In an age of rising tariffs, political division, public skepticism, and the rapid evolution of AI, your crisis communications plan must evolve to keep pace with today’s realities.
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Hear how leading organizations like Leger, Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Meridian Credit Union, EY Canada, CHANGEMAKERS, and the University of British Columbia are navigating today’s most pressing reputational challenges.
Don’t wait for the next crisis—prepare now. Bring your team and save up to 15%! Contact us today for more info on our group discounts.
18–19 September 2025 | Ottawa
Canada's leading training on crisis communications is back in Ottawa for the third time!
From politics to permacrisis, this intensive two-day training will help you rewrite your crisis strategy with the latest tools, trends, and insights. Featuring top communicators and crisis experts from across Canada, the Boot Camp is your opportunity to learn from real-world experience and walk away with an action-ready plan.
Senior Vice President, Public Affairs and Communications, Central Canada, Leger
09.00 Registration and Morning Coffee
10.00 Navigating Economic Shockwaves: Crisis Comms Lessons from the Frontlines of Tariff Uncertainty
In this timely session, Shane will share critical crisis communication lessons learned while working with a national economic association during a period marked by rising global tariffs and economic unpredictability under the Trump administration. As trade tensions escalated and businesses faced mounting pressure, the need for clear, proactive, and strategic communication became more vital than ever. Shane will explore how to manage stakeholder concerns, counter misinformation, and maintain credibility amid rapidly shifting economic policies. Participants will gain practical insights and communication strategies to help their organizations stay resilient and responsive in the face of economic disruption.
Shane Mackenzie, Vice President, Media and Stakeholder Communications, Canadian Chamber of Commerce
10.40 Shaping Brand Reputation in Canada: The Impact of Politics, Media, and Consumer Shifts
In an increasingly complex landscape, politics, media headlines, and shifting consumer habits are redefining how Canadians perceive and engage with brands. From major political events that have reshaped public sentiment to changing consumer expectations and the ripple effects of global trade tensions, organizations must be prepared to adapt their strategies to protect and enhance their reputations. Join Lisa as she explores the key factors influencing brand perception in Canada today. This session will delve into the big events that have changed how Canadians view brands, evolving consumer mindsets, and the impact of trade tensions on brand reputation, providing actionable insights for communicators looking to stay ahead in a dynamic and unpredictable environment.
Lisa Covens, MA, CAIP, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs and Communications, Leger
11.20 Politics, Polarization, and Public Trust: Rethinking Crisis Communications
In a world where political uncertainty and global political events can disrupt business operations overnight, organizations must be prepared to adapt their crisis communications strategies quickly and effectively. From shifting regulatory landscapes and public policy changes to the rise of political polarization and heightened public scrutiny, political dynamics are influencing how organizations manage crises and protect their reputations. Join Sharan as she explores how organizations can anticipate political risks, craft responsive messaging, and maintain trust in a volatile political environment. This session will provide practical insights and real-world examples to help communicators navigate the intersection of politics and crisis management with confidence.
Sharan Kaur, Principal, Navigator and Political Commentator, CTV News
12.00 Lunch for Speakers and Delegates
13.00 AI and the Future of Crisis Communications: Tools, Trends, and Tactics
As crises unfold and escalate in real time, AI is transforming the way organizations manage and respond to high-stakes situations. From real-time sentiment analysis to predictive modeling, AI equips crisis communicators with the tools needed to anticipate challenges, craft proactive responses, and safeguard brand reputation with greater speed and precision. Join Erick as he explores how AI is reshaping crisis management. This session will examine cutting-edge AI applications that enhance decision-making, improve response times, and enable organizations to stay ahead of emerging threats. Through real-world case studies and best practices, Erick will provide actionable insights on leveraging AI-driven strategies to navigate today’s dynamic communication landscape with confidence.
Erick Bauer, Head of External Relations, Meridian Credit Union
13.40 Mastering Media Relations in Times of Permacrisis: Proven Strategies for Success
In an era of permacrisis—where organizations face an ongoing cycle of disruptions, crises, and public scrutiny—effective media relations have become more critical than ever. The ability to manage media narratives, maintain trust, and communicate with transparency can make the difference between protecting or damaging an organization’s reputation. This session will equip you with proven strategies and actionable insights to successfully navigate media relations during prolonged periods of uncertainty. Learn how to craft compelling messages under pressure, build strong relationships with journalists, and stay ahead of the news cycle to ensure your organization remains in control of its narrative, even in the most challenging times.
