On April 16, our panel of experts will share some keys to success for dealing with the media; how to ensure your story gets covered, how to handle yourself in interviews, how to survive major games and events, and more.
This panel brings decades of experience behind the scenes and in front of the camera, and will address the concerns of athletes, coaches, event planners, and media relations professionals alike.
Join us for this interactive session and learn from the best!
Format:
4:30-5:00pm Networking
5:00-6:00pm Panel Presentation
6:00-6:30pm Networking
As always, this event is free, and free appies and beverages will be provided - so come hungry!
THE PANEL
SAM COREA
With more than 25 years of experience in the fields of corporate communications, publications, media relations, broadcast journalism and event operations, Sam Corea is a Vancouver-based communications and Games consultant who provides a wide range of writing, editing and project planning services.
In January 2012, Sam served as the photo manager at the first Winter Youth Olympic Games in Innsbruck.
Currently, Sam is a consultant for the Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan Am Games Organizing Committee.
Sam was involved in the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games project from 2001 to 2010 serving in a number of management roles (media relations, communications, editorial services, and press operations) with both the Bid Corporation and Games Organizing Committee. He was also head of the Press Services team that managed accreditation, accommodation, publications and other essential services for 2,800 journalists and photographers.
Before joining the Vancouver 2010 project, Sam was a senior communications specialist and road safety programs manager at the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia.
As a radio and television news broadcaster, Sam worked in communities in BC’s Lower Mainland and northern and central regions.
BETSY COOPER
Betsy Cooper started out on her own with b*co in 2006, and over the years she has worked with her clients to create numerous successful marketing and corporate communications programs.
She has worked extensively on the agency side of the communications fence, with a number of high profile agencies and clients. From beer to beauty, fashion to football, she utilizes her strong leadership and communication skills to collaborate honestly and openly with clients to ensure their programs meet and exceed all expectations.
Before opening b*co communications in 2006, Cooper took on the role of Corporate Affairs Manager at Labatt Breweries of Canada. It was here that she was able to further develop her knowledge and understanding of the internal workings of corporate communications.
Over the years, she has had the opportunity to develop, oversee and execute programs and campaigns for clients such as Tourism Prince Edward Island, Atlantic Canada House (2010 Olympic Winter Games Pavillion), The Bahamas Snowboard Team, Bahamas Tourism, Canada Place, CBC, Nabob Coffee Company, Winexpert, LaStella Winery, Le Vieux Pin Winery, Yahoo!, Canada Snowboard, Molson, Labatt, Coca-Cola, General Motors, Nike, Unilever, NFL Canada, TSN, Universal Studios Home Video, HBC, and many others.
In the time leading up to the 2010 Winter Olympics, Cooper worked with numerous VANOC partners to announce their sponsorships, develop their media relations strategies, and execute their programs on the ground during the Games. In February 2010, Cooper developed and managed the public relations and social media efforts for Atlantic Canada House -- rated as one of the Top 3 Pavilions at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
Cooper has extensive experience and knowledge in the areas of strategic planning, writing, media relations, media training, event management, crisis communications, issues management, internal communications, stakeholder relations and social media.
When not at her desk, you will find Betsy enjoying all that British Columbia has to offer. Whether it is taking her dog for a hike at Lynn Canyon, learning to surf in Tofino, skiing at Whistler, or competing in her first half-marathon, this Ontario transplant is always doing her best to soak in the fabulous surroundings of her West Coast home.