Category: Reputation & Crisis Advisory  

Client: Local Municipality  

Format: Community Event Intervention

Challenge 

A municipality’s recurring civic engagement event had lost its collaborative tone. While intended as a forum for dialogue and connection, it had become a channel for isolated complaints and reactive conversation. With only five days to the next gathering, leadership recognized the need to shift public sentiment and re-anchor the event in shared progress and institutional purpose.

What We Did 

We quickly conducted emotional tone mapping and engagement review. Recognizing the power of perception as a pre-condition for participation, we created a short film that gently reminded attendees of what had been accomplished—framed with empathy and authenticity. Presented at the venue entrance alongside refreshments and informal introductions, the film served as both a visual cue and mood-setter. It positioned the municipality not as distant authority, but as a contributing community member, reframing expectations before dialogue began.

Impact 

The tone of the event changed immediately. Discussions became forward-facing and solutions-oriented. Attendees expressed renewed interest in collaboration and shared appreciation for the municipality’s efforts. The forum’s original purpose was quietly restored: community building through mutual respect.

Takeaway 

Public perception isn’t formed at the podium, it begins the moment someone enters the room. 

A single well-framed narrative can reset engagement and re-establish trust.