Strategic Communications and Public Affairs Conference
Public affairs is no longer limited to being an art of corporate diplomacy; strategic communication techniques have become just as important. Companies and industries need to shape their external environment by educating policymakers and other stakeholders about their innovations and technology. They need to tell their side of the story.
This conference will explore the latest trends and best practices in strategic communication from a European perspective. Discussion panel topics will include:
- Novel ways to position your company, cause or concept
- Communicating science to policymakers
- Thought leadership for public affairs
- Grassroots and stakeholder advocacy in Europe
Agenda8:30 - Arrival and Coffee 9:05 - Welcome 9:10 - Keynote Speech 9:30 - PANEL I: Novel ways to position your company, cause or concept
1. Executive visits to Brussels: The secret weapon of the advocacy toolkit 10:45 - Coffee Break 11:15 - PANEL II: Communicating science to policymakers
1. Research and credibility: how to translate science into policy 12:30 - Buffet Lunch 13:30 - PANEL III: Thought leadership for public affairs
1. Strategic positioning through thought leadership 14:20 - Coffee Break 14:40 - PANEL IV: Grassroots and stakeholder advocacy in Europe
1. The case of TTIP: Local activism and EU-level politics 15:55 - Closing remarks |
Speakers
Gundi Gadesmann
Head of Communication, European Ombudsman’s Office
Gundi is a graduate of the LSE and the College of Europe. She worked as a radio reporter and correspondent in Berlin and in Brussels for ten years before joining the European Ombudsman’s office eleven years ago. She is now Head of Communication for the office.
Renatte Georgescu
European External Affairs Manager, Unilever
Renatte joined Unilever three years ago as European External Affairs Manager focusing on the company’s Foods and Refreshment portfolio. Previously, she worked in communications in the European Parliament and at an agri-food consultancy in Brussels. Renatte holds an MSc in Politics and Government in the EU from the London School of Economics.
Philip Springuel
President, Board of Directors, European Society of Association Executives (ESAE)
Conor Mescall
Manager, European Parliament Relations and Communications, FoodDrinkEurope
Peter Boris Schmitt
Head of EU Office and Senior Manager, Political Environment and Product Affairs, Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
Andreas Galanakis
Policy Director, AmCham EU
Andreas oversees all policy issues and advocacy efforts at AmCham EU. Previously, he served as Head of the Economic Policy Unit at the Permanent Representation of Greece to the European Union. He holds MAs in economics and political science, both from The George Washington University.
Brandon Mitchener
Head of Corporate Communications for Europe & the Mideast, Monsanto
A former journalist and public affairs consultant, Brandon grew up in the United States but has lived and worked in Europe for the past 25 years. A dual national of the United States and France, he speaks English, German, French and Italian.
Natalie Sarkic-Todd
European Network & Projects Director, EurActiv
At EurActiv, Natalie oversees a network of 12 media partners and implementation of cross-border communication projects. She is also a member of the Advisory Council of the Fondation EurActiv which oversees social media, innovation and training. Natalie has an extensive background in European public affairs and public policy communication from more than 20 years working in diplomacy, industry and consultancy across Europe.