Programme

8:30 AM

Registration

9:00 AM

Image Makeovers - Can PR Help in Reinventing a Winner?

"There ought to be ways of reforming a business, other than by merely putting more money into it."
Winston S Churchill, 1901

India has witnessed a few cases of image re-engineering in recent times. Have these companies used PR to spread the gospel of change as opposed to solely relying on "pay-for-play?" Can ancillary PR activities make direct contact with potential customers? Do speaking events, awards and accolades provide additional opportunities? The speakers in this session will share their company’s transition experience and the extent to which PR has contributed in the chrysalis of the winner.

Kartik Raina, Managing Director, Dr. Morepen Laboratories Ltd.
Priya Paul, President, Apeejay Surrendra Hotels

10:45 AM

INFLUENCING POLICY

Public affairs is at the very heart of public relations. Since public consensus is necessary for companies to pursue their legitimate aims, there is a need to shape and influence decisions to be implemented by civil servants, politicians, government research, local authorities, etc. Business leaders need to be familiar with the programmes of the main parties, particularly those in power or likely to be in power. Not only can legislation be a factor but changes in employment rules, investment norms, environment, health and safety regulations can all have a direct impact on organisational success. This session is aimed at gaining a proper understanding of the tools that may be leveraged to influence the political and bureaucratic climate at the local and national level through historical case examples.

Adit Jain, Managing Director, The Economist Corporate Network & IMA India

12 NOON

THE EMERGENCE OF RADIO – ARE WE LISTENING?

THE EMERGENCE OF RADIO – ARE WE LISTENING? Are people listening to more radio than ever before? Has the increase in radio stations led to the growth in listeners? Have companies recognised that radio offers a medium to deliver ‘controlled’ messages, regularly, to well-defined target audiences. Does radio have the potential to become a unique medium for PR? Are companies exploiting the many ways to communicate key messages via radio, including: interviews, news-bytes, competitions, audio features.

Kaveree Bamzai, Associate Editor, India Today
Sumantra Dutta, COO-Radio Division, STAR India Ltd.

1:30 PM

Lunch

2:30 PM

MOVING SPONSORSHIPS AND BRAND PROPERTIES INTO ACCOUNTABLE, PROFITABLE INVESTMENTS

Align your brands with the right opportunities for enhanced customer preference and maximum profit. In the sponsorship world, there’s a tendency to assume that if you can measure it, it must be important. Impressions and media equivalencies can be measured, yet they’re distractions from what really matters – loyalty, passion, shareholder value and return on investment. But how do companies go beyond mere impressions to build experiences that connect with consumers emotionally. How do we conclude on the one big idea best suited to the organisation’s needs?

4:15 PM

PERSUASION SKILLS: ARE YOU READY TO GROW YOUR INFLUENCE?

Learn specific language patterns that earn you conviction and positive results every time you use them. How to embed a suggestion (or a whole slew of them) into your presentation to effortlessly cement relationships or yield greater influence. What are the techniques to gain better acceptability for your arguments, how do you build relationships that sustain long-term gains? Discover the power of influence and be a better communicator.

Santhosh Babu, Training Alternatives