This page provides an agenda of all of the events that will be included at IMC Connect! 2024 hosted by the University of Mississippi School of Journalism and New Media on March 25-27, 2024. This annual event connects senior leaders in integrated marketing communications (IMC) from both research and practice. The schedule of events below includes workshops, topical panel sessions stemming from the leading trends in IMC, meals, breaks, and more!
This annual event is chaired by Dr. Amanda Bradshaw, assistant professor of integrated marketing communications. IMC Connect! is planned and hosted by the graduate students in Dr. Bradshaw's IMC 580 Event Planning and Management course each Spring. To learn more about IMC Connect!, visit our official website, imcconnect.com.
Registration
Hotel Information: Our invited speakers will be staying at The Graduate, located at 400 N Lamar Blvd, Oxford, MS 38655. Check in is at 4 p.m. daily. More information can be found on the hotel website.
Other attendees: we have reserved a block of rooms at the Inn at Ole Miss (conference venue). You may book your room here, if needed.
IMC CONNECT! 2024 SCHEDULE
Monday March 25th
8:00-8:30 a.m. Breakfast with Tiffannie | Overby Center Room 249
Join Tiffannie L. Hedin from Toyota for breakfast and dive into insightful discussions. Gain valuable industry insights over a morning meal from Chick-fil-A. Don't miss this opportunity to network and learn from a leader!
8:30-10:00 a.m.- Developing the Communicator in You | | Overby Center Room 249
Session Leader: Tiffannie L. Hedin, Toyota of Mississippi
Session Description: Explore how being a communicator is part of being human and how to embrace that for life and career paths. Identify key components of communication, it's mishaps and why practice really does make perfect. Learn why data and frame of reference can tell your story more effectively. Hear a day in the life of a professional communicator with open discussion and questions.
10:00-10:20 a.m.- Preparing for the Future: An Overview of the School of Journalism and New Media | Overby Center Room 249
Session Leader: Dr. Kareem Russell
Session Description: This session will identify the programs that we offer in the School and Journalism and New Media, discuss student involvement, and internship opportunities.
10:20-11:00- Overview of Community Connect! - Instructions and Pointers | Overby Center Room 249
Session Leaders: Prof. Iveta Imre and Prof. Brad Conaway
Session Description: Get ready to engage in Community Connect!, a unique service project, which involves the creation of evergreen social media video content to support our local nonprofit, United Way of Oxford-Lafayette County. Students will be paired into small groups to create short Instagram videos around campus on one of the following important issues: 1) Early Childhood Education/Literacy, 2) Mental Health, 3) Food Insecurity, 4) Housing Insecurity. Before you get started, our video and social media marketing experts will give you an overview of the project and their best tips for success.
11:00-1:00 p.m.-Community Connect! An "Influencer Service Project" in the Grove
Participants: Tiffannie Hedin, Steve Holmes, Dr. Rita Men, Elizabeth Whittington
Join us for Community Connect!, a community service project that harnesses the power of social media to create digital content for a local nonprofit. Community Connect! offers participants the opportunity to engage with the local Oxford community by developing engaging social media content at various locations around campus. After filming content at each location, students will edit their content and post on Instagram. We will crowdsource a winner of "Best Video" and also award second and third place prizes. Participants will be treated to complimentary pizza in the Grove.
1:00-1:50 p.m.- Lunch Break- Pizza in the Grove for Community Connect! participants
CONCURRENT SESSION: 2:00-3:00 p.m.-Tours of Farley Hall and The University of Mississippi -- Named "Most Beautiful Campus"
Session Leaders: Ole Miss Ambassadors/Admissions
Session Description: School of Journalism and New Media ambassadors will facilitate a custom tour of campus for visiting high school students and members of other PRSSA chapters. This will include visiting the School of Journalism and New Media facility, the Student Media Center in Bishop Hall, and the University of Mississippi campus, previously named "The Most Beautiful College Campus" by Newsweek and The Princeton Review.
