Program

THURSDAY, JUNE 18

8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Pre-Conference Workshop* 
Standing Up a Joint Information Center in Today's Reality of Citizen Journalists, 24-Hour "News" Cycles, and Litigation

Presenters:

• Lauri-Ellen Smith, APR, owner, CAT 5 Communications, Inc.
• Joseph V. Trahan III, Ph.D., APR, Fellow PRSA, president/CEO/international media relations trainer, Trahan & Associates
• Capt. Brook DeWalt, APR+M, Fellow PRSA, chief of public affairs, U.S. Strategic Command

*Additional registration fee required. The Pre-Conference Session is available for a fee of $169.

3-7:30 p.m.
Registration

6-7:30 p.m.
Welcome Reception

FRIDAY, JUNE 19

8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Registration

8 a.m.
Breakfast

8:30-10 a.m.

Welcome/Introductions

10:15-11:15 a.m.
Session 1
Trends and Tips: Managing Your Comms Program in an Era of 24 Hour News Cycles and Bad Behavior (Online and In the Office)

Presenter:

• Lauri-Ellen Smith, APR, owner, Cat 5 Communications Inc.

11:15-11:30 a.m.
Networking Break

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Session 2
Are You Ready? Do You Have a Plan? The Communicator's Role in Leading Tough Conversations.

Presenter:

• Lori Croy, director of communications, Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance

12:30-1:45 p.m.
Keynote Luncheon
"Leading Strategic Communications in the 21st Century"

Keynote Speaker:

• Bob Hastings, APR+M,Fellow PRSA, executive vice president, chief communications officer and chief of staff – Bell Helicopter

1:45-2:45 p.m.
Session 3
The Fear(less) Communicator: Your Vital Role in Driving Organizational Culture

Presenters:

• Dr. Sandore Zehr, division manager for the corporate communications division & director of congressional & public affairs, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division
• Dr. Angie Lewis, corporate operations department director & business director, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division

2:45-3 p.m.
Networking Break

3-3:40 p.m.
Session 4
Maximizing the ROI of Public Affairs Communications

Presenter: 

• Ann Dermody, director of content, product and partnership marketing for public affairs and government relations, FiscalNote

3:45-4:45 p.m.
Session 5
Puppies, Gardens & Veterans Behind Bars: Transforming the Conversation About Your Organization by Challenging Assumptions and Stereotypes

Presenter: 

• Karen Pojmann, communications director, Missouri Department of Corrections

6 p.m.
Reception
National Blues Museum

SATURDAY, JUNE 20

8 a.m.-Noon
Registration

8 a.m.
Breakfast

8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Session 6
Washing Your Old Brand and Coming Up With a Shiny New One

Presenters:

• Rick Callender, Esq., chief of external affairs, Santa Clara Valley Water District
• Rachael A. Gibson, deputy administrative officer, Santa Clara Valley Water District
• Jimin Lee, public information representative, Santa Clara Valley Water District

9:45-10:25 a.m.
Session 7
Title TBD
Presenter: 

• Reba Hull, adjunct instructor, USC School of Journalism and Mass Communications

10:25-10:40 a.m.
Networking Break

10:40-11:40 a.m.
Session 8: Title TBD
Presenter: 

• Brandi Wildfang Simmons, chief communications officer & public information officer, OIT
  

11:40 a.m.-Noon
Final Remarks

12-12:30 p.m.
Closing Luncheon

12:30-4:30 p.m.
Post-Conference Workshop* 
How to Deliver Effective Media Messages to All of Your Public Every Time You Speak

Presenter:

• Joseph V. Trahan III, Ph.D., APR, Fellow PRSA, president/CEO/international media relations trainer, Trahan & Associates

*Additional registration fee required. The Post-Conference Session is available for a fee of $99.