This event follows on from our last successful event, which examined how communications can or should be used to influence customer retention.

Bringing together a maximum of 30 senior practitioners from both the public and private sectors, we will examine how communications can or should be represented at boardroom level. How can public relations be used to protect, maintain and enhance reputation from the top down? Can an organisation effectively engage stakeholders without communications being the driving force?

This latest discussion will be held at the Pall Mall headquarters of the Institute of Directors in London SW1 on Friday 2nd September. It will run from 10.00am to 2.30pm, including a buffet lunch.

The event is to be chaired by Roger Haywood FIPR, past president of the Institute of Public Relations and past chairman of the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

Speakers will be:

Simon MacDowall, Director of Communications - Department for Work & Pensions

Ash Coleman-Smith, Client Services Director, EMEA - Ogilvy

Philippa Foster Back, Director - Institute of Business Ethics

There will be a full opportunity for discussion, both in the individual sessions and in a guided round table discussion prior to lunch. A note of issues raised and key opinions will be sent as a debrief report to delegates. A dedicated website www.BestPracticeForum.net will provide an opportunity for discussion to continue on this and future seminars.

Date: 2 September 2005
Time: 10.00am - 2.30pm
Location: Institute of Directors - Pall Mall, London SW1 (map)

Here's some of the feedback we've received from participants at previous Best Practice Forum seminars

'The best thing I have attended this year'
Head of PR & Communications, Financial Services Company