CONCURRENT SESSION | 2:00-2:50-Build Your Brand: Portfolio Creation Workshop for Students | Overby Auditorium
Session Leader: Mr. Larz Roberts
Session Description: According to Cardinal Staffing, having an online portfolio and a strong personal brand increase your chances of an interview by 21%. Join us for an engaging and clear-cut session designed exclusively for students eager to elevate their personal brand that can lead them to their dream job or internship! Located in Overby 249, this hands-on workshop is tailored to empower students with the essential skills and insights needed to craft a compelling and distinctive professional identity. Larz Roberts, will guide participants through the strategic process of portfolio creation with an understandable approach. Discover the art of showcasing your skills, accomplishments, and unique strengths in a way that captures the attention of potential employers and clients. Whether you're a budding marketing enthusiast or a seasoned IMC student seeking to refine your personal brand, this workshop promises to be a transformative experience. Don't miss the opportunity to learn from a seasoned professional in an intimate setting. Bring your creativity, enthusiasm, and questions, as Larz Roberts helps you navigate the path to building a brand that stands out in the competitive world of marketing.
CONCURRENT SESSION: 2:00-2:50 From Engaging Employees to Shaping Positive Employee Experience: The Role of Strategic Internal Communication | Overby 249
Session Leader: Dr. Rita Men
Session Moderator: Prof. Evangeline Ivy
Session Description: Healthy relations with the internal publics are required for healthy relations with the external publics. If conducted successfully, this could lead to greater profitability, higher productivity, increased creativity, and a higher return on shareholder investment in the workplace. This talk aims to share insights into recent research, current trends, and issues, as well as best practices in strategic internal communication to foster employee engagement and positive employee experiences at work. Dr. Men serves as the Director of Internal Communication Research in the College of Journalism and Communications at the University of Florida. She founded and directs the Internal Communication Research Hub, a virtual space dedicated to fostering innovative research and best practices in internal communication and is a highly recognized scholar in this research area.
2:45-5:15 p.m. | Capture Your Brand: LinkedIn Headshot Fundraiser for UM PRSSA
Come and get your professional headshot made for just $10 (cash or Venmo) to support the UM PRSSA Chapter AND become graduation/job market ready!
3:00-3:50 p.m. Crisis Connect! | Overby Auditorium
Participants: Chris Chiames, Tiffannie Hedin, Donna Ritchey, Dr. Brett Robertson, Jenny Robertson, Dr. Kristie Swain, Elizabeth Whittington, & Jeffrey Young
Moderator: Prof. Debbie Hall
Session Description: Having a crisis communication plan is like having insurance. You never know when a crisis will strike and affect everything from reputation to business longevity. It can even threaten the existence of a business or organization, which is why it’s important to have a fundamental understanding while pursuing any career path in marketing or communication. Join us for an immersive and practical panel session that will equip you with essential skills to navigate communication challenges during times of crisis. In today's fast-paced world, the ability to respond effectively and strategically is more critical than ever.
4:00-4:50 p.m. Greek Life Beyond Campus: The Return on Investment on Greek Involvement and Strategies to Maximize Your Greek Experience | Overby Auditorium
Participants: Amanda Brown-Olmstead, Dr. Phillis George, Tiffannie Hedin, Lisa Houghton, Dr. Brett Robertson, Dr. Amanda S. Bradshaw, & Elizabeth Whittington
Moderator: Prof. Chris Sparks
Session Description: Sorority women and fraternity men at Ole Miss spend anywhere from $2,000-$4,000 per semester to be part of the Greek system. In addition to these monetary resources, students devote countless hours to their Greek involvement, from attending chapters to fundraising, obtaining service hours, and organizing events. However, this often translates on a resume to the one-line "XYZ Member," which prospective employers may read as simply "party club." Greek participation at an SEC school can provide comprehensive, tangible experience which can legitimately help you in your future career--if you seek it out and properly communicate this narrative while on the job market. This panel will provide practical strategies and tips for maximizing involvement in your organization, conveying the breadth and depth of your Greek life experience on your resume, discussing this in an interview setting, and applying these skills to your future career. College students have limited time and resources: if you're going to spend this much time and money in one place, you might as well strive for a maximum return on investment (ROI).
