In this edition of Crisis Averted, we’ve picked examples where we admit a PR crisis hasn’t occurred. Instead, they’re instances where something happened and the aftermath seems ripe for crisis. So, this month’s feature requires a question mark and could read: Have We Averted a Crisis?
Crisis Management


Away CEO Steph Korey Needs a Lesson in Reputation Management
January 15th, 2020 by Justin JoffeAway continues to experience a public failure that undermines its stated values as a community-focused global travel brand. It’s painfully clear that the luggage company’s senior leadership, especially its co-chief executive Steph Korey, needs a lesson in reputation management.

MGM Reaches Vegas Settlement, but Money Can’t Buy a Good Reputation
October 3rd, 2019 by Nicole SchumanNo amount of money can ever bring a person back from death. And a settlement reached two years after a national tragedy might be too late to repair a consumer’s perception of a brand. While… Continued

Boeing: Unhealthy Leadership Leads to Crisis Mismanagement
July 25th, 2019 by Seth Arenstein[Editor’s Note: This post describes two crises, both of which resulted in fatalities. In only one case, were jobs lost as a result.] At Flowery Branch, GA, about one hour’s drive from Atlanta, DJ Durkin… Continued
The Troubled Woodstock 50 Festival is a Master Class in Bad Event PR
June 6th, 2019 by Justin JoffeThis past January, baby boomers and John Mayer-following millennial Deadheads alike rejoiced at the announcement that the 50th anniversary of the legendary Woodstock Music and Arts Festival would be celebrated with a concert in upstate… Continued
Wishing for a Valentine’s Day Gift for PR
February 14th, 2019 by Seth ArensteinSince it’s Valentine’s Day, it’s the right time to discuss what we love about PR and marketing. There’s plenty to say. We’re unsure if PR pros love their jobs, but we know they like them.… Continued
Top 10 Public Relations Trends for Those Paying Attention (Plus, One Call to Action)
December 3rd, 2018 by Diane SchwartzIt comes up in most conversations and lingers, unresolved: how can I find and then retain great talent? During a panel I moderated recently on the future of PR, this topic was discussed at length,… Continued
University of Maryland Backs into a Decent Crisis Solution
November 1st, 2018 by Seth ArensteinA sigh of relief emanated from College Park, Maryland, early on All Hallows’ Eve, when University of Maryland (UMD) president Wallace Loh announced his firing of head football coach DJ Durkin. It was one of… Continued
Here’s Where Communicators are Hoping to Invest More Resources
October 24th, 2018 by Diane SchwartzMoney can’t buy you love and it can’t buy you passionate employees, but it surely can buy you more resources. When posed with the question of “What would you do with a 15% increase in… Continued
USA Gymnastics’ Errors Form a Primer in Crisis Mismanagement
October 17th, 2018 by Seth ArensteinWith so many examples of how not to navigate crises in the news, you’d think more brands and organizations would know the basics of managing them. While many do, the outlier that fails to be transparent,… Continued