Communications Leaders, Influencers to Offer Insights at IMC Connect!

The event, hosted by the School of Journalism and New Media, is set for Monday (March 24) at The Inn at Ole Miss. It also includes a career fair, a cornerstone of the yearly event, the following day at the Gertrude C. Ford Ole Miss Student Union.

The conference provides opportunities for students to network with a gamut of top industry professionals, receive feedback on their portfolios and hear how they are advancing the future of integrated marketing communications.

Students enrolled in professor Amanda Sams' event-planning class organized the conference to include several booths and activities that enhance attendee's professional profiles. Those services include professional head shot photography, resume and cover letter reviews, mock interview games and opportunities to learn about the Ole Miss Graduate School programs.

"IMC Connect! is our signature event that brings together leading practitioners and researchers in integrated marketing communications to discuss cutting-edge trends and topics such as AI, career preparation and industry dynamics," said Sams, assistant professor of integrated marketing communications.

"It's a special opportunity for our students to network with top minds in the field, gain valuable job search advice and participate in unique experiences like our influencer marketing dinner, all while preparing for their future careers."

A series of expert panels will offer career development advice ranging from how to navigate the future of artificial intelligence to best practices for students to showcase their experience and talent.

New this year, the conference will livestream its first day events, including an evening dinner with viral content creators.

The influencer marketing dinner is a limited-capacity event showcasing insights from marketing innovators. The first 100 students to register are guaranteed seats, with additional spots available on a first-come, first served basis.

The conference features an impressive speaker lineup:

• Adam Durfee, senior director of marketing innovation, Bonneville Communications
• Karen Freberg, professor of strategic communications, University of Louisville
• Steve Holmes, former chief communication officer, Home Depot
• Ward Hubbell, communications adviser and strategist, Hubbell Communications
• Will Hunt, CEO and president, Hunt
• Evangeline Ivy, UM instructional assistant professor of integrated marketing communications
• Chase Parham, editor and reporter, RebelGrove.com; owner, MPW Digital
• Jasmine Phillips, founder and CEO, Phillips Media Agency
• Marti Powers, retired vice president of communications, Boeing Defense, Space and Security
• Kelly Rodriguez, operations manager, Red Window Communications
• Lucy Schultze, founder and CEO, Red Window Communications
• Alla Shkiler, senior vice president, Grayling
• Steve Soltis, professor, University of Virginia Darden School of Business
• Joey Wagner, owner, J Wagner Group; partner, Bee Scene Agency and Louisville Thoroughbred Society; creator, Jocktails

Andrea Hickerson, Ole Miss journalism dean, and Brian Smith, chair and professor of integrated marketing communications, will host an opening breakfast with students, faculty and professionals at 8 a.m. March 24.

For more information about the conference, contact Sams at asbrads1@olemiss.edu.

Top: A packed crowd of Ole Miss students engage with a panel of speakers during a health communications session at the 2024 IMC Connect! event. Photo by Mackenzie Ross/School of Journalism and New Media