NAGC Communications School: Looking Back, Looking Ahead

Posted by NAGC President Glen Thomas

NAGC recently wrapped up its annual Communications School in Arlington, VA. The Communications School is NAGC’s cornerstone event, and this one did not disappoint with a variety of entertaining, informative and interactive speakers and topics.

As I stated in my opening remarks to the group, our industry is one that is very accustomed to a “change of plans.” The analogy I used was my youngest son Colin’s response to his mother’s plan for dinner: “I DON’T LIKE TUNA AND I DON’T LIKE HELPER!” Change of plans. The sequester served many of us our own plate of both Tuna and Helper and it definitely affected the ability of many NAGC members to attend and participate in the conference. It definitely caused a change of plans on the NAGC side, as we scrambled to reorganize some of our sessions and other details. Many thanks to all of the board members, committee members, and NAGC staff who made it happen.

This did not, however, do anything to dampen the enthusiasm of 100+ attendees, and the lineup of speakers and topics was one of the strongest in recent memory.

So, what now?

Communications School

Well, we’re already looking at next year’s Communications School. It seems that travel restrictions may continue, so it’s most likely that we’ll be back in the DC area for the 2014 event. However, if there’s enough interest in another location, like my hometown of Memphis (hint, hint), it’s still possible we’ll seek an alternative location.

Webinars

We’re going to continue with monthly webinars on a variety of topics, something that should provide continual professional development opportunities for our members. We’ll be announcing a schedule as soon as we’ve lined up our topics, dates and times.

MVP Mentoring Program

We’re going to relaunch our Member Value Program (MVP). You can find out more at https://www.nagconline.org/MVP.asp

I’d like to hear from those who were and weren’t able to attend this year. What are your prospects for traveling and/or attending conferences for next year? If you attended, what were some of the things you took away from the conference that will help you at your organization?

If you were an attendee this year, please complete our survey:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CPNMQYS

A true and successful partnership between government, the media and the public!

Posted by John Verrico, NAGC President-Elect

Suspect in custody. Officers sweeping the area. Stand by for further info.
— Boston Police Dept. (@Boston_Police) April 20, 2013

A great sigh of relief went out in the Boston area – and across the country – this evening with the successful capture of the second Boston Marathon bombing suspect, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev. Congratulations go to the incredible efforts of all the law enforcement and emergency response personnel from the dozens of federal, state and local agencies involved. Their efforts, resulting in the death of one suspect and the capture of the other, were nothing less than heroic.

This incident, and the horrific and deadly fertilizer plant explosion in Texas this week, also provide very clear examples of the importance of government communicators. The public information officers of the involved emergency response agencies played essential roles in getting critical information to local residents that helped keep innocent people out of harm’s way. They worked with media to reach the public, and engaged the citizenry in direct communication through all sorts of social media channels.

There is no doubt that there were also many, many government communications professionals working behind the scenes to make all of these communications possible, including unsung heroes such as social media managers, webmasters, and speechwriters.  

In the case of the manhunt for the bombers in the Boston suburbs, government communicators engaged many thousands of people to collect information and imagery that ultimately led to the identification and apprehension of the bombers. And the public was eager to engage!  Investigators received hundreds of hours of video materials and more than a million photographic images and thousands of tips.

The information they received from these efforts provided the intelligence the investigators needed to bring an end to a terrifying few days.

On behalf of the National Association of Government Communicators, congratulations to everyone involved. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims of these events, and wish a speedy and full recovery for those who are still suffering from injuries.

 

 

There’s Still Time to Make It to the NAGC 2013 Communications School!

A Highlight from the upcoming NAGC Communications School.  

Have you been on the fence? There’s still time.
Don't Miss the National Association of Government Communicators 2013 Communications School!


You can see the full agenda here:
http://www.nagconline.com/CommunicationsSchool/documents/NAGC-Communication-School-Program2013.pdf
Registration is now open for the NAGC 2013 Communication School, “Government Communicators – Engaging Citizens in Democracy,” being held April 17-19, 2013, in the Washington, D.C., area at the Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel, Arlington, Va. 

