08.45

Registration

09.15

Chair’s welcome

09.25

Strategy development

There are simple steps that must be taken to develop a successful strategy which can be easily implemented and evaluated. From profiling your target audience to deciding key messages and setting realistic timelines, this presentation will help you drive your public relations initiatives.

• Profiling your target audience
• Setting objectives
• Defining your strategic approach
• Making it happen

10.00

New age measurement and evaluation

Measurement and evaluation is an essential component of any successful strategy.  However, many practitioners struggle to find suitable techniques to measure return on investment.  Examine the decline of the AVE and look at alternative evaluation tools, assess the impact digital media can have on your campaigns and reputation, and look at ways of measuring your overall results.

• Why measurement and evaluation matters
• Measuring online media and handling the rise of social media
• What does success look like and how can you improve results
  

10.35

Coffee & networking

11.05

Digital media

The rapidly evolving world of digital media has given us an increased number of globally accessible communication channels. Whilst these mediums help us reach mass audiences at minimal cost, if not used properly they may have a detrimental effect. Examine key issues surrounding the use of social media, explore the pitfalls, and determine how these channels can be successfully incorporated into your communications plan.

• New channels available
• Communicating online – the do’s and don’ts
• Handling citizen reporting

11.40

Communicating in a crisis

In today’s economic climate it is imperative that we are all prepared to protect the reputation of our organisation’s brand in times of crisis. Creating an effective crisis communications plan that can be easily implemented and managed, may save your reputation when it matters most.  Discover how to identify and handle issues before they become crises, and explore methods of damage limitation.

• The crisis plan
• Conveying key messages
• Importance of briefings and honest communication

12.15

Break-out sessions

• Creativity – This workshop will provide you with tips and techniques to help you think creatively, enabling you to engage your audiences and create impact when faced with financial constraints.

• Handling media interviews - A media interview can help to preserve an organisation’s reputation in times of crisis. Find out how to communicate your key messages successfully, and look at the importance of selecting and briefing a spokesperson to be the face of your organisation.

01.10

Lunch

02.00  

Campaigns on a shoestring

In a bid to survive difficult economic times, budget cuts are being made everywhere. Find out how to maximise potential and examine cost effective ways to develop, implement and communicate your campaigns – ensuring you achieve optimal return on investment.

• Calculate the real cost of your campaigns
• Effective ways to tailor your campaigns when reducing your costs
• Methods for reaching mass audiences on a small budget

02.35

Stakeholder relations

Good partnerships with stakeholders can be key to the success of your communications plan. From identifying and approaching them, through to continuous engagement, encouraging stakeholders to adopt a more strategic approach can increase the impact of your overall communication.

• How to achieve stakeholder buy-in and encourage strategic thinking
• The right stakeholder approach
• Maintaining stakeholder engagement

03.10

Tea & coffee

03.30

Strategy clinic

Meet a panel of leading strategists and have your questions answered at the Strategy Clinic.  This is a unique opportunity to get expert advice on how to resolve your strategic issues. Ask questions, hear solutions to common problems, and gain an insight into the challenges your peers are facing.

04.15

Chair’s comments

04.30

Close