5:00-7:30 p.m.- "Greek Connect!" Networking Reception | Circle and Square Brewery
Immediately following the Greek life panel, join us for a networking reception, co-hosted by PRSSA and the Ad Club, where you'll have the unique opportunity to connect with our speakers, faculty, staff, and students from Ole Miss and other invited schools. This intimate gathering promises insightful conversations, valuable connections, and a relaxed atmosphere to foster academic and professional growth. Don't miss this chance to expand your network and engage with the academic community in a warm and welcoming setting, and feel free to bring your resume to review with Career Center representatives. As an added bonus the Greek organization who brings out the most members will win a special prize!
Tuesday March 26th
8:00-9:15 a.m. | Catered breakfast and "Making the Most of PRSSA" with PRSSA National Leadership | Overby 249
Session Description: Enjoy breakfast, and learn more about the benefits of getting involved with the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). PRSSA’s National President, Sankalp Sharma, will discuss the various opportunities for professional development and resources available for members.
9:30 a.m.-10:45 a.m. | In Deep Water: Former BP Communications Executives Case Study Deep Dive into the Deepwater Horizon Response with Key Stakeholders in MS | Overby Auditorium
Participants: Lisa Houghton, Heidi Grether, Dr. Brett Robertson
Moderator: Prof. Cynthia Joyce
Session Description: Dive into the world of crisis communication as we unravel one of the most significant incidents in recent history. Join us for a compelling panel session that offers an exclusive deep dive into the communication strategies employed during the Deepwater Horizon incident. Led by former BP communications executives and key stakeholders, this session provides a unique opportunity to learn from real-world experiences and gain invaluable insights into navigating complex communication challenges.
11:00 a.m. -12:15 p.m.- Health Connect!: Integrating Creativity with Compliance in Health Communication- Overby Auditorium
Participants: Victor Scott II, Elizabeth Whittington, and Yanique Woodall
Moderator: Steve Holmes
The healthcare sector is one of the most vibrant and rewarding areas of communication, especially post-pandemic, but it’s not for everyone. It requires an attention to rules, not just the usual details. Join our healthcare industry professionals, Victor Scott II, formerly with Cardinal Health, and Yanique Woodall of CVS Health, to discuss how to creatively integrate marketing and communications in a world that requires you to also navigate a highly regulated industry. And, of course, you’ll also learn if it’s the sort of career that interests you.
12:30-1:30- (drop-in) Resume Review Session for Students- Hosted by the Career Center| Overby 249
Session Leaders: Ms. Christy Wright and the Career Center Team
Change! Are you ready to unlock the secrets to standing out in today's competitive world? Join us for an individual resume review discussion that dives deep into the art of personal branding. Whether you're just starting your journey or want to refine your image, this session will empower you to shape your own unique professional identity.
12:30-1:30 p.m.- Lunch with Leslie: "Inside the War Room with Leslie Westbrook" | Overby 206 Board Room
Pre-registration ONLY--this exclusive lunch is capped at 20 students. Save your spot here: http://tinyurl.com/lunchwithleslie. Westbrook will discuss the big picture of crisis communications as she reflects on her public relations work leading the 1982 “Tylenol War Room” and how the brand made its comeback.
12:30-2:15 p.m. | Lunch for out-of-town speakers | City Grocery
2:30-3:45 p.m. | Corporate Social Advocacy: Taking a Stand or Remaining Silent? Best Practices from Experts and Thought Leaders | South Club in Vaught Hemingway Stadium
Participants: Holly Overton, Ph.D., Steve Holmes, Radina Russell, Todd Holmes, Ph.D.
