Red Deer conference to help municipalities prepare for disaster
This March, Red Deer, Alberta will play host to a conference that aims to help municipal workers and officials plan for possible disasters.
The Crisis Communications Conference, now in its third year, is sponsored by the government of Canada for the purpose of helping local leaders learn from each other when it comes to dealing with crisis situations. The conference’s poster, whose striking graphic design features a red puzzle piece among grey ones, has an ominous warning:
“It is not a matter of if you will face an emergency or crisis situation, it’s a matter of when. Municipalities must be prepared.”
The conference focuses on three essential aspects of municipal governance: crisis preparation, crisis management, and crisis recovery. Attendees will hear about recent incidents and case studies, and learn the best practices to follow.
The chief focus of the conference is on communications, and sessions will zero in on how to work with the media during a crisis, how to communicate with the public, and potential pitfalls to avoid.
The conference will take place on March 7 at the Radisson Hotel in Red Deer. Most professional conferences involve a networking element, so despite the serious subject matter there may be a few business cards and resumés making the rounds. Attendance is recommended for those involved in municipal government ranging from communications professionals up to mayors.