2025 Communications Retreat Qualifies for APR CEU Credit

Registration remains open for the 2025 MHA Communications Retreat scheduled Wednesday, Oct. 1 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Henry Center for Executive Development in Lansing. The retreat qualifies for one continuing education unit (CEU) for members with Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) under Category 1A, which may be self-reported through the PRSA online portal.

The lineup of presenters and topics for the 2025 Communications Retreat includes:

  • Tim McIntyre, experienced communicator and former Domino’s Pizza executive, who will share insights on reputation management, drawing parallels between his experiences and the issues hospitals face today, including rebuilding trust, creating transparency and simplifying the patient experience.
  • A crisis communication panel will feature MHA members, including Catherine Dewey, regional marketing communications manager, Munson Healthcare; Mark Geary, senior director, communications & external affairs, Corewell Health, and will highlight lessons learned from past crises in healthcare. The session will be led by crisis communications expert Jeff Gaunt, founder and principal of Gaunt Strategies, who will also facilitate a tabletop simulation where attendees respond to an incident in real time.
  • Laura Appel, executive vice president, government relations & public policy, MHA, will provide an update on state and federal healthcare priorities.

This event is designed specifically for professionals working in public relations, communications, media relations, marketing and community relations within Michigan hospitals.

Additional event details and registration information is available on the 2025 Communications Retreat webpage.

Members with questions regarding registration should contact Kennedy Walters at the MHA. Questions regarding the retreat should be directed to John Karasinski at the MHA.

 

Speakers Announced for 2025 Communications Retreat

The MHA has confirmed speakers and topics for the 2025 MHA Communications Retreat scheduled Wednesday, Oct. 1 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Henry Center for Executive Development in Lansing.

The lineup features:

  • Tim McIntyre, experienced communicator and former Domino’s Pizza executive, who will share insights on reputation management, drawing parallels between his experiences and the issues hospitals face today, including rebuilding trust, creating transparency and simplifying the patient experience.
  • A crisis communication panel will feature MHA members, including Catherine Dewey, regional marketing communications manager, Munson Healthcare, and will highlight lessons learned from past crises in healthcare. The session will be led by crisis communications expert Jeff Gaunt, founder and principal of Gaunt Strategies, who will also facilitate a tabletop simulation where attendees respond to an incident in real time. Additional speakers will be announced as they’re confirmed.
  • Laura Appel, executive vice president, government relations & public policy, MHA, will provide an update on state and federal healthcare priorities.

This event is designed specifically for professionals working in public relations, communications, media relations, marketing and community relations within Michigan hospitals. We encourage members of these professions to register and participate.

Additional event details, including registration information, are available on the 2025 Communications Retreat webpage.

Members with questions regarding registration should contact Kennedy Walters at the MHA. Questions regarding the retreat should be directed to John Karasinski at the MHA.

Registration Open for 2025 Communications Retreat

Registration is open for the 2025 MHA Communications Retreat from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 1 at the Henry Center for Executive Development in Lansing.

The daylong event offers hospital communicators a chance to connect with peers across the state and participate in sessions that provide valuable skills and insights for both emerging and experienced professionals.

The event will explore topics including crisis communications, reputation management and professional development for communications leaders. Additionally, leaders at the MHA will provide an update on state and federal healthcare priorities.

This event is designed specifically for professionals working in public relations, communications, media relations, marketing and community relations within Michigan hospitals. Members of these professions are encouraged to register and participate.

The registration fee is $35 per person. Breakfast, refreshments and lunch will be provided. Please register by Sept. 19 to attend the retreat.

A room block at the Henry Center is available for members who need accommodations the night of Sept. 30. Please use code MHH to receive the discounted room block rate.

Members with questions regarding registration should contact Kennedy Walters at the MHA. Questions regarding the retreat should be directed to John Karasinski at the MHA.

Final Reminder: Register Now for the 2024 Communications Retreat

MHA Events

MHA EventsIt is not too late to register for the 2024 MHA Communications Retreat, scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 7 at the Henry Center for Executive Development in Lansing. Members are encouraged to register now to secure one of the few remaining seats.

This year’s retreat offers a chance to network, learn from peers across the state and hear from experts for a deep dive into valuable skills for seasoned and new professionals.

