Recap of The Social Media Association’s Crisis Communications SeminaR

The Social Media Association hosted a round table discussion on Crisis Communications

at the law offices of Campolo, Middleton & McCormick in Ronkonkoma, New York. The

event highlighted how social media has shaped the conversation 25 years after 9/11.

The discussion was moderated by Regina Jankowski, editor of Long Island Business News and featured crisis communication experts; Mark Grossman, Founder of Mark Grossman Public Relations, Sean P. Dolan, Founder of Dolan Communications and Social Media Association Board Member, Kim Como.

The panel discussed a variety of topics related to the evolution of crisis communication

over the last 25 years including; the rise of social media, the effects of AI, deepfakes and misinformation, as well as the methodologies for handling a crisis. Some issues that were raised focused on when and how to comment to the media when a crisis occurs, combatting false information with facts, navigating negative social media stories, what constitutes proof, and the value of credibility in a world of fake news.

Experts also commented on how social media has helped advance journalism, storytelling and real time coverage of major events. In addressing these challenges, panelists offered a variety of suggestions in response to these issues such as always having a plan ready to respond when a crisis hits, not getting caught up in virtue signaling or stepping out of the company’s comfort zone, and to always

have a point person who has the trust of the media. Key takeaways from the session were to never say “no comment” , be truthful while sharing information, work hand in hand with corporate legal teams, understand that everyone is a reporter in the current media landscape, and there are no more deadlines in the age of 24-7 news. Additional

recommendations focused on being prepared, maintaining proper internal communication channels and the variety of ways to effectively control the narrative.

Overall, the event proved to be a valuable conversation on the state of media in today’s

digital age, as well as the lessons learned over the last 25 years of crisis communications.

The Social Media Association will continue to showcase events that foster important

discussions around current issues related to media, communications and public relations.

Interested parties can check www.thesocialmediaassociation.com for the upcoming

events calendar, as well as our various membership options.