At the 2022 MACo Summer Conference, Mark Weaver discussed strategies for communicating in a crisis.
At the 2022 MACo Summer Conference general session, “Communicating in a Crisis: How to Build Trust and Keep It” topic expert and experienced litigator Mark Weaver explored emergency communications plans, responding to an ongoing situation, and best practices for assisting the community in post-event recovery. The session was moderated by Frederick County Council President MC Keegan-Ayer.
Weaver Stressed the importance of doing your homework BEFORE a crisis occurs by making a plan that is current and deciding who will advise your county’s decision maker when responding to a crisis situation. Also necessary is identifying fact points and staying on message regardless of who issues statements or speaks to the press. It is vital to all be speaking the same thing to the public and to stick to the facts.
Additionally, Weaver walked the audience through the four basic principles of crisis communications are your guideline during a stressful situation are are as follows. Listen. Act Quickly. Be transparent. Do the right thing. The audience had a fruitful discussion with Weaver after his presentation on how these four principles play out in real-world scenarios. County Public Information Officers and Communications professionals left the session well-informed and equipped with a path forward to best prepare for a crisis and to best serve the public before, during, and after an event has occurred.
Speaker:
- Mark Weaver
Moderator: The Honorable MC Keegan-Ayer, Council President, Frederick County
The session was held on August 18, 2022, at the Roland Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, MD.
More about MACo’s Summer Conference:
