Texas State Mass Comm Week 2023: A Recap of PR Panels and Insights

By Emily Codina

erc103@txstate.edu

The School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Texas State University hosted its highly anticipated annual Mass Comm Week from October 2nd to October 6th, 2023. This year's event featured an impressive lineup of in-person and online sessions, providing students and attendees with the unique opportunity to gain valuable insights into the ever-evolving world of mass media.

Mass Communication Week, a five-day conference, has been a staple at Texas State University since its inception in 1990. Over the years, it has continued to expand, incorporating more speakers and diverse events, solidifying its reputation as a premier gathering for students and professionals alike. Students actively participate by covering events, utilizing social media, and engaging with guest speakers.

Monday: Influencing Breakfast with Wendy's:

The week kicked off with an exciting presentation by Claudia Marvin and Maren Gowland from Ketchum NY. They shared their experiences on how influencers helped Wendy's reintroduce breakfast, making it fun and exciting for their audience. The presentation also included insights into internship opportunities and an overview of their roles at this PR powerhouse.

Tuesday: Agency Life Insights:

A panel of recent graduates, including Carson Jones from anthonyBarnum, Blake Pousson from ECPR, Allison Jones Ralston from INK Communications, Summer Richie from Hill+Knowlton, and Lydia Crow from Bhava Communications, provided a glimpse into life at PR firms. They shared their career journeys and offered valuable tips on securing positions within agencies.

Wednesday: Embracing Diversity in PR:

A thought-provoking session on embracing culture and diversity in public relations featured professionals from Refuerzo Collaborative, a Latina-owned communications agency, the City of Austin, Edelman Chicago, and the Texas Association of Mexican-American Chambers of Commerce. The panel discussed how diverse cultures can contribute to building effective PR teams and emphasized leveraging unique backgrounds and experiences to become stronger PR professionals.

The Power of Digital Networking:

Dr. Prisca Ngondo presented findings from her recent research on digital networking and its correlation with job search success. Mel Pearce, a Texas State alumna working for the job search site Handshake, shared practical insights on optimizing your LinkedIn presence for job search purposes.

Thursday: PR Pros in Social Media:

PR graduates with thriving social media careers shared their journeys, providing inspiration and advice. Panelists included Novalie Gomez, Alex Hartman, Raegan Haggard, Morgan Perry, Shayla Rose, and Christina Rodriguez, offering valuable insights into the world of social media and digital communication.

Friday: Artificial Intelligence and the Future:

Tim Hayden took the stage to discuss the profound impact of artificial intelligence on the digital landscape. Delving into topics like customer relations management, customer data platforms, data privacy, and data management, he provided a futurist perspective on how AI is shaping the future of professional communicators.

Mass Comm Week 2023 was an incredible opportunity for students to connect with industry experts, gain insights into their future careers, and explore the dynamic field of mass media. The diverse range of panels and discussions underscored the importance of staying informed and adapting to the ever-changing media landscape. We look forward to Mass Comm Week 2024 and the valuable experiences it will bring to students and attendees.