Join expert debate on brand reputation in Sandton on Thursday

The debate is led by four brand and public relations leaders - Peter Mann, CEO Meropa; Howard Fox, marketing director at the Gordon Institute of Business Science and former head of marketing at the Liberty Group; Lucinda Bobby, who runs Livewired PR; and Doug de Villiers from brand agency Interbrand Sampson.

Among the topics that Maggs will introduce are:

• How brands get into trouble
  
• Why an instant response is necessary
  
• How to develop optimal media relations
  
• ow to devise a short term solutions strategy
  
• to measure PR and brand intervention success

Maggs adds, "I have noticed a disturbing trend among companies confronted with a crisis to shy away from taking a decisive course of action and not give due consideration to potential reputational repercussions. We aim to get real insight from the panel on how companies can better safeguard their reputations, particularly in times of crisis. If you manage a brand's reputation this is one event that you need to attend."