Registration and Morning Coffee
Fireside Chat: How AI is Changing Reputation Management and Crisis Communications
As AI continues to reshape how we engage with the world, its impact on crisis and reputation management is undeniable. In this opening fireside chat, we’ll explore the real-world implications of AI on how brands respond to emerging threats, monitor sentiment, and prepare for what’s next. From predictive analytics to deepfakes, we’ll discuss the opportunities — and the risks — communicators must navigate in this rapidly evolving space.
Lauren Myers-Cavanagh, Head of Communications, Asia, Microsoft
Global Connectivity and Reputational Risks: How Global Events Shape Local Communications
In today’s hyper-connected world, global conflicts and reputational risks can impact your organization in an instant—regardless of geography. This session explores how crises in one region can quickly affect operations, perception, and trust elsewhere. You’ll learn how to track global developments, anticipate their impact on your stakeholders, and adapt your communication strategies accordingly. Because in 2025, every communicator operates in a global context—whether they plan to or not.
Lars Voedisch, Group CEO, Precious Communications
Mastering Media Relations in Times of Permacrisis: Proven Strategies for Success
In times of crisis, the media plays a pivotal role in shaping public perception. This session will provide practical strategies for handling media relations when your organization is under intense scrutiny. Learn how to craft key messages that protect your reputation, stay ahead of the story, and control the narrative. We’ll explore the importance of transparency, responsiveness, and consistency in communication, as well as how to engage with different media channels effectively. Gain insights into handling tough questions, managing media inquiries, and ensuring that your organization’s voice remains authoritative and credible amidst the chaos of a crisis.
Alexander Kwiatkowski, Head of Policy & Press Communications, APAC & MEA, Amazon
Lunch for Speakers and Delegates
Reputation Under Fire: Harnessing Social Media for Recovery
In today's digital landscape, where a single comment can escalate into a reputational crisis, the organisations who will survive realise that far from being a liability, your owned channels are a direct line to the public and give you control over your message. This session explores how brands and organisations can harness the immediacy, reach, and transparency of social media to rebuild trust, reshape narratives, and come out stronger than before. Packed with practical insights and regional relevance, Barbara will help participants rethink their approach to crisis communication in the digital era.
Barbara Pesel, Managing Director of Pesel & Carr, Chair, IABC Asia Pacific
Adapting Your Crisis Communication Strategy Across Markets
In today’s globalized and highly connected world, crisis communication cannot follow a one-size-fits-all approach. This session will explore how organizations can tailor their messaging, tone, and response strategies to effectively resonate across different cultural, regulatory, and media environments. Drawing from real-world examples, the session will provide actionable insights on how to align global brand values with local sensitivities — ensuring credibility and trust wherever your audience is.
Rami Lawand, Head of Communications, Transaction Banking & Financial Markets, Standard Chartered
The Inside Edge: Strengthening Internal Comms When Crisis Hits
When crisis hits, internal comms isn’t just a support function, it’s mission-critical. In this session, Ching Yee will share how clear, timely, and empathetic internal messaging can build trust, align teams, and drive a coordinated response. From engaging leadership to empowering frontline employees, you’ll discover why your internal audience is your first line of defence.
Ching Yee Wong, Vice President Communications, APEC, Marriott International
Networking and Refreshment Break
Measuring Success in Crisis Communications: Essential Tips and Strategies
In this session, Nicole Moreo, a distinguished expert in PR measurement, will provide essential insights into measuring the success of crisis communication strategies. In today's fast-paced digital landscape, understanding the impact and effectiveness of your crisis response is pivotal. Nicole will guide you through the most critical tips for crisis communications measurement, offering a practical roadmap for assessing your crisis management performance accurately. You'll learn how to set clear objectives, harness data analytics, master key performance indicators (KPIs), employ real-time monitoring, and identify trends and best practices in crisis communications measurement. Nicole's extensive experience and practical approach will empower you to navigate crisis management with confidence, ensuring your organization's reputation and financial health are safeguarded.
Nicole Moreo, Head of Customer Insights, LinkedIn
Behind Palace Doors: Fireside Chat with Colleen Harris, Former Press Secretary to HRH Prince of Wales, Now King Charles III
Colleen managed the reputations of Prince Charles, Prince William, and Prince Harry during one of the most turbulent periods in the British monarchy. During this opening keynote, she will discuss her experiences working with the Royals, how the Royal brand was developed, and what it takes to manage the reputation of the world's most famous Royal family.
End of Day One
A Full Day Workshop - AI-Powered Crisis Communication: Navigating Turbulent Times with Peter Heneghan, Former Digital Communications Director at 10 Downing Street
In today’s rapidly evolving media and reputational landscape, traditional crisis plans are no longer enough. From misinformation and real-time public backlash to stakeholder pressure and internal misalignment, the modern crisis unfolds faster—and more publicly—than ever before.
This full-day, hands-on workshop is designed to help communication professionals understand the transformative role of artificial intelligence in crisis preparedness and response. You’ll learn how to integrate AI tools across every stage of the crisis lifecycle—from planning and scenario testing to real-time monitoring and message development.
Whether you’re new to AI or already exploring its potential, this session will give you the confidence, clarity, and practical skills to future-proof your crisis strategy.
What You’ll Gain:
- A clear understanding of how AI is reshaping the crisis communications landscape
- Practical experience with tools that enhance speed, accuracy, and decision-making under pressure
- A tailored, AI-enhanced crisis communications plan you can take back to your organization
- Greater confidence in managing complexity, uncertainty, and fast-moving scenarios
- Insights into the ethical considerations and boundaries of using AI in public communication
- A powerful crisis simulation to apply what you’ve learned in a safe, controlled environment
Workshop Agenda:
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.
