On May 8 & 9, 2025, the Crisis Communications Network Europe (CCNE) gathered for its annual meeting. After previous editions in Gent, Munich, and Bucharest, we were warmly hosted by 24/7Communication in Warsaw, Poland. Once again, we return home inspired, energized, and full of ideas to keep growing a network that’s been steadily gaining momentum.
Facing the permacrisis
Dirk Aarts, CEO of 24/7Communication, opened the meeting by highlighting the growing importance of networks like ours in an increasingly complex, high-risk world. For independent, owner-led crisis agencies, collaboration has never been more crucial. While the future may feel daunting at times, we left excited for what’s ahead.
Sharing Cases, Spotting Trends
As always, the meeting was a valuable chance to reconnect and exchange experiences. This year’s case presentations ranged from ransomware, murders and boycotts to community-industry tensions and regulatory scrutiny. Across all countries, common threads emerged: national security threats, political instability, polarization, disinformation, economic strain, and social unrest. Despite cuts in PR budgets, crisis budgets remain steady – permacrisis, indeed.
Hearing from the Clients
For the first time, we hosted a client panel moderated by Katarzyna Fabjaniak, featuring two senior communications directors from global brands. Their message was clear: during a crisis, they don’t turn to agencies for safe, generic advice—they want bold, challenging options. A powerful reminder of the value we bring.
Cheers to Our Mistakes
In a refreshing twist, we made space to celebrate not only our wins, but also our mistakes. During the “cheers to our mistakes” session, moderated by Natasha Konstantinova, we shared stories of where we’d gone wrong and what we’d learned. There’s something wonderfully freeing about speaking openly and honestly about failure.
Building the Future
The meeting also gave our committees time to align on priorities for 2025-2026, from membership growth to product development. The products & services team presented two exciting initiatives:
- CCNE Pulse Check 2025: Felix von Esebeck shared insights from our member survey, mapping emerging client concerns and trends shaping crisis communications.
- CCNE Crisis Communications Report: Anna Twardowska, Joe MacIntyre, and Robbert Meulemeester unveiled this soon-to-launch free tool to help organizations assess and improve their international crisis preparedness.
Until Next Time
We’re grateful to our incredible hosts (Anna, Bartosz, Agata, Katarzyna, Dirk, and the entire 24/7Communication team) for their hospitality and dedication. As we head home, we’re already looking forward to gathering again in 2026, this time in Lisbon with Factor Social. Do zobaczenia następnym razem, Warszawo!
