What methods can you use to stay current on crisis communication trends and technologies?

1 Read industry publications and blogs

One of the easiest and most accessible ways to stay current on crisis communication trends and technologies is to read industry publications and blogs that cover relevant topics, such as crisis management, reputation management, media relations, social media, risk communication, and more. These sources can provide you with insights, tips, case studies, and opinions from experts and practitioners in the field. Some examples of publications and blogs you can follow are PR Week, PR News, Crisis Magazine, Ragan's PR Daily, Spin Sucks, and The Crisis Intelligence Blog.

2 Join professional associations and networks

Another way to stay current on crisis communication trends and technologies is to join professional associations and networks that offer opportunities for learning, networking, and sharing. These organizations can provide you with access to events, webinars, podcasts, newsletters, courses, certifications, and resources that can help you enhance your knowledge and skills in crisis communication. Some examples of professional associations and networks you can join are the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), the Institute for Public Relations (IPR), and the Crisis Communications Network (CCN).

3 Follow thought leaders and influencers

A third way to stay current on crisis communication trends and technologies is to follow thought leaders and influencers who are recognized as authorities and innovators in the field. These individuals can offer you valuable perspectives, advice, trends, and best practices based on their experience and expertise. You can follow them on social media platforms, such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, or subscribe to their blogs, newsletters, or podcasts. Some examples of thought leaders and influencers you can follow are Melissa Agnes, Jonathan Bernstein, Bill Coletti, Gerard Braud, and Daniel Schreibstein.

4 Attend conferences and workshops

A fourth way to stay current on crisis communication trends and technologies is to attend conferences and workshops that focus on crisis communication or related topics. These events can provide you with a chance to learn from experts, peers, and speakers who can share their insights, experiences, and lessons learned in crisis communication. You can also network with other professionals, exchange ideas, and discover new tools and solutions. Some examples of conferences and workshops you can attend are the PRSA International Conference, the IABC World Conference, the PR News Crisis Management Summit, and the Agnes + Day Crisis Ready Workshop.

5 Experiment with new tools and platforms

A fifth way to stay current on crisis communication trends and technologies is to experiment with new tools and platforms that can help you plan, prepare, execute, and evaluate your crisis communication strategies. These tools and platforms can help you monitor, analyze, engage, and communicate with your stakeholders, media, and publics during a crisis. You can explore different options, such as social media management tools, media monitoring tools, crisis simulation tools, crisis communication apps, and online collaboration tools, and see what works best for you and your organization.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?