Pime 2009

09:30 - 11:00

Managing a crisis, learning the lessons

Crisis communications is a subject of perennial importance and a must for any PIME programme. A number of incidents have occurred in Europe recently which - even if they don’t warrant the “crisis” tag they have been given - need to be effectively communicated about.  People can be easily influenced by exaggeratedly emotive language and scaremongering. Experts with direct experiencing of communicating in times of crisis (real or perceived) share their experiences with delegates, with the emphasis very much on "being prepared."

• Andrej Stritar, Director of Slovenian Nuclear Safety Administration
  
  
• Tanja Perko, Researcher in the field of Risk Communication in Nuclear Emergency Management, Faculty of Political Sciences, University of Antwerp & Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK-CEN
  
  
• Christophe Hervé, Deputy Director of Communications, Generation Department, EDF
  
  
• Michel-Hubert Jamard, Director of Communications, Nuclear Department, Areva
  
  
• Corinne Souwer, Head of Communications, and Karina de Beule, Spokeswoman and Senior Communications Expert, Federal Agency for Nuclear Control

Coffee break

Managing a crisis, learning the lessons (panel discussion)

Presenters of the cases of the previous session will join a panel discussion moderated by Ayhan Evrensel, Press and Public Information Officer, International Atomic Energy Agency.

Lunch

PARALLEL WORKSHOPS

WORKSHOP 1: Communicating waste management: how to achieve public acceptance for the solutions

For communicators one of the main goals is to highlight that solutions for the safe, long-term management of radioactive waste already exist and are being actively applied in some countries. This session focuses on how to create a transparent process of communication and thereby build public acceptance.

Moderator:

Marguerite Nilsson, Head of Public Relations and Visitor Services, Äspö Hard Rock Laboratory, Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management Company


With contributions from:

Katarina Odéhn, Head of Local Communications, Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management, Site Investigations Oskarshamn

Bernard Faucher, Senior Expert, International Affairs Division, French National Radioactive Waste Management Agency

Timo Seppälä, Communications Manager, Posiva

WORKSHOP 2: The transportation of radioactive material: communicating safety and reliability

The key issue of the safe transportation of nuclear waste is a subject that polarises public opinion and preoccupies nuclear communicators. Safety, efficiency, reliability and communicating with transit countries that are hostile to nuclear energy are among a number of key issues that define the current nuclear transport debate. This workshop focuses on priorities for communicators working in this specialised field.

Moderator:

Betty Bonnardel-Azzarelli, Communications Manager, World Nuclear Transport Institute

With contributions from:

Bernard Monot, External relations Vice-President, Areva-TN International

Rupert Wilcox-Baker, Corporate Responsibility Director, International Nuclear Services

Betty Bonnardel-Azzarelli, Communications Manager, World Nuclear Transport Institute

WORKSHOP 3: Engaging the Public with a Message that Connects and Communicates, E=mc²

The focus of this “Women in Nuclear” (WiN) workshop is on how communicators can engage one on one with individuals, participate in open public gatherings, and effectively interact during times of critical crisis communication. Practical examples and interactive discussion illustrate the success that WiN has had in promoting good public interaction and establishing a positive rapport based on information, trust, and credibility that has served well in introducing new initiatives and mitigating concerns during times of crisis.

Moderator:
Monica Bowen-Schrire, WiN Sweden President

With contributions from:

LudMilla Kiss-Zoltan, President, WiN Hungary;

Carrie Phillips, Southern Nuclear Operating Company, Public Affairs Manager

Nancy Carlson, Westinghouse Electric Company Strategic Development

Youko Kobayashi, WiN Japan High Level Waste

Coffee break

Chair: David Bonser, President, European Nuclear Society