News Release
FOR RELEASE - December 19, 2012
Contact: Aaron Ellis, aellis@aapa-ports.org
(703) 684-5700
American Association of Port Authorities
Phone: (202) 792-4033
www.aapa-ports.org
While most port communications are either advocacy, news or educational in nature, when crises arise, the folks responsible for disseminating port news and information may become harried and stressed. To address these instances, the American Association of Port Authorities is focusing its 2013 Public & Government Relations Workshop on crisis communications and management, with the theme, “Communicating Under Stress: Managing Disasters, Dilemmas & Misperceptions.”
The two-day workshop is slated for Feb. 21-22, at the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel San Pedro, in Los Angeles. It will explore the various types of crisis communications—ranging from natural and manmade disasters to ethical dilemmas—and showcase innovative ideas and best practices from both within and outside the seaport industry to manage “communicating under stress.”
An interactive crisis planning session at the end of the first day, and a half-day crisis communications tabletop drill on the second day, are also featured components of this workshop.
“In today’s world where the news cycle is nonstop and transparent communications are expected, especially in the public sector, it’s vital that public affairs and government relations professionals have the skills to communicate effectively under pressure,” said Kurt Nagle, AAPA president and CEO. “Because port authorities operate in the public trust and their operations are crucial to their region’s and nation’s economy, port communicators must be able to respond proficiently and quickly to issues that could potentially impact their organization’s employees, customers, physical assets or reputation. When an organization’s communications falter, so does the public’s faith in that organization.”
Among the featured speakers at this year’s Public and Government Relations Workshop, hosted by the Port of Los Angeles, are (in alphabetical order):
WHO: | Sponsored by the American Association of Port Authorities and hosted by the Port of Los Angeles |
WHAT: | Workshop exploring communications for various types of crises — from natural and manmade disasters to ethical dilemmas — and showcasing innovative ideas and “best practices” from both within and outside the seaport industry. |
WHEN: | Feb. 21-22, 2013 (Day 1, 8:15 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.; Day 2, 8:30 a.m. - noon) |
WHERE: | DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Pedro, 2800 Via Cabrillo Marina, San Pedro, CA 90731 |
INFO: | More information about AAPA’s 2013 Public & Government Relations Workshop is available at www.aapa-ports.org (click on the “Programs & Events” tab) or by calling AAPA’s Ed O’Connell at (703) 684-5700. |
MEDIA: | Credentialed media wishing to cover the business sessions of this event are asked to call or email AAPA’s Aaron Ellis (tel: 703-706-4714 / email: aellis@aapa-ports.org) in advance to obtain a media badge. |