1A) Authentic Crisis Leadership - Lessons learned from cats, kids and cold cuts
Over the last 24 months, three publicly traded companies (Menu Foods, Mattel and Maple Leaf Foods) have provided researchers and practitioners with ample evidence that the most valuable crisis management and communications responses are not determined by the size of the crisis plan but by the effectiveness of the organization's leadership, mindset and organizational culture. In this session, Dr. Terry Flynn will present results from a six-month study, conducted in partnership with Leger Marketing, where he was able to isolate the value of immediate crisis communications activities on customer loyalty in the case of Maple Leaf Foods.
Dr. Terry Flynn, Assistant Professor, Communications Management, DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University

2A) Social Media -Best Practices and Finding the Right Metrics & ROI Measurements for your Organizations
Winning your Web 2.0 campaign requires a clear understanding of what defines success. What metrics do we use and what are false indicators? When it comes to social media, is it quality or quantity?
Julie Germany, Institute for Politics, Democracy and the Internet, George Washington University
Rachel Napear, RMS Consulting

Communicating your Message to the Media
Too often folks just "do it" and then wonder why they aren't getting their message across. Strategic communications is about developing the right message, targeting the right audience and using the right communication tools the right way at the right time. Planning is everything. Learn how.
Allan Bonner, Allan Bonner Communications Management Inc.

3A) A moderated panel discussion about the role of government relations in the Canadian policy process
Four panelists talk about the role of government relations in Canada and whether it is part of the problem, or part of the solution.
Tony Dean, former Secretary to Cabinet, Government of Ontario
Richard Joy, Vice President, Policy & Government Relations,Toronto Board of Trade
Brett James, Principal, Sussex Strategy Group
Moderator: Bernie Morton, Events Chair, Public Affairs Association of Canada

New Media
Print media, as a standalone business, is disappearing. The only question is which media organizations will be smart enough to make the transition out of paper and ink. How do new media organizations differ from old? What are the new rules and tactics? How does one woo new media?
James Klatell, Managing Editor, Campaigns & Elections' Politics magazine
Larry Ward, Political Media Inc.

US Politics
An overview on emerging tactics and the business of politics and public affairs.
Jordan Lieberman, Publisher, Campaigns & Elections’ Politics magazine
Ravi Singh, ElectionMall
Moderator: Chris May, Director, Public Affairs Association of Canada

Diplomats on the Global Public Affairs Stage
A glimpse into the roles diplomats play overseas. Diplomats can have a significant impact on helping to shape the debate and form of public policy around the world. Listen to unique experiences from the Consuls General of the United States of America and United Kingdom in Toronto who will share their experiences in their respective foreign service organizations and how they work with foreign governments to help achieve their objectives.
Jonathan Dart, U.K. Consul General to Toronto
Kevin Johnson, U.S.A. Consul General to Toronto
Moderator: Nathan Hyde, Director, Public Affairs Association of Canada

4A) Recycle and Reuse: How Secondary Research can save your organization money while delivering the goods
Smart use of existing research can save money while getting you the information you need; identify sources; how to get them; what to use.
Paul Burns, Vice-President, Canadian Gaming Association
Mario Canseco, Vice-President, Public Affairs, Angus Reid Strategies

US Advocacy Campaign Innovations
Billions of dollars per year are spent trying to influence legislation and public opinion. Find out here how the smartest advocacy organizations are delivering and targeting messages.
Joe Slade White, Joe Slade White & Company

New Decade, New Issues?
A panel of pundits meet to look into the future and predict the issues that will be most prominent on the public agenda over the next ten years.
Andrew Coyne, National Editor, Maclean’s Magazine
Angus Reid, CEO, Angus Reid Strategies
Robin Sears, Partner, Strategic Communications, Navigator Ltd.