Social media in a regulated environment--a meeting of the minds

Whether on the agency or client side we all endeavor to honor best practices in social media… to offer something of value to our online stakeholders that encourages sharing, doesn't intrude on the community, and ultimately, helps build our [client’s] brands. Authentic, transparent and participatory are all attributes that we seek to imbue. Brands at times can find challenges in honoring these basic principles. Layer on the complexities of the regulatory environment for certain industries and the challenges can appear immobilizing. FDA, FTC, SEC, FINRA, DOT all pose unique guidelines that constrain social media initiatives and can challenge the ability to unleash the creative.

This evening, I look forward to moderating a panel hosted by Digital Somethings (called Something Regulated) with a dynamic group of communicators responsible for driving social media in their organizations.

Ray Kerins, Vice President, Worldwide Communications, Pfizer
Ted Meyer, Head of Communications, Americas, Deutsche Bank
Morgan Johnston, Manager, Corporate Communication, JetBlue
Allan Schoenberg, Director, Corporate Communications, CME Group

These panelists will share their insights on driving social media programs in a highly regulated environment. We will discuss how best to engage audiences and how the mistrust of corporations in an age of digital empowerment has impacted their social media strategies. While tonight’s event is invitation only, I look forward to sharing some of the insights in subsequent posts.

Tonight's event is at the Roger Smith Hotel and is sponsored by PRNewswire, BDI (Business Development Institute) and Pfizer. It is precedes a roundtable on May 11, 2010 on Social Communications & Healthcare.

Check back for some of the highlights from the panel.