BCI Emergency & Crisis Communications Report 2026 - EMEA Launch
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The BCI Emergency & Communications Report 2026 explores how organisations deliver clear, timely information during crises in an increasingly complex risk environment. Based on global survey findings, the report provides insight into how emergency communications are structured, led, and activated when disruption occurs.
A key theme is the central role of leadership. Senior management is consistently responsible for both internal and external emergency communications, supported by specialist functions such as communications, public relations, and resilience teams, including business continuity. This clear ownership is reflected in the widespread use of formal emergency communications plans, enabling organisations to activate responses quickly and escalate information to senior leaders — often within 30 minutes of an incident.
Practitioners generally express confidence in their ability to meet expected response levels, supported by tested plans, regular training and exercising, and a broad range of communication tools. However, the report also highlights persistent challenges, particularly human-factor issues such as outdated contact data, lack of staff response, and device availability, which can undermine effectiveness during live events.
The findings also underline the growing influence of regulation. New requirements linked to operational resilience and crisis management are driving organisations to reassess and strengthen their emergency communications capabilities, making preparedness a critical priority for 2026 and beyond.
We look forward to welcoming you!
Speakers:
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Maria Florencia Lombardero Garcia
Thought Leadership Manager, The BCI
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Gianluca Riglietti
Resilience Advisor, Freelancer
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Irene Proto
Irene Proto is a consultant specializing in crisis management, reputation management, and crisis communication. She trains crisis management teams within organizations, supporting them in developing operational reflexes, strengthening their ability to identify early warning signs, and defining effective communication strategies. She works closely with leadership teams during sensitive decision-making moments, advising on communication strategies, guiding the crisis exit path, and supporting the recovery phase.
She holds an academic background in Communication across universities in Italy, Belgium, and France, a Master’s degree in the Management of Complex Organizations, and several certifications in disciplines related to organizational resilience (Fatigue Management, Crisis Ready Institute, Facilitation and Systems Thinking).
She coordinates a working group focused on cognitive biases in decision-making processes, frequently lectures at universities and events, and writes for industry publications. She provides consultancy to corporate clients and public figures in Italy and abroad. She currently works for Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026, the Organizing Committee of the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games
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