Karen D. Groppe
9 lessons from HIMSS’ COVID-19 strategy
What happens when the world’s largest annual health care event collides with an emerging global pandemic? Here’s how the team managed to respond.
Executive Communication
Ted Kitterman
Why you should start planning now for your COVID-19 vaccine rollout
Crisis comms veteran Andy Gilman offers advice to organizations based on his work with Johnson & Johnson and Tylenol, and later advising the Canadian government during the SARS outbreak.
Beki Winchel
Facebook responds to antitrust lawsuits, Time announces ‘pet of the year,’ and Pantone selects two colors for 2021
Also: Cartoon Network racks up kudos for its anti-racism PSA, top challenges content marketers must overcome, Facebook’s ‘Year in Review,’ and more.
Beki Winchel
Time releases ‘worst year ever’ cover, Lufthansa Group to lay off 29,000, and Zalando co-CEO steps down to support wife’s career
Also: Microsoft embraces positivity and connection with its holiday commercial, Planters ages its mascot again, a guide to creating effective infographics, and more.
Ted Kitterman
How crisis communications has changed
After a year of disruption and chaos, what about the practice of crisis communications is new and what’s the same as it ever was?
Beki Winchel
Walmart announces employee bonuses and extended leave, Warner Bros. to stream films with theatrical releases, and Southwest warns of 6,800 job cuts
Also: McKinsey & Co. reports that only 18% of top companies made internal DE&I commitments, Dunkin’ holiday drink goes viral, Miller Lite celebrates lack of holiday office parties, and more.
Ted Kitterman
Momentum Communications Group’s Jim Miller: Find time to ‘unplug’
The agency leader shares his messages for clients and staff during the ongoing crisis and what has helped him through a tough year.
Beki Winchel
U.S. announces limits on in-flight service animals, Netflix stands behind Elliott Page, and Oreo partners with Lady Gaga
Also: Spotify packages its listener data in emotional stories, Kellogg’s Pringles are getting a modern overhaul, Dole Packaged Foods urges donations for hungry children, and more.
Robby Brumberg
Top 2021 internal communication trends
Here’s what to expect—and prioritize—in what’s sure to be another turbulent year ahead.
Mary Olson- Menzel and Mel Shahbazian
How to motivate and retain top talent in the virtual workplace
Consider what motivates each individual and beware how online communication favors extroverts and excludes others.
Beki Winchel
UK retailers face bankruptcy affecting 25,000 employees, NASDAQ proposes diversity requirements for listed companies, and Google Maps launches a newsfeed
Also: Sephora partners with Kohl’s for in-store shops, Microsoft offers a ugly holiday sweater for a good cause, how thriving company cultures help mitigate COVID-19 damage, and more.
Ted Kitterman
The Castle Group’s Sandy Lish shares why PR pros must stand for something
For this agency leader, this is a chance to embrace meaningful change on issues like DE&I and that clients will be looking for outspoken partners.
Beki Winchel
State Farm and St. Jude embrace #GivingTuesday, McDonald’s offers free McRibs to fans who shave, and Starbucks gives free coffee to frontline workers
Also: Burger King racks up engagement with tweets tied to Utah monolith, Hawaii entices remote workers with free tickets, mobile wallet consumers spend more per purchase, and more.
Trish Wainwright
5 tips for PR job seekers in a tough market
Even with the hardships created by the COVID-19 crisis there are still opportunities for communications pros to get started in a rewarding career.
Ted Kitterman
Report: Communicators must embrace new skills for earned media success
As the needs of increasingly digital-first media outlets change, PR pros must adapt to make their news releases relevant and effective.
