I was in Minnesota during the last couple of days for the National Center for Food Protection and Defense (NCFPD) meeting to discuss current research and issues related to food safety, food defense, and emerging technologies in crisis communications. It was very interesting to get the perspective from different agencies, professors, and students across multiple disciplines on what they believe are some of the main issues happening in this particular arena in the food industry. From food scientists to education professionals to crisis communication practitioners and researchers – it was definitely a multidisciplinary conference.
I presented a poster with my advisor at Tennessee, Dr. Palenchar, and Dr. Shari Veil of the University of Kentucky. The poster was based on one project that I got a chance to work on as part of a grant looking at the social media opportunities and constraints related to the H1N1 crisis case study. The study was an analysis of Delicious bookmarks related to H1N1 and the pork industry. The findings of the study were very interesting – and what was exciting was the fact that some of the points we made in our paper were similar to what the industry needs to do for the future. This poster is related to the paper we submitted to the NCA conference in November (won a Top Paper award).
Minneapolis, Minnesota -- CLICK on the picture to visit the NCFPD!
Here were other things I took away from the conference that I thought were very interesting, and necessary for all public relations professionals to be aware of in terms of future trends and expectations for when they conduct research, or get into the practice:
Transdisciplinary is key: We can’t stay in our own field when looking at what is going on in related to new technology. We have to work together with scientists to make sure that we are aware of what is going on, and how to communicate these scientific terms and findings to other audiences that is clearly understood and concise. We have to also have knowledge about how government, scientists, policy makers, and legal teams to name a few understand the issue, and how to best communicate effectively with these individuals. Public relations professionals can serve as the bridge between all of these disciplines as an interpreter to better understand all of these different perspectives, and make sure that these teams can work together proactively. Transdiscplinary is the wave of the future – so this means that we have to expand our horizon and bridge out to these other disciplines by going to their conferences, doing research with these individuals, and becoming a student of their subject matter.
Investing in your future is necessary: One of the things that is separating people today – whether it is in research or experience – is that those that are willing to take the time and resources to grow as a scholar and researcher – will be the ones with the opportunities being presented to them. We are faced with a tough economy, but we still need to continue investing in our education, experiences, and making sure that we have the right tools to succeed in our research and practice.
You are your best PR representative: One of the things that I have learned along the way throughout my research is that the best PR person representing you is you. There may be people getting put on display by others, but if they can’t deliver or are not who they say they are, that will not be that effective in the long run. By working hard, investing in your future, and being consistent in your online and offline conversations with others in the profession – you will have a good reputation. A good reputation is priceless – and it is absolutely in control of each individual to make sure that they are working on it each day.
Anyway, attending and presenting a poster at the NCFPD session was very educational and a wonderful experience. I had a wonderful opportunity to get a chance to speak with fellow researchers, students, and professionals working in the food industry about some of these current issues happening. I thoroughly enjoyed each of the sessions, the keynote speakers, looking at all of the different student posters, and also networking with fellow attendees. It was also fun to participate in a food safety / crisis scenario exercise as well. It was a great experience – thank you to everyone at the NCFPD for making us feel welcomed and hosting such a fabulous meeting and conference!
Hope all is well and have a wonderful day!
Best Wishes,
Karen
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