Who Should Attend?
Federal, state, and local government communicators including contractors who direct and facilitate government communications—editors, writers, graphic artists, webmasters, video professionals, broadcasters, photographers, information specialists, and agency spokespersons.

Why Should You Attend? 
1.  It’s one of the most affordable training experiences you’ll find.
2.  You’ll gain knowledge and learn skills you can use immediately to become a more effective communicator.
3.  You’ll be with other passionate government communicators, which will help you leverage best practices and build relationships.
4.  You will be networking and trading ideas with fellow like-minded communicators and getting energized! 
5.  It’s only for government communicators!
 
Also, don’t miss the Government Communications Expo, April 18-19, showcasing the latest trends in government communications services, goods, and technologies.
 
Don't Miss the National Association of Government Communicators 2013 Communications School!

2013 Featured Speakers and Topics
--Overcoming the Stigma of Government
--Learning How to Read Body Language
--Using Social Media to Engage Citizens
--Facing the Media: On-Camera Training During a Crisis
--Plain Language: If you don’t know this stuff, you might be dangerous!
--Blue Pencil & Gold Screen Awards Banquet
--Communicator of the Year Award presentation
--and much more!
 
Don’t miss the Government Communications Expo, April 18-19, showcasing the latest trends in government communications services, goods, and technologies.
 
For registration, schedule, and accepted speakers information, visit  www.nagconline.org.  

Reinventing the Role of Government Communicators - A Collective Effort!

A Highlight from the upcoming NAGC Communications School.  

Can government communicators influence their leaders toward greater transparency? That’s the goal of a major effort in South Eastern Europe. Having done away with their socialist past in the early 1990s following the break-up of the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia, the nation states in the broader region of South-Eastern Europe are working to create open and transparent governments and strengthen trust among their citizens. Not an easy task and not one that could be taken on as a solo effort. In September 2012, top government communicators from nine countries came together to create the transnational South Eastern European Government Communicators (SEECOM) forum. Together, they established and adopted Europe’s first declaration of core ethical and professional principles of the profession.

This is history in the making, and the driving force behind this effort is Vuk Vujnovic, Acting Head of the Public Relations Bureau for the Government of Montenegro. He’ll be joining us at the National Association of Government Communicators 2013 Communications School in April. You don’t want to miss the opportunity to learn from Vuk’s experience in trying to overcome the challenges of empowering government communicators to influence their governments towards greater transparency and openness and greater public participation in policy making.

Vuk will share his insights in a keynote presentation on Friday, April 19 at 9 a.m. and, as NAGC’s first European member, will also be attending the entire Communications School program, April 17-19 at the Pentagon City Sheraton in Arlington, Va. Check out the rest of the agenda and register to attend at www.nagconline.org.

Don't Miss the National Association of Government Communicators 2013 Communications School!

Registration is now open for the NAGC 2013 Communication School, “Government Communicators – Engaging Citizens in Democracy,” being held April 17-19, 2013, in the Washington, D.C., area at the Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel, Arlington, Va. 

Who Should Attend?
Federal, state, and local government communicators including contractors who direct and facilitate government communications—editors, writers, graphic artists, webmasters, video professionals, broadcasters, photographers, information specialists, and agency spokespersons.

Why Should You Attend? 
1.  It’s one of the most affordable training experiences you’ll find.
2.  You’ll gain knowledge and learn skills you can use immediately to become a more effective communicator.
3.  You’ll be with other passionate government communicators, which will help you leverage best practices and build relationships.
4.  You will be networking and trading ideas with fellow like-minded communicators and getting energized! 
5.  It’s only for government communicators!

Also, don’t miss the Government Communications Expo, April 18-19, showcasing the latest trends in government communications services, goods, and technologies.
 