Nicolette Addesa, National Public Relations Lead, EY Canada
14.20 Networking and Refreshment Break
14.50 Internal Communications in a Crisis: Keeping Employees Informed, Aligned, and Empowered
When crisis hits, your employees are your first—and most important—audience. In this powerful session, Roanne will walk you through two real-world examples: one showcasing best-in-class internal mobilization during the worst of times, and another highlighting the consequences when internal communications fall short. You’ll learn how to craft clear, timely, and empathetic messaging, align internal and external narratives, cascade communications fueled by internal transparency and empower employees to become confident ambassadors even in the face of uncertainty. This session offers practical takeaways on what to do—and what not to do—when your people are looking to you for leadership.
Roanne Argyle, President, Reputation Management, CHANGEMAKERS
15.30 Crisis. Covid. ChatGPT. Redefining Crisis Communication in the Age of AI
From the frontline of the UK Government’s pandemic response to advising the UN, Fortune 500 corporations, and leading universities, this session offers an insider perspective on crisis communications under pressure. Covid revealed the weaknesses of traditional models, while the rise of AI — from ChatGPT to real-time translation tools — is reshaping how organizations prepare and respond. You’ll learn what the pandemic exposed about outdated approaches, how AI can drive speed, scale, and combat misinformation, and why leaders must build a new operating model to be ready for the next crisis.
Peter Heneghan, Former Digital Communications Director, 10 Downing Street
16.10 End of Day One
10.00-16.30 A Full Day Workshop - AI-Powered Crisis Communication: Navigating Turbulent Times (A Full Day Workshop) with Peter Heneghan, Former Digital Communications Director at 10 Downing Street
Part 1:
Understanding the New Complexity of Crises
- Dive into how social movements, geopolitics, and the concept of permacrisis impact crisis communication.
- Discussion on the necessity of evolving crisis communication strategies to manage complex and interconnected crises effectively.
Part 2:
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence in Crisis Management
- Overview of AI, its ethical implications, and potential in enhancing crisis management strategies.
- Emphasis on understanding the basics of machine learning and natural language processing.
Part 3:
AI Tools Across the Crisis Communication Cycle
- Detailed session on AI tools for planning, content creation, analysis, and reporting in crisis communication.
- Demonstrations of tools in action and their practical applications in managing crises.
Part 4:
Crafting Your AI-Enhanced Crisis Communication Plan
- Hands-on workshop guiding participants through developing a comprehensive crisis communication plan incorporating AI tools.
- Focus on identification of crisis scenarios, stakeholder communication, and strategic message crafting.
Part 5:
Crisis Simulation Exercise
- Engage in a simulated crisis scenario to test the developed crisis communication plans.
- This interactive exercise emphasizes real-time decision-making, digital platform monitoring, and the application of AI tools in crisis situations.
Abou Your Workshop Leader:
Peter Heneghan is a distinguished communications and AI expert with senior roles at BBC News, BuzzFeed, and 10 Downing Street. He played a pivotal role in transforming the UK Government's digital communication during the Covid-19 pandemic through tech and audience-first campaigns.
In Spring 2023, he launched The Future Communicator, an AI and digital communications agency, that specialise in supporting business of all sizes embrace and integrate AI. They have quickly attracted high-profile global clients such as the United Nations, a leading Formula One team, Sport England and FTSE100 companies. PR Week highlighted it as an "agency to watch in 2024" due to its impressive early achievements. Peter is also a respected public speaker and thought leader - including as a special lecturer on London Business School's Executive programme.
Address: 150 Albert St, Ottawa, ON K1P 5G2, Canada
Phone: +1 613-238-1500
Near attractions such as Parliament Hill and ByWard Market, this hotel in downtown Ottawa, Ontario offers enjoyable facilities, comfortable guestrooms and on-site dining options.
Sheraton Ottawa Hotel features an indoor pool and fitness center. After a busy day, guests can relax in a smoke-free guestroom with a comfortable bed.
The Carleton Grill at the Ottawa Sheraton offers an a la carte menu for breakfast and a lunch buffet. Guests can have a cup of Starbucks coffee at the coffee bar or a light meal with a beverage at Sasha's Bar.
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
