Events

Anchorage Luncheon: Communicating with the public in times of crisis

Sponsored by Alaska Communications
When an emergency occurs, the need to communicate is immediate. This is especially true when high-profile events dominate headlines for days and sometimes weeks on end. Business can be disrupted, government officials want answers and members of the public can be afraid, confused and even angry. In all cases, neighbors want information- especially if a threat to safety is perceived. All these stakeholders want information often before the organization has a chance to begin communicating.

Perhaps no one knows this more than a community’s police department public information officer (PIO). When the community is consumed with fear or grief after headline-grabbing events, it is the job of the PIO to explain, calm, and inform. This is difficult enough when dealing with an evolving situation, but the pervasiveness of social media and the 24/7 news cycle further complicate the situation.

Lieutenant Dave Parker (retired) served on the front lines of crisis communication for the Anchorage Police Department for years. During his tenure, he found himself responsible for managing the flow of information throughout the Samantha Koenig abduction, the shootings of two police officers, bear attacks on public trails, and the arrest and conviction of a former police officer for sexual assault. Despite these challenges, Lt. Parker enjoyed an excellent reputation with local media, elected officials and members of the public.

Join PRSA on Wed., May 22, when Dave Parker will share case studies in crisis communications, and tips for handling competing demands for information.

Attendees will learn:

• Best practices for explaining sensitive and difficult news to multiple audiences, and tips for combating rumors and misinformation.
• How to handle requests for information that may be restricted because of ongoing investigations or legal concerns.
• How to tailor information for various audiences so that messages are trusted and well-received.

WHEN: Noon to 1 p.m. (doors open at 11:30 a.m.) Wednesday, May 22, 2013
WHERE: Crowne Plaza Hotel
COST: $25 members
$30 non-members
$10 students

Please RSVP here.

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Fairbanks Luncheon: So Your Boss Hates Social Media…

Social media is no longer a value added component of a business. Customers expect to engage with companies about their products or services using Facebook or Twitter–at the very least. But what if the higher ups at your organization don’t recognize this expectation? What if your boss hates social media? As multimedia coordinator for the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Andrew Cassel has helped colleges, departments and offices embrace and thrive in the social realm.

Attendees at the May luncheon will be part of a discussion involving:

• How to address common complaints about using social media at work
• Overcoming cultural fears of opening up to receive complaints
• Establishing a culture of sharing

Andrew Cassel administers the UAF Facebook page as well as the UAF Twitter, YouTube, Tumblr, Pinterest and Spotify accounts. Over the past two years he has fostered the development of many of the University’s Facebook pages and worked to establish a strong spirit of sharing between the disparate fields of study and departmental missions at the University. Andrew graduated from UAF with a BA in Theatre-Performance and sees social media as the ‘theatre of the self’.

WHEN: Noon to 1 p.m. (doors open at 11:30 a.m.) Wednesday, May 22, 2013
WHERE: Express Room, Sophie Station Hotel, 1717 University Avenue, Fairbanks, Alaska
COST: $25 members
$30 non-members
$10 students

Please RSVP here.