Crisis Communications in Travel

Recent years have seen complex global events and challenge including political tensions, terrorism, environmental threats and the COVID-19 pandemic, 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 what to do as a crisis unfolds including practical exercises on how to manage the media plus top tips on how to conduct interviews and press enquiries on Zoom and Teams. Understand how to effectively manage and monitor your social media accounts and maintain your online reputation and get advice on post-crisis communications to protect your brand.

Moderated by ABTA, get guidance from communication experts, 8020, 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
• Understanding what the CEO wants from the comms and PR teams
• 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.

• Trudi Beggs, Director, 8020 Communications 
• Chiara Lawrance, Account Director, 8020 Communications
• Amy Dowling, Senior PR Manager, TUI

• 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
• Ensuring 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 Member/ABTA Partner* rate – £235 plus VAT 
Non-Member rate – £355 plus VAT 

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

At 8020 Communications, we are specialists in public relations, digital marketing and reputation management. 

We help consumer and B2B aviation, travel and mobility brands outperform through the power of communication. Whether it is a technology launch, a seasonal campaign or meeting the challenge of sustainable tourism, we have the experience and capabilities to guide the way.
Success in travel PR and marketing is the art of sharing great stories and helping customers tell theirs. Through creative media relations, engaging social media, valued marketing content and digital advertising, we target the right customers and generate the excitement that builds bookings and sales.

Our wide-ranging experience includes every link in the travel supply chain: from tour operators, hospitality and travel services to travel management companies, travel tech vendors and city marketing. 
We work globally, supporting clients and media every day across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific. With our international network of representatives and affiliates, we also field local insights, language capabilities and on-the-ground support as required.

For details on how to promote your company at this event, contact Matt Turton on 07766 517 611 or mturton@abta.co.uk