11:00 A.M. – 11:10 A.M. | BREAK

11:10 A.M. – 12:10 A.M. | CONCURRENT SESSIONS (choose one)

The Turning Point: How a Crisis Can Become an Opportunity

Ashlene Larson, PR & Social Media Director, Planit;  Jennifer Donahoe, PR & Social Media Account Director, Planit

The Greek word for crisis is “krisis,” which means “turning point” – a point where a company’s destiny can go one way or another, a point of danger or opportunity, where a company can win or lose its reputation. At a moment when all eyes are on your company or client, you have more control than you think. When managed right, crises can have a positive impact on a company’s bottom line.

Learn the rules of effective crisis response, what works – and what doesn’t work – in a crisis and how to prepare for a crisis now.

Words Mean Things: Diversity in Internal Communications

Tia Malloy, Communications Strategist, Conteur Communications; Naomi Garvin, Diversity Strategist, Conteur Communications

Diversity has grown in significance for companies, but what does it look like in practice? Language, workplace culture, and representation all playroles in building authentic communications activities. Through real-world examples, we will highlight actionable steps to incorporate an ever-changing global landscape into your internal communications strategy.

In this session you will learn to: assess if diversity is a priority in your organization; incorporate diversity in your communications strategy; ask the right questions to frame communications activities; and use everyday techniques to influence corporate initiatives.

12:10 P.M. – 1:10 P.M. | LUNCH

1:10 P.M. – 2:00 P.M. | CONCURRENT SESSIONS (choose one)

Just Do It: Creating Content for a $1.2 Trillion Audience

Christine Michel Carter, Writer/Global Marketing Strategist, Minority Woman Marketing LLC

Public Affairs Bootcamp 101

Brittany Oliver, President, Public Purpose Journal, AU School of Public Affairs

Do you know the difference between public affairs and public relations? Have you considered how politics could affect your work and business? Have you ever engaged with politicians locally or nationally?

Public Affairs Bootcamp 101 will give public relations professionals oversight of the current political landscape locally and nationally and then introduce them to public affairs, highlighting the risks and opportunities that they could bring in 2019 and what public relations pros can do to mitigate them.

2:00 P.M. – 2:10 P.M. | BREAK

2:10 P.M. – 3:10 P.M. | CLOSING SESSION: PANEL DISCUSSION

Towson University: Building an Authentic Brand with Creativity and Transparency

Panelists: Rick Pallansch, Assistant Vice President of Creative Services; Erica Green, Assistant Director of Brand Marketing; Kathryn McGuire, Social Media Strategist; and Timm Baldwin, Senior Director of Marketing and Brand Strategy

Organizations are just like people. They have identities, personalities and unique stories that help define them. In today’s brand-centric world, it’s not only necessary to reach your external audience with a compelling, research-based message, but to engage your internal teams when defining your message. Learn the inclusive strategies Towson University used to craft a new, contemporary brand story and the intentional ways TU has successfully built buy-in with students, faculty and staff.