10 Feb 2026
Join us on 10 February 2026 at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre for the second annual masterclass dedicated to managing reputation in the high-stakes world of defence and security communications.
RM26 - Focusing on communication and marketing professionals in defence and security
Following the outstanding success of our inaugural event, Reputation Masterclass 2026 returns with enhanced content designed to equip you with cutting-edge tools, proven strategies, and valuable insights needed to thrive in today's complex and rapidly evolving landscape. Whether you're in the private sector or working in the UK Ministry of Defence, this event is tailored to address your unique challenges.
Why attend
In an increasingly volatile global environment, managing public perception and protecting organisational reputation in defence and security has never been more critical.
This exclusive masterclass, guided by top industry and government leaders and subject matter experts, delivers actionable insights and hands-on strategies for navigating complex reputation risks, engaging diverse stakeholders, and building resilience in your communications approach.
- Practical tools to manage reputation in high-pressure situations
- Insider perspectives on emerging challenges in defence communications
- Networking opportunities with senior industry peers
- Strategies to navigate geopolitical complexities in your messaging
- Insights on leveraging new technologies whilst maintaining security
- Expert guidance on crisis communication specific to the defence and security context
- Log 10 CIPR CPD points
Standard rate: £250 + VAT
Discounted rates:
- 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)
- MOD: Complimentary (limited spots available - email us at info@canny-comms.co.uk to add your name to the list. Successful applicants will be notified in January 2026)
Contact us for the relevant discount code: info@canny-comms.co.uk
The Venue
The Draft Agenda
Speakers
Larisa Brown
Defence and Security Editor
Tim Butler
CEO
Philip Ingram
Security Journalist & Commentator
Lindsay Compton
CEO & Founder
Helena Holden
Operations Director
Alex Griffiths
Senior Communications Consultant.
Why is Canny Comms organising this conference?
As communications professionals in defence and security, we intimately understand the unique challenges our sector faces. That's why we're investing our expertise, network, and resources to create something truly valuable for our community – Reputation Masterclass 2026.
After years of supporting defence comms and marketing professionals, we've identified consistent challenges that demand innovative solutions. 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 Heropreneurs, turning professional development into meaningful community impact.
Date: 10 February 2026
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
Building on the success of last year's programme, our 2026 agenda will feature enhanced content, new speakers, and fresh perspectives on the most pressing issues facing defence communicators today. We'll also have more content for Government communications teams.
Stay tuned for announcements about our keynote speakers and expert panels.
09:00 – 09:30
Networking & welcome tea and coffee
09:30 – 09:40
Welcome and introduction to the day
09:40 - 10:30
The PR-media partnership: what both sides need to succeed
A balanced exploration of the PR-journalist relationship in defence communications. This panel examines what PRs need from journalists and what journalists need from PRs, with practical insights for building mutually beneficial working relationships across specialist, trade and national media.
10:30 – 11:15
Frontline communications: UK Government priorities
Insider perspectives from military communications teams on their top priorities, messaging strategies, and how industry can better align stories and press releases with defence needs.
11:15 – 11:30
Networking break
11:30 – 12:00
Making the complex clear: technical storytelling for defence communicators
A masterclass on technical storytelling approaches for defence and security communications, focusing on making complex technology accessible to diverse audiences through practical frameworks and case studies.
12:00 – 12:45
Social value: reputation, communications and marketing impact
Exploring how social value initiatives shape reputation and create compelling communications narratives, with focus on authentic storytelling, community engagement and measuring social impact in the defence context.
12:45 – 13:30
Lunch break
Special feature: journalist networking tables with facilitated small group discussions
13:30 – 14:15
Campaign case studies: successes and lessons learned
Quick-fire campaign case studies from both MOD and industry communicators, sharing real-world examples with honest insights about what worked, what didn't, and practical takeaways.
14:15 – 14:45
Building your strategic reputation: how communications professionals become business leaders
An in-conversation keynote exploring how communications professionals can position themselves as strategic business leaders and elevate the function within organisations, including career pathways and building influence at board level.
14:45 – 15:30
Beyond the hype: using AI safely and effectively in defence communications
Exploring how AI is transforming marketing and communications in defence, with focus on practical, security-conscious applications, risk management and real-world implementation.
15:30 – 15:45
Afternoon break
15:45 – 16:30
Event PR and media: maximising impact at major defence events
Strategic insights on maximising media coverage and marketing impact at major defence events, from international air shows to cyber conferences. Understanding event-specific strategies, standing out in saturated environments, and measuring ROI.
16:30 – 16:45
Closing keynote: MOD perspective
A punchy closing keynote from a senior MOD communications leader, providing strategic insights and future direction for defence communications.
16:45 – 16:55
Closing remarks