The first day of the 2012 World PR Forum saw speakers from around the world cover a range of topics including public relations in sport, the laws surrounding social media and the implementation of integrated reporting.

The welcome address from Daniel Tisch of the Global Alliance set the tone of the event. This was followed by a keynote speech from Wadah Khanfar, the former Director General of Al-Jazeera, who spoke about the internet’s ability to cross borders and its affect on the modern newsroom.

A full morning was topped off by a panel discussion where Wadah was joined by Andrew Beswick from Amnesty International, Jehan Bseiso from Medecins Sans Frontieres and Archie Law from Action Aid Australia. They spoke about the importance of storytelling in journalism and how PR can add a human aspect to areas that are perceived as warzones.

At morning tea and lunch, delegates were busy discussing the various presentations and the important lessons they’d taken away from each speaker. The 800 world-leading communicators also took the opportunity to connect and network.

An eye-opening feature presentation from Professor Mark Pearson and Claire O’Rourke covered the legal issues surrounding social media use including how liking a Facebook page can be considered defamation.

The program also provided any opportunity for delegates to further develop the Melbourne Mandate, which covers the organisational and societal value of public relations and communication management.

The afternoon sessions delved into diverse topics from communication after a natural disaster to consumer and lifestyle PR to integrated reporting before delegates left for the MCG to attend the Golden Target Awards and Gala Dinner.

The forum continues today with presentations from Richard Edelman via video-link, Charlie Miller from Boeing and a discussion on how social media can create social change.