Crisis Communications in Travel

Early bird rates will expire on 24 January. 

Recent years have proven that the travel industry is susceptible to crises in many forms from political tensions, terrorism and natural disasters to health outbreaks and safety concerns, all highlighting the need for travel companies to be able to respond quickly and communicate effectively during a crisis.  When disaster strikes customers expect a rapid and honest response.

Attend this event for guidance on how to ensure a well-structured response framework is in place including clear plans on roles and responsibilities, communication channels and contact information.  

During the seminar you will take part in practical exercises on how to manage the media plus top tips on how to prepare to speak on camera and balance what the media want with what the PR team can say.

Hear from a journalist on exactly what they want from you when a crisis occurs.  You will get top tips on building relationships and working with journalists before, during and after a crisis.

Understand how to effectively manage and monitor your social media accounts, ensure empathy and transparency and maintain your online reputation and get advice on post-crisis communications to protect your brand.

Moderated by ABTA, get guidance from communication experts, and hear case studies from travel businesses. 

• Top tips for preparing your spokespeople: identifying and allocating roles
• Managing the immediate response when a crisis hits: what information to share and when
• Building relationships and working with journalists before, during and after a crisis
• Practical exercise: producing an effective media message 
• Using social media as part of your wider communications response
• Maintaining communication during a crisis and post-crisis recovery.

Moderator: Graeme Buck, Director of Communications, ABTA

Graeme leads ABTA’s external and internal communications, including PR and media relations, marketing communications and brand stewardship. Joining ABTA in 2020, he was previously Head of Communications for Waitrose & Partners. He brings to the role more than 25 years’ experience of working with major organisations.

Additional speakers will be announced shortly including travel industry representatives, PR, communications and media experts. 

• Gain expert guidance on putting in place a crisis communications plan
• Discover how to build a crisis communications team 
• Gain practical insights into managing social media and the immediate response to a crisis
• Learn how to build and maintain good relationships with the media
• Take part in a practical exercise to produce an effective media message and prepare to speak on camera
• Hear first-hand experience from travel companies how they communicated throughout a crisis
• Ensure you continue to communicate effectively following the crisis to protect your brand and reputation
• Network with industry colleagues and explore how to work in partnership with key stakeholders across the travel industry.

The event is designed for large and small companies, including the following teams: 

• Directors, CEOs and senior managers
• Communications and external affairs and PR teams 
• Emergency planning and crisis management teams

ABTA members/Partners:
Early bird member rate - £249
Standard member rate - £279 

Non-members:
Early bird non-member rate - £389
Standard non-member rate - £419 

Early bird rates will expire on 24 January. 

This includes lunch and refreshments throughout the day, all delegate materials, presentations and an attendee certificate. 

Make payment by credit or debit card. 

View our booking terms and conditions here.

Discounts

• Book three places and get 50% off the third place.
  ^{(This discount will be automatically applied when you book online.)}
• If you are looking to book for a larger group please contact events@abta.co.uk for a bespoke discount.

*To qualify for the ABTA member/Partner discount you must have a current ABTA member/Partner number or your application must be in progress when the event takes place.

Non-Members are welcome to attend. For information about becoming a member click here.

Event partner

FINN Partners is one of the fastest-growing global, independent agencies, with a heart and a conscience. We serve clients through a powerful combination of hands-on partnership, highly specialised expertise, and a values-driven culture that champions integrity, collaboration, and innovation. More than an agency, we are a bold collective of communications advocates, stewarding brands, protecting reputations, influencing public policy, and leveraging data and analytics to shape the most important conversations of our day.

Headquartered in New York, and with more than 1,400 professionals across 33 offices, FINN provides clients with global capabilities in the Americas, Europe, and Asia.

For information about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Sara Dolan on 07766 517 611 or email sdolan@abta.co.uk.