Keynote speakers
Jolanta Derkevica-Pilskunga, PhD
Risk, crisis communication theory and practice
The most important are stages of a catastrophic crisis, with a particular focus on the critical first 24 hours after the onset of a crisis, a period demanding immediate and strategic action. Before every crisis, there is risk. The better we communicate risks, the easier it will be to communicate crises. Therefore, risk and its identification and assessment are significant in crises and communication. There are several fundamental principles of crisis communication strategy, including the domino effect aspect, well-defined risk, and crisis communication plan. Furthermore, the crucial role of internal communication in a crisis will be highlighted, demonstrating its impact on organizational resilience and public perception. By bridging theoretical frameworks with practical applications, this presentation aims to equip attendees with actionable insights for navigating and mitigating the complexities of contemporary crises.
Robert Gibson
Intercultural factors in global collaboration
As globalisation increases and the world becomes more and more hyper-connected so it is vital to be able to collaborate effectively across cultures. Cultural agility has become a key competence in the diverse, global workplace. This presentation looks at the impact of culture on communication and collaboration. It suggests ways of going beyond oversimplified stereotypes of national cultures to understand multiple cultural identities and the interplay of individual preferences, culture in all its forms, situation and the context in which interactions take place. It draws on insights from intercultural research, diversity, equity and inclusion as well as neuroscience. It proposes a model of bridging cultures which acknowledges similarities as well as differences and aims to leverage diversity for mutual benefit. The practical techniques are based on the extensive experience of the speaker in a corporate setting and have been tried and tested with both business professionals and advanced students of business administration.
Nuno da Silva Jorge, PhD
AI in democracy: what to expect?
The presentation explores the intersection of democracy and generative artificial intelligence, highlighting the transformative potential and critical challenges of this rapidly evolving technology. By showcasing practical applications of generative AI—from content creation to decision support—The presentation demonstrates how these tools open a new era for public relations as they can enhance civic engagement, streamline governance, and democratize access to information. At the same time, it addresses pressing concerns, including misinformation, algorithmic bias, and the erosion of public trust. The presentation frames generative AI as a new era for democracy, with PR developing a key role in the public discourse and construction of inclusive policy frameworks. As AI becomes more embedded in public life, the choices made today will shape the future of democratic institutions and values. The presentation aims to provoke critical discussion on how to align technological innovation with democratic principles, ensuring that AI serves as a tool for empowerment rather than manipulation or control.
