Crisis Comms Lab — Ottawa

Unlike a typical workshop, this is a hands-on simulation. You'll work through a live crisis scenario as it unfolds in real time, curveballs included, responding the way an organization actually would under pressure. Think media scrums, snap press conferences, and drafting a speech under pressure, followed by a debrief and a second scenario round in the afternoon that builds on what you learned.

This session is for:

• Executive Directors, who are often the ones fielding the calls from stressed-out board members when things go sideways
• Communications leads managing messaging across staff, boards, funders, and the public at once
• Program Directors and other decision-makers — especially in community-facing work, where crises can often start
• Media relations and public affairs staff who need to respond fast when a story breaks
  You'll practice:

• Thinking on your feet when a story breaks and the facts are still coming in
• Fielding tough questions from media (and the public) in real time
• Coordinating a response across your team under pressure
• Debriefing what worked, what didn't, and why

Emdash works exclusively with those making the world a better place — nonprofits, charities, foundations, and unions. Crisis Comms Lab is built for you.

Limited capacity. Reserve your spot today.

Info: We've got coffee for you - you'll need it!

Info: We'll walk through how the day will unfold.

Info: A quick exercise to get the room thinking fast and talking fast, before the real pressure hits.

Info: Your first crisis lands. Review the initial facts, identify the risks, and prepare to respond before the situation escalates.

Info: Work as your organization's crisis response team. Facts are shifting, the clock's ticking, and the phone won't stop. Develop your strategy, make key decisions, respond to new developments, and prepare for scrutiny as the situation evolves.

Info: Put your response to the test. What worked, what didn't, and why? Exchange real feedback from facilitators and peers who just watched it happen.

Info: Connect with leaders from across the nonprofit and for-good sector over a provided lunch.

Info: Just when you think the crisis is under control, new information changes everything. Apply what you've learned to a more complex scenario, adapting your communications strategy as new challenges and curveballs emerge.

Info: Second scenario, sharper insights. What changed the second time around? Compare strategies, discuss key lessons with facilitators and peers, and leave with practical tools and confidence to respond when a real crisis hits your organization.

Info: Reflections with key takeaways and practical next steps for strengthening your organization's crisis preparedness.

Event venue & nearby stays

Impact Hub Ottawa, 123 Slater Street, Ottawa, Canada

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