April 11, 2024, 9 a.m.-noon
Presented by Melanie Santostefano, B.A., Founder and President of Vicarious Multimedia
Location: Hybrid (In-person at NIU Naperville or Online)
Description: Crisis can happen at a moment’s notice without warning – is your organization ready? It is crucial to not only be prepared ahead of time, but also to communicate messages that are timely, accurate and succinct in the days and weeks following a crisis to establish and maintain control of the narrative. This session will provide guidance on immediate steps to be taken when a crisis happens, how to craft messaging and when/where those messages can and should be shared. Additionally, instruction will be provided on how to deal with the news media when they inevitably come calling. Session attendees will learn these strategies through interactive participation in a mock crisis, including a press conference and the subsequent communications that must follow to keep your public informed, while maintaining order and process through the chaos that crisis can create. Through these proven strategies, your organization can come out “on top” during and after even the most serious and challenging situations.
Objectives:
- Develop and implement a crisis communications plan, process and strategy.
- Understand what communication channels to utilize during crisis.
- Utilize your team to develop messaging and maintain order and process in crisis.
- Learn best practices for information flow during and following a crisis.
- Understand how to successfully work, and partner with the news media.
Addresses ICMA Practice Areas
2. Community Engagement
3. Equity and Inclusion
4. Staff Effectiveness
6. Strategic Leadership
8. Policy Facilitation and Implementation
9. Community and Resident Service
10. Service Delivery 12. Financial Management and Budgeting
14. Communication and Information Sharing