Registration and Morning Coffee

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 

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

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, Partner, Sovereign Advisory Inc., and Political Commentator, CTV News

Lunch for Speakers and Delegates

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

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

Networking and Refreshment Break

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

Navigating the Shifting Sands: Cutting-Edge Crisis Communication for Issues Managers in 2025 and Beyond
In today's rapidly evolving landscape, the traditional crisis comms playbooks just isn’t enough. This session will equip issues managers with three cutting-edge techniques to future-proof their reputation in the evolving political and communications landscape of 2025. We’ll explore three real-world case studies pulled from real crisis at some of Western Canada’s top universities and public school systems. Through these case studies will dig into new  AI-driven technologies that can enhance your issues management workflows, data-driven communications approaches to issues management and how to build resilient relationships that yield crucial results when things blow up and everyone’s running around like a chicken with their heads cut off. Join us for a candid and engaging conversation about where issues management is going and how you can stay ahead of the curve.
Kurt Heinrich, Executive Director Media Relations and Issues Management, University of British Columbia

End of Day One