Reputation Masterclass

Last year's agenda

09:30 – 10:00

Networking & welcome tea & coffee

10:00 – 10:05

Opening remarks, Helena Holden, Canny Comms.

10:05 – 10:10

Introduction and overview of the day, Philip Ingram (host), security journalist.

10:10 - 11:00

Headline panel: The front line of reporting – media perspectives on defence & security. An exploration of media coverage of conflict and the defence industry, with guidance on effective collaboration with correspondents.

Panel members:

• Chair: Andrea Stovin-Bradford, Canny PR and comms expert
• Tom Sharpe, columnist at the Telegraph
• Ali Kefford, freelance national naval journalist
• Philip Ingram, freelance security journalist
• Freya Lewis, head of external communications for ADS Group

11:00 – 11:45

Panel: Navigating the defence landscape – misinformation, geopolitics & the modern world. Understanding the communications challenges posed by misinformation and evolving geopolitical tensions.

Panel members:

• Chair: Philip Ingram
• Rebecca Jones, Associate Director at Sibylline
• Andrew Fox, Research Fellow at The Henry Jackson Society

11:45 – 12:00

Networking break (tea & coffee)

12:00 – 12:45

Panel: Reputation under the microscope – ethics, social value & community in defence. Examining the complex interplay of social responsibility, community relations, and ESG funding in the defence industry.

Panel members:

• Chair: Philip Ingram, freelance security journalist
• Elizabeth Newman-Earl, social value expert and founder of e50k consultancy
• Stuart Nicol, Heropreneurs mentor and technology investment expert
• Helena Holden, communications expert for Canny and ex-Army communicator

12:45 – 13:15

Keynote: Public affairs in a shifting political landscape. Insights into the evolving role of public affairs and lobbying in defence and security.

Speaker: Rachael Clamp, former CIPR president and founder of Ardesey

13:15 – 14:00

Lunch break

14:00 – 14:30

Lightning talks:

Quick, impactful talks on the latest in defence marketing and digital innovation, covering digital security, rebranding, and managing mergers and acquisitions.

• Digital security and aesthetics: Building beautiful and secure platforms - Davs Howard, MAJOR
• Rebranding for the Future: Concurrent’s transformation after 30 years - Rachael Bileckii, Concurrent

14:30 – 15:15

Panel: Building high-performance teams and promoting mental fitness. A discussion on creating resilient, high-performing teams and mental wellness in the industry.

Panel:

• Chair: Helena Holden, Canny comms expert
• Ed Fox, PA Consulting
• Heledd Kendrick, Recruit for Spouses
• Nathan Jones, Peak State

15:15 – 15:45

Keynote: Harnessing 3D visualisations: bringing innovation to life through immersive design. Revealing how AR, VR, and 3D animation can bring sophisticated technologies to life when physical demonstrations are impractical or impossible. 

Speakers: AJ Bouchada and Cebiso Mhlanga, co-founders of Cebiso M Studios

15:45 – 16:00

Afternoon break (tea & coffee)

16:00 – 16:30

Panel: Maximising impact at DSEI – lessons from industry leaders. Strategic insights on making the most of large-scale defence exhibitions like DSEI.

Panel:

Chair: Philip Ingram

Andrew Kinniburgh, director general, Make UK Defence

David Scotter, events lead, ADS Group

Les Gregory, Canny industry advisor and DSEI veteran

16:30 – 17:00

Keynote: Collaborating with government communications teams. Guidance on working effectively with MOD communications teams.

Speaker: Simon Enright, director of communications, MOD

17:00

Closing remarks - Philip Ingram