Ryder to Discuss Crisis Communications at CSDA Annual Conference
Tripepi Smith President Ryder Todd Smith is slated to speak on crisis communications at his first California Special District Association (CSDA) Annual Conference & Exhibitor Showcase in Monterey, CA. Ryder will close out the breakout sessions for day 3 of the conference on Wednesday, September 1 from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
In the conference session, ‘Crisis Communications: 5 Ideas, 2 Tips, 20 Questions Answered’, Ryder will dive deep into his insights and experiences helping local government agencies navigate their way through a crisis. He will also cover the key tools and tips needed to successfully implement crisis communications, including theories, strategies and tactics public agencies can use to inform their emergency response plans.
From wildfires and officer-involved-shootings to cities and special districts, Ryder has worked hand-in-hand with executive and management staff to address crisis situations in dozens of communities up and down the state and for the past decade.
“Understanding the tried and true measures a myriad of public agencies have taken will be valuable to anyone who joins me on September 1,” Ryder commented. “Of course, no emergency or agency is the same. However, there are concepts and practices that individuals can apply to the unique factors at play in their community. I hope this session foments conversation and catalyzes action that ultimately puts at least one more agency in a better position to effectively communicate with their stakeholders during a crisis.”
Ryder will break down succinct axioms about today’s media market and public agencies’ role in it. He’ll also share his top two tips for creating effective emergency communications and give a full run-down of five pivotal actions attendees can take back to their teams:
- Extending your alert system’s reach
- Prepping staff with FEMA certifications
- Running tests
- Providing dial tone communications
- Maintaining one voice
“If there’s one thing I hope the audience leaves with that day, it is that developing a crisis communications plan early is the most important step,” Ryder added. “The last thing any agency wants is to be unprepared if an emergency situation occurs. I’m appreciative of CSDA for providing me with this opportunity and I look forward to meeting new colleagues at the conference.”
To register for the Annual Conference, visit the CSDA event webpage.
About CSDA
CSDA is a nonprofit association formed in 1969 that aims to promote good governance and improve core local services through professional development, advocacy, and other services for all types of independent special districts. CSDA boasts a membership of over 1,000 organizations throughout California and is the only statewide association representing all types of independent special districts.
CSDA provides education and training, insurance programs, legal advice, industry-wide litigation and public relations support, legislative advocacy, capital improvement and equipment funding, collateral design services, and current information that is crucial to a special district’s management and operational effectiveness.
About Tripepi Smith
Tripepi Smith is a California-based marketing, technology and public affairs firm that serves for-profit, nonprofit and public agencies. Its unique mix of marketing and technology prowess provides a competitive advantage to agencies seeking to leverage the internet to achieve their communication goals. The firm provides full content creation services, including: ghost writing, collateral development, photography, video production, search engine marketing, search engine optimization, email marketing campaigns and website design and execution. Tripepi Smith clients include: City of American Canyon, City of Culver City, City of Cupertino, City of Daly City, City of Duarte, City of Grover Beach, City of Santa Paula, City of Indian Wells, City of La Cañada Flintridge, City of Lake Forest, City of Livermore, City of Napa, City of Paramount, City of Martinez, City of Tracy, City of Vallejo, CalChoice Energy Authority, California Joint Powers Insurance Authority, Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency, Santa Clara County Fire Department, Costa Mesa Sanitary District, Rowland Water District, California Contract Cities Association, California City Management Foundation, Renne Public Law Group, Bob Hall & Associates and Climatec Energy Services.