It’s human nature to hate hearing bad news. Unfortunately, bad situations, whether corporate financial struggles, personnel problems, or accidents, can and do happen, sometimes when we least expect it. That’s why the International Superyacht Society is presenting a panel discussion on the very subject next month, open to members and non-members alike.
“Crisis PR Management: When Bad Things Happen to Good Companies and People” is being held on November 4 in Fort Lauderdale, the day before the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show opens. Members and non-members are being encouraged to attend for one primary reason. When an unfortunately scenario like a sinking or a shipyard suffering economic woes occurs, ripple effects occur. Yacht owners, yacht guests, crew, project managers, and more are all affected. And, when (not if) word gets out, between the rumor mill and social media, that word spreads like wildfire. The ripple effects continue, and can even worsen, if you don’t have a plan in place that you’ve crafted with your legal advisers and more.
“Crisis PR Management” will outline:
- why it’s important to have an emergency public relations plan well before anything bad happens
- how best to handle crisis situations from external forces as well as internal ones (a.k.a. crew and/or other employees)
- what to do when a situation becomes a hot social media topic
- how sometimes embarrassing situations can actually be spun into positive publicity.
“Crisis PR Management” panelists include:
- Peter LaMotte, senior vice president and chief of digital engagement at Levick, which specializes in crisis communication strategies
- Amy Halsted, owner of The Halsted Agency, a marketing communications company in the yachting industry
- Toby Allies, sales and marketing director for Pendennis, which last year became the unwitting subject of a social media firestorm and quickly turned the conversation around.
“Crisis PR Management” is being moderated by MegayachtNews.com’s editor, Diane M. Byrne, a longtime member of the International Superyacht Society. She is also currently on its board of directors and secretary of its executive committee.
To register, visit the International Superyacht Society website.
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