ANNIVERSARY CONFERENCE: 70 YEARS OF PIONEERING PUBLIC RELATIONS
Professional Symposium and Networking Reception
Friday, September 28, 2018 - Homecoming Weekend
Library Concourse - Frank E. Gannett Memorial Library
Check-in starts at 1:00 p.m.AGENDA
| 1:00 p.m. | Registration/Check-In Opens |
| 1:30 p.m. | Welcome Remarks and Introductions Patricia Swann, Professor of Public Relations & Journalism; Faculty Advisor, Raymond Simon Institute, Utica College |
| 1:45 p.m. | Keeping Pace with Technology Patrick Cooley ’95, Senior Consultant, Marketing Communications, Dell With little technology experience, Patrick stepped off campus decades ago and into an ever-evolving world of high technology public relations. He quickly learned it was less about the bits and bytes, and more about communicating complexity, change and new capabilities in a consumable fashion. During this session, he will discuss how his experience at Utica College prepared him for this career and share his experiences and recommendations for keeping pace in an industry that never slows down. |
| 2:10 p.m. | All I Really Need to Know I Learned at UC Dorree Gurdak ’92, Executive Vice President, Weber Shandwick Dinner in a cranberry bog? Countrywide lobster tastings with Maine lobstermen and celeb chefs? Activations in Grand Central Station for a game-changing life insurance solution with healthy living rewards? Yes, you can experience wild success with these campaigns and much more – as long as you apply tried-and-true principles. Hear directly from Dorree Gurdak as she recounts the many experiences she’s helped to create, using the skills and fundamentals she acquired while studying at Utica College. Get ready for some hard lessons along with humorous anecdotes! |
| 2:35 p.m. | Going Academic Regina ‘Gina’ Luttrell ‘98, PhD, Assistant Professor, Public Relations at the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University What happens when you earn your doctorate, amass volumes of practical knowledge in the how-to of social media, and explore the deepest depths of business ethics and crisis communications? You secure your place as an academic in one of the country’s most respected institutions, of course. Earn extra credit as you learn the latest trends and tactics in the ever-changing world of today’s public relations and its many drivers, as told by Professor Gina Luttrell. |
| 3:00 p.m. | Coffee Break |
| 3:15 p.m. | The Slippery Business of Media Relations in Professional Ice Hockey Chris Bandura ’99, Vice President of Media Relations, Buffalo Sabres Working for a professional sports team may seem like a dream job for many people, but not everyone has what it takes to lead the communications efforts for a sports team. With nearly two decades of sports-based communications under his helmet, Chris Bandura '99 has not only experienced a wide range of opportunities and perils, but also has mastered the art of balancing the relationship between the media and the National Hockey League's Buffalo Sabres. In this session, you'll learn:
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| 3:40 p.m. | Driven to Delight: the Mercedes-Benz Brand Experience Stephanie Zimmer ’96, Sales Operations Manager, Mercedes-Benz USA Come see how Experiential Marketing at Mercedes-Benz is the foundation for customer experience as well as the driver of PR and social content, both corporate and user generated. Learn how non-traditional partnership/sponsorships change brand perception and continue to provide a platform for delighting customers, current and future. |
| 4:05 p.m. | Social Media as the Secret Sauce Roundtable discussion moderated by Regina ‘Gina’ Luttrell ‘98, PhD, Assistant Professor, Public Relations at the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University Roundtable Participants: Chris Bandura ‘99 Marissa Filletti ‘17 Dorree Gurdak ’92 Stephanie Zimmer ‘96 We’ll put our speakers in the hot seat as Professor Luttrell puts them to the social media test. These pros have different experiences and requirements in their roles, but every one of them works with social media – the make-or-break of many a brand. We’ll cover ethics, diversity, real-life examples and reaction to the results of a major study released by the Commission on Public Relations Education. Audience participation will make this fun and memorable! |
| 4:50 p.m. | Closing Remarks Patricia Swann, Professor of Public Relations & Journalism; Faculty Advisor, Raymond Simon Institute, Utica College |
| 5:00 p.m. | Networking Reception with delicious bites, libations and a few special surprises |
Early Bird Pricing
- $30 (by Sept. 4th)
- $45 (Post Sept. 4th)
- $20 Reception Only
- FREE for current UC students
