In today’s digital age, citizens increasingly expect local authorities to be transparent and communicative. The way information is conveyed has a huge impact on public trust and engagement. However, many municipalities and cities still rely on traditional methods that are not in sync with the fast pace of digital transformation.
How can local governments avoid the most common communication mistakes and get closer to citizens? Political advisor Krešimir Macan and digital strategist Marijan Palić will answer this question in their upcoming one-day training session.
The unique training, “Stay One Step Ahead in Communication with Citizens!”, will take place on February 26, 2025, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Zagreb, aiming to provide concrete tools and strategies for building effective communication channels between local authorities and citizens. The training is designed for those looking to improve their communication with the public using cutting-edge digital tools. Through practical guidelines and real-world examples from Croatia and beyond, participants will receive tools to develop effective strategies that go beyond traditional channels and embrace new digital opportunities.
Long-Term Strategy: The Key to Success
Krešimir Macan, a political advisor with years of experience in Croatia and the region, emphasizes that serious political communication requires a long-term approach:
“What some candidates still fail to understand is that elections are not won in a month – if you’re only starting now, you might as well aim for 2029. Elections are not a lottery, and to political improvisers who think they can win without a well-thought-out strategy, I always suggest they might be better off buying a lottery ticket.”
For Macan, a long-term strategy is the key to success, and the training he is organizing with Marijan Palić will provide concrete tools for achieving sustainable and effective communication.
Digital Tools for Political Success
Participants in the training will learn how to use digital tools and modern communication channels to build trust with citizens while avoiding the most common mistakes in political communication. Macan explains:
“Most political leaders at the local level still rely on traditional communication methods. While useful, they are not adapted to the fast-paced digital society of today. That is why we decided to organize this training—to provide step-by-step guidance on how to transform communication into a two-way dialogue that fosters real interaction with citizens.”
Digital strategist Marijan Palić highlights the importance of understanding the dynamics of digital platforms:
“Leaders who fail to invest in transparent and strategically designed communication often struggle to maintain public trust. Being invisible online means being invisible in the eyes of your citizens, and that’s a luxury no local government can afford.”
For this reason, the training will cover the use of social media, websites, and other digital tools that enable quick and effective communication with the public.
Who Should Attend?
The training is intended for mayors, municipal councilors, advisors, and PR professionals who want to enhance communication in their communities. Through practical examples and clear guidelines, participants will learn how to develop a strategy based on two-way communication and engagement with citizens, which is essential for building trust and ensuring long-term political stability.
Macan concludes:
“Leading poor communication is like steering a ship without a rudder, and everyone knows where those end up.”
Through this training, participants will gain immediately applicable knowledge on how to adapt to current and future communication challenges.
For more information and registration, visit bit.ly/macanpalic .
