2014 Public/Government Relations Workshop

June 23, 2014
Toronto, Canada

While most ports and related organizations have developed public and government relations programs to reach out to their key constituents, some programs are more robust and strategic than others. Communications effectiveness can be directly linked to a proactive plan that first considers how specific audiences may perceive the organization’s messages and activities, then follows through to evaluate the outcomes and adjust the plan as needed. In this workshop, participants heard from a host of public and government relations experts to get some great advice on everything from developing key messages and interviewing for television, to communicating with community activists and government leaders, then evaluating the outcomes. The workshop culminated with a half-day broadcast media interview training session, including development of key messages prior to going on camera. One or more members of the audience were invited to come on stage to give a digitally-recorded TV interview on a controversial topic at their port, then listen as the trainer and the audience reviewed the recorded interview and provided constructive feedback for the interviewee. This seminar is a PPM® Requirement.

06/24/2014
Welcome and Opening Remarks

• Angus Armstrong, Harbour Master and Chief of Security, Toronto Port Authority
• Kurt Nagle, President and CEO, American Association of Port Authorities

06/24/2014
Tips on Developing Effective Public Relations & Public Affairs Issues Awareness Plans

Moderator

• Mary Beth Long, Senior Communications and Marketing Specialist, American Association of Port Authorities

Speakers

• Larissa Fenn, Manager, Public Relations & Communications, Hamilton Port Authority, Hamilton, ON, Canada
• Kevin McCann, Partner, National Public Relations, Halifax, NS, Canada

06/24/2014
Strengthening Your Public Affairs Outreach Efforts

Moderator

• Tim Heney, CEO, Thunder Bay (ON) Port Authority

Speaker

• Derek Raymaker, President, D# Communications, Inc., Toronto, On, Canada
  

06/24/2014
Developing a Digital Communications Plan and Analyzing Your Online Presence

Moderator

• Heather Labonté, Digital Media Consultant, Phoenix PR, Toronto, On, Canada

Speaker

• Kevin McCann, Partner, National Public Relations, Halifax, NS, Canada

06/24/2014
Creating Proactive Community and Government Relationships

Moderator

• Wendy M. Zatylny, President, Association of Canadian Port Authorities, Ottawa, On, Canada

Speakers

• Paula Copeland, Manager, Corporate Communications & Governance, Saint John (NB) Port Authority
• Paul Matthews, Community Affairs Manager, Port of New Orleans

06/25/2014
Exercise: Controlling the Narrative in Broadcast Media Interviews

Introduction

• Michael Gold, Director of Communications & Community Relations, Port of Long Beach

Speaker and Video Training Coach

• Scott Summerfield, Partner, SAE Communications, Pleasanton, CA
  - Article on Successfully Communicating With Key Messages
  - Message Notes Form
  - Media Training Notes

06/23/2014
Presentations from PR Committee Meeting

The following presentations were made during the June 23 Public Relations Committee meeting, which was held just prior to the June 24-25 Public & Government Relations Workshop:

• Lorianna Kastrop, Port Commission Chair, Port of Redwood City, Rebranding the Port of Redwood City-Serving Silicon Valley.
• Maisy Albert, Port Public Affairs Manager, Port Everglades, New Cruise Video.
• Dr. Elizabeth Blanchard, Commissioner, Port of Stockson, Free Boat Tours of the Port.