2012 Public Relations/Government Relations Workshop

February 28, 2012
Houston, TX

Professional communicators understand the power of perception, particularly as it relates to their key audiences being able to differentiate myth from reality. Without the right communications, a port's progress may be impeded or even blocked by misperception or misunderstanding. This workshop will offer presentations, discussions and sharing of "best practices" on how port communicators and community relations personnel can most effectively articulate the value of port property development, investments in transportation infrastructure and programs geared to attract business, create jobs, improve the environment, increase trade and help ensure the success of port projects. They will also address how port authorities must communicate to government agencies and lawmakers at all levels the benefits ports provide in order to secure maximum funding and favorable policy decisions. This seminar is a PPM® Requirement.

02/28/2012
Welcome and Opening Remarks

• Lisa Ashley, Director, Corporate Communications, Port of Houston Authority 
• Kurt Nagle, President and CEO, American Association of Port Authorities

02/28/2012
Opening Address: The Changing Face of Urban America & Implications for Community Outreach

Introduction

• Ms. Ashley

Speaker

• Prof. Stephen L. Klineberg, Co-Director Kinder Institute for Urban Research, Rice University 

02/28/2012
Case Studies on Successful Community Relations

Discussion Leader: 

• Michelle Hundley, Manager, Community Relations, Port of Houston Authority 

Speakers

• Henry A. de La Garza, APR Principal, de la Garza Public Relations Inc. 
• Leslie Pompa, Director of Communications, Crouch Environmental Services, Inc. 

02/28/2012
Creating Allies Among Policymakers and Influencers

Discussion Leader:

• Pat Younger, Executive Director, Gulf Ports Association of the Americas 

Speakers

• Niels Aalund, Senior VP, Maritime Affairs, West Gulf Maritime Association 
• Spencer Chambers, Director, Government Relations, Port of Houston Authority
• Sen. Jon S. Lindsay, President, North Houston Association

02/28/2012
Collaborating With Economic Development Interests and Communicating Economic Development Projects

Discussion Leader

• Cheryl Graham Solomon, Director, Marketing & Public Affairs Detroit/Wayne Co. Port Authority 

Speakers

• Paula Musto, Director, Public Affairs & Marketing, Port of Miami .
• Sandra Livingston, Vice President of External Affairs, Cleveland-Cuyahoga Co. Port Authority 

02/29/2012
Interactive Group Discussions on Effectively Utilizing Social Media to Engage New Audiences

Discussion Leader

• Justin Concepcion, Social Media Coordinator, Mayor's Office of Communications 

Interactive Small Group Discussion Topics and Leaders

Government Relations Social Media
Marguerite Elicone, Manager, Media Services, Port of San Diego

Cruise Marketing Social Media
Maisy Alpert, Corporate and Community Relations, Port Everglades (FL)

Ports Not Currently Doing Social Media
John Roby, Director, Customer Service, Port of Beaumont (TX)

Community Relations Social Media
Craig Estabrooks, Manager of Government Relations, Saint John Port Authority (Canada)

Social Media Fears & Apprehensions
Mr. Concepcion

02/29/2012
Taking Charge in a Crisis – Communicating Empathy and Leadership

Introduction

• Marilyn Sandifur, Spokesperson/Media PR Specialist, Port of Oakland 

Speaker

• Terry Abbott, Chairman, Drive West Communications, Houston, TX 

02/29/2012
Planning a Fun, Admission-Free Port Event for Your Community

Discussion Leader

• Heather Morris, Director, Communications & Community Relations, Port of Long Beach

Speakers

• Lorianna Kastrop, Port Commissioner, Port of Redwood City 
• Sally del Fierro, Community Relations Manager, Port of Seattle
• Manuel Ortiz, Public Information Officer, Port of Brownsville