The hype about the millennium bug has become so mainstream that "Y2K" is practically a household name. So, how do you communicate to your customers and your employees exactly what your organization is doing, and how are you going to plan for the potential crisis if systems do fail?
To help you deal with these issues, PR NEWS and APCO Associates Inc. are bringing together a diverse slate of speakers covering the Y2K communications strategic planning map.
The conference, "Strategic Communications for the Year 2000," will be held Feb. 22 in Washington, D.C.
Speakers are from a variety of sectors, including telecommunications, computer, electronic payments networks, associations and government. Their approach will be unique because they'll outline how companies are dealing with Y2K, based on how PR works with other departments, such as those on the corporate legal team.
A key point for presenter Wayne Pines, president of APCO's regulatory services, will be underscoring the importance of having a Y2K crisis plan or integrating strategies/responses in your firm's overall plan. Outsourcing Y2K crisis preparedness initiatives could cost between $20,000 and $100,000, says Pines, president of APCO's regulatory services.
Among the nearly 20 presenters are Joe Carabillo, VP and chief legal office of insurance-and-financial-service companies owner ULLICO Inc., Washington, D.C.; Elise Schepeler, manager of communications/Y2K initiatives for IBM, North America; Madalyn Cafruny director of communications for the American Public Power Association; and Rory O'Connor, editor of National Journal's Technology Daily. Expect the conference to deliver anecdotal and real-life scenarios. Speaker Robert Hoopes, manager of information law and public policy with MCI Worldcom, will outline approaches industries are using to corral Y2K communications. He'll also explore various options being pursued by businesses.
The exclusive conference sponsor is Lexis Nexis. Our educational partner is PRSA's National Capital Chapter.
The Forum Schedule
7:30-8 a.m. Registration
8-8:15 a.m. Introduction by PR NEWS Publisher Angela Duff and APCO Associates CEO and President Margery Kraus
8:15-8:30 a.m. Electronic Survey of the Hot-Button Y2K Issues
8:30 a.m. "Y2K: Why Should You and Your Company Care?" with speakers David Scott Davis of Decision Quest; Joe Carabillo, VP and chief legal officer, ULLICO Inc.; Elise Schepeler, manager of communications, Y2K initiatives, IBM, North America; Gary Shapiro, president, Consumer Electronic Manufacturers Association
9:45-10:45 a.m. "How are Industries Dealing with Y2K?" with speakers Roger Goldblatt of the Federal Trade Commission; Anthony Tissot, director of communications, Siemens Information; Leslie Lamkin, manager of editorial services, Nuclear Energy Institute; Leo Hood of Y2K Journal; Robert Hoopes, manager, information law & public policy, MCI Worldcom; and Jan Amundson, general counsel, National Association of Manufacturers
10:45 a.m.
Energy Break
11a.m.-12:15 p.m. Y2K Idea Exchange, Roundtable Discussions
12:15-1:20 p.m. Luncheon
1:30-2:15 p.m. "Y2K Communications and Reputation Management," with speakers Nikki Waters, executive VP of marketing for Star System; Madalyn Cafruny of the American Public Power Association; and Robert W. Holleyman II, president and CEO, Business Software Alliance
2:20 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
"Y2K Media Relations," with speakers Frank Mitchell, Y2K media relations manager, Ameritech Corp.; Rory O'Connor, National Journal's Technology Daily; and several other journalists
3:30-4:30 p.m. "Measuring Your Crisis Plan," with speakers Wayne Pines, president of regulatory and healthcare services, APCO; and Kate McGee, VP of corporate affairs, Oracle Corp.
4:30 p.m.
Presentation of Certificates of Completion and CD-ROM checklist customized by APCO for attendees of this conference.
Attendees will also hear from keynote luncheon speakers Congresswoman Connie Morella (R-Md.-8th District) and Jack Quinn, a partner in the law firm of Arnold & Porter and former counsel to President Clinton from November 1995 to February 1997.