Registration and Morning Coffee
Opening Keynote: Key Reputational Risks to Include in Your Crisis Strategy
As communicators, it’s crucial to stay ahead of emerging reputational risks that can impact your organization’s credibility and trust. This keynote will highlight the top risks you need to consider when updating your crisis strategy, from evolving public expectations to increased scrutiny on corporate values and actions. You’ll gain valuable insights on how to proactively identify and plan for these risks, ensuring your crisis communication approach is robust, adaptable, and aligned with today’s dynamic environment.
Matt Norby, Managing Director, Communications, NASCAR
Brent S. Gambill, Managing Director, Track Communications, NASCAR
Crisis Communications in an Age of AI: Navigating Deepfakes and Next-Level Disinformation
This session will dive into managing crises in an era dominated by AI-driven mis & disinformation. You will explore how to identify deepfakes, respond effectively to fake news, and implement strategies to protect your organization's reputation in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Simon Paterson MBE, US Head of Counter Disinformation, Edelman
The New Normal: Success in an Era of Permacrisis
Join Michelle Agnew in an enlightening session on ‘The New Normal: Success in a Constant State of Crisis.’ In a time of heightened corporate scrutiny and polarization, it has never been more important to ensure your company is aligned on its foundational values. Michelle will delve into strategies and data-driven insights essential for maintaining consumer trust in an era marked by perpetual challenges and will share foundational elements to help ensure your company is set up for success in the face of ongoing uncertainties. Gain valuable perspectives from one of the industry’s leading experts on managing communications in a world where crisis and issues management has become the new standard.
Michelle Agnew, Senior Director, Policy & Issues Communications, The Coca-Cola Company
Lunch for Speakers and Delegates
Mastering Crisis: Cancel Culture Edition – A Reputation Survival Guide
In this session led by Brandi, delve into the intricacies of navigating cancel culture and crisis communications to protect your brand's reputation. Explore strategies to proactively address potential challenges, mitigate risks, and effectively respond to public scrutiny. Learn key insights on building resilience and maintaining authenticity in the face of cancel culture, ensuring your organization remains steadfast while navigating the complexities of today's social landscape. Join us for a practical discussion on safeguarding your reputation in this era and avoiding the pitfalls of cancellation
Brandi Boatner, Manager, Digital Advocacy Communications, IBM
From Chaos to Clarity: Mastering Crisis Communications in Major Incidents
In times of major incidents, from natural disasters to security threats, your organization’s response can make or break its reputation. This session will provide you with essential strategies to manage communications effectively when a crisis hits. Learn how to deliver clear, timely information under pressure, maintain public trust, and protect your brand's integrity in the most challenging situations. You’ll gain actionable insights on coordinating with key stakeholders, handling media inquiries, and navigating the complexities of today’s fast-paced, high-stakes communication environment. Equip yourself with the skills needed to lead confidently and communicate effectively during any major incident.
Angela Ingram, Director of Communications, Louisville Metro Police Department
Networking and Refreshment Break
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
From Picket Lines to Press Releases: The Crucial Role of Strategic Planning in the 2023 TV/Theatrical/Streaming Strike
July 14 to November 9, 2023 marked one of the most important labor actions in entertainment history, as SAG-AFTRA went on strike against the AMPTP — which refused to recognize the economic contributions of performers. SAG-AFTRA’s Chief Communications & Marketing Officer and Strike Manager Pamela Greenwalt engineered a nimble, creative, and effective strategy, and managed an interdisciplinary team that positioned the union as a leading voice in the labor movement.
Join Pamela to learn how she led the union’s communications and marketing team in developing a strategic, integrated communications and strike campaign built on the principles of message dominance, message discipline, saturation, and rapid response – and how this approach allowed the union to secure a fair contract.
Pamela Greenwalt, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer, SAG-AFTRA
End of Day One
A Full-Day Crisis Simulation Workshop: Navigating the Crisis Landscape: Strategies for Success
Embark on a transformative journey led by Jon Meakin, a distinguished communication consultant with 30 years of experience on both sides of the Atlantic, in this immersive Crisis Simulation Workshop. Dive into the heart of crisis communications in a post-pandemic world, where reputational threats loom large, and the landscape is shaped by evolving communication dynamics, political shifts, and societal upheavals.
What Makes This Workshop Unmissable:
Jon Meakin, renowned for his strategic acumen in crisis communication, brings a unique blend of expertise to help you fortify your crisis plan. This workshop is not just about theories but about practical, hands-on exercises that simulate real-life scenarios, ensuring you're not just prepared but resilient in the face of modern challenges.
Key Highlights:
- Strategic Insights from Jon Meakin: Gain exclusive access to Jon's top strategies, honed by years of navigating crisis scenarios on a global scale.
- Leadership Empowerment: Craft a concrete plan to elevate your leadership team's preparedness, providing them with the tools needed to lead confidently during crises.
- Mastery of Modern Communication: Hone your skills in effective communication, tailored to today's assertive environment.
Equip Yourself to:
- Strategic Preparedness: Understand the vital link between proactive preparation and swift, effective crisis response.
- Adaptive Social Media Mastery: Acquire skills to evaluate and adapt your organization's social media communication during crises.
- Media Interview Proficiency: Develop proficiency in handling assertive question types during crisis media interviews.
- Dynamic Crisis Plan Updates: Walk away ready to update and revise your organization's crisis communication plan, armed with valuable insights gained during the workshop.
Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to not only navigate the biggest reputational threats but to emerge with a strategic advantage, positioning your organization as a beacon of resilience in today's ever-changing landscape. Join Jon Meakin for a workshop that goes beyond preparedness — it's about mastering crisis communication in the new era.
Workshop Schedule:
09:00 Morning Coffee
10:00 Part 1
12:00 Lunch
13:00 Part 2: Communicating with Skeptical Audiences
14:45 Networking Break
15:00 Part 3: Real-Time Crisis Simulation and Strategy Refinement
16:30 End of Workshop
Don’t miss this opportunity to master crisis communication in an era defined by division and doubt. Join Jon Meakin for a transformative experience that will leave you ready to lead with confidence, no matter the challenge.
