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Media Week 2023

The School of Communication's 11th annual Media Week connected our undergraduate and graduate students with professionals in Advertising, Multimedia Journalism, Digital Video Production, Public Relations, Communication Studies, and Communication Management. Below is the schedule of events and the list of speakers.

Monday, October 30

9 to 10:15 a.m., Bldg. 14D, Room 1011: Bad News Burnout

Increasingly, people are declining to stay informed because they’re tired of hearing bad news. How can content providers stay true to their responsibilities for informing the public without turning them off?

  • Melanie Lawson-Minor, Anchor/Reporter, WJXT/News4JAX
  • Mike McCormick, former Group News Director, Sinclair Broadcast Group
  • Mia O'Brien, Director of Multimedia Production, 1010XL/92.5FM 

Moderator: Tricia Booker, Instructor of Multimedia Journalism

 

1:30 to 2:45 p.m., Bldg. 14D, Room 1013: Digital Advertising, Digital Ad Buying and Programmatic

Courtney Killen, Senior Manager of Programmatic for Cox Media Group, showcases the  fastest growing form of ad spend.

Moderator: Dee Colvin, Associate Instructor of Advertising and Design

 

3 to 4:15 p.m., Bldg. 14D, Room 1013: Distinguishing Fact from Fiction

A discussion about the changing nature of journalism, and learning how to keep yourself informed using reliable sources. How do you determine who’s reliable?

  • Vic Micolucci, News Anchor and Investigative Reporter, WJXT/News4JAX
  • Jamie Rich, Editor, Flamingo Magazine
  • Rachel Witkowski, D.C. Correspondent/Editor, Forbes 

Moderator: Tricia Booker, Instructor of Multimedia Journalism

 

3 to 4:15 p.m., Bldg. 14D, Room 1015: Media Relations in 2023

Journalists and PR experts come together to talk about what journalists need from PR professionals and vice versa with changes to the media landscape and the need to engage diverse audiences.

  • Toni Boudreaux, Director of Operations, The Brumos Collection
  • Tim Gibbons, Editor, Jacksonville Business Journal
  • Carissa Marques, PR Coordinator, Wingard

Moderator: Dr. Rachel Riggs, Assistant Professor of Public Relations

 

Tuesday, October 31

10:50 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. Bldg. 14D, Room 2001: Relationships Across Communication Concentrations

A discussion about the commonalities and differences among communication fields (advertising, digital video production, journalism, public relations). When and how do the various fields work together? When may they be at odds? What are the best ways to engage diverse audiences?

  • Dan Croft, Director of Account Services, Ruckus Advertising Agency
  • Donia Crime, VP Corporate Communication, Landstar Systems, Inc.
  • Christopher Kennelly, CEO, Kennetic Productions
  • Kasandra Ortiz, Director of Communications, St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller and former multimedia journalist at WMAZ-TV 
  • Mary Kelli Palka, Director of Strategic Communications at UNF and former editor of the Florida Times-Union 

Moderator: Dr. Sydney Brammer, Assistant Professor of Mass Communication

 

12:15 to 1:30 p.m., Bldg. 14D, Room 1013: Behind-The-Scenes Jobs in TV

A discussion about what it takes to be a TV producer (who runs a newscast), an associate producer (who edits videos for a newscast), and a social media/web manager from local TV stations (who writes/publishes stories online).

  • Ray Hays, Executive Producer, Gemstone Media, Inc.
  • Karina Kubasak, Executive Producer, WJXT/News4JAX
  • Kayla Poe, Account Executive at Sachs Media and former producer at Action News Jax
  • Kenna Rodgers, Managing Editor, WJXT/News4JAX

Moderator: Dr. Nataliya Roman, Associate Professor of Multimedia Journalism and Production

 

1:40 to 2:55 p.m., Bldg. 14D, Room 1011: Social Media Tips

A discussion about how to plan and create social media content that your audience will love.

  • Liliana Kendall, Social Media and Content Manager, Veterinary Innovative Partners
  • Ivy Wyman, micro-influencer on Instagram

Moderator: Dr. Nataliya Roman, Associate Professor of Multimedia Journalism and Production

 

Wednesday, November 1

10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Bldg. 14D, Room 2001: Public Relations Breakout

Conversation and advice from professionals about the public relations field.

  • Alaina Bundy, PR & Communications Manager, Wingard
  • Maria Coppola, CEO and President, Coppola Public Relations
  • Allison Dukes, Director of Communications, Connect Agency
  • Paola Lorenzo, Communications Manager, Newfold Digital
  • Chris Obarski, Senior Account Manager, Dalton Agency

Moderator: Dr. Rachel Riggs, Assistant Professor of Public Relations

 

12 to 1 p.m., Talon Room (4th floor of Building 16/Osprey Commons): Lunch with the Professionals

An informal opportunity for students to network with and garner advice from professionals working in their fields of interest. The lunch is provided for free. Here's a map to the Talon Room.

  • Keagan Anfuso, Creative Director, Kennetic Productions
  • Michael Barile, Managing Partner, Elvacomm
  • Ryan Blair, Chief Operating Officer, Mad Men Marketing
  • Maria Coppola, CEO and President, Coppola Public Relations
  • Allison Dukes, Director of Communications, Connect Agency
  • Tom Fridley, Director of Production, Promotion & Community Relations, 1010XL/WJXL AM & FM
  • Joshua Garrison, President, Miranda Contracting, LLC
  • Jud Heussler, Director of Programming & Branding, WAPE and WEZI
  • Christopher Kennelly, CEO, Kennetic Productions
  • Michael Lane, Account Manager, Connect Agency
  • Allison Leeward, Director of Marketing, Newmark Phoenix Realty Group
  • Paola Lorenzo, Communications Manager, Newfold Digital
  • Vic Micolucci, News Anchor and Investigative Reporter, WJXT/News4JAX
  • Tristan Morhous, Videographer and Editor, Gemstone Media, Inc.
  • Chris Obarski, Senior Account Manager, Dalton Agency
  • Gina Stoney,  Executive Vice President and Director of Traffic Operations, Mad Men Marketing
  • Sharon Wamble-King, President, Kaleidoscope Management Consulting, LLC
  • Rachel Witkowski, D.C. Correspondent/Editor, Forