Fifth Annual ICRC Conference at UCF

Communicators from around the world visited UCF this week for the International Crisis & Risk Communication Conference.   The theme for the flagship fifth annual ICRC Conference surrounds the rising demand for accountability, including the push for effectiveness metrics. These may show the return on investment and return on effort for all types of crisis and risk communication initiatives and tactics.

The International Crisis and Risk Communication (ICRC) Conference affords attendees the rare opportunity to network with industry leaders and prominent researchers in a relaxed setting. Each year the conference brings together more than 40 anticipated sessions and speakers.   The general and breakout sessions bring a firsthand look at the most current topics in the field of crisis and risk communication.  Pre-conference workshops are also offered, providing longer learning sessions that provide more detailed knowledge, more one-on-one interaction with speakers, and additional training to further develop communication strategies.

This year, the Nicholson School of Communication hosted expert speakers who spoke on subjects ranging from “Helping Those in Crisis” to “Fighting Ebola with Words.”  The three day event educated communication professionals on effectively handling communication in crisis situations, such as plane crashes or natural disasters. Social media and technology were also stressed as huge factors in crisis communication, as both can play a large role in preventing a crisis. Staying up to date with social media during a crisis can also go a long way in maintaining a positive image for an organization and preventing further panic.

For the first time ever, a special excursion was made to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center for an in-depth crisis communication presentation by NASA Cross-program risk communication coordinator Doug Isbell. Attendees were also able to enjoy a tour of the Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit, dinner and a networking reception at the Space Center Visitor Complex.

On the final day of the conference, a panel was hosted by five health communication experts from around the world. The “Global Expert Panel on Health Risk Communication for Ebola and Pandemics” gave attendees the chance to interact with and hear from experts on the recent Ebola outbreak in West Africa.

The conference was a great success and, in the spirit of strong communication, received some very admirable feedback via Twitter.  As tweeted by Ted Kian, “Had a great time speaking at @ICRC_Conference in sunny Orlando.  @ucfnsc puts on a superb event, with a great mix of practitioners + academics.”

The next ICRC Conference will take place March 7-9, 2016, at the UCF Student Union.

For a complete schedule from the ICRC click here.

For a list of ICRC sponsors click here.

For a list of ICRC speakers click here.