Science of Communications: Workshop for Risk & Crisis Communicators
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Sheraton Waikiki Hotel
Honolulu, Hawaii

What actually happens in someone's mind when they have to evacuate a burning building, are told to shelter in place while authorities check out a suspicious package, or hear rumor of a dangerous chemical or biological release?  What triggers the 'fight or flight' response?  Who do they listen to in an emergency situation? How do they assess risk and react in a true crisis?

To begin to answer these questions, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Science & Technology Directorate and the National Association of Government Communicators will host a full-day workshop on October 7, 2008, in Honolulu, Hawaii on the Science of Communications.  The workshop will seek to connect existing risk and crisis communication research to practitioners in the field, identify future research needs, and launch a national dialogue on these challenges.  Panel discussions and interactive sessions will focus on the science behind people's reactions and how communicators can evaluate the effectiveness of what they say, how they say it in crisis situations, and how they can reach people who may be at risk.

Public affairs officers from all levels of government, first responders, members of the media, scientists, and other professionals in the field are invited to attend.

The workshop will be held in conjunction with the Asia-Pacific Homeland Security Summit & Exposition, sponsored by the State of Hawaii, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security Science & Technology Directorate.

For more information about the Summit, visit http://www2.HLSsummit.hawaii.gov

For more information on this unique Workshop: http://www.nagconline.org