Session Description: More than ever, communication and marketing leaders are being tapped by their CEOs and senior leaders to guide their organizations on how to appropriately participate (or not) in an array of societal issues. To the surprise of many, it can be tricky these days, given the polarization of sociopolitical opinions and a spectrum of generational expectations. This session will include a hearty discussion of examples, research and contemporary thinking. Participants will include Dr. Holly Overton, an associate professor in the department of advertising/public relations and the director of research for the Arthur W. Page Center for Integrity in Public Communication in the Bellisario College of Communications at The Pennsylvania State University; Edelman’s U.S. corporate communication lead, Radina Russell, Steve Holmes, who most recently served as the CCO at The Home Depot, and Dr. Todd Holmes, an associate professor and head of the Entertainment Media Management program at California State University Northridge. Students – come prepared to share your own thoughts, please!
4:00-5:15 p.m. | Sports Connect!: The Playbook for Success in Sports Communication | South Club in Vaught Hemingway Stadium
Participants: Kyle Bruce, University of Mississippi Athletics Department, Will Hunt, HUNT Marketing, Jeffrey Young, National Hot Rod Association, and Will Kiss, Las Vegas Raiders
Session Description: Discover the secrets to successful sports promotion, learn from industry experts, and elevate your understanding of sports marketing and fan engagement strategies. Learn from real-world examples, discover content creation tips, and gain insights into audience engagement and analytics. Stay ahead with emerging trends in sports social media. Whether you're an enthusiast, an aspiring sports marketer, or a professional, this session is your key to success in sports and social media.
5:30-5:45 p.m. Group Photo on Hollingsworth Field
6:00--7:00 p.m.-Celebrating 175 Years of Connecting Students with their "Callings:" Career Preparation Tips and Life Advice from Leading Experts in Communications | South Club in Vaught Hemingway Stadium
Participants: Jen Anderson, Chris Chiames, Amanda Brown-Olmstead, Lisa Houghton, Will Kiss, Rita Men, Ph.D., Marti Powers, Brett Robertson, Ph.D., Jenny Robertson, Radina Russell, Victor Scott II, Elizabeth Whittington, Yanique Woodall, & Jeffrey Young
Session Description: As the University of Mississippi celebrates its 175th-anniversary, we turn our attention to not just vocations but callings, a conversation spurred by our common-read "Callings: The Purpose and Passion of Work (A StoryCorps Book)" by David Isay. Five Ole Miss alumni and our other invited speakers, all senior leaders in the communications field, will come together to discuss their own career journeys and how they found -- or are on the path to finding--their calling. In this informal conversational panel, speakers will share their words of wisdom and best career advice with students.
7:00-8:00- "Finding Your Calling Bingo" Networking & Cocktail Hour | South Club in Vaught Hemingway Stadium
ALL PARTICIPANTS
Students and speakers will network and discuss their callings, and provide tips on how to find your calling and live your best life in this interactive, activity-driven networking session.
8:00-9:30- Dinner in the Chancellor's Suite | Vaught Hemingway Stadium | Invited speakers and IMC Faculty ONLY
Join us for an extraordinary dining experience as we gather for dinner in the exclusive Chancellor's Suite, offering breathtaking views of the iconic Ole Miss football field. This is a rare opportunity to savor a delectable meal in a setting that captures the essence of Ole Miss tradition and athletics.
Note: The Ole Miss baseball team will play Austin Peay beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Swayze field. Visiting students may wish to attend this event, located in close proximity to the Rebel Club! Tickets can be obtained here: https://olemisssports.com/sports/baseball.
Wednesday March 27th
8:00-8:50 a.m. | Breakfast and Welcome from the Dean! | Ballroom in the Inn at Ole Miss
Session Leader: Dean Andrea Hickerson
Session Description: Join us for a delightful breakfast session at IMC Connect!, where you'll have the unique opportunity to meet the Dean of the School of Journalism and New Media. Begin your day with a spread of breakfast favorites in a relaxed and engaging environment for networking and discussions. During your morning meal, seize the chance to connect with the Dean, gaining insights into the dynamic world of journalism education and the school's vision for the future. Don't miss this chance to build connections and engage in meaningful conversations with breakfast at the Inn at Ole Miss!"
