In recent years, California has been affected by numerous crises from wildfires and earthquakes to government shutdowns and public health scares. California's tourism industry is regularly confronted with local, regional and statewide issues. What is the best way for a tourism business to respond?
 
Join Visit California for its first Crisis Communications Workshop at the LA Hotel Downtown on Sept. 28, as they bring in top crisis communications experts to help our industry develop strategies to effectively manage a crisis. The workshop will provide a unique forum for industry representatives to gain insights on current media trends, understand the essentials of a crisis plan, learn strategies for working with regional and statewide representatives, and optimize social media in a time of crisis.

Sessions will include:

• Crisis Planning 101: Understand essential components of a robust, cross-functional crisis-readiness plan.

• A New Era of Crisis, Lessons Learned and Industry Best Practices: Experience how the new world of social media can drive a crisis for better or worse, and how there is little room for error.

• Managing the Media During a Crisis: Learn insights on how to effectively manage the media during a crisis, controlling both the organization’s reputation and the story.

• Coordinating with CalOES: Kelly Huston, Deputy Director of Crisis Communications and Media Relations for the California Office of Emergency Services, will lead a session on how to collaborate with CalOES, as well as how to use public information in an emergency and translate it into a response strategy.

• Operating as a Crisis Management Team: Simulation Workshop: Dive into a hands-on crisis scenario simulation that will challenge attendees to rapidly assess information, make key decisions, and evaluate both short- and long-term reputation management considerations.