LONDON (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) —
This year has been tough on music festivals and their reputations.
Brutal crimes have tainted this year's editions of both Scotland's T in the Park and Suffolk's Latitude festival with multiple alleged rapes, assaults and two attempted murders.
These crimes have prompted a public relations nightmare, for which Caroline Inglis, account manager for the Edinburgh office of tourism and events PR agency Davies Tanner, has offered tips.
Here is Inglis' advice according to Marketing Industry Network:
“There are a number of simple steps that event organisers can put into place that will help to position the event, and the organisers, in a positive light at the time of a crisis, and also retain brand loyalty. We would suggest considering all of the following:
1) Always be prepared and have a crisis management plan in place
2) Identify key spokespeople who remain visible and fully briefed throughout the crisis
3) Be prepared and stay on message, be truthful and honest and stick to the facts
4) Establish clear communication lines and areas of responsibility
5) Always acknowledge if there is a public concern and respond decisively with actions and be sympathetic in your language.”
Inglis added, “Festival organisers should also consider leveraging partnerships with festival associations such as the Association of Independent Festivals who offer help and support to the independent festival sector,” according to Marketing Industry Network. –by CelebrityAccess Staff Writers