9:00-9:50 a.m. | Put'n the "M" in IMC- Campus to Campaigns: Crafting Careers in Marketing and Communication | Ballroom in the Inn at Ole Miss
Moderator: Steve Holmes
Participants: Yanique Woodall, Radina Russell
Session Description: Integrated Marketing Communication seems relatively straightforward in name, but it can be a little hazy in real-life practice. And at a large corporation with many moving parts, integrating marketing and communication can get downright tricky. Few communication pros understand how to bring it to life better than our two powerhouse panelists: Yanique Woodall of CVS Health and Radina Russell of Edelman. Steve Holmes will dive deep into the topic with Yanique and Radina to explore how they think about IMC and discuss real examples of creative approaches that moved the needle.
10:00-10:50 a.m. | The Power of Trust: Unleashing AI in Modern PR Tactics | Ballroom in The Inn at Ole Miss
Moderator: Dr. Jason Cain
Participants: Dr. Holly Overton, Dr. Todd Holmes, Dean Andrea Hickerson, and Elizabeth Whittington
Session Description: Artificial Intelligence is the hot topic at the top on everyone's list to learn more about this year in terms of emerging trends in IMC. Hear from our panel of experts, including our own School of Journalism and New Media Dean Andrea Hickerson, to understand the impact of artificial intelligence, best practices and ethical principles for content creation, and the reality of deepfakes. This robust discussion will involve an introductory overview of our newly established Center for Narrative Intelligence and the role that it will have on the U of M campus.
11:00-11:50 a.m. | Thriving & Surviving at Agencies | Ballroom in The Inn at Ole Miss
Moderator: Steve Holmes
Participants: Radina Russell, Amanda Brown-Olmstead, and Lucy Schultze
Session Description: The agency world could be the very best place to kick off just about any communication career. But what does it take to get in the door and then stay in the door? Hear it straight from two of the nation’s most successful agency pros. Ole Miss Alum, Amanda Brown-Olmstead, started the first female-owned agency in Atlanta 51 years ago. Her business continues to thrive to this day. Radina Russell, head of Edelman’s U.S. corporate communication practice, brings a perspective from all sides, from her time with global powerhouse agencies like Edelman, Teneo and Brunswick to her time as CCO for Macy’s. Steve Holmes will moderate this insightful session, who himself is an Ole Miss alum and was an intern for Amanda and a client of Radina while CCO for The Home Depot. Finally, Lucy Schultze founded and operates Red Window Communications in Oxford, MS. Thus, this panel will give you insights into agency life of all sizes and what it takes to be successful.
12:00-1:30 p.m. | Exclusive Lunch for invited speakers, students in the event planning class and select UM faculty from the IMC department | Ballroom in the Inn at Ole Miss
Southern cuisine from Taylor Grocery will be served, including fried catfish, chicken tenders, and all the fixin's!
(CONCURRENT session) PRE-REGISTRATION ONLY 12:00-1:30 p.m. | Lunch with Leslie: Global Brands | Overby 206 Board Room
Session Leader: Leslie M. Westbrook
Pre-registration ONLY--this exclusive lunch is capped at 20 students. Save your spot here: http://tinyurl.com/lunchwithleslie. Leslie M. Westbrook is an Ole Miss graduate who has spent her career as a Consumer Research Specialist and Marketing Strategist starting with Procter & Gamble. She has experience advising both Fortune 500 companies and small businesses. Come learn about the classic and enduring formulas that make a brand successful. These case studies demonstrate how consumer research is the foundation of every globally successful product: Pringles, Pampers, Quaker Chewy Granola Bars, Dunkin’ Coffee, Dairy Queen Blizzard & Breeze, and more!
