Crisis Communications Boot Camp Vancouver | February 12-13, 2025
In an era defined by AI, polarization, and political turmoil, the global landscape is rapidly evolving, and our crisis plans must evolve with it. Join us at the Crisis Communications Boot Camp to stay ahead of the curve and ensure your organization is prepared for any challenge.
We also offer group discounts for organizations attending the Boot Camp, making it an excellent opportunity for teams to strengthen their crisis communication skills together. Contact Anne today for more information
We are back in Vancouver for the third time with the world's leading training on crisis and reputation management!
Why Attend?
Senior Vice President, Public Affairs and Communications, Central Canada, Leger
09.00 Registration and Morning Coffee
10.00 Navigating Permacrisis in a Deeply Polarized World
Join Farnaz Khadem, Vice President for University Communications at Stanford University, for a compelling keynote on protecting and managing your organization's reputation amid the complexities of a deeply polarized world. In an era of Permacrisis, where societal divides and conflicts are ever-present, learn authentic strategies for taking a stand on contentious issues without alienating key audiences. Gain valuable insights into crisis planning tailored to today’s fragmented landscape, and discover the essential skills every crisis communicator needs to thrive. This session will equip you with the tools to effectively navigate polarization, maintain credibility, and build trust in an age of constant upheaval.
Farnaz Khadem, Vice President for University Communications, Stanford University
10.40 Navigating the Maze of AI-Fueled Disinformation: Strategies for Effective Response
Ask executives what threats they're concerned about nowadays and the chances are that disinformation will be high on the list. Join Edelman's Global Head of Digital Crisis Dave Fleet, who also oversees Edelman's Counter-Disinformation Unit, as he examines why concerns over disinformation are so pervasive nowadays, how AI facilitates the spread of false information and how to identify the warning signs. Discover proactive strategies for debunking and countering false narratives, and learn about collaborative efforts to enhance digital literacy and critical thinking skills. This session offers indispensable insights and actionable steps for navigating the complex landscape of misinformation with resilience and integrity.
Dave Fleet, Global Head of Digital Crisis, Edelman
11.20 AI in Crisis Communications: Tools and Strategies for Navigating the Future
This session explores how AI is transforming crisis communications, focusing on the tools PR professionals need to manage AI-driven crises. You'll learn how to utilize AI-powered tools for real-time monitoring and automated responses, and test your crisis plan through AI-driven simulations. Equip yourself with the knowledge to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape and ensure your crisis strategy is ready for future challenges.
Yumi WIlson, Professor, Broadcast and Electronic Communication Arts - San Francisco State University
12.00 Lunch for Speakers and Delegates
13.00 Steering Clear of Greenwashing: Strategies for Genuine and Impactful Sustainability Communication
Greenwashing poses a significant threat to the reputation of any organization, as consumers and stakeholders become more vigilant about the authenticity of environmental claims. In this session, learn how to navigate the delicate balance between promoting your sustainability efforts and avoiding misleading or exaggerated statements. We will explore key strategies for crafting honest and transparent messaging that resonates with your audience, maintains trust, and reinforces your organization’s commitment to genuine environmental responsibility. Discover practical approaches to ensure your sustainability communication stands up to scrutiny and builds a solid reputation for integrity in a world where every claim is examined under the microscope.
Conor Chell, National Leader ESG Legal Risk & Disclosure, KPMG Canada
Manpreet K Dhillon, Manager, ESG Legal Risk and Disclosure, KPMG Canada
13.40 Building a Crisis Response Training Session for Your Team
Effective crisis management starts with preparation. In this session, you’ll learn how to design and implement a crisis response training program tailored to your team’s needs. From identifying key roles and responsibilities to creating realistic crisis scenarios and response protocols, we’ll cover best practices to ensure your team is ready to act swiftly and effectively in high-pressure situations. Whether you’re building a program from scratch or refining an existing one, this session will equip you with the tools to strengthen your organization’s crisis readiness.
Kathryn Kolaczek, CEO, Alchemy Communications
14.20 Networking and Refreshment Break
14.50 Mind Your Stakeholders! The Importance of Partnerships in Responding to – and Preventing – a Crisis
In today’s interconnected world, a crisis rarely affects just one organization. It can ripple through your network of partners, clients, suppliers, and communities. This session, led by Ari, will explore the critical role of stakeholder partnerships in crisis management. Learn how to foster strong relationships with key stakeholders that can help prevent crises before they emerge and respond swiftly when they do. Attendees will discover best practices for maintaining trust, managing communications, and ensuring coordinated actions during high-pressure situations.
Ari Indyk, Regional Director, Public Affairs & Partnerships, Vancouver Coastal Health
15.30 How to Successfully Measure Your Organization's Reputation Before, During, and After a Crisis
In an era of constant crises, your brand's reputation affects everything from customer loyalty to stakeholder trust. However, effectively measuring reputation can be challenging, especially during turbulent times.
Join Lisa Covens, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs and Communications, Central Canada at Leger, as she breaks down the essential metrics and tools for evaluating your organization's reputation at every crisis stage. Lisa will share actionable strategies to establish a baseline before a crisis, monitor changes in real-time, and assess long-term impacts afterward.
Gain insights into using these metrics to guide strategic decisions, enhance your crisis response, and ultimately build a stronger, more resilient brand.
Lisa Covens, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs and Communications, Central Canada, Leger
16.10 End of Day One
10.00-16.00 Crisis Communications Workshop: Mastering Crisis Response in an Unpredictable World with Kim Blanchette
Led by:Kim Blanchette, Executive Vice President, Settlements, CASTLEMAIN | ARGYLE
In today’s world of rapid technological change, polarization, skepticism, and economic uncertainty, crises can arise without warning, and the response to them can make or break an organization's reputation. In an era where artificial intelligence, social media storms, and public distrust are the new norm, communicators need to be prepared to act quickly and decisively.
This hands-on workshop provides a unique opportunity to develop the skills, strategies, and confidence needed to navigate any crisis. Designed around a realistic disaster scenario, you will face a series of sudden developments and simulated events that require on-the-spot action, offering the closest experience to a live crisis response.
Why Attend?
- Engage in Realistic Crisis Simulations: Participate in a scenario-based exercise that unfolds with unexpected twists, challenging you to think on your feet and respond in real time. Experience the pressure of a live crisis while practicing key roles within the Incident Command System.
- Prepare for Media Scrutiny: Sharpen your communication skills by preparing for and managing media interviews amidst escalating operational impacts and reputational risks.
- Learn from the Latest Trends and Case Studies: Dive deep into the latest crisis trends, analyze real-world case studies from recent events, and gain valuable insights into what strategies work best when the stakes are high.
- Bonus Session: Harness the Power of AI: Discover the transformative potential of AI in crisis preparedness. Learn how AI can be leveraged to develop realistic crisis simulations, create challenging media scenarios, and enhance your overall crisis response capabilities—all while maintaining your organization’s confidentiality.
Key Benefits of Attending:
- Build confidence in your ability to manage any crisis effectively.
- Develop practical skills in crisis management through hands-on exercises.
- Learn how to assess the urgency of situations and respond with agility.
- Gain insights into creating effective communication strategies under pressure.
- Explore how AI can be used to elevate your crisis simulations and training.
- Connect with peers and experts, sharing knowledge and best practices.
Join this workshop to enhance your crisis communication skills, ensure your team is fully prepared, and turn challenging situations into opportunities for growth and resilience.
Address: 1000 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2R9, Canada
Phone: +1 604-331-1000
This Vancouver city centre hotel is a short walk from business and entertainment neighbourhoods, Robson Street shops and Yaletown restaurants. All rooms offer floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the city, English Bay, and the mountains. Free WiFi is provided. The rooms and suites at Sheraton Wall Centre offer 42-55 inch flat screen TVs, electronic safes, and are equipped with irons, ironing boards, hairdryers, makeup mirrors and luxury bath amenities. Guests can dine at the on-site restaurant, Café One. Bar One lounge features an international selection of wines and a West Coast food menu. A fitness centre is provided for guest use. A garden and a business centre are also featured at the hotel. Vancouver Art Gallery is only an 8-minute walk from the property. Granville Island and Stanley Park are both 3 km away in opposite directions.
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
