What is IMC Connect? IMC Connect! is an annual, two-day event hosted by the University of Mississippi School of Journalism and New Media. This event includes workshops and topical panel sessions stemming from leading trends in IMC. Its purpose is to bring together expert practitioners and researchers in relevant integrated marketing communications (IMC) fields. With the panels, there are also meals with invited guests, breakout sessions, and more! Each panel deals with different topics within integrated marketing communications including social media and analytics, crisis communication, advertising, and social justice within public relations.

What is my role? Serving as the Head of Sponsorships and Communication for the IMC Connect! Flagship Event in Oxford, MS, from December 2022 to May 2023, I orchestrated sponsorship agreements for a diverse range of sponsors, securing support from major brands such as Boeing and The Graduate Hotels, alongside 20 other unique sponsors, totaling $25K. I expertly managed communication aspects related to sponsor interactions and skillfully designed event layouts, optimizing sponsor visibility and impact. Additionally, during my tenure as a Graduate Student Event Planner from January 2022 to December 2022, I successfully orchestrated the debut of the 2-day IMC Connect event for the School of Journalism and New Media. This dynamic event featured 10 esteemed speakers from industry-leading organizations such as The Home Depot, Carnival Cruiseline, FedEx, and Chick-Fil-A. I meticulously coordinated room layouts across various locations, ensuring a seamless and captivating event experience, all while contributing to budget management for maximum impact within allocated resources.

2023 Presenting Sponsors: The Boeing Company, The Graduate Hotels

2023 Speakers

·       The Boeing Company - Marti Powers, Vice President of Communications for Boeing Defense, Space & Security

·       Amazon - Natashia Gregoire, Head of Operations, Internal Communications, Worldwide Operations, the Americas

·       St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital - Elizabeth Whittington, Executive Communications Director

·       UPS - Malcolm Berkley, President of Global Network Communications and Reputation Management

·       Las Vegas Motor Speedway - Jeff Motley, Vice President of Communications at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Sonoma Raceway

·       C-Spire - Jennifer Anderson, Senior Vice President of Marketing

2022 Speakers

·       The Home Depot - Steve Holmes, VP of Corporate Communications & External Affairs

·       KQ Communications - Renee Malone, President & Founding Partner

·       FedEx Services - Jenny Robertson, SVP of Integrated Marketing Communications

·       KQ Communications - Amy Rosenberg, Digital Media Director

·       Chick-Fil-A - Reade Tidwell, Director of Corporate Communications