Public relations expert weighing on impact of Arnold Sports Festival disagreements

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX/WTTE) — While the message to the public about this year's Arnold Sports Festival is now more unified as of Thursday, the Arnold staff have made it clear they fought for spectators to be allowed inside at all sporting competitions.

The back and forth regarding this year's rules and who would officially be allowed to watch sporting competitions in the wake of coronavirus concerns led to a string of questions from ABC6/FOX28 viewers.

"When you are communicating in a crisis you want to be clear and concise, and as clear and concise as you can be. Sometimes the situation is changing so quickly you might not be able to," said Marcy Fleisher, founder of Team Fleisher Communications.

ABC6/FOX28 sat down with Fleisher to talk about the impact of all this.

One of her company's specialties is crisis communications.

"Initially I was surprised that is a big decision that is going to cost a lot of money to those who participate, to those who fly here and to this community in general...at the same time, I get it. These are uncharted territories," said Fleisher.

She said in any sort of crisis involving health and safety there are extra considerations.

"You have to be really sensitive, in addition, typically when we are helping a client, they are not a medical professional," she said.

With so many factors to consider, Fleisher believes all the parties involved need to look at the big picture.

"If in fact that became the center of an outbreak, I think potentially that would be harder to overcome down the line," said Fleisher.

Experience Columbus told ABC6/FOX28 that the Arnold Sports Festival is contracted at the Convention Center through 2023.

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Arnold Schwarzenegger's chief of staff Daniel Ketchell said Thursday they aren't threatening to leave Ohio or Columbus.