Get a refresher on what’s happening in the Public Relations industry, up-dates and changes to come and what you need to know to stay ahead of the game in PR. Event Date: Thursday, May 3rd, 2012 Event Time: 07:30 am – 09:30 am Price:  Non-Member: $60 (prices include HST); Registration before Tuesday, May 1, 2012 City: Vancouver Category: Breakfast/Luncheon/Dinner Steven Mackinnon SVP & National Practice Leader Financial Communications & Transactions, Hill+Knowlton Strategies Canada Financial transactions in Canada, including mergers & acquisitions, have leapt from the business pages to become prominent national issues. Communications and public affairs professionals have earned a seat—the “fifth chair”—in planning and executing these transactions, along with corporate and regulatory lawyers, investment bankers, accountants and management consultants. As risk mitigators, communications professionals play a critical role in getting deals closed. Steven MacKinnon heads the transactions practice at Hill+Knowlton Strategies, where he has been at the heart of many of these transactions, spanning the resource, technology and manufacturing sectors. Using examples and anecdotes, he will outline best practices in designing and executing public affairs programs. He will discuss the preparation and strategies involved in financial transactions, media relations, the structure of “deal teams”, and recent trends in transaction communications.

Contact Details for Registration:

Contact Name: CPRS, 102 – 211 Columbia Street, Vancouver, BC  V6A 2R5 Host Company: Canadian Public Relations Society – Vancouver Phone Number: 604.633.1433 To Register Email: admin@cprsvancouver.com Website: CPRS Event Calendar About the Speaker Using his national perspective, Steven provides high value strategic counsel and has led teams involved in large transactions, including Canada’s largest ever foreign acquisition. He has executed public affairs programs for acquisitions, takeover defenses, divestitures and bankruptcies for various clients, including large corporations, private equity, crown corporations, sovereign wealth and pension funds. Steven also leads crisis management, strategic communications planning and strategic counsel, and has directed teams involved in rebranding, product launches, promotions and public relations for some of Canada’s best known organizations.