2025 Wilderness Risk Management Conference

Name: When Good Programs Get Bad Press: Managing Incidents and Media in Real Time
Start: 2025-10-01T15:00:00-0400
End: 2025-10-01T16:30:00-0400

Main Conference: Tuesday, September 30 - Thursday, October 2, 2025

Preconference: Monday September 29 - Tuesday, September 30, 2025

*Schedule subject to change.

Wednesday October 1, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT

Cumberland / Kennebec / Lincoln

When a serious incident occurs, how an organization responds in the first critical hours can shape its reputation and impact those involved. This interactive session will walk participants through a real-world crisis scenario, following the response from the initial incident report to the immediate actions taken by leadership. Through a hands-on breakout discussion, attendees will explore key decision points and next steps before engaging with an expert panel featuring a Senior Director of Communications, a Risk & Safety Director, and an Attorney at Law. Panelists will share insights on crisis communication, legal considerations, media relations, and risk management—helping organizations navigate complex situations like fatalities, natural disasters, and security threats. Join us for a dynamic discussion that will equip you with practical strategies to manage incidents effectively, protect your organization’s reputation, and communicate with key stakeholders during a crisis.

Speakers

Sarah Hoye, M.J.

Senior Director of Marketing & Communications, Student Conservation Association

Sarah Hoye is an award-winning national television correspondent who oversees the Student Conservation Association’s strategic communications, media relations and marketing efforts. Prior to joining the SCA in November 2022, she served as Communications Director for the Wisconsin... Read More →

Frances Mock

Frances Turner Mock, Attorney

Frances Mock is an attorney specializing in risk management and claims management for wilderness and experiential education programs She is counsel to NOLS, SCA, LL Bean’s Outdoor Discovery School, and other organizations, providing advice about: responding to incidents (deaths... Read More →

Emily Ten Eyck

Senior Risk Management Officer, The SCA

Anne Morrison

Director Risk & Safety Management, The SCA

Wednesday October 1, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
Cumberland / Kennebec / Lincoln Holiday Inn By the Bay:88 Spring St, Portland, ME 04122

Emergency Planning & Crisis Response, Breakout Session

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2025 Wilderness Risk Management Conference

Sarah Hoye, M.J.

Frances Mock

Emily Ten Eyck

Anne Morrison

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