When a Crisis Strikes, presented on Wednesday, July 20, 2011

When a Crisis Strikes: Scenario-Based Training to Avoid Communication Regrets Before, During and After a High Stakes Event

Presented by the NCC Professional Development Committee

July 20, 2011
8:00 a.m. - Noon
(Registration/networking/continental breakfast 8:00-8:30 a.m.)

National Education Association
1201 16th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036-3290
Metro: Farragut North (red line)/McPherson Square or Farragut West (orange/blue lines)

Cost: $75 PRSA and WWPR members; $95 Non-members; $25 Students/retirees

Register here

In this half-day workshop, participants will develop the unique knowledge and skills required for communicating in a high stakes environment. Through high-energy scenarios and fast-paced interactive team exercises, attendees will gain invaluable experience in crisis communications planning and implementation.

In one team exercise, participants will be involved in developing and delivering simulated real-time communications to the public and media during the first few hours and days of a nuclear detonation in a high-density urban area.

Through this and other workshop activities, attendees will gain experience using communications principles and practices that they will be able to apply to the full spectrum of risks and crises they may encounter as part of their job – no matter the type of organization for which you work.

In the workshop, participants will:
• Learn and apply message best practices for effective communications before, during and after a high stakes crisis
• Apply message strategies and tools learned through mini-exercises and team problem-solving
• Gain experience and insights into assessing special threats, vulnerabilities and consequences of a crisis situation and the implications for high stakes communications to multiple and diverse audiences
• Learn how to maximize proven methods and techniques for delivering messages rapidly, accurately and with the intended effect.

A team of four crisis communication experts will:
• Lead attendees in a high-stakes scenario-based exercise and discussion
• Present advanced crisis communications best practices, and
• Facilitate small group mini-exercises, role-playing and other crisis communication activities

Presenters:
• Tim Tinker
Director of Booz Allen Hamilton’s Center for Risk and Crisis Communication and a Senior Associate on Booz Allen’s Strategy and Organization team

• John Rendon, Jr.
President & CEO of The Rendon Group, Inc.

• Jessica Wieder
Public Affairs Specialist, EPA Office of Radiation and Indoor Air

• Bob Davis
Communications Director, DHS Office of Health Affairs

Moderator: Mike Rothenberg, APR

If you have questions, please call the chapter office at 703.691.8733.