'How to handle a local protest group' - dodgy PR conference

They are based in Cardiff and seem to specialise in Greenwash projects including carbon trading stuff.

either the're good or the venue don't know they're 'controversial'

this is the subsection from their website:
 http://www.hawksmere.co.uk/auto/events/21989.html

Dealing with local protest groups

* Why protest groups are sucessful at media management
* How forward planning can reduce opposition
* How your crisis management plan should work
* Strategies for turning public opinion in your favour

the short answer to the first one is that protest groups are honest people working for something they believe in (for no pay), while people who need pr conferences are scammers trying to steal from you and your neighbours.

In truth, the world of marketing and PR is relatively easy to navigate through. It is right to say that honest people campaigning on an honest issue will always outdo the professional PR people in the minds of the people. (I speak really of local, small protest groups as opposed to people such as Reclaim the Streets etc - to use one example) That is because PR people underestimate how socially connected protest groups are, how quick they are to react and how well organised they are (in general).
Also, PR people will always try to demonise the protest groups, which always backfires. It is because they think that is their only option.

£700 for a PR conference, if it is full, shows how good the organisers are at fooling those who want to be fooled!

And I say all this as someone who originally qualified in marketing to a postgrad level (ooh my sins!!)