Agenda
Day 1
8:00 – 8:45 a.m.
Registration/Breakfast/Networking
· First Floor Rotunda ·
8:45 – 9:00 a.m.
Opening Remarks
Jere W. Morehead – President, University of Georgia
Introduction by Kathy R. Pharr
· MLC Room 171 ·
Session 1: Keynote
9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Unlocking Gentelligence®
It’s time for smarter intergenerational conversations. With five distinct generations currently in today’s workplace, organizational leaders and teams frequently encounter frustration and complexity when managing intergenerational dynamics. In this engaging keynote, we will push back on lazy generational stereotypes to understand why generations bring different norms into the workplace. Using the Gentelligence® framework, we will share actionable, practical strategies to help transform generational diversity from a perceived challenge into a competitive advantage for your organization.
Megan W. Gerhardt, Ph.D.
· MLC Room 171 ·
10:30 – 10:45 a.m.
Break
Session 2
10:45 – 11:45 a.m.
Track A
Integrated Content Strategy
This session explores how intentional collaboration across marketing, creative, and media communications teams elevates content from isolated, reactive outputs into cohesive, strategic storytelling. By aligning goals, messaging, and distribution from the outset, organizations can move beyond simply producing content to shaping narratives that advance institutional priorities, strengthen brand identity, and drive measurable impact.
Leslie Colvin, James Hataway, Lisa Robbins
· MLC Room 148 ·
Track B
Panel: What Resonates with Students?
In this session, Visitors Center tour leaders will share their insights on the messages that matter most to prospective students and the topics they are most eager to learn about when considering college. Panelists will discuss common questions, emerging themes in student interests, and what truly resonates with today’s applicants as they navigate their college decision making process.
Eric Johnson & Visitors Center Student Tour Leaders
· MLC Room 171 ·
Track c
Workshop 1: Photography as a Second Language
Participants will bring their cameras and equipment to work with MarComm photographers to help them with their questions about taking better photos. Participants will be limited to 25 for each session. Photographers will provide pre-work instructions before the conference.
Dorothy Kozlowski, Brian Powers, Billy Schuerman, Chamberlain Smith, Andy Tucker
· MLC Room 150 ·
11:45 – 12:45 p.m.
Lunch
Session 3
12:45 – 1:45 p.m.
Track A
The Art of an Interview
This session will give practical guidance on how to prepare faculty for both internal storytelling interviews and external media engagements. Drawing on real-world examples from campus and national media, the presentation will outline simple, effective strategies to help researchers communicate their work clearly, confidently and in ways that resonate with broad audiences—whether the goal is shaping an internal feature or navigating a high-stakes media interview.
Leigh Hataway
· MLC Room 148 ·
Track b
Foundations of Data Storytelling
In this session, participants will learn the core principles of data storytelling and how to combine data, narrative and visuals to communicate insights that resonate with audiences. We’ll explore how to structure a compelling storyline and choose visuals that clarify rather than overwhelm. This session provides practical techniques to transform data into clear, engaging, and actionable stories that support better decision‑making.
Brian Simmons
· MLC Room 171 ·
Track C
Workshop 2: Photography as a Second Language
Participants will bring their cameras and equipment to work with MarComm photographers to help them with their questions about taking better photos. Participants will be limited to 25 for each session. Photographers will provide pre-work instructions before the conference.
Dorothy Kozlowski, Brian Powers, Billy Schuerman, Chamberlain Smith, Andy Tucker
· MLC Room 150 ·
1:45 – 2:00 p.m.
Break
Session 4
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Emergency Communications: Hurricane Helene Case Study
When Hurricane Helene devastated the Southeast in September 2024, the powerful storm killed more than 200 and knocked out power to parts of Georgia and eight other states. Augusta University, which suffered wind gusts exceeding 100 mph during Helene, lost power for 6-7 days—significantly hampering the university’s ability to communicate with students, faculty and staff. Joe Webber, Augusta University’s director of the Office of Critical Event Preparedness and Response, will describe the innovative ways university leaders kept their community informed in the aftermath of Helene—and the crisis communications lessons that can be applied to other institutions.
