Boston Beckons with Six Strategic Communications Sessions

 

We’ve all heard it and said it a million times: this is an era of change for the housing world.  Get a better handle on that change and what it means for HFA Communications departments at the Annual Conference and Showplace in Boston.

 

If you have ideas for speakers, please share them with Cynthia Adcock.

 

To see the entire agenda or to register, visit the conference homepage.

 

HFA Communications in a New Housing Era Part 1
Monday, October 4, 10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Re-examine and rethink your entire marketing and communications plan in light of the current housing environment.  Make sure you are poised to protect the HFA brand and to respond to public opinion about affordable homeownership, foreclosure rates, political pressure, and other realities in your state.

HFA Communications in a New Housing Era Part 2
Monday, October 4, 1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
With the macro view of the challenges ahead, consider new tools that you want to use and what doesn’t work anymore. Take a hard look at your existing marketing and communications plan. Think about how you plan to implement the nationwide Power of Housing at Work campaign. Hear how states are incorporating new goals into existing communications plans and meeting new challenges with current or reduced staff.

New Media in the Internet Age
Monday, October 4, 3:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
In an age when nothing is off the record, learn to leverage social media to respond to traditional media coverage. Consider how much time and energy to devote to press releases – if any. Re-imagine your metrics to account for new kinds of earned media, and compare notes on how HFAs are using blogs, social bookmarking, and the ubiquitous Twitter to deliver your message to the right audience.

If A Picture Is Worth 1000 Words…
Monday, October 4, 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
If a picture is worth a thousand words, surely a well-edited and well-produced video is worth a million. Yet, the tools you need to create one cost less than ever. Hear about the products that make you look like a Hollywood producer.  Find out what skills, equipment, and resources you need to get started, whether you plan to take the project on in-house or outsource. Gain inspiration from successful videos produced by your HFA peers.

Websites:  What’s In, What’s Out, and What’s It All About?
Tuesday, October 5, 9:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Delve into the ever-evolving world of the modern web.  What is crucial in determining your ideal web presence?  How can you stretch limited dollars for the best ROI?  Get the latest on social media tools and website best practices.