1&2 NOVEMBER, GARDENS www.communicatenow.org.uk In a time of unprecedented social, economic and political change we urgently need proactive tools for successfully communicating environmental issues. Communicate goes straight to the interface and asks some difficult questions about current approaches as we explore a shifting landscape of echo-chambers, divisive opinions and fake news.

Registrations open at 9:00AM at CLIFTON PAVILION, BRISTOL ZOO GARDENS

OPENING BRIEFING: OUR STARTING POINT 9:30AM - 10:30AM, LECTURE HALL The last year has seen seismic changes to the political and social landscape in which environmental communicators operate. Tim Scoones, Communicate Host helps us understand who’s in the room, and how we can steer the next two days. Tim Silman, Research Manager, IPSOS MORI starts the conference with a reality check on our audiences across the UK public. We explore the environmental mega-trends that shape our programmes, campaigns and priorities.

How are we best to 'Navigate Change' and keep the environment and conservation at the top of everyone’s agenda?

EXPLORING ECHO CHAMBERS OUTRAGE, OPTIMISM & CURIOSITY 11:00AM - 12:30PM, GARDEN ROOM 11:00AM - 12:30PM, LECTURE HALL Environmental information and ideas communicated in a Nature is in decline, and environmental communicators OR bubble of shared beliefs, values and opinions can be continue to seek effective frames for crafting messages for amplified and reinforced, cutting us off from other views. support and behaviour change. What works? How do we know we are inside – and how do we get out? We make the case for powerful messages of truth, stark

We outline how social informatics now dictate our lives, and imagery and outlining the true peril nature is now facing. MORNING PLENARIES MORNING the potential dangers to our environmental communication Richard Young, leader of the Conservation Optimism sector. Movement, makes the case for a focus on positive outcomes Wildscreen presents an innovative case study breaking and stories. down barriers for conservation reaching beyond the usual , tells the story of a Millennium Science Centre suspects. who changed its name, and moved its messaging to a new We hear perspectives and provocations from Communicate frame of ‘curiosity’. delegates alongside films highlighting key projects.

CHANGING MINDS: TOOLS FROM BEHAVIOURAL THE TOOLBOX SCIENCE CONSERVATION EDUCATION CENTRE 1:30PM - 2:30PM, GARDEN ROOM (Repeated) Environmental communicators need to influence positive change by understanding how people think, respond to information and formulate their own opinions. Bringing OR MEETING - AND CREATING IMPACTFUL

together insights from a special pre-conference event, Dr. SURVIVING - THE MEDIA CAMPAIGNS Michael Sanders, Dr. Kris Meyer and Dr. Anne Hunt take delegates through the latest theories and tools from cutting 1:40PM - 2:30PM 1:40PM - 2:30PM edge research and practice in behavioural psychology & & &

PLENARIES sociology and how they can be adapted to communication. 2:50PM - 3:40PM 2:50PM - 3:40PM

THE LOCAL LANDSCAPE: UK POLICY, FUNDING STRATEGY & PROGRAMMES 2:50PM - 3:50PM, GARDEN ROOM SOCIAL MEDIA

AFTERNOON ART CHANGES PEOPLE Join us for an up-to-the-minute review and discussion for MARKETING ON A

Communicate delegates working in an England / UK context SHOESTRING OR 1:40PM - 2:30PM Sarah Hardy, 25 Year Environment Team, Defra, shares & news from Government’s strategy plans 1:40PM - 2:30PM 2:50PM - 3:40PM We outline current priorities and funding structures. &

Communicate delegates share current strategic plans, 2:50PM - 3:40PM emerging programmes and organisational news.

NAVIGATING CHANGE 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM, LECTURE HALL

Join us for a drink and networking dinner from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, GARDEN ROOM

1&2 NOVEMBER, BRISTOL ZOO GARDENS www.communicatenow.org.uk In a time of unprecedented social, economic and political change we urgently need proactive tools for successfully communicating environmental issues. Communicate goes straight to the interface and asks some difficult questions about current approaches as we explore a shifting landscape of echo-chambers, divisive opinions and fake news.

Registrations open at 9:00AM at CLIFTON PAVILION, BRISTOL ZOO GARDENS

KEYNOTE 9:30AM - 10:30AM, LECTURE HALL A personal view on the challenges faced by communicators in a “post-truth” world.

FAKE NEWS AND ALTERNATIVE FACTS: CONFLICT & PARTNERSHIP:

MAKING THE CASE FOR NATURE TOOLS FOR RESOLUTION 11:00AM - 12:30PM, GARDEN ROOM 11:00AM - 12:30PM, LECTURE HALL How do we make the case for nature in our new, post-fact Environmental issues can be a divisive topic with polarised world of persistent misinformation, divisive spin and self- views and distinct priorities among those who seek to protect, reinforcing echo-chambers? Can ‘spin’ be positive? OR enjoy, work and utilise nature’s resources. When can conflict Prof. Stephan Lewandowsky, University of Bristol, explores help sharpen our tools and arguments, and how as of world of ‘alternative facts’ in communications. communicators can we learn to “argue better”?

MORNING PLENARIES MORNING We review the tools and techniques for finding sense in the Charles Clover, Blue Marine Foundation, gives a personal stories. view on deliberate conflict as a provocative tool. We hear a personal view on the next steps for We outline the challenges in bringing together divisive views communicators. about nature. Ann Lukens, professional facilitator and mediator, reflects on the impact of conflict on communicators, and tools to use.

THE CHANGING FACE OF GREEN SPACE THE TOOLBOX 1:30PM - 2:30PM, GARDEN ROOM CONSERVATION EDUCATION CENTRE Neighbourhood green spaces are increasingly making (Repeated) headline news, as the arguments over their value and resourcing intensify. We explore the particular role that OR communication professionals play in ongoing debates SUCCESS THROUGH THE POWER OF LANGUAGE DIGITAL MARKETING around planning, funding and management of our local

natural oases. We look at a range of positive, creative and 1:40PM - 2:30PM 1:40PM - 2:30PM proactive interventions that are helping communities & &

PLENARIES access, manage and re-imagine their local green spaces. 2:50PM - 3:40PM 2:50PM - 3:40PM GENERATION SHIFT 2:50PM - 3:50PM, GARDEN ROOM Some say that our age defines us – it can certainly determine VIRTUAL WORLDS: THE UNLOCKING INCLUSIVITY

AFTERNOON how we are perceived, treated and engaged with. But how FUTURE OF

many of these assumptions are true, and what can COMMUNICATION? OR 1:40PM - 2:30PM communication professionals learn about how our age can & frame our outlook and opinions? We take a look behind the 1:40PM - 2:30PM 2:50PM - 3:40PM stereotypes and explore techniques and interventions for &

understanding and engaging with the full range of different 2:50PM - 3:40PM age groups.

NAVIGATING CHANGE 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM, LECTURE HALL