Don't Miss the National Association of Government Communicators 2013 Communications School!

2013 Featured Speakers and Topics
--Overcoming the Stigma of Government
--Learning How to Read Body Language
--Using Social Media to Engage Citizens
--Facing the Media: On-Camera Training During a Crisis
--Plain Language: If you don’t know this stuff, you might be dangerous!
--Blue Pencil & Gold Screen Awards Banquet
--Communicator of the Year Award presentation
--and much more!

Don’t miss the Government Communications Expo, April 18-19, showcasing the latest trends in government communications services, goods, and technologies.

For registration, schedule, and accepted speakers information, visit www.nagconline.org.   

7 Steps to Successful Supervision

A Highlight from the upcoming NAGC Communications School.  

Having great relationships with others is vital to advancing your career. The relationship between you as a supervisor and those you supervise is one of the most important. But between long, busy workdays and stressful situations, that relationship can get ignored or thrown out the door entirely.

Cover the seven core skills any good supervisor needs, whether working with interns, staff in the field, or senior level employees. Whether you're new to supervising others or want to brush up on your skills, this is the workshop for you.

Participate in Josh’s session on April 18 at 10 a.m. at the 2013 NAGC Communications School, April 17-19, at the Pentagon City Sheraton in Arlington, Va. Check out the complete agenda and register to attend at www.nagconline.org.

Don't Miss the National Association of Government Communicators 2013 Communications School!

Registration is now open for the NAGC 2013 Communication School, “Government Communicators – Engaging Citizens in Democracy,” being held April 17-19, 2013, in the Washington, D.C., area at the Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel, Arlington, Va. 

Who Should Attend?
Federal, state, and local government communicators including contractors who direct and facilitate government communications—editors, writers, graphic artists, webmasters, video professionals, broadcasters, photographers, information specialists, and agency spokespersons.

Why Should You Attend? 
1.  It’s one of the most affordable training experiences you’ll find.
2.  You’ll gain knowledge and learn skills you can use immediately to become a more effective communicator.
3.  You’ll be with other passionate government communicators, which will help you leverage best practices and build relationships.
4.  You will be networking and trading ideas with fellow like-minded communicators and getting energized! 
5.  It’s only for government communicators!

Also, don’t miss the Government Communications Expo, April 18-19, showcasing the latest trends in government communications services, goods, and technologies.
 
Don't Miss the National Association of Government Communicators 2013 Communications School!

2013 Featured Speakers and Topics
--Overcoming the Stigma of Government
--Learning How to Read Body Language
--Using Social Media to Engage Citizens
--Facing the Media: On-Camera Training During a Crisis
--Plain Language: If you don’t know this stuff, you might be dangerous!
--Blue Pencil & Gold Screen Awards Banquet
--Communicator of the Year Award presentation
--and much more!

Don’t miss the Government Communications Expo, April 18-19, showcasing the latest trends in government communications services, goods, and technologies.

For registration, schedule, and accepted speakers information, visit www.nagconline.org.   

Make All Your Events Accessible to All People

A Highlight from the upcoming NAGC Communications School.  

Don’t miss out on this in-depth look at successfully creating events accessible to all. From sign language interpreters to audio description, from restrooms to meetings rooms, presenter Betty Siegel of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts will lead you through the steps. This will be a practical and commonsense approach to the elements and components to be considered to make any event accessible to participants with disabilities. From beginning to end, your next event will be more welcoming of and encourage participation from individuals with disabilities. “A Brief ‘How-To’—Developing Accessible Events” will be held April 18 at 10 a.m. at the 2013 NAGC Communications School, April 17-19, at the Pentagon City Sheraton in Arlington, Va. Check out the complete agenda and register to attend at  www.nagconline.org.

Don't Miss the National Association of Government Communicators 2013 Communications School!

Registration is now open for the NAGC 2013 Communication School, “Government Communicators – Engaging Citizens in Democracy,” being held April 17-19, 2013, in the Washington, D.C., area at the Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel, Arlington, Va. 