1:30-2:00 p.m.- NETWORKING BREAK
2:00-2:50 p.m. | Social Justice and Public Relations Advocacy: Walking the Walk | Ballroom in the Inn at Ole Miss
Moderator: Dr. Deb Wenger
Participants: Amanda Brown-Olmstead, Steve Holmes, Radina Russell, & Victor Scott II
Session Description: Delve into the intersection of social justice and public relations. Learn how to authentically integrate advocacy for important causes into your communication strategies while navigating potential challenges.
3:00-3:50 p.m. | Navigating the Social Media Landscape: Trends and Insights | Ballroom at the Inn at Ole Miss
Moderator: Dr. Graham Bodie
Participants: Lisa Houghton, Kelley Hunsberger, Will Kiss, Marti Powers, Jenny Robertson, and Jeffrey Young
Session Description: In a world where social media platforms continue to evolve at an astonishing pace, understanding the latest trends and insights is crucial for anyone in the fields of marketing and communication. This panel aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of the ever-changing social media landscape, offering attendees valuable insights and strategies to navigate this dynamic environment successfully.
4:00-4:50 p.m. I The Best Idea You Ever Had: Innovative Marketing Strategies That Worked | Ballroom in the Inn at Ole Miss
Moderator: Dr. R.J. Morgan
Participants: Jen Anderson, Lisa Houghton, Marti Powers, Jenny Robertson, Victor Scott II
Session Description: Share and learn about successful marketing campaigns that pushed creative boundaries. Discover the driving factors behind their success and how to apply similar approaches in your work.
5:00-6:00 p.m. | IMC Connect! Award Presentation, Address from Recipient | Ballroom in the Inn at Ole Miss
Moderator:
Session Leader: Amanda Brown-Olmstead
The first-ever IMC Connect! Award will be given to Amanda Brown-Olmstead. This award is given to one preeminent practitioner or researcher in the field of integrated marketing communications with stellar achievements to the field. Brown-Olmstead founded A. Brown-Olmstead Associates (ABOA).
Amanda Brown-Olmstead APR, Fellow, PRSA has more than 45 years of experience helping leaders communicate their story, building organizations of public trust and value. As the CEO of her agency she is an expert in crisis management and leadership communication, as a visionary who helps organizations imagine their role for financial success and the greater good.
Amanda Brown-Olmstead, who received the Ball State University’s National Public Relations Professional Achievement Award for the year 2002, is one of the PR industry's Fellows, a distinction held by approximately 300 practitioners worldwide, and is also fully accredited.
She has been a member of PRSA for more than 30 years in leadership positions. She has served as Chairman of the Bronze Anvil Award, served on the Honors & Awards Committee for several years, including Silver Anvil judging, a member of the Accreditation Committee, the Ethics Committee, and the Diversity Task Force. She was on the Board of the Counselors Academy for eight years, serving as Chairman in 1999, the National Assembly Delegate at Large, Assembly Delegate and Board Member for the Georgia Chapter for several years, an Accreditation oral judge, as well as, a presenter at a variety of conferences.
She has been responsible for launching many successful community programs to include The Salute to Women of Achievement, the for YWCA, the Young Careers membership division of the High Museum of Art and the Outstanding Atlantan award program. She is a former member of the Board of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, the Executive Committee of Robinson College of Business at Georgia State and chair of the Hall of Fame program, the Advisory Board to the Business School and the Board of Trustees of the University of Mississippi, and a past member of the Board of Visitors of Emory University.
6:00-7:30 p.m. | Ice Cream Social Closing Reception and Raffle Prize Giveaways for Student Attendees | Ballroom in the Inn at Ole Miss
Enjoy Mississippi Mud Slides, Peach Bellinis, Root Beer Floats, and the most delicious ice cream sundaes, with all of the toppings. We will enjoy meeting with invited guests and making connections with students, faculty, and community partners. Closing Remarks by IMC Connect! Chair at the end--be sure to stick around for the chance to win some awesome raffle prizes! (Must purchase to win. Raffle tickets are sold for $10/each at every check-in desk throughout the event!)
7:45-9:30 pm | Dinner for invited speakers | UM Foundation Memory House
*For invited guests, UM faculty, and IMC 580 students only