Registration and Morning Coffee
Opening Keynote: What Will Break Your Brand Next? The Reputational Risks You’re Not Ready For
In today’s crisis climate, the greatest threat to your brand may not be what’s obvious — but what’s coming next. From volatile public opinion and politicized backlash to AI-driven narratives and the erosion of institutional trust, communicators are now navigating a reputational minefield.
In this powerful opening keynote, NASCAR’s senior communications leaders will reveal the top reputational riskskeeping them up at night — and why your crisis strategy needs to evolve fast. You’ll learn how to anticipate new threats, challenge your assumptions, and rebuild your plan for a world where one misstep can redefine everything.
Matt Norby, Managing Director, Communications, NASCAR
Brent S. Gambill, Managing Director, Track Communications, NASCAR
Crisis Communications in the Age of AI: Fighting Deepfakes, Disinformation, and Digital Chaos
Welcome to a new era of crisis — where your biggest threat might not be what happened, but what never did. In a landscape flooded with AI-generated deepfakes, fake news, and algorithm-fueled outrage, truth alone is no longer enough.
In this eye-opening session, Simon Paterson MBE, US Head of Counter Disinformation at Edelman, will guide you through the dark realities of next-level disinformation. Learn how to detect deepfakes before they go viral, respond with speed and credibility, and safeguard your organization’s reputation when facts are under attack.
Simon Paterson MBE, US Head of Counter Disinformation, Edelman
The New Normal: Succeeding in a State of Constant Crisis
Crisis is no longer a disruption — it’s the environment. In a world defined by polarization, perpetual scrutiny, and rapid backlash, communicators must lead with clarity, consistency, and purpose.
In this compelling session, Michelle Agnew, Senior Director of Policy & Issues Communications at The Coca-Cola Company, shares real-world strategies and data-driven insights for building trust and alignment across your organization when uncertainty is the only certainty. Discover what it takes to succeed in the new normal — where crisis isn’t an exception, it’s the expectation.
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
One misstep. One moment. That’s all it takes to become the next viral target. In this high-stakes session, Brandi Boatner, Manager of Digital Advocacy Communications at IBM, takes you inside the pressure cooker of cancel culture and public accountability.
Learn how to anticipate reputational threats, respond without fueling the fire, and protect your brand while staying authentic and aligned with your values. From proactive strategy to real-time response, this is your playbook for surviving — and leading — in a world where the court of public opinion never sleeps.
Brandi Boatner, Manager, Digital Advocacy Communications, IBM
Surviving the Doom Scroll: Crisis Management in the Age of Instant Outrage
In today’s creator-driven world, where influencers, podcasters, and reality stars dominate the spotlight with unfiltered access, virality is both a launchpad and a landmine. One out-of-context quote, an ill-timed livestream, or a fabricated storyline can ignite a reputational firestorm within seconds. As audiences demand transparency and hold public figures to ever-shifting standards, the line between visibility and vulnerability has never been thinner. In this high-impact session, Emily Blair—founder of Emily Blair Media and trusted advisor to digital talent and modern-day celebrities—breaks down the new rules of crisis management in a culture of instant outrage. From reputation forecasting to proactive media training, learn the essential strategies for staying in control when the internet turns on you.
Emily Blair, Founder, Emily Blair Media
Networking and Refreshment Break
Taking a Stand Amid Political and Societal Turmoil: Navigating Authentic Advocacy
When the world feels divided and every statement is scrutinized, knowing when — and how — to speak out has never been more critical. In this timely session, Sean Greenwood, Director of Public Relations and Communications at Ben & Jerry’s, shares how the brand has turned values into action without compromising credibility. From managing backlash to aligning teams around purpose, Sean unpacks the strategy behind effective corporate advocacy in polarized times. Learn how to lead with conviction, communicate with clarity, and build trust when your brand’s voice matters most.
Sean Greenwood, Director of Public Relations and Communications, Ben & Jerry’s
Chaos to Clarity: Mastering Crisis Communications in Major Incidents
When disaster strikes, every second — and every word — counts. In this high-pressure session, Angela Ingram, Director of Communications at the Louisville Metro Police Department, shares hard-earned lessons from the frontlines of crisis. From natural disasters to public safety threats, you’ll learn how to deliver calm, credible messaging under extreme pressure, manage media in real time, and maintain public trust when the stakes are at their highest. Walk away with practical tools to lead confidently through chaos — and keep your reputation intact when everything else is on the line.
Angela Ingram, Director of Communications, Louisville Metro Police Department
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.
