Going for gold – winning line up of Olympic events taking place for comms pros

The UK is getting its ducks into a row for the London 2012 Olympic Games and there are various related events happening over the next few months for comms professionals to take part in. (Couldn’t resist using that phrase – click on the duck image to be taken to the official Olympics merchandise including these cute Team GB boxing, cycling and swimming ducks).

I thought I’d highlight the events I’ve come across so far. Are you aware of any others for comms pros? Do comment below or drop me a note at rach@rachmiller.com

Internal Comms pros set to hear from champion rower
As highlighted a couple of weeks ago on this site, the Institute of Internal Communication (IoIC) has invited double gold-medal winning Olympian Steve Williams to speak at its annual conference in May. It is taking place at the Marriott, Forest of Arden, near Birmingham, from Wednesday 23 May – Friday 25 May. If you would like to make a booking, or need further details of the event, contact Brenda@ioic.org.uk

From disengagement to engagement – the Olympics story
The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) has organised an event on 28 February from 6.30-9pm in London called From disengagement to engagement – the Olympics story.

It is bringing together four speakers to talk about all things Olympics related, from ticketing, transport and tourism to security and explain the considerable communications challenges they’re facing as London gears up for the Games.

Speakers include Vernon Everitt, Transport for London’s (TfL) Director of Communications, who is leading the campaign to manage the UK’s travel demand and provision of real-time information, Adam Mynott, G4S’ Director of Media Relations who is overseeing communications for the Games’ security procedures, Stephen Vaughan, Managing Director of Thomas Cook, who is responsible for delivery of its Commercial and Brand proposition as the Olympics’ short breaks supplier and Paul Williamson, LOCOG’s Director of Ticketing.

The cost is £15 including VAT for members of CIPR’s Marcomms Group, £20 including VAT for CIPR members and £60 including VAT for non members.

View more information including the registration form here or contact marianne@forrestersolutions.com

Encouraging employees to work flexibly
Talking of travel, O2 recently conducted an experiment to ‘push flexible working to the limit’ and see how the 3000 employees at their Slough Head Office would work if the office was closed. This initiative is in line with O2’s plans to manage the expected travel disruptions that the London 2012 Olympic Games will bring. You can see what happened, including a short video here.

Are you making any plans for your employees during the Games? What are you encouraging them to do differently? Are you promoting what’s going on and allowing them to watch it? I’d love to know what your plans are – do contact me at rach@rachmiller.com if you think your organisation’s internal comms efforts would make an interesting read for others.

Selling-in stories
If you’re looking to ramp up your media efforts during the Olympics, check out the latest series of webinars from the CIPR as there could be some topics to suit you, including Selling-in your stories on 17 February from 10.30-11.30am GMT. CIPR members can participate for free and you can see the whole schedule here.

Post author: Rachel Miller

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