Past Public Events
While most of the events International Perspectives organises are private, we occasionally host or support workshops and discussions that are open to the general public. Below are a few examples of past public events, in which International Perspectives was involved:
IV International Russian Communication Association Conference: "Communication Studies Today: The Crossroads Of The Disciplines"
June 9th to 13th, 2008, Moscow, Russia
Alicia Wanless, Executive Director of International Perspectives, presented at the Fourth Annual Russian Communication Association Conference. Ms. Wanless' presentation, entitled “Reaching Western Investors: The Value of Effective Communication” considered the challenges Russians face in successfully disseminating their messages to relevant government and corporate counterparts in order to either attract investment from abroad or offer their products on Western/Canadian markets. Based on past experience working with Russian businesses, trade organizations and various officials Ms. Wanless identified several problematic message patterns that have unsuccessfully engaged Westerners in the past. Offering alternative approaches to enhancing communication and message dissemination for Russian business-people and officials, including “soft” approaches, different methods other non-English speaking nations have successfully employed were introduced. Drawing from a successful career as a business analyst and international practitioner, Ms. Wanless assisted Russian businesses and officials in identifying and recognizing different means by which they can “win the hearts and minds” of potential investors, partners and/or consumers.
For more information visit www.russcomm.ru
Communicating in a Disaster: A Special Dinner Discussion
Thursday, November 22nd, 2007, The Royal Canadian Military Institute, Toronto, Ontario
Communications systems play a crucial role in a society's ability to mitigate disasters such as wild fires, extreme weather and earthquakes. Advancements in Information & Communications Technology (ICT) increase the resiliency of social systems - if the proper measures have been taken beforehand to ensure these complex systems work in emergencies. This special dinner discussion considers the possible roles of ICT in emergency preparedness planning and what needs to be done in advance to make sure those expectations are fully met in times of need.
Considering topics such as workplace continuum, defence communications, the governance and maintenance of international systems and the role of communications in maintaining the current social fabric in times of crisis, the following speakers will present in a panel session:
- Alan Bell, President, Globe Risk Holdings
- Dr. Walter Dorn, Associate Professor, Canadian Forces College & Co-Chair, Department of Security Studies
- Blair Peberdy, Vice-President, Marketing, Communications & Public Affairs, Toronto Hydro
- Colin Belshaw, Director, Emergency Response Support, Telus
Food, Health & Critical Infrastructure: How Secure is the Canadian System?
Wednesday, June 20th, 2007, Toronto, Ontario
One of the consequences of globalization is the reduction of international barriers greatly impacting our food, health and communications security. To what degree have the changes brought on by globalization affected the Canadian system? Are we prepared now as part of a more interconnected global system to face complications or disasters? What needs to be done today to ensure Canadian security tomorrow?
This event was hosted by the Canadian Institute of International Affairs and considered some of the consquences of globalization on the Canadian system
International Perspectives on Cyber Crime Workshop
Tuesday, June 19th, 2007, Toronto, Ontario
This exclusive one day International Perspectives workshop was designed to encourage in-depth attendee participation to foster a rethinking of current approaches to counter cyber crime and to develop lasting and effective measures.
Leading anti-cyber crime experts from around the world, addressed a small group of diverse participants. Speakers presented on regional cyber crime issues, current and future countermeasures, desired solutions and the state of international co-operation. Already confirmed speakers includes:
- Paul Jackson, Chief Inspector, Computer Forensics Section, Technology Crime Division, Hong Kong Police;
- Jim Robbins, President, EWA-Canada Ltd.;
- Basil Udotai, Esq., Director, Directorate For Cyber Security, Nigeria; and
- Ira Winkler, President, International Security Advisor's Group
