Communications Conference: driving Scotland’s energy journey Programme

As the move to an energy system powered by renewable energy hits new hurdles amid political volatility and public pressure, has industry lost the room? This session will explore how industry leaders can master their messaging to create a more compelling and confident narrative for renewable energy growth.

In this session, we’ll cover:

• How to translate complex issues into clear, compelling messages.
• Tips on combatting misinformation, how to own the narrative and tell the facts with confidence.
• How to strengthen your voice and increase your influence.

Welcome
Jack Norquoy, Director of Public Affairs & Communications, Scottish Renewables

Chair
Jeremy Grant, Business Columnist, The Scotsman

Speakers
Allister Thomas, Head of Energy, True North Advisors
Lesley Riddoch, Freelance Journalist 
Jess Ralston, Head of Energy, Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit 
Raymond Buchanan, Director of Corporate Affairs, Scottish Water

Whether it be at a local or national level, there is no shortage of coverage on Scotland’s move towards a cleaner, greener energy system. But what makes a good story and how can the industry influence public perception? This session will hear directly from the fourth estate: journalists reporting on and scrutinising the impact of Scotland’s energy strategy.

In this session, we’ll cover:

• Tips on how industry can tell our story better.
• What makes a good news story?
• What are journalists looking for and why do some stories cut through when others don’t?
• How to build trust with journalists and get them the information they need.

Chair
Kirstin Gove, Communications Manager, Thistle Wind Partners 

Speakers
Stephen Dunne, Editor, reNEWS
Josh Gabbatiss, Climate Policy Correspondent, Carbon Brief
Vicky Allan, Environment Correspondent, The Herald 

Sponsored by Fred. Olsen Renewables

As new energy infrastructure moves closer to its consumers, developers and policymakers face both challenges and opportunities. This session will look at the communication strategies of project developers at a local, regional and national level, exploring the PR challenges developers face when building huge infrastructure projects and how industry can communicate effectively with the communities which house these projects.

In this session, we’ll cover:

• How to communicate development milestones, delays and wider sector challenges clearly and transparently to key stakeholders.
• The importance of working shoulder to shoulder with communities to build local trust and support for nationally driven projects.
• The communications strategies – and the lessons learned – from developers who have built major infrastructure projects in Scotland.

Chair
Steven Flanagan, Vice President, Client Affairs, Weber Shandwick

Speakers
Cris Thacker, Communications Manager, Fred. Olsen Renewables
Nikki Keddie, Head of External Affairs and Policy, Ocean Winds 
Ruth Shewan, Senior External Affairs Manager, EDF power solutions UK and Ireland 
Thomas Nicoll, Senior Communications Manager, SSEN Transmission