About the Session

Delivered by a former journalist and government press secretary turned award-winning global crisis management and communications consultant, instructor, speaker, and author, this dynamic session explores how crisis management and crisis communications have evolved — and what that means for organizations today.

Using real-world case studies, Suzanne examines communications lessons learned from major events including global terror and mass casualty attacks, ransomware and cyber incidents, extreme weather across North America, and health emergencies such as pandemics, epidemics, and infectious disease outbreaks. Participants will gain insight into what worked, what didn't, and why — highlighting both communications successes and critical missteps.

The session also covers practical, time-tested strategies, tools, and best practices to help organizations communicate clearly, confidently, and credibly during any crisis — while minimizing reputational damage and unintended fallout in an always-on, always-online environment.

What You Will Learn

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Identify the essential components of an effective Crisis Communications Plan.
2. Understand the unique communications challenges posed by different types of disasters and emergencies.
3. Recognize the power and pitfalls of social media in emergency management (#SMEM) — and learn how to leverage it before, during, and after a crisis.