Thursday - April 13, 2023

Conference Schedule

9:30 - 10:00 am - Registration

10:00 - 11:00 am - Opening Session - Building a Culture of Service through Communication
In the session entitled, Building a Culture of Service through Communication, OPCD Executive Director Tyrell Morris will speak to the journey of NOLA 311, starting with the consolidation of 911 and 311 and how the merge of emergency and non-emergency services has led to an increase in visibility and coordination of city services for the City of New Orleans.  

Orleans Parish Communications District, home of 911 and 311, is the entry point for government services. Because non-emergencies can lead to emergencies if left unattended, we have a pulse on what’s going on in our communities and can intervene more proactively through the coordination of appropriate service delivery. Since the merger of 911 and 311, there has been increased technology and capacity to be of service, as we now operate 24/7 and can be reached via call, text, and chatbot.  

We are a trusted source of engagement and information and because of the merger, the increase in technology and capacity, we are equipped to #SHOWUP for our residents and be of service to the City of New Orleans.  

11:00 - 11:10 am - Networking Break

11:10 am - 12:00 pm - What's the Deal with ChatGPT?
You have likely read an article or seen a headline about ChatGPT since it was publicly launched in late 2022.  Or perhaps you have tested it by now.  

What does it mean for the Government Communications Leader?  Is it a net positive?  Can it help or hurt how governments can process information internally or externally?  Are we at the beginning of a new technology revolution?  Can governments deploy this technology for its own use case?  How does it impact content creation and reliability?

We will build a discussion around ChatGPT and other AI Chat Technologies that will impact the government space.  What works about ChatGPT and what doesn't?  Why the current ChatGPT model may not work for resident-focused chat and how other chat technologies already deployed in the government space are working.  

12:00 - 1:00 pm - Lunch Session - Communities Celebrating Their Culture

1:00 - 1:50 pm - So, you want to start a tourism campaign and have zero budget dollars allocated for it? Here’s how.
The City of Lawrenceville began a tourism campaign with no dedicated budget (and a team of two) just before the pandemic hit in 2020. Find out how they fully branded their downtown as The DTL, launched a tourism website, grew their tourism Instagram following to nearly 6,000 in just three years, created a line of merchandise, incorporated their downtown businesses, created content, and incorporated the brand with existing city events.

Learn methods and strategies for your city by hearing how the City of Lawrenceville grew its brand through partnerships, collaborations, and much creativity. Learn ways to strengthen tourism efforts: proper coordination with businesses to share exciting and informative content, effectively managing city events, and creating relationships within your community. 

1:50 - 2:00 pm - Networking Break

2:00 - 2:50 pm - Creating Your Roadmap as an Emerging Communicator 
As an emerging communicator you need to find your way in your organization. Seasoned professional, Annette Privette Keller, will provide a road map that avoids traffic jams and potholes to navigate toward a strategic career path. Key takeaways will be an editorial calendar, workload measurements, budget, demonstrating your value to your organization and telling your compelling story.

2:50 - 3:00 pm - Networking Break

3:00 - 4:00 pm - Visibility is Power: Media Secrets Uncovered
Building your visibility through the media is much like building a sandwich. One slice of bread represents new media such as live video and the other traditional media like television news. Learn new ways to successfully meet your biggest media relations challenges, including secrets to camera confidence on air and online. Discover the best practices in establishing and maintaining relationships with the media and getting journalists to open and read your email pitches. Participant will have a chance at hands-on training.

4:00 - 4:10 pm - Closing Comments

Friday Morning - April 14, 2023

International African-American History Museum (9:00 am - 11:00 am)
The 3CMA Regional Conference has been invited to a "Behind the Scenes, Pre-Opening Tour" of the International African-American History Museum.

Located on the Cooper River, at Gadsden's Wharf, in Downtown Charleston, the Museum is situated where approximately 46% of Enslaved Africans who came to the US against their will and took their first step on American Soil.

The museum focuses on the early history of African Americans in this country, and the site itself presents the powerful meaning of this time.  It will be an important ongoing resource of American History, located here in the South.  

3CMA Attendees will be seeing the museum in the days before it officially opens to the public. 

For more information, please see the museum's website. 

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