Join GKC-PRSA and KCIABC for a special co-hosted happy hour featuring networking and a conversation on crisis communications with Mike Swenson.
On the Record: A Crisis Comms Conversation & Happy Hour
Every organization will face a crisis. The question is whether you’re ready.
Join GKC-PRSA and KCIABC for a special co-hosted happy hour featuring networking and a conversation on crisis communications with Mike Swenson, founder of Barkley Public Relations. With a career spanning broadcast journalism, a press secretary role and decades leading one of the region’s most respected PR firms, Mike brings hard-won perspective on what it takes to protect a reputation when it matters most.
Since retiring, he has continued as a strategic communications consultant and is co-host of Kansas City Marketing Legends, a podcast celebrating the stories and careers behind the KC creative community.
Networking begins at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3, at Rockcreek Brewing Company in Mission, Kansas. Mike will start the conversation at 5:30 p.m. One ticket gets you valuable professional development, two drink tickets, and light refreshments. Food options available for purchase on site are to be confirmed.
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Mike Swenson
Mike retired in 2021 after a career as a broadcast journalist, press secretary to a Governor and founder and leader of a successful public relations firm. Mike founded Barkley Public Relations in 1987. What began as a regional public relations firm is today a national leader in crisis management, influencer relations, purpose branding and employee engagement.
During his career at Barkley, Mike became a nationally recognized leader in both crisis management and cause branding. He also served as global president of IPREX, a collaboration of more than 100 independent public relations firms.
Mike began his career in broadcast journalism working in both radio and television. Following that, he spent five years as press secretary to Kansas Gov. John Carlin.
Mike and his wife Char have four children and eight grandchildren.
Mike continues to serve as a consultant to a handful of clients and is also the co-host, along with Sam Meers, of a podcast, The Kansas City Marketing Legends.
Learn more about Mike here.