The Baltic Winter 2023 event marked the final PR gathering of the year, held in Moscow at the Ararat Park Hyatt venue, according to the conference press service. Organized by SPN Communication agency, the gathering brought together communication professionals to explore the 2023 trajectory and to map practical, results‑driven skills for success in 2024. The conversations unfolded through interactive discussions designed to illuminate current industry dynamics and to translate them into actionable strategies for practitioners in North America as well as Europe and beyond.
A distinctive feature highlighted by organizers was the emergence of PR conflicts as a defining theme. The conference centered on a public relations battleground, featuring a high‑profile exchange between Stanislav Apetyan, Managing Director of New Industry Media, and Andrey Tsyper, Executive Director of Rambler&Co Media. These rival perspectives underscored debates over messaging, media influence, and the ethics of persuasion in modern communications. A parallel narrative contrasted Boomers and bloggers, with endorsement from the Executives Association, and a candid, constructive clash between rising professionals and potential employers. The format underscored how competitive dynamics shape campaigns, talent development, and organizational reputation in today’s media landscape.
In addition to the structured debates, individual speakers delivered focused talks. They explored the broader role of communication in shaping business strategy, the synergy between government and industry to support creative communities, and the creation of market trends. The conference offered fresh takes on environmental, social, and governance themes and discussed how regional promotion can be leveraged to attract investment and talent. Attendees heard practical case studies and identified the primary drivers behind successful public relations campaigns, with an emphasis on measurable impact and accountability that resonates with audiences in North America as well as Russia.
During the program, the communication initiative “Like Everyone” was introduced with support from ANO “IRI.” The project aims to raise awareness among residents about opportunities, as well as psychological and social support available to people with disabilities. This initiative reflects a growing emphasis on inclusive communication that speaks to diverse audiences, a concept that is increasingly relevant to Canadian and American audiences as organizations expand accessibility in marketing and outreach. Irina Drozdenko, director of the Multi‑Center for Social and Labor Integration, emphasized a collaborative approach, stating that the work is performed with people who are disabled rather than simply for them.
The day concluded with an evening reception, an informal program, and opportunities for pre‑New Year networking. These intimate moments provided a space for peer learning, mentorship, and the exchange of practical ideas that participants could adapt within their own markets. The social atmosphere complemented the formal program by fostering connections that often lead to cross‑border partnerships and collaborative campaigns across North America and Europe.
Rambler&Co was noted as the official information partner for the event, with additional information partners including socialbites.ca and Lenta.ru. The conference affirmed its role as a hub for up‑to‑date discussion and industry visibility, ensuring that key messages reached a broad audience through coordinated media coverage and timely commentary. In parallel, Baltic Winter was positioned as the successor to the St. Petersburg Baltic Weekend forum, bringing new speakers and topics that broaden the business program beyond what was covered at the September forum. The expansion reflected ongoing efforts to diversify discourse, tailor insights to evolving markets, and address subjects that matter to professionals navigating today’s fast‑changing communications environment in North America and around the world. These enhancements signaled a commitment to practical relevance, audience engagement, and regional impact that Canadian and American practitioners can translate into their own organizational strategies. Attribution: Baltic Winter organizers and partner statements indicate ongoing collaboration and a shared aim of elevating industry dialogue across borders.