Kristen Vigrass, President, The Brandman Agency, shares insights on the challenges of travel communications during COVID and transitioning into a post-pandemic environment. She breaks down how to navigate messaging for different organizations in the industry. Kristen also dives into the Brandman Agency Partner Program that her team developed to provide opportunities for experienced PR professionals to join the Agency’s network.
Ali Lundberg, President, J Public Relations, shares best practices for maintaining culture in the workplace while being remote and spread out. She offers advice on how to gradually revive the travel and hospitality space that has been severely impacted by the pandemic. Ali anticipates a strong return for aspirational travel stories as we transition into a post-COVID environment.
Ashley Miles, Founder & CEO, Franklyn West, and President, New York Women in Communications, breaks down some of the challenges faced by women and women of color in the workforce as a result of the pandemic. She offers advice for organizations to tackle these issues with a focus on retaining and growing existing talent while reengaging those women who exited the workforce. Ashley also shares tips for women looking to advance in their careers in the current environment.
Donna LaVoie, President & CEO, LaVoie Health Science, offers insights into communications challenges for newly formed healthcare companies. She breaks down some of the regulatory hurdles faced by these organizations. Donna also shares best messaging practices for companies who are in the later stages of growth.
Jackie Hartzell, Public Relations Director, Lowe’s, shares how her team managed to stay creative in a time of massive change. She discusses the challenges of navigating messaging across different stakeholder groups. Jackie also dives into some of the home trends that emerged amid the pandemic.
Terri Sanders, SVP, Enterprise Marketing & Communications, HIMSS, discusses how to navigate communications for different sectors within healthcare. She emphasizes the increased need for transparency and leveraging data. Terri also stresses the importance for creating a diverse environment in the workplace and shares advice for people of color in leadership roles.
Joanna O’Connell, VP and Principal Analyst, Forrester Research, dives into the shifting trends in the relationship between consumers, brands and content publishers. She discusses the challenges of navigating these changes as a communicator. Joanna emphasizes the importance of looking at different communications and marketing channels as a whole, rather than separate entities. She also highlights the increased need for data transparency and using data for value creating experiences.
Karen Clyne, Head of Global Communications, BlackBerry, sheds light on BlackBerry’s journey from handhelds to cybersecurity software and rebirthing a post-peak brand. She shares insight on evolving brand perception among key stakeholder groups and audiences to build advocacy. Karen also highlights the company’s initiatives and opportunities for women, including advice for the next generation.
Alyson Roy, Co-Founder, AMP3 PR, discusses the challenges of balancing motherhood with work in the COVID environment. She highlights the organization’s CAMP3 initiative to create opportunities for students, and allow younger employees to take on leadership roles. Alyson also shares insights into the agency’s focus on sustainability.
Caitlin Hayden, Senior VP for Communications, BAE Systems, Inc., shares insights on advancing in your career as a woman in a previously male-dominated industry. She discusses the company’s initiatives to make the workplace more inclusive for women and people of color. Caitlin also dives into the organization’s efforts to foster engagement with employees outside of your own bubble.