Programme for the day

Conference Chairman: Paul Cunningham, Environment Correspondent, RTÉ

8:15-9:00	Registration
9:00-9:10	Opening address Paddy Hughes, MPRII, President PRII
9:10-9:30	Why sustainability and why now? Eamon Ryan, T.D., Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources
9:30-10:05	The policy and business initiatives driving the green agenda As official watchdog and policeman of Ireland’s environment, the EPA is more immersed than most in the business realities of the green economy. What policies from Europe and beyond are now shaping our future? And which business start-ups are currently poised to benefit most? Dr. Mary Kelly, Director General, Environmental Protection Agency
10:05-10:40	The future is not tomorrow, it’s today Guidelines and pointers for incorporating a sustainability agenda into your communications strategies, right here, right now. Kieran O’Byrne, MPRII, Managing Director, Hill & Knowlton Ireland
10:40-11:10	Coffee
11:10-11:45	Case study: Green is the new black How applying a sustainability vision across all its business lines has resulted in bigger profits and better stakeholder relationships for one of Europe’s largest retailers. Mike Barry, Head of Sustainable Business, Marks & Spencer
11:45-12:20	Case study: Engaging to win It started out as a project to drive down energy costs and save water but Intel’s venture into sustainability has had some surprising side effects, both internally and externally. It has also spearheaded the company into second position in the January 2010 ‘reputation index’ rankings of most environmentally friendly multinationals in the world, as published by the Geneva-based Covalence group. Mark Rutherford, Environmental Health & Safety Manager, Intel Ireland
12:20-12:55	Beyond borders An insight into some of the most inspiring work being done on sustainability comms. accounts across Europe and the Americas. James Wright, MCIPR, Managing Director – CSR, Sustainability and Not-for-Profit, Grayling
1:00-2:00	Lunch
2:00-2:35	…In conversation with Paul Cunningham Frank McDonald, Environment Editor, The Irish Times
2:35-3:10	Case study: A new contract with nature Established to develop Ireland’s peat resources in the immediate post-war years, Bord na Móna’s transitioning to new, more sustainable energy models is a classic example of a traditional company reinventing itself. Gerry O´Hagan, Director of Marketing & Communications, Bord na Móna
3:10-3:45	Public affairs: NIMBY and other perspectives As the recent controversy surrounding the proposed Poolbeg incinerator demonstrates, overcoming the voices of dissent can be a major hurdle in the sustainability stakes. What are the challenges you face and what steps do you need to take to overcome them? Stephen O’Byrnes, MPRII, Director, MKC Communications
3:45-3:55	Closing remarks Paddy Hughes, MPRII, President PRII
4:00-4:30	TGIF sponsored by the Public Relations Consultants Association