Managing PR in a Crisis

Managing PR in a Crisis

Two experienced divers die mysteriously in the tunnel from Boston to Deer Island. Archdiocese of Boston officials cover up an insidious scandal that spans decades of sexual abuse. U.S. forces invade Iraq while longtime American allies howl in protest.

Only well-prepared, quick-thinking PR experts with prolific backgrounds in crisis management could manage—and succeed—in defusing these controversies. Our distinguished panel of experts are looking forward to sharing their experiences addressing these and other crises through the application of proven PR tools and techniques.

While most businesses have an emergency plan to protect their staff and office systems in the event of a natural disaster, few have developed a communications plan to address public crises such as lawsuits, improper behavior by employees or product recalls. The power of the social web and 24/7 news coverage can amplify public perception and corporate crises can quickly spiral out of control. Today, more than ever, it is imperative for companies to be prepared.

 Register for only $69.

AMA Members save an additional 40%!

What you’ll learn:  How to prepare for a crisis

• Key tools and techniques to manage a crisis
• Rules of media engagement during a crisis
• How ethics would weigh into an appropriate response
• How and when to respond to negative exposure
• Leveraging new media for damage control
• How dealing with a crisis situation has changed due to the advent of online news, blogs, & social media

 In addition to providing their own guidelines, our panelists will talk in detail about the specific crises they’ve managed – the Archdiocese of Boston priest scandal, the death of MWRA workers while on the job, and managing communication during the Iraqi war – and how they emerged stronger and even better equipped for next time. 

Moderator: 
John Kellogg, Sr. Public Relations Strategist, Commonwealth Creative Associates
Mr. Kellogg specializes in management of visible public issues such as healthcare, energy and the environment, education, institutional expansion, taxes, housing, hunger, and homelessness.

Panelists: 
Vic Beck, US Navy, Chief of Media Operations, Multi-National Force-Iraq
Mr. Beck holds the rank of Captain where he has been mobilized as Chief of Media Operations, Multi-National Force-Iraq.

Donna Morrissey, Director of Public Relations & Corporate Affairs, American Red Cross Blood Services – Northeast Division
Ms. Morrissey served as Cabinet Secretary for Public Relations and Communications and Chief Spokesperson for the Roman Catholic Archdioceses of Boston.

Thomas Lee, Partner & Director of Public Relations, 451 Marketing
Mr. Lee served as spokesman for the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) where he handled the death of workers in the Deer Island Outfall tunnel crisis.

Date: Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Time: 6:00pm – 8:30pm

Location: 
Exchange Conference Center (visit site)
Boston Fish Pier
212 Northern Avenue 
Boston, MA

Refreshments: Light hors d’oeuvres will be served by Legal Seafoods, and cash bar available

AMA Boston Members save an additional 40% on event admission
Interested in joining the AMA? Go to MarketingPower.com and signup!

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About the American Marketing Association (AMA):
The American Marketing Association, one of the largest professional associations for marketers, has 38,000 members worldwide in every area of marketing. For over six decades the AMA has been the leading source for information, knowledge sharing and development in the marketing profession.

The Boston chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA Boston), was formally founded in 1940. AMA Boston is dedicated to being the essential resource for advancing the practice of marketing and the professional development of marketers. We have a long history of providing value to our members by giving access to critically important information and valuable contacts that help boost careers and build businesses. With over 800 members, AMA Boston continues to be the number one resource for marketing professionals throughout the greater Boston area.