The lineup of presenters and topics for the 2024 Communications Retreat includes:

  • Laura Appel, executive vice president of government relations and public policy, MHA, will be joined by Megan Brown, chief marketing and communications officer, Munson Healthcare, to discuss communications strategies to address the healthcare workforce and the importance of engaging with government relations and advocacy efforts.
  • Joshua Wilda, regional chief digital information officer, University of Michigan Health-West and Tony Lambert, chief technology officer, TechSmith, will discuss AI trends in healthcare and hospitals, and how it’s impacting communications and marketing.
  • A panel of communications will share internal communications strategies hospitals can implement to celebrate their workforce and share tactics they’ve used to address employee morale, support recruiting and improve brand perception.
    • Sue Tetzlaff, co-founder, Capstone Leadership Solutions
    • Lauren Zakalik, director, public & media relations strategy, Henry Ford Health
    • Hannan Deep, director of strategic communications operations, Henry Ford Health
    • Emily R. Sexton, communications coordinator, Holland Hospital,
  • A collection of speakers will present on how they are using communications tools to assist in reacting to the behavioral health crisis.
    • Kara Gavin, research and policy media relations manager, Michigan Medicine
    • Jim Rose, director of marketing, Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services
    • Dallas Rau, executive director, Great Lakes Bay Region Mental Health Partnership
    • Tera Szeliga, director of marketing and communications/institute for leaders, Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance.

The registration fee is $35 per person. Breakfast, refreshments and lunch will be provided.

Members with questions regarding registration should contact Kennedy Walters at the MHA. Questions regarding the retreat should be directed to John Karasinski at the MHA.

Register Today for 2024 Communications Retreat

There is still time to register for the 2024 MHA Communications Retreat scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday, May 7, at the Henry Center for Executive Development in Lansing. Current registration includes representation from hospitals and health systems throughout the state.

The lineup of presenters and topics for the 2024 Communications Retreat is now finalized. They include:

  • Laura Appel, executive vice president of government relations and public policy, MHA, will be joined by Megan Brown, chief marketing and communications officer, Munson Healthcare, to discuss communications strategies to address the healthcare workforce and the importance of engaging with government relations and advocacy efforts.
  • J. Joshua Wilda, regional chief digital information officer, University of Michigan Health-West and Tony Lambert, chief technology officer, TechSmith, will discuss AI trends in healthcare and hospitals, and how it’s impacting communications and marketing.
  • A panel of communications will share internal communications strategies hospitals can implement to celebrate their workforce and share tactics they’ve used to address employee morale, support recruiting and improve brand perception.
    • Sue Tetzlaff, co-founder, Capstone Leadership Solutions
    • Lauren Zakalik, director, public & media relations strategy, Henry Ford Health
    • Hannan Deep, director of strategic communications operations, Henry Ford Health
    • Emily R. Sexton, communications coordinator, Holland Hospital,
  • A collection of speakers will present on how they are using communications tools to assist in reacting to the behavioral health crisis.
    • Kara Gavin, research and policy media relations manager, Michigan Medicine
    • Jim Rose, director of marketing, Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services
    • Dallas Rau, executive director, Great Lakes Bay Region Mental Health Partnership
    • Tera Szeliga, director of marketing and communications/ institute for leaders, Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance

The daylong event is geared toward the specific needs of hospital communicators working in public relations, communications, media relations, marketing and community relations within Michigan hospitals. This year’s retreat offers a chance to network, learn from peers across the state and hear from experts for a deep dive into valuable skills for seasoned and new professionals.

Members are encouraged to register by April 25 to attend the retreat. The registration fee is $35 per person. Breakfast, refreshments and lunch will be provided.

Members with questions regarding registration should contact Kennedy Walters at the MHA. Questions regarding the retreat should be directed to John Karasinski at the MHA.

Secure Your Spot: Register Now for the 2024 Communications Retreat

Registration remains open for the 2024 MHA Communications Retreat scheduled Tuesday, May 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Henry Center for Executive Development in Lansing. Current registration includes representation from hospitals and health systems throughout the state.

The MHA Communications team is finalizing a roster of presenters for several topics u suggested through a survey earlier this year. They include:

  • Laura Appel, executive vice president of government relations and public policy, MHA, will be joined by a health system communications executive to discuss the communications strategies the MHA is implementing to address the healthcare workforce and the importance of engaging with government relations and advocacy efforts.
  • Hospital representatives and leadership consultants will share internal communications strategies hospitals can implement to celebrate their workforce and share tactics they’ve used to impact employee morale, support recruiting and improve brand perception.
  • A panel representing healthcare and community health providers will speak to how they are using communications tools to assist in reacting to the behavioral health crisis.
  • AI trends in healthcare and hospitals, and how it’s impacting those parts of the business that impact communications and marketing.

The daylong event is geared toward the specific needs of hospital communicators working in public relations, communications, media relations, marketing and community relations within Michigan hospitals. This year’s retreat offers a chance to network, learn from peers across the state and hear from experts for a deep dive into valuable skills for seasoned and new professionals.

Members are encouraged to register by April 25 to attend the retreat. The registration fee $35 per person. Breakfast, refreshments and lunch will be provided.

Members with questions regarding registration should contact Kennedy Walters at the MHA. Questions regarding the retreat should be directed to John Karasinski at the MHA.