T11 / Building community support for controversial projects

Date: Tuesday, 28 June
Time: 1:15 – 2:30 pm
Track: Public Relations

Whether it’s a shopping center, a power plant or a mass transit project, winning public support for new development is tougher than ever. Neighborhood activists and "not in my backyard" opponents can create negative headlines that stop projects before they leave the drawing board. To succeed, communicators must engage the community at large, anticipate their questions and concerns, and win their support.

In this session, you will learn how to:

• Identify pre-existing community attitudes and political issues that could doom your project, and develop strategies to counter them
• Work with the news media to ensure local residents hear your side of the story
• Anticipate and deflect the activities of hard-core opponents

Presenter / George McGrath / New York, USA, is founder and managing partner of McGrath Matter Associates, a public relations firm specializing in corporate reputation and issues management. He has more than 25 years experience in public relations, public affairs and investor relation. McGrath is the author of an IABC handbook on issues management, and in 1992-1993 he served as IABC Chairman.