Polpeo #smcrisis demo at #DMASocial

The Polpeo team had a great time running the simulation component of the Direct Marketing Association’s social media crisis workshop on 22/05/14. The participants battled to defend their fictitious brand, as it weathered a brutal social media storm. How did they do?

The morning started with Tamara Littleton, CEO Emoderation and Polpeo, introducing the simulator and preparing the participants for what lay ahead.

8 step survival guide to manage a #crisis #dmasocial @Polpeo – have they missed anything folks? pic.twitter.com/3BbonmgamK

— DMA UK (@DMA_UK) May 22, 2014

Once the simulation got underway, it didn’t take long for the teams to get that intense look that team Polpeo knows and loves.

Wow its series stuff here as teams try to save the reputation of 'baby bug' how do you deal with it? #dmasocial pic.twitter.com/zeOSr8cncC

— DMA UK (@DMA_UK) May 22, 2014

The great thing about the simulator is its interactive nature. As the participants strategise and post their responses to our characters, the Polpeo CM team are responding to their efforts.

A response that pleases Grace may infuriate Frankie. The participants need to carefully consider who they respond to, and what they say.

And they have to do this quickly and under mounting pressure.

Teams are looking anxious but engaged at the @polpeo @DMA_UK session today – I love my job #DMAsocial #smcrisis

— Tamara Littleton (@tlittleton) May 22, 2014

@tlittleton @Polpeo We love your job too! Thanks for joining us & helping engage our members it's brilliant #dmasocial

— DMA UK (@DMA_UK) May 22, 2014

Really enjoyed the Social Media Crisis Training Simulation. Very obvious we need it! #DMAsocial #smcrisis #ByeByeBabyBug

— Dan West (@dandelwest) May 22, 2014

Well that was intense! Thanks to all the teams at #dmasocial for a great simulation. #smcrisis

— Polpeo (@Polpeo) May 22, 2014

Thoroughly enjoying Social Media Crisis workshop… Live practical application which put us through a 'real' crisis. #veryclever #DMAsocial

— Jacky M (@jackyrabbit) May 22, 2014

The DMA had arranged a reward for the winning team – although I like to think all the participants are winners – you can’t really argue with a cupcake (especially when they look like the ones below…).

Pleased to announce our very own @AbbingtonBear's team won the #smcrisis challenge at #DMAsocial!

— STEEL (@STEEL_London) May 22, 2014

@STEEL_London @AbbingtonBear Congratulations your cupcake awaits….. #dmasocial #smcrisis @Polpeo pic.twitter.com/Wo5kO2jB1c

— DMA UK (@DMA_UK) May 22, 2014

Scary brand crisis simulation but very useful. Learnt loads. Thanks @Emoderation #DMAsocial

— Smarayda_C (@SmaraydaC) May 22, 2014

The event concluded with Tamara participating in a panel discussion (with John Haggis, Digital Media Partner, Sheridans; Keith Ashby, Dispute Resolution Partner, Sheridans and George Ionnaou, head of Digital and Wise) which covered how brands can defend themselves during a crisis.

For example, there’s often a clash between what the legal team says you can say, and what the public wants to hear from you. How do you navigate that?

Brilliant panel session, delving into how to address & protect your brand during a social media crisis #dmasocial pic.twitter.com/CoP0xtJl1H

— Digital & Wise (@DigitalandWise) May 22, 2014

Tone of voice is key, be real, be human, avoid legal jargon & marketing buzz words #dmasocial @DMA_UK

— Ejam (@EJMcEwan) May 22, 2014

Thought-provoking workshop with @DMA_UK on social media crisis planning, still half-expecting a klaxon at some point #dmasocial

— calvin_lau (@calvin_lau) May 22, 2014

If you didn’t make it to this demo, we hope to see you at the next one!