Registration and Morning Coffee
Crisis Communications in the Age of AI
In today's interconnected world, crises can escalate rapidly, challenging organizations to respond swiftly and effectively. AI is revolutionizing crisis communications, offering powerful tools to monitor, analyze, and respond to emergencies with unprecedented speed and precision. In this session, join Chris as he explores the transformative impact of AI on crisis communications. From real-time sentiment analysis to predictive modeling, learn how AI is reshaping crisis management strategies, enabling proactive interventions, and safeguarding reputations in the face of adversity. Gain insights into best practices, case studies, and emerging trends, equipping you with the knowledge to navigate crises with confidence in an AI-driven landscape.
Chris Gee, CEO, Chris Gee Consulting
Navigating the Maze of AI-Fueled Disinformation: Strategies for Effective Response
Understand how AI facilitates the spread of false information, identify the telltale signs of AI-generated content and deepfake manipulation, and delve into the ethical implications and societal impacts of this pervasive issue. 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
Navigating Media Relations in Permacrisis: Strategies for Success
In this session, join Dee, a seasoned media relations expert, as she unravels the intricate web of maintaining effective media relationships during times of permacrisis. With the modern world characterized by ongoing and interconnected crises, the role of media relations has never been more critical. Dee will share invaluable insights and strategies to help you adapt and thrive in this ever-evolving landscape. Explore the art of crafting a proactive and resilient media relations strategy that ensures your organization's message is heard, even in the midst of enduring permacrisis scenarios. Learn to build and nurture relationships with the media that foster trust and credibility, allowing you to effectively convey your organization's story and navigate the constant waves of challenges. Discover how to provide timely, accurate, and empathetic responses to media inquiries and stakeholder concerns, ensuring your brand remains resilient and respected.
Dee Mostofi, AVP, University External Communications, Stanford University
Lunch for Speakers and Delegates
In the Eye of the Storm: Effective Crisis Communication for Media and Employees
Dive into the intricate dynamics of modern communication strategies in this insightful session. Delve into the delicate balance between immediate response and thoughtful consideration, particularly when faced with external events like war, natural disasters, and elections. Learn how to navigate this challenging landscape, ensuring that both external messaging and internal employee well-being are prioritized. Gain valuable insights and practical strategies to enhance your communication approach and foster a culture of empowerment within your organization.
Amanda Coffee, Senior Director of Global Media Relations, Under Armour
Rebuilding Trust: USA Gymnastics' Journey to Recovery
Join Jill Geer, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer of USA Gymnastics, for an insightful exploration into the organization's path to recovery following a tumultuous period. In this session, Geer will delve into the strategies, challenges, and pivotal moments that have shaped USA Gymnastics' efforts to rebuild trust, foster transparency, and instill confidence in its stakeholders.
Jill Geer, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer, USA Gymnastics
Networking and Refreshment Break
Avoiding Greenwashing: Navigating Authentic Sustainability Communication
In this interactive session, Callie will draw from his extensive experience to explore practical strategies for effectively communicating sustainability initiatives while avoiding the pitfalls of greenwashing. From decoding industry jargon to fostering transparency and accountability, Callie will share invaluable insights to help you navigate the complexities of sustainability communication with integrity and clarity.
Callie Noakes, Global Head of External Communications, Mars
Reputation Recovery & Rebuilding: Steps and Strategies to Rebuild a Tarnished Reputation Post-crisis.
In this session, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the steps and strategies required to rebuild a damaged reputation following a crisis. The session will cover the importance of transparency, communication tactics, stakeholder engagement, and proactive measures to restore trust and credibility. Whether you're currently facing a reputational challenge or aiming to prepare for future crises, this session provides actionable guidance to navigate the journey toward reputation restoration effectively.
Sally Stewart, Editor-in-Chief, Newsroom, Associate Director, Media Relations, Communications, Cedars-Sinai
End of Day One
Revitalizing Your Crisis Plan: A Real-Life Scenario Workshop with Donald Steel
Join us for a transformative Crisis Simulation Workshop led by esteemed crisis communication expert, Donald Steel, as we dive into the ever-changing landscape of crisis communications in a post-pandemic world. In this extended session, we'll focus on the crucial process of updating your crisis plan with real-life scenarios, ensuring your organization remains resilient and adaptable in the face of modern challenges.
This immersive workshop combines established best practices with innovative approaches, empowering crisis communicators to effectively support those affected by crises and protect their organization's reputation. You'll engage in hands-on exercises, collaborating with your peers to navigate complex crisis scenarios that involve social media, media interviews, and delicate press conferences.
By the conclusion of this workshop, you'll walk away with:
- Donald's top ten crisis communication strategies tailored to the post-pandemic era.
- A concrete plan to enhance your leadership team's preparedness for crisis communication.
- A heightened understanding of effective communication in today's increasingly assertive environment.
Upon completing the workshop, you'll be equipped to:
- Understand the crucial connection between pre-crisis preparation and swift crisis response.
- Possess the skills to evaluate and adapt your organization's social media communication style during crises.
- Be proficient in handling assertive question types during crisis media interviews.
- Be well-prepared to update and revise your organization's crisis communication plan based on the valuable insights gained during the workshop.
Don't miss this opportunity to fortify your crisis preparedness and embrace the future of crisis communications with confidence.
About Your Workshop Leader:
Donald Steel, Vice President, Crisis Communications, Kenyon International Emergency Services and Former Chief Communications Adviser at the BBC
Donald Steel has built a global reputation as a crisis communicator. For more than 25 years he has given strategic counsel to organisations and high profile individuals in a range of serious situations, including aircraft incidents, terrorism, kidnapping, serious accidents, executive and personal misconduct, fraud, litigation and inquests and serious regulatory and diplomatic issues.
He was for 11 years, the chief media spokesman of the BBC.
In his own practice, based in London, he worlds with a range of corporate, government, NGO and individual clients across the UK, Europe, the Balkans, the Middle East, North America and Asia Pacific and Australasia. His clients includes airlines, hospitals, universities, hotel groups, UN agencies, orchestras, the Eurovision Song Contest, arts venues and high profile artistes.
He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations in London and of the Royal Society of Arts. He is a regular guest lecturer at the London School of Economics and the China Media Centre of the University of Westminster.
Alongside his own practice, last year he was appointed Vice President, Crisis Communications at Kenyon International Emergency Services, the worlds longest serving and most admired responder to incidents involving fatality and injury. Based in Houston, Berkshire (UK), Beirut and Santo Domingo, Kenyon’s clients range from leading airlines, cruise companies, hotel groups, governments, police forces, local authorise and companies across the world who work in high risk situations. In this role, Donald leads a team of senior crisis communicators based around the world, ready to respond to clients.
He was a member of Aviation Futures, a recent think tank of the UK Civil Aviation Authority supporting the CAA on planning the regulation of future developments in aviation.
