Soldier in a camo gear.
Reputation Masterclass 2025

Reputation Masterclass

16 Jan 2025

Join us at Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre for the first masterclass focused on managing reputation in the high-stakes world of defence and security communications

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Focusing on communication and marketing professionals in defence and security

Reputation Masterclass 2025 is designed to equip you with the tools, strategies, and insights needed to thrive in a complex and evolving landscape, whether you’re in the private sector or working in the UK Ministry of Defence.

People in suits standing around.

Why attend

In today’s unpredictable climate, managing public perception and protecting organisational reputation in defence and security is more critical than ever. This masterclass, guided by top industry leaders, is designed to deliver actionable insights and hands-on strategies for managing reputation risks and engaging stakeholders.

We've developed this masterclass based on the challenges and opportunities shared with us.

  • Build on your existing communications strategy
  • Prepare for success at DSEI 2025
  • Navigate stakeholder relationships with confidence
  • Connect with peers who face similar challenges
  • Log 10 CIPR CPD points

The Venue

Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre

Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre

ShowCentre
Etps Rd
Farnborough
GU14 6TQ

www.farnborough.com

The Agenda

10:10 - 11:00 Keynote panel

The front line of reporting – media perspectives on defence & security.

11:00 – 11:45 Panel

Navigating the defence landscape – misinformation, geopolitics & the modern world.

12:00 – 12:45 Panel

Reputation under the microscope – ethics, social value & community in defence.

12:45 – 13:15 Keynote

Public affairs in a shifting political landscape.

14:00 – 14:30 Lightning talk

Digital security and aesthetics: Building beautiful and secure platforms.

14:00 – 14:30 Lightning talk

Rebranding for the Future: Concurrent’s transformation after 30 years.

14:30 – 15:15 Panel

Building high-performance teams and promoting mental fitness.

15:15 – 15:45 Keynote

Embracing tech and AI in defence marketing.

16:00 – 16:30 Panel

Maximising impact at DSEI – lessons from industry leaders.

16:30 – 17:00 Keynote

Collaborating with government communications teams.

Speakers

Tom Sharpe

Tom Sharpe OBE

Columnist, The Daily Telegraph

Jerome Starkey

Jerome Starkey

Defence Editor, The Sun

Freya Lewis

Freya Lewis

Head of External Communications, ADS Group

Andrea Stovin-Bradford

Andrea Stovin-Bradford

PR & marketing manager, Canny Comms

Rachael Clamp

Rachael Clamp

Past CIPR President, Founding Director of Ardesey

Philip Ingram

Philip Ingram MBE

Security journalist, lead host and panel chair

Rebecca Jones

Rebecca Jones

Associate Director of Client Accounts, Sibylline

Stuart Nicol

Stuart Nicol

Chief Investment Officer & Investment Director

Dr Elizabeth Newman-Earl

Dr Elizabeth Newman-Earl

CEO, e50K Strategic Advisory

Heledd Kendrick

Heledd Kendrick

Founder and CEO, Recruit for Spouses

Helena Holden

Helena Holden

Marketing and Communications Delivery Lead, Canny Comms

James Watson

James Watson

Area Director, Defence at Make UK

Rachael Bilecki

Rachael Bilecki

Head of Marcomms, Concurrent

Nathan Jones

Nathan Jones

Former RAF pilot & Founder of Peak State

Davs Howard

Davs Howard

Technical Director, Major Digital

Pricing

  • Standard
    £250 + VAT
  • All proceeds will go to military charities, SSAFA and Heropreneurs.

Discounted

  • Canny Comms Clients
    £175 + VAT (30% discount)
  • ADS Group Members
    £200 + VAT (20% discount)
  • Make UK Defence Members
    £200 + VAT (20% discount)
  • CIPR Members
    £225 + VAT (10% discount)
  • Email info@canny-comms.co.uk to request the relevant discount code.

Additional

Why is Canny Comms organising this conference?

As communications professionals in defence and security, we all know the unique challenges our sector faces. That's why we're investing our expertise, network, and resources to create something special for our community – Reputation Masterclass 2025.

After years of supporting defence comms and marketing pros, we've seen the same challenges arise time and again. Rather than keep our insights to ourselves, we're bringing together the very best of our network to share knowledge, build capabilities, and strengthen our entire sector.

This isn't a commercial venture – it's our way of giving back. Every penny of profit will be donated to the military charities SSAFA and Heropreneurs, turning professional development into community impact.

Date: 16 January 2025

Time: 09:30 arrival for a 10:00 start – 17:00 finish

Location: Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre

CPD points: 10 CIPR CPD points

Dress: Business casual

Food: Lunch and refreshments included

Draft Agenda

09:30 – 10:00

Networking & welcome tea & coffee.

10:00 – 10:05

Opening remarks, Helena Holden, delivery lead, Canny Comms.

10:05 – 10:10

Introduction and overview of the day, Philip Ingram (host), security journalist.

10:10 - 11:00

Headline panel: The front line of reporting – media perspectives on defence & security. An exploration of media coverage of conflict and the defence industry, with guidance on effective collaboration with correspondents.

11:00 – 11:45

Panel: Navigating the defence landscape – misinformation, geopolitics & the modern world. Understanding the communications challenges posed by misinformation and evolving geopolitical tensions.

11:45 – 12:00

Networking break (tea & coffee).

12:00 – 12:45

Panel: Reputation under the microscope – ethics, social value & community in defence. Examining the complex interplay of social responsibility, community relations, and ESG funding in the defence industry.

12:45 – 13:15

Keynote: Public affairs in a shifting political landscape. Insights into the evolving role of public affairs and lobbying in defence and security.

13:15 – 14:00

Lunch break.

14:00 – 14:30

Lightning talks:

Quick, impactful talks on the latest in defence marketing and digital innovation, covering digital security, rebranding, and managing mergers and acquisitions.

  • Digital security and aesthetics: Building beautiful and secure platforms
  • Rebranding for the Future: Concurrent’s transformation after 30 years

14:30 – 15:15

Panel: Building high-performance teams and promoting mental fitness. A discussion on creating resilient, high-performing teams and mental wellness in the industry.

15:15 – 15:45

Keynote: Embracing tech and AI in defence marketing. Exploring AR, VR, 3D animation, and AI applications in marketing, with insights into security risks and the future of digital engagement.

15:45 – 16:00

Afternoon break (tea & coffee).

16:00 – 16:30

Panel: Maximising impact at DSEI – lessons from industry leaders. Strategic insights on making the most of large-scale defence exhibitions like DSEI.

16:30 – 17:00

Keynote: Collaborating with government communications teams. Guidance on working effectively with MOD communications teams.

17:00

Closing remarks and networking.