May Events Explore Crisis Communications at Virginia Tech  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Crisis Communications: Perspectives from Virginia Tech a Year after the April 2007 Tragedy

A Media Panel Discussion and Inside Look from Larry Hincker

Richmond, Va. – Are you really prepared for a crisis? Does your communications plan incorporate strategies and tactics to handle a crisis and clearly communicate it to the media? Join the members of PRSA Richmond and IABC as they join forces to host a special reception and professional development session the evening of Wednesday, May 21. The event is $15 for PRSA and IABC members; $20 for non-members.
 
Larry Hincker, associate vice president of university relations for Virginia Tech, will talk about the April 16, 2007 tragedy and how he and his team worked with the media, university officials, students, Virginia Tech and state police investigators, the university president and parents during the crisis. 
 
Hincker will address how his office communicated to these audiences and the general public during this crisis situation – in particular, the use of the VT Web site to communicate the ever-changing situation. The evening will commence with a reception (refreshments and cash bar) from 5:15-6 p.m. The presentation will be from 6-7 p.m. A question and answer period will follow.

If you are unable to attend the evening program, join PRSA Richmond for a companion monthly luncheon program which will compliment the professional development program. Mark your calendar for PRSA Richmond's May luncheon on Wednesday, May 28. A media panel will discuss covering the aftermath of Virginia Tech's April 2007 tragedy. 

On April 16, 2007 reporters from across the U.S. were dispatched to Blacksburg, Virginia, to cover the largest mass shooting in our history. Reporters stayed for days, even weeks for continuing coverage of the event. Several of those reporters from Virginia will join us to talk about covering the crisis from the reporters’ perspective.

For details, or to register for either event, please visit www.prsarichmond.org.

Luncheon networking begins at 11:45a.m.; lunch begins at 12:15 p.m.The cost to attend the lunch is $30 for non-members of PRSA Richmond; $15 for students; free for members of PRSA Richmond. Register online by Tuesday, May 27 at www.prsarichmond.org.