Greg Trevor & Joe Webber
· MLC Room 171 ·
3:00 – 3:15 p.m.
Break
Session 5
3:15 – 4:15 p.m.
Not Another AI Presentation
Tailored to marketing communications professionals, this session explores best practices for using AI to improve speed and clarity while staying grounded in audience needs, brand voice and credibility. We’ll focus on what works, what to avoid and how to make AI use feel intentional.
Jacob Batte & Erin Garrett
· MLC Room 171 ·
4:15 – 5:15 p.m.
Break
5:15 – 6:15 p.m.
Social Event/Networking
· Rialto Club ·
Day 2
8:00 – 8:30 a.m.
Registration/Breakfast/Networking
· First Floor MLC Rotunda ·
8:30 – 8:45 a.m.
Opening Remarks
Kathy R. Pharr, Chief of Staff to the President and Vice President for Marketing & Communications
· MLC Room 171 ·
Session 1: Keynote
8:45 – 10:15 a.m.
National Geographic Storytellers Collective
This session, led by National Geographic Storytellers, will empower campus communicators to transform complex ideas, strategy, and data into relatable, memorable stories that elevate the university’s research reputation.
Lisa Lytton, Dr. Jason Gulley, Elizabeth Unger
· MLC Room 171 ·
10:15 – 10:30 a.m.
Break
Session 2
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Track A
Capturing Share-worthy Video with What You Have
This session will help you learn to create engaging social content using smartphones and affordable, easy-to-use cameras. Learn why authentic, less-produced video often performs better, how to elevate mobile footage with simple tools and apps, and best practices for shooting vertical, social-first content that connects with audiences.
Thomas Abercrombie & Corey O’Quinn
· MLC Room 148 ·
Track B
Panel: Leveraging LinkedIn for National Reputation Gains
This panel will feature senior UGA leadership, alongside marketing and communications professionals, sharing tips and tricks to strategically leverage LinkedIn to promote university news and research in support of the university’s national reputation campaign. Panelists will speak about how to manage a personal LinkedIn, as well as managing LinkedIn on behalf of a brand, and share best practices to take advantage of LinkedIn’s suite of tools and resources.
Jamie Lewis, Rod Guajardo, Philip Hong, Marisa Pagnattaro
Moderated by Chloe Hicks
· MLC Room 150 ·
11:30 – 12:15 p.m.
Lunch – Grab and Go
Session 3
12:15 – 1:15 p.m.
Track A
Lightning Round
In this session, campus communicators will share their favorite quick wins, clever hacks, and time‑saving strategies that have made a real impact in their work. From content creation shortcuts to workflow improvements, you’ll leave with a crowd‑sourced list of practical tips you can implement immediately.
· MLC Room 148 ·
Track b
Panel: The Path to Leadership
This session will feature a conversation with senior leaders in higher education communications, who will explore the pathways, competencies, and strategic decisions that have shaped their respective careers. Through this interactive exchange, attendees will gain practical guidance, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of how to navigate and define their own leadership journeys within the evolving landscape of higher education communications
LeNá McDonald, Kathy R. Pharr, Abbigail Tumpey
· MLC Room 171 ·
1:15 – 1:30 p.m.
Break
Session 4
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
The Future of the University Brand: Strategy, Story, and Differentiation in Higher Education.
Universities are operating in an increasingly competitive environment where attention, trust, and differentiation matter more than ever. In this closing keynote, Dr. Jennifer Osbon explores the forces shaping higher education marketing and what they mean for the future of the university brand. As student expectations evolve and the digital landscape grows more crowded, effective branding requires more than messaging—it requires clarity of identity, compelling storytelling, and meaningful differentiation. This session will examine how institutions can strengthen their brands by aligning strategy, experience, and communication.
Jennifer Obson
· MLC Room 171 ·
2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Merch & MARKS
· Victor K. Wilson Memorial Hall Ballroom ·