KEYNOTE PRESENTATION

14. Creative Boot Camp
Stefan Mumaw, First Person

We typically think of creativity as an external force that we don’t control or an artistic talent that we don’t have. The reality is that creativity is a procedural, programmable characteristic of problem solving. It is a habit, and as such, creativity can be trained. We can improve creatively. All of us generate ideas and we do it every day. Some of us generate design or headline ideas for a client or maybe concept ideas for a new program or even activity ideas for our kids. If creativity truly is a habit, if it’s a skill that we can perform, that means we can control our own creative improvement. And Creative Boot Camp author Stefan Mumaw is going to prove it to you. He’ll not only show you what makes us all creative and what simple changes in our creative lives can have the greatest effect, he’ll run you through a series of creativity exercises that will prove that a few small creative steps will have you generating ideas in greater quantity and quality.

CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSION

12. Photoshoot Success!
Matthew Lester, Matthew Lester Photography & Jonathan Ziegler, Penn State University

Photographer Matthew Lester and Art Director Jonathan Ziegler of Penn State University’s College of Agricultural Science team up to talk about collaboration and what makes a successful photoshoot, whether it’s a magazine portrait session or a multi-day admissions shoot. If you’ve ever wondered what your photographer needs to know from you to get the best photograph for your project, learn from Matt and Jonathan. They will show how they’ve worked together to produce award-winning results. They will discuss planning, conceptualization, communication, and visual & logistical problem solving during a shoot. 

CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSION

13. Building a Self-Service DAM
Peter Krogh, Mediagraph

As the role of visual media expands, and as we are asked to do more with less (money, staff), how do keep your stakeholders satisfied? Self-service! In this presentation, we will look at the best practices to make your images and video discoverable. See how you can use tools like SSO groups, push content, taxonomy, and—yes, AI—to build a great user experience for your school. 

CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSION

11. Navigating the Jungle of AI: Unleashing Creative Potential at Universities
Katie Kelly & Deon Foster, Michigan State University

AI tools offer phenomenal possibilities, but they can be overwhelming. Where do you start? How do you integrate these tools into workflows within a university marketing team? We will share examples of AI in action within University Communications at Michigan State. We’ll provide example prompts and show our process for using AI in workflows for writing, design and distribution. We’ll also share information about our AI working group and how we developed guidelines for the use of AI in marketing and communications at MSU.

CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSION

10. Done is Better Than Perfect: Lessons Learned on the Creative’s Path
Daniel Swartz, Hoosier Type Co.

Many of us struggle with balancing the pursuit of excellence in our work and the need to be efficient at the same time. Join Daniel as he shares about his work in letterpress and how an unexpected change in his creative path transformed his approach to working as an artist and designer—leading to a healthier and more sustainable practice. Projects (and life) don't always turn out the way you may have envisioned, but that is often for the best and can lead to new and more creative outcomes! 

9. 20x20 Presentations
Shook Chung
Meghan Edmondson
April Name
Michael Osadciw
Christine Prado
Stephen Russell

Join your fellow attendees for fast-paced presentations on a variety of topics. Presenters show 20 slides for 20 seconds each. That means they’ll have just 400 seconds to tell their story with visuals guiding the way.

CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSION

7. Foundational Coaching Skills
Jen Lara, Anne Arundel Community College

In this interactive workshop, participants will acquire foundational coaching skills to complement and support their work. Key skills include how to ask powerful questions, listen “like a coach,” and design more productive relationships—all skills connected to the International Coaching Federation’s (ICF) Core Competencies. This workshop is ideal for designers, creatives, leaders, and support staff who want to improve their communication and deepen relationships.

CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSION

8. Paper 101: Navigating Paper in a Post-COVID World
Hope Sowders, Neenah Paper

In the realm of design, there’s an irreplaceable magic that only printed materials can bring. This magic is best captured when designers bridge the gap between creativity and technical expertise by collaborating closely with their print and paper counterparts. This breakout session will provide a hands-on learning experience to help determine which paper would work best to elevate the art of print to new heights.  Did you know that designers can tap into a treasure trove of free resources that can dramatically influence the end result?  Join Hope Sowders from Neenah to learn more and upgrade your paper resource library.

CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSION

5. The Art of Direction: How to assign and art direct original illustration to bring distinction to your visual communications
Kelly McMurray, 2communiqué
Jodie Hein, Rapp Art

Original commissions not only enhance your stories, they make your communications unique and strengthen the brand alignment. But art direction is typically not taught in school. So how do you pick an illustrator or photographer for a story? What is the process like working with them? How can you make sure you get a final that will align with your vision? Creative Director Kelly McMurray and Artist Agent Jodie Hein will share their experiences to help you either jump into the world of original illustration or elevate your current practice.

Kelly has worked with hundreds of illustrators over her 30+ year career as an editorial designer. As a former Art Buyer, Jodie intimately understands the needs of her clients and has a knack for making any budget or timeline work.

CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSION

4. Creating Opportunities: Inspire Your Brand
Martyne Dubuc, HEC Montréal

In 2023, HEC Montréal launched a bold new brand identity, leveraging the opening of a state-of-the-art building and catering to a more diverse audience. This innovative rebranding effort was crafted entirely in-house, showcasing the School’s commitment to creativity and strategic thinking. Martyne Dubuc will share insights into the strategy, process, and implementation behind this transformative initiative, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how internal rebranding can redefine and inspire a brand's future.