Simulation & Strategy
In an era of constant change and unpredictability, it feels like we live in a time of permacrisis. The weight of preparation feels heavier every day, and sometimes the idea of responding to a crisis provokes more concern than the crisis itself. It doesn't have to. This session is rooted in a place of optimism, that you and your team can handle any crisis that comes your way. All it takes is some self-preparation, as well as some planning with your internal and external peers. This session will guide you through a series of useful and practical thought exercises to help you identify potential threats, steady yourself with the right preparation and then test your skills with live simulations of any level of complexity. You'll come away feeling more confident about your team's readiness, with the direction you need to keep strengthening yourselves to put in a heroic effort when the situation calls for it.
Robin Smith, Strategic Communications Director, Toronto Community Housing
14.20 Incorporating DEI Principles in Crisis Strategies
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are no longer optional in crisis communication — they are essential. In this powerful session, Renee will explore how embedding DEI principles into your crisis strategies can strengthen trust, improve decision-making, and foster authentic engagement with diverse audiences. Learn how to craft inclusive messaging that resonates with all stakeholders, avoid common missteps that lead to reputational damage, and ensure your crisis response reflects your organization’s values. Renee will share real-world examples and actionable strategies for integrating DEI into every stage of crisis planning and response, empowering you to build stronger, more inclusive communication frameworks.
Renee Weekes Duncan, Senior Vice President, Golin Canada
15.00 Networking and Refreshment Break
15.30 Inside Out: Best Practices for Internal Communications During Crisis Situations
Effective internal communication is the backbone of successful crisis management. In this session, you will explore the essential strategies and best practices for keeping employees informed, engaged, and aligned during times of uncertainty. From timely messaging to fostering trust and transparency, attendees will learn how to maintain morale, prevent misinformation, and support their internal stakeholders throughout the crisis lifecycle. This session will provide actionable insights and real-world examples to ensure their internal communication approach is proactive, empathetic, and impactful.
David Oille, Senior Adviser, Strategic Communications, CBC/Radio-Canada
16.10 Rebuilding Trust Post-Crisis: Lessons from the City of Ottawa
During times of crisis in communities, whether climate related or man-made, it is local governments that are the front lines of support for residents. With a global trend of decreasing trust in governments, it is crucial for municipalities to maintain trust and to demonstrate their value to their residents. In this compelling case study, Jamie from the City of Ottawa will share the city's strategic approach to restoring public confidence following years of crises. Attendees will gain insights into how empathy-driven communication focused on people, humanizing government workers through authentic storytelling, and showcasing behind-the-scenes efforts have become central to their strategy. This session offers practical lessons and actionable takeaways for post-crisis communicators navigating the complex journey of rebuilding trust.
Jamie Hurst, Program Manager, Media Relations and Legislative Support, City of Ottawa
16.50 End of Day One
10.00-16.30 A Full Day Crisis Simulation Workshop: Updating Your Crisis Plan in an Era of Growing Skepticism and Polarization with Kathryn Kolaczek
In a world marked by increasing skepticism and polarization, traditional crisis plans are no longer sufficient. Join Kathryn Kolaczek for an immersive, hands-on workshop designed to help you rethink and update your crisis communication strategy to address the evolving challenges of today's landscape. This interactive session will guide you through real-world scenarios, including navigating cancel culture, taking a stand amid political and social divides, and managing sensitive issues like layoffs and perceived inauthenticity. Working closely with your peers, you will practice effective use of social media, conduct challenging media interviews, and handle a high-stakes press conference in an environment where every word is scrutinized.
By the end of this workshop, you will return to your organization with:
- Ten cutting-edge crisis communication strategies tailored for an era of skepticism and polarization
- A clear action plan to boost executive readiness and response capabilities
- Enhanced skills for communicating under pressure in an increasingly hostile environment
You will also learn how to:
- Strike the right balance between preparation and rapid response in your crisis plan
- Critically assess your organization’s tone, language, and social media presence during a crisis
- Respond effectively to aggressive questioning in media interviews
- Reassess and strengthen your crisis communication strategy to better navigate the complexities of today's polarized world.
Prepare to leave with the tools and insights necessary to ensure your organization is crisis-ready in a time of unprecedented scrutiny and division.
About Your Workshop Leader:
Kathryn Kolaczek is the CEO of Alchemy Communications, bringing extensive experience in communications, media, and public relations. She specializes in crisis management, crisis communications, PR, digital marketing, and brand integration. As a leader, Kathryn guides Alchemy in developing strategic communications and marketing plans, identifying risks and opportunities, and ensuring high standards of quality and efficiency.
Kathryn is an engaging speaker and author, frequently sharing her expertise in crisis communications with other entrepreneurs and professionals. With a deep commitment to crisis management, she helps organizations navigate high-stakes conversations and media relations, protecting their reputations and fostering growth.
Under Kathryn’s leadership, Alchemy offers comprehensive crisis communications support and integrates inbound marketing with traditional communications strategies. The firm collaborates with businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities to educate communities, manage risks, and handle complex conversations effectively.
Address: 1960 Brunswick St, Halifax, NS B3J 2G7, Canada
Built in May 2014, Hampton Inn by Hilton Halifax Downtown is located in Halifax. It boasts an indoor swimming pool and free Wi-Fi access throughout. Scotiabank Centre is within 240 metres. Decorated with locally inspired artwork, each room features a flat-screen cable TV, coffee machine and ironing facilities. Free toiletries and a hairdryer stock the private bathroom. Some rooms have a view of Halifax harbour. At Hampton Inn by Hilton Halifax Downtown you will find a fitness centre. The hotel is 400 metres from the World Trade & Convention Centre, while Casino Nova Scotia Halifax is within a 7 minutes’ walk. It is 3 km from Dalhousie University and 32 km Halifax International Airport.
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
