February 27, 2025
Event registration has closed.
Date: Thursday, February 27, 2025
Time: 5:30 pm. to 8 p.m.
Location: PA Capitol, East Wing Rotunda (Please be prepared for security to check bags and purses. No weapons of any kind are permitted at the State Capitol.)
Panelists:
Brett Marcy, President, Apollo Communications, Moderator
Nell McCormack Abom, Owner, Nell McCormack Abom Communications
Barry Ciccocioppo, Director of Communications, PA Department of Health
Mark O’Neill, Press Secretary, PA Department of Health
Description: We continue to consider lessons learned from our area’s past during our 75th anniversary, honing in on how to handle crises in a time of constant connectivity and 24-hour news cycles this month. Is your organization prepared for the unthinkable?
January 22, 1987, marks a dark anniversary in Pennsylvania history. During a news conference, PA State Treasurer Budd Dwyer, who had just been convicted of bribery, killed himself in front of reporters, and photographers.
The after-effects continue to influence the communications world today. Former reporters Mark O’Neill and Nell McCormack Abom will share their first-hand accounts of covering the tragic event and its impact on crisis communications strategies — both yesterday and today.
In March 2020, a different crisis rocked the world. As the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the globe, communities looked to their Departments of Health for guidance. Barry Ciccocioppo, Director of Communications for the PA Department of Health and former COVID Press Secretary, will share crisis communications lessons learned, best practices, and potential pitfalls.
Moderated by crisis communications expert Brett Marcy of Apollo Communications, this event will challenge you to consider how to prepare for the unexpected.
Menu:
Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken (Gluten Free)
Vegetarian Option
Rolls (Regular and Gluten Free)
Chef’s Selection Vegetables
Chef’s Selection Potatoes
Assorted Cookie Tray
Lemonade and Bottled Water
Agenda:
5:30 p.m. – Registration/Networking
6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – Dinner & Announcements
6:35 p.m. – PPRS Business & Bylaws Vote
7:15 p.m. – Program Begins
Cost:
Member and Student: $35
Non-Member: $45
The deadline to register is Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025.