Crisis Communications Boot Camp Vancouver 3

12-13 February 2025, Vancouver

BOOK NOW AND SAVE $200

Crisis Communications Boot Camp Vancouver 3

BOOK NOW AND SAVE $200

12-13 February 2025, Vancouver

About the Event

Crisis Communications Boot Camp Vancouver | February 12-13, 2025

We are back in Vancouver for the third time with the world's leading training on crisis and reputation management!

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.

Why Attend?

  • Navigate a Polarized World with Confidence: Learn from Farnaz Khadem of Stanford University on how to protect your organization's reputation in a deeply divided world. Develop strategies to take a stand on contentious issues without alienating key audiences.
  • Combat AI-Fueled DisinformationDave Fleet from Edelman will provide you with cutting-edge strategies to identify and counter disinformation, using AI tools to enhance digital literacy and protect your organization from false narratives.
  • Harness the Power of AI in Crisis CommunicationsYumi Wilson from San Francisco State University will equip you with AI-driven tools to improve real-time monitoring, automated responses, and crisis plan testing, keeping your strategies ahead of future challenges.
  • Avoid Greenwashing and Build Trust: Learn from KPMG Canada’s Conor Chell and Manpreet K Dhillon how to communicate your sustainability efforts authentically and avoid the risks of greenwashing, ensuring your message is both genuine and impactful.
  • Take a Stand on Societal Issues: Courtney D. Williams from Salesforce will guide you on managing political and societal issues while preserving credibility, giving you strategies to respond to public scrutiny and maintain trust.
  • Strengthen Stakeholder PartnershipsAri Indyk from Vancouver Coastal Health will teach you how to build strong partnerships with key stakeholders, ensuring coordinated actions during crises and preventing potential issues before they arise.
  • Measure Reputation Before, During, and After a CrisisLisa Covens from Leger will share practical methods to measure your organization's reputation across every stage of a crisis, using key metrics to guide decision-making and enhance crisis response.
  • Hands-On Crisis Simulation Workshop: Participate in a full-day workshop led by Kim Blanchette from Castlemain | Argyle, where you’ll engage in realistic crisis scenarios, practice media relations, and prepare for the unexpected challenges of today’s unpredictable world.

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

Only

65days

3hours

14min

UNTIL THE EVENT

Facts & Figures

  • Inaugural Event: The very first Crisis Communications Boot Camp was organized in Calgary in 2017, setting the stage for a journey of excellence in crisis communication training.
  • Global Reach: Since its inception, the boot camp has attracted over 2500 PR professionals, making it one of the most sought-after events in the field. It has been held in 25 cities around the world, offering participants a truly global perspective on crisis communication.
  • Global Recognition: The Crisis Communications Boot Camp is widely recognized as one of the world's leading training programs in crisis communications, not only in Europe and North America but across the globe. Its reputation for delivering cutting-edge strategies and insights has solidified its status as a go-to resource for professionals in the field.
  • Exclusive Content: The boot camp continuously evolves to address the latest challenges and trends in crisis communication. Participants can expect exclusive content, expert speakers, and practical takeaways that empower them to navigate the ever-changing landscape of crisis management.
  • Solutions-Oriented: Unlike many other events, this boot camp places a strong emphasis on practical solutions and actionable strategies. Attendees leave with the tools and knowledge needed to effectively handle crises and protect their organization's reputation.

Speakers

Kim Blanchette, APR CASTLEMAIN | ARGYLE

Lisa Covens Senior Vice President, Public Affairs and Communications, Central Canada, Leger

Dave Fleet Edelman

Conor Chell KPMG Canada

Farnaz Khadem Stanford University

Manpreet K Dhillon KPMG Canada

Courtney D. Williams Salesforce

Ari Indyk Vancouver Coastal Health

Yumi Wilson San Francisco State University

Agenda

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

Taking a Stand: Managing Political and Societal Issues in Crisis Situations
In today’s polarized world, brands and organizations face growing expectations to take a stand on political and societal issues. This session will explore the evolving landscape where public demand for transparency and accountability is at an all-time high. We’ll dive into how organizations can take a stand authentically, aligning their actions with their core values while maintaining credibility and trust.
Courtney will share practical strategies for engaging your employees and crafting messages that resonate and stay true to your brand identity. She’ll guide you on preparing for and managing potential backlash, including how to respond to criticism and navigate public scrutiny without compromising integrity. You'll walk away with actionable insights on preserving your organization's reputation while tackling the challenges of speaking out in a divided world.
Courtney D. Williams, Director, Equality Communications and Engagement, Salesforce

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.

Our partners

Venue

Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre, Vancouver, Canada

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.