Education Communicators Boot Camp 5

April 3rd, Toronto, Canada

BOOK NOW AND SAVE $200

Education Communicators Boot Camp 5

BOOK NOW AND SAVE $200

April 3rd, Toronto, Canada

About the Event

Education Communicators Boot Camp 5 | April 3, 2025 | Toronto, Canada

After four successful editions in the USA, North America’s premier training for education communicators is finally coming to Canada! Join top communications professionals from leading universities across Canada and the U.S. to explore the latest trends and challenges in higher education communications in an era of polarization and skepticism.

BOOK NOW AND SAVE $200! GROUP DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE!

Featuring experts from renowned institutions such as Stanford, Princeton University, Virginia Tech, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Duke University, the University of British Columbia, Seneca Polytechnic, and more, this boot camp will equip you with the tools and strategies needed to excel in today’s complex communications landscape. Here’s what you’ll gain by attending:

  • AI Ethics in Education: Discover how to navigate the ethical frontiers of AI in communications and ensure responsible practices that prioritize transparency, fairness, and inclusivity.
  • Proactive Crisis Management: Learn from a proven model of crisis preparedness, focusing on early identification of potential issues and refining your response strategies before a crisis unfolds.
  • Crisis Simulation: Test your team’s crisis response skills in an immersive simulation designed to reveal strengths, gaps, and opportunities for improvement in real time.
  • Building Bridges in Diversity and Inclusion: Master best practices for creating impactful relationships with Indigenous partners and underrepresented groups, and learn how to translate feedback into thoughtful communication plans.
  • Strategic Storytelling for Alumni and Donors: Unlock the power of content to build trust and inspire ongoing support from key stakeholders.
  • Reaching External and Internal Stakeholders: Develop authentic stories that resonate with diverse audiences, from students to alumni, staff, and community partners.

Whether you’re looking to enhance your crisis management capabilities, refine your storytelling strategies, or strengthen stakeholder engagement, the Education Communicators Boot Camp 5 offers practical insights, real-world case studies, and actionable strategies to elevate your communications efforts.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn from the best in the field and network with peers from top universities. Pre-register now and ensure your institution is ready for the communication challenges of today and tomorrow.

Only

115days

2hours

50min

UNTIL THE EVENT

Facts & Figures

  • The Education Communicators Boot Camp is brought to you by P World, the global leader in organizing PR Summits and Boot Camps, including the renowned Global PR Summit Canada and over 40 editions of the Crisis Communications Boot Camp.
  • After three successful virtual editions and a sold-out event in Chicago last year, the Boot Camp is coming to Canada for the first time ever.
  • This highly anticipated event has attracted over 1,000 communicators from top institutions, including Saint Joseph's University, Harvard-Faculty of Arts & Sciences, Dalhousie University, Lamar University, Phillips Academy Andover, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Columbia University, the University of Pennsylvania, La Sierra University, Duke University, The Ohio State University, the Sustainability Institute, Mount Holyoke College, Westminster Theological Seminary, USC Iovine and Young Academy, Colorado State University, Gladstone Institutes, UALR William H. Bowen School of Law, Neumann University, Fordham Law School, PCOM Georgia, Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis, the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, and more.

Speakers

Andy Fuller University of Notre Dame

Clare Hamilton-Eddy The University of British Columbia

Greg Trevor University of Georgia

Dee Mostofi Stanford University

Cam Gordon Seneca Polytechnic

Aleksandra (Golota) Zabiran Duke University

Manail Anis Ahmed Princeton University

Nneka Logan Virginia Tech

Amanda Mott University of Pennsylvania

Dr. Carrie Phillips University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Agenda

08.00

Registration and Morning Coffee

09.00

The Ethical AI Revolution: Transforming Higher Education Communications
Join Manail as she leads a critical discussion on the ethical considerations surrounding the use of AI in communications within the higher education sector. This session will explore the intersection of AI technology and ethical principles in academia, examining key issues such as student data privacy, transparency in AI-driven processes, bias in admissions and grading algorithms, and institutional accountability. Through real-world examples and case studies from higher education, Manail will highlight the ethical dilemmas that communication and PR professionals may face when leveraging AI tools in universities and colleges. Gain practical insights and best practices for promoting ethical AI use, ensuring that your institution prioritizes fairness, inclusivity, and academic integrity.
Manail Anis Ahmed, Research Team Lead, Center for AI and Digital Policy & Visiting Professor, Princeton University

09.40

The Ongoing History of AI’s Impact on the Comms Industry - Real Talk on What’s Now and What’s Next
The internet is full of news articles, thought pieces and LinkedIn updates, all telling us about AI’s influence on everything. What’s missing is a real-time look at its true impact on the communications industry and what this means for how we do our jobs moving forward. Cam will cut through the jargon and share insights from the frontlines, including lessons from his time in the tech industry, how AI is helping Seneca’s comms team to work smarter, and predictions on future AI impacts for communications and PR professionals.
Cam Gordon, Director, Communications, Seneca Polytechnic

