Registration and Morning Coffee
Stories That Shield, Leadership That Leads: Reimagining Crisis Communication in Saudi Arabia
In this opening keynote, Dr. Yazeed Aljasser draws on years of research into global crisis Communication leadership—particularly among G7 countries—and highlights what Saudi Arabia and the MENA region must do to lead with impact. With a focus on narrative discipline, cultural resonance, and pre-crisis readiness, this session sets the strategic tone for the boot camp. Discover how leaders can shape public memory, build trust under pressure, and transform crisis communication from reactive response into a proactive leadership asset.
Dr. Yazeed Aljasser, Crisis Communication Expert and Lecturer, King Khalid University
Managing Fake News in the Age of AI: Strategies for Crisis and Risk Management
In today’s digital landscape, the proliferation of fake news has become a significant challenge, especially with the rapid advancement of AI technologies. Join Nick for an insightful session on effectively managing the spread of misinformation. This session will explore the latest AI-driven tools and strategies for identifying and mitigating fake news, maintaining credibility, and protecting your organization's reputation. Nick will share real-world case studies and provide actionable tactics for crisis and risk management in an era where misinformation can spread like wildfire. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the dynamics of fake news and equipped with practical approaches to safeguard their brands against the risks posed by AI-enhanced misinformation.
Nick Hope, Managing Director of Crisis and Risk EMEA, Edelman
Building a Resilient Crisis Communication Framework: Preparing for the Unexpected
Resilient crisis communications begin with consistent engagement and a deep understanding of stakeholders. This session will demonstrate why maintaining open and active communication channels with stakeholders at all times—not just during crises—is essential for building trust. Organizations that only engage during a problem risk being seen as strangers, lacking the credibility to command attention when it matters most. By fostering ongoing communication and building rapport, you’ll ensure that your organization’s voice is not only heard during a crisis but trusted, paving the way for effective resolution and long-term stakeholder loyalty.
Abdulaziz S. Al Wosifer, Advisor to the Deputy Minister, COP16Riyadh
Lunch for Speakers and Delegates
The Role of Reputation Measurement in Crisis
Reputation is shaped in moments of calm and tested in moments of crisis. But what exactly is reputation, and how can it be meaningfully measured? In this session, we will explore the evolving definition of reputation in today’s hyper connected world, and why it is a critical asset for organisations navigating uncertainty. We will unpack CARMA’s approach to reputation measurement — a methodology that goes beyond sentiment to deliver genuine insight — and demonstrate how it works in practice through a case study. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how media intelligence and data can support more informed, confident decision making before, during and after a crisis.
Ahmed Dahduli, Managing Director – Saudi Arabia, CARMA Media Insights
Navigating Cultural Nuances in Global Crises: Strategies for Effective Communication
Cultural differences can significantly impact the way crises unfold and are managed in a globalized world. Join Monther for an enlightening session on navigating cultural nuances during high-stakes situations. This session will delve into the importance of cultural intelligence in crisis communication, offering strategies to adapt messaging, build trust, and maintain organizational reputation across diverse audiences. Through compelling case studies and actionable insights, Monther will explore how understanding cultural sensitivities can enhance crisis response and recovery efforts.
Monther Tayeb, Executive VP - Corporate Communication: Leading Corporate Excellence Initiatives
Proactive Media Training for Leaders
In today’s fast-paced media landscape, effective communication is critical for leaders to build trust, manage reputations, and convey messages with clarity and impact. This session equips leaders with the skills to navigate high-pressure interviews, respond confidently to challenging questions, and proactively shape their narratives. Through hands-on practice and real-world examples, participants will learn strategies to anticipate media needs, stay on message, and turn every interaction into an opportunity to strengthen their organization’s reputation and influence.
Rania Rostom, Former Head of Global Marketing & Communications, GE
AI-Powered Crisis Communication: Navigating Turbulent Times (A Full Day Workshop)
Prepare to revolutionize your crisis communication approach in this full-day workshop, designed to equip you with the skills and tools to navigate an era of complex and AI-driven crises. From understanding the challenges of modern crises to mastering cutting-edge AI tools, this immersive experience will reshape how you prepare for, manage, and recover from critical incidents.
What You’ll Learn:
- Understand how AI is reshaping the dynamics of social movements, geopolitics, and interconnected crises, and why traditional strategies no longer suffice.
- Grasp the fundamentals of AI, including machine learning and natural language processing, while exploring the ethical considerations of adopting AI in crisis management.
- Discover practical applications of AI for planning, content creation, real-time analysis, and post-crisis reporting. See live demonstrations of tools enhancing crisis communication across every stage of the crisis lifecycle.
- Develop a personalized crisis communication plan that integrates AI capabilities to address real-world scenarios, strategic messaging, and stakeholder engagement.
- Test your AI-enhanced plan in an interactive simulation exercise, practicing real-time decision-making and monitoring on digital platforms.
Workshop Agenda
Part 1: Redefining Crisis Complexity
- Explore how social movements, geopolitics, and the concept of permacrisis shape today’s crisis landscape.
- Understand why traditional crisis communication strategies need to evolve to address complex, interconnected challenges.
Part 2: AI in Crisis Management – The Essentials
- Get a clear introduction to AI, including machine learning and natural language processing, and how they apply to crisis communication.
- Discuss the ethical implications and opportunities AI brings to crisis management.
Part 3: Leveraging AI Tools Across the Crisis Lifecycle
- Learn how to use AI for planning, content creation, real-time analysis, and post-crisis reporting.
- Experience live demonstrations of AI tools in action and their application to real-world crisis scenarios.
Part 4: Building Your AI-Enhanced Crisis Communication Plan
- Participate in a hands-on workshop to develop a crisis communication plan integrated with AI tools.
- Focus on crisis scenario identification, strategic message crafting, and stakeholder communication.
Part 5: Crisis Simulation Exercise
- Test your AI-enhanced crisis plan in an interactive simulation, emphasizing real-time decision-making, digital monitoring, and practical use of AI tools during a crisis.
Meet 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.
Why Attend?
This workshop is your chance to stay ahead of the curve, leveraging AI to enhance your crisis communication strategy and strengthen your organization’s resilience. Don’t just react to crises—proactively lead with confidence in the AI era.
