AAPA Workshop on Crisis Communications & Management

An American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) two-day program slated for Los Angeles, Feb. 21-22, 2013 will address the subject.

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.”

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.

He continued: “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.”

Founded in 1912, AAPA today represents more than 130 of the leading seaport authorities in the United States, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean and about 300 sustaining, associate and honorary members, firms and individuals with an interest in seaports.