10.20 

How AI is Changing Our Job and the Top Tools We Need to Know
AI is revolutionizing the role of communicators, offering new ways to enhance productivity, analyze data, and craft compelling content. In this session, we’ll dive into the top AI tools you need to know, from automation platforms to advanced data analytics, that are transforming the industry. Discover how AI can help you streamline tasks, gain valuable insights, and improve decision-making to stay competitive in an evolving landscape.
Nneka Logan, Director of Research & Outreach Public Relations & Advertising Division Coordinator, Virginia Tech

11.00

Networking and Refreshment Break

11.20 

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

12.00 

Proactive Crisis Management: A University’s Blueprint for Readiness
In the world of crisis communications, one of the most consistent failures is the inability of communicators to be ready to respond at the very beginning of a crisis. The University of Georgia is aggressively changing that dynamic. In addition to significantly expanding training opportunities for its communicators, the university regularly convenes a working group of high-ranking administrators focused on crisis communications. This group has two mandates: anticipate issues and conduct need assessments before these issues become crises; and prepare after-action reviews of the response to crises that have already occurred. Since its founding in 2023, UGA’s Crisis Communications Readiness Working Group – which includes representatives from the President’s Office, Legal Affairs, Student Affairs, Public Safety and Marketing & Communications – has addressed a wide range of potential physical and reputational threats and has recommended a series of improvements to the university’s crisis communications procedures. This candid, cross-functional approach can serve as a model for complex organizations striving to be better prepared for the crises that will inevitably occur.
Greg Trevor, Associate Vice President for Marketing & Communications, University of Georgia

12.40

Lunch for Speakers and Delegates

13.40

Crisis Simulation: How Prepared is Your Team?
Put your crisis communication skills to the test in this interactive simulation. This session will challenge your team to respond to a rapidly unfolding crisis, assessing preparedness, decision-making, and communication strategies in real time. Gain valuable insights into your team’s strengths and areas for improvement, and leave with actionable steps to enhance your organization’s crisis readiness.
Dr. Carrie Phillips, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer, University of Arkansas at Little Rock

14.20

Building Bridges: Advancing Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education Communications
This session will focus on best practices for building relationships with Indigenous partners and underrepresented groups to foster understanding and positive impact. Learn unforgettable lessons from working with underrepresented individuals and explore strategies for sharing collective experiences with other communicators to enhance their EDI efforts. Gain insights on how to translate feedback into thoughtful, actionable communication plans that drive inclusivity.
Clare Hamilton Eddy, Director, Media Relations, The University of British Columbia

15.00

Building Trust with Alumni and Donors Through Strategic Content
Effective storytelling creates strong emotional connections, fostering long-term trust and engagement with alumni and donors. This session will explore how to craft authentic narratives that resonate, highlighting organizational values and impact. Learn best practices for using storytelling to deepen relationships and inspire ongoing support from key stakeholders.
Andy Fuller, Executive Director of Brand Content, University of Notre Dame

15.40

Networking and Refreshment Break

16.00

Engaging External and Internal Stakeholders Through Authentic Stories
Authentic storytelling is key to building strong relationships with both external and internal stakeholders. In this session, discover how to craft compelling narratives that resonate across audiences, align with your organization’s mission, and foster engagement. Learn strategies for using stories to bridge gaps, enhance communication, and inspire trust from stakeholders at all levels.
Amanda Mott, Director of News and Media, University of Pennsylvania

16.40

Bridging the Gap: Effective Communication in Higher Education
In this talk, Aleksandra will explore the essential strategies for becoming an effective communicator within the realm of higher education. Drawing from her  unique experience working at the Duke School of Medicine while having a seat and access to the resources of the Duke Health Marketing department, she will share insights on how this dual role has improved communication and collaboration. Specifically, she will discuss how the Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences has benefited from this integrated approach, leading to improved outreach, better resource utilization, and stronger interdepartmental relationships.
Aleksandra Zabiran, Director of Marketing and Communications at Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences Dept, Duke University

17.20

End of the Boot Camp

Our partners

Venue

Hyatt Regency Toronto, Toronto, Canada

Address: 370 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1J9, Canada
Phone: +1 416-343-1234

Discover the excitement of Downtown Toronto’s Entertainment District, just steps from the business and financial district and all that makes the city a vibrant destination. With easy access to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, you can also explore the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, Ontario Art Gallery, and Princess of Wales Theatre. Enjoy the fashionable shopping and dining scene within walking distance of our hotel. At the Hyatt Regency, you are immersed in the creative urban energy of Toronto.