Three industry experts will discuss some of the hottest topics in headlines at the March 12 luncheon of the Sierra Nevada Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa.
Panelists Bob Conrad, Ph.D., of Conrad Communications, Heidi Parker, M.A., of Immunize Nevada, and Dr. Kelly Redmond Ph.D., of the Desert Research Institute will present their takeaways on communicating to the public information regarding genetically modified organisms (GMOs), vaccines and climate change during “The Tough Talks: Communicating Science to John Q. Public.”
Following their findings will be an open discussion on how professional communicators can navigate the challenges that come with topics that the general public identifies with on varying emotional levels.
“In an effort to lend fairness and ‘objectivity’ to topics, sometimes outlets bring in counter opinions to represent the opposition, like those who disagree with vaccinations,” said Alison Gaulden, APR, president of Sierra Nevada PRSA. “But issues are often far more complicated than black and white. This panel will give our region’s communicators ways to disseminate their messages while working in tandem with members of the media and without losing their information’s integrity.”
The recent West Coast measles outbreak has exponentially increased conversations about vaccines and the anti-vaccine movement on personal social media websites and on national news platforms. The effects of climate change are discussed almost daily and the conversations about GMOs grow more and more heated.
“Agriculture topics are difficult to convey to the public because we as a society are agriculturally illiterate,” said Conrad of the challenges related to disseminating GMO-specific information. “We are mostly far removed — both physically and intellectually — from our food and fiber sources to the point that agriculture communicators and educators have to make extra effort to educate on the role of agriculture in society.”
Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. for networking and panelists will begin with situational analyses at noon, followed by a question and answer period. Attendees are encouraged to submit questions upon registration.
Pricing for the luncheon is $20 for members, $30 for non-members. Students can attend for $15. Those interested can learn more online and register at www.prsasierra.org