Who Should Attend?
Federal, state, and local government communicators including contractors who direct and facilitate government communications—editors, writers, graphic artists, webmasters, video professionals, broadcasters, photographers, information specialists, and agency spokespersons.

Why Should You Attend? 
1.  It’s one of the most affordable training experiences you’ll find.
2.  You’ll gain knowledge and learn skills you can use immediately to become a more effective communicator.
3.  You’ll be with other passionate government communicators, which will help you leverage best practices and build relationships.
4.  You will be networking and trading ideas with fellow like-minded communicators and getting energized! 
5.  It’s only for government communicators!

Also, don’t miss the Government Communications Expo, April 18-19, showcasing the latest trends in government communications services, goods, and technologies.
 
Don't Miss the National Association of Government Communicators 2013 Communications School!

2013 Featured Speakers and Topics
--Overcoming the Stigma of Government
--Learning How to Read Body Language
--Using Social Media to Engage Citizens
--Facing the Media: On-Camera Training During a Crisis
--Plain Language: If you don’t know this stuff, you might be dangerous!
--Blue Pencil & Gold Screen Awards Banquet
--Communicator of the Year Award presentation
--and much more!

Don’t miss the Government Communications Expo, April 18-19, showcasing the latest trends in government communications services, goods, and technologies.

For registration, schedule, and accepted speakers information, visit www.nagconline.org.   

How Government Can Better Communicate with Small Businesses

A Highlight from the upcoming NAGC Communications School.  

Small businesses have generated more than 60 percent of all new jobs in the past 17 years. Federal agencies play a major role helping small businesses succeed with government-backed loans, grants for cutting edge technologies, tax breaks, and training and counseling through SBA’s resource partners. Learn how government agencies can better communicate with small businesses at “How Government Can Better Communicate with Small Businesses,” a seminar presented by Eva Neumann, president and chief executive officer of ENC Strategy. This session will teach you how the federal government engages with small businesses to meet their goals and help bring innovations to the marketplace. “How Government Can Better Communicate with Small Businesses” will be held April 18 at 11:15 a.m. at the 2013 NAGC Communications School, April 17-19, at the Pentagon City Sheraton in Arlington, Va. Check out the complete agenda and register to attend at www.nagconline.org.

Don't Miss the National Association of Government Communicators 2013 Communications School!

Registration is now open for the NAGC 2013 Communication School, “Government Communicators – Engaging Citizens in Democracy,” being held April 17-19, 2013, in the Washington, D.C., area at the Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel, Arlington, Va. 

Who Should Attend?
Federal, state, and local government communicators including contractors who direct and facilitate government communications—editors, writers, graphic artists, webmasters, video professionals, broadcasters, photographers, information specialists, and agency spokespersons.

Why Should You Attend? 
1.  It’s one of the most affordable training experiences you’ll find.
2.  You’ll gain knowledge and learn skills you can use immediately to become a more effective communicator.
3.  You’ll be with other passionate government communicators, which will help you leverage best practices and build relationships.
4.  You will be networking and trading ideas with fellow like-minded communicators and getting energized! 
5.  It’s only for government communicators!

Also, don’t miss the Government Communications Expo, April 18-19, showcasing the latest trends in government communications services, goods, and technologies.
 
Don't Miss the National Association of Government Communicators 2013 Communications School!

2013 Featured Speakers and Topics
--Overcoming the Stigma of Government
--Learning How to Read Body Language
--Using Social Media to Engage Citizens
--Facing the Media: On-Camera Training During a Crisis
--Plain Language: If you don’t know this stuff, you might be dangerous!
--Blue Pencil & Gold Screen Awards Banquet
--Communicator of the Year Award presentation
--and much more!

Don’t miss the Government Communications Expo, April 18-19, showcasing the latest trends in government communications services, goods, and technologies.

For registration, schedule, and accepted speakers information, visit www.nagconline.org.