Registration and Morning Coffee
Fireside Chat: Crisis Management in a Post-Truth Era: How to Win When Facts Aren’t Enough
Featuring Adam Pratt, Director, Issues & Policy Communications, IBM
In an age where emotion often outweighs evidence and misinformation travels faster than the truth, crisis management has entered uncharted territory. In this powerful fireside chat, Adam Pratt of IBM explores how communicators can navigate the complexities of a post-truth era—where traditional fact-based messaging is no longer enough. From reframing narratives to building trust in polarized environments, Adam will share lessons from the frontlines of global issues management, offering practical insights on how to lead with clarity, credibility, and resilience when the facts alone can’t carry the day.
Effective Crisis Communications in an Overcrowded, Politicized, and Biased Landscape
In today’s fragmented media environment, where every crisis unfolds under the weight of competing narratives, political agendas, and public skepticism, cutting through the noise is more difficult—and more essential—than ever. This session explores how to craft crisis messages that resonate across divided audiences, navigate biased coverage, and maintain credibility when every word is under scrutiny. Learn how to lead with transparency, adapt in real time, and protect your reputation in a landscape where trust is hard to earn and easy to lose.
Joung-ah Ghedini-Williams, Chief, Communications and Marketing, Center for Reproductive Rights
Integrated Communications: How to Break Silos and Build a Unified Strategy
In a world of constant disruption and fragmented audiences, communications can no longer operate in silos. PR, marketing, internal communications, and digital teams must come together under one cohesive strategy to deliver messages that resonate and drive impact.
This session explores how leading organizations are breaking down internal barriers, aligning their teams, and building integrated communication strategies that connect with audiences across every channel. Learn how to foster collaboration, streamline messaging, and create a unified voice that builds trust, strengthens reputation, and delivers measurable results.
Carolyn Pilkington Sklar, VP Communications, Danone North America
Lunch for Speakers and Delegates
How to Build Long-Term Brand Trust on Social Media (Beyond Just Going Viral)
In a world obsessed with quick wins and viral moments, lasting brand trust is often an afterthought. This session dives into how organizations can use social media not just for reach, but for long-term credibility and connection. Learn how to create consistent, values-driven content, foster authentic engagement, and show up with transparency—even when the spotlight fades. Because in the age of scrolls and swipes, trust is the real currency.
Jenny Li Fowler, Director of Social Media Strategy, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Maximizing Your Reach: Podcasts, Influencers & Non-Traditional Media
As audiences shift away from traditional news sources, communicators must rethink how—and where—they show up. This session explores how to strategically engage with podcasts, influencers, and emerging media platforms to expand your reach, build authentic connections, and stay relevant in a fragmented media landscape. Learn how to identify the right voices, tailor your message for unconventional formats, and turn non-traditional channels into powerful drivers of influence and trust.
Anna Lingeris, Head of US Communication & Brand PR, The Hershey Company
DEI & ESG Under Fire: Leading with Values When the World Pushes Back
Diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability aren't just initiatives—they're identity. But in a time when DEI and ESG are under fire, politicized, and misrepresented, how do you lead with clarity and conviction? This bold and energizing session explores what happens when these values are treated as trends instead of core principles—and how to embed them deeply into your organization’s purpose, people, and daily operations. You’ll gain insight into why backlash is often rooted in perception rather than substance, discover practical ways to maintain momentum even on a limited budget, and learn what to measure to prove real impact. Backed by real-world examples, this session is a call to stand firm, lead with integrity, and prove that this work still matters—especially now.
Regine Nelson, Internal Communications & Employee Engagement Lead, Couchbase
Networking and Refreshment Break
AI and Ethics in PR: How to Protect Your Brand from Bias, Deepfakes, and Misinformation
As we move into 2026, the ethical challenges surrounding AI are only becoming more complex — and the risks to your brand more immediate. In this session, you’ll learn how to stay ahead by recognizing AI-driven bias, combating deepfakes, and responding to misinformation before it spirals out of control. You’ll leave with practical strategies to protect your brand’s credibility and ensure that your AI practices build trust, not break it, in an increasingly unpredictable communications landscape.
Paruul Maheshwary, Communications, WhatsApp, Meta
AI Content Creation vs. Human Creativity: How to Find the Right Balance
As AI-generated content becomes more powerful and accessible, communicators and creatives face a defining challenge: how to harness its speed and efficiency without losing the human spark that makes ideas resonate. This session explores how AI can enhance and accelerate the creative process—if used with intention. Learn how to maintain creative autonomy, safeguard originality, and ensure that as the technology evolves, it remains shaped by the creative mind—not the other way around.
Alexia Adana, Director of Creative Technology & Innovation, Edelman
End of Day One
A Full Day Workshop with Philippe Borremans: How to Defend Your Organization from Rage Farming
Registration and Networking
Opening Keynote: The Rise of Rage Farming
- Understanding the phenomenon of rage farming
- Real-world case studies: United Airlines, Bud Light, and others
- The impact on corporate reputation and business stability
Identifying Rage Farming Attacks
- Key characteristics of manufactured outrage
- Early warning signs: spotting coordination patterns and engagement spikes
- Differentiating legitimate criticism from manipulated narratives
- Interactive exercise: Analyzing real and simulated case studies to detect rage farming tactics
Coffee Break
Building a Strong Defense: The Truth Bank Strategy
- Creating a “Truth Bank” for rapid response
- Effective messaging techniques to counter false narratives
- The role of digital monitoring and fact-checking
- Workshop activity: Developing an organizational Truth Bank with key messaging frameworks
Networking Lunch
Crisis Management: The First 24 Hours
- Step-by-step response plan for rage farming incidents
- Engaging stakeholders: employees, media, investors, and the public
- Avoiding common mistakes: when to respond and when to stay silent
- Breakout session: Simulating a live crisis response in teams
Digital and Physical Security Considerations
- Cybersecurity threats: protecting corporate assets
- Real-world threats: safety considerations for employees
- Best practices for social media management and personal security
Afternoon Break
Building Long-Term Resilience
- Developing internal policies to prevent future attacks
- Training teams on media literacy and crisis communication
- Establishing strong stakeholder relationships to combat misinformation
- Action planning session: Participants develop customized resilience strategies for their organizations
Closing Remarks and Q&A
- Key takeaways from the day
- Open Q&A with industry experts
- Next steps and resources for continued learning
End of Training
About Your Workshop Leader:
Philippe Borremans is a recognized leader in crisis, emergency and risk communication, with over 25 years of global experience advising governments, multinational corporations, and international organizations on navigating threats and disinformation.
A published author and keynote speaker, Philippe specializes in designing real-world crisis simulations and strategic response frameworks. This practical, no-fluff training will give you the exact tools and methodologies used by top organizations to stay ahead of digital threats.
