Communicating with Confidence in Divisive Times
In Partnership with the Association Societies Alliance, a consortium of chief staff officers and members from across SAEs in the US and New Zealand.

Date/Time: February 11 and 12, 2026 | 12:00 – 1:00pm MT (This is a two-part session; attendees will participate both days)

Rates: $99 for CSAE members (includes both sessions).
CAE Hours: Eligible for 2 CAE hours

Register Today!

Communicating with Confidence in Divisive Times
Presenter: Jen Hellman, CEO/President | Goff Public
In an era of heightened sensitivity and polarized opinions, association leaders are navigating increasingly complex communication challenges. Whether it's responding to social issues, managing internal disagreement or protecting your organization's reputation, how and when you communicate matters more than ever.
Join Jen Hellman, communications expert and CEO/President of Goff Public, for a virtual session designed to equip you with practical tools and frameworks for leading through crisis and controversy. You'll explore how to respond effectively to hot-button issues, build trust with members and boards, and lead your association with clarity and confidence — even when the stakes are high.
You’ll walk away with:
• Proven frameworks for decision-making under pressure.
• Strategies for responding to divisive issues with authenticity and empathy.
• Tips to avoid communication missteps and navigate stakeholder backlash.
• Tools to proactively prepare your organization for reputational threats.
• Techniques for aligning internal teams and boards on sensitive matters.
This virtual experience goes beyond theory. You’ll engage with real-world scenarios, discuss peer challenges, and walk away with templates and talking points you can use immediately.

Session dates: February 11 and 12 | 12-1 p.m. MT
Registration: $99 for this two-part series

Session 1: Communication foundations and building a crisis-ready culture – February 11, 2025 (12-1 p.m. MT)
Get ahead of reputational risks before they escalate by learning essential communication best practices that build stakeholder trust and protect your organization through calm and chaotic times. Discover the most effective ways to proactively prepare for a crisis, boost confidence among stakeholders and ensure your organization is ready to respond with agility and integrity when it matters most.
What you’ll walk away with:
• Communication frameworks you can apply immediately.
• Peer-tested strategies to lead with confidence, even under pressure.
• Steps for creating a tailored crisis plan to keep your team prepared.

Session 2: Navigating divisive moments and case study practice – February 12, 2025 (12-1 p.m. MT)
Join our second session to explore key strategies for maintaining effective dialogue during the most challenging and polarizing moments. Learn how to leverage your executive leadership and tap into your organization’s core values to steer your team towards success, even in the choppiest of waters. Participants will also get the opportunity to put their communication and crisis preparedness skills to the test on real-world scenarios and develop actionable responses.
What you’ll walk away with:
• Templates and talking points to use during high-stakes moments.
• Clarity on what to say, how to say it and when to stay silent.
• Collaboration with peers and application of communication best practices on real-world scenarios.

About Jen Hellman, Goff Public
When it matters most, leaders turn to Jen Hellman for candid advice. That’s because Jen is best known for her ability to be decisive and offer courageous advice and strategy when situations are ambiguous, politically charged and high risk. She is a sought-after expert in reputation management crisis consulting and strategic communications. She has spent her career helping clients navigate difficult situations, serving as a trusted, behind-the-scenes adviser on many high-profile stories and issues.
With more than 25 years of experience, Jen leads Goff Public as president and CEO, setting the strategic direction of the firm and overseeing its team of public affairs and public relations professionals, while actively advising clients. Jen was named one of the Top 100 People to Know by Twin Cities Business. She is an experienced speaker and regularly presents on industry topics through keynote speeches, panels and podcasts. Jen is a leading voice on communications, trends and their impact on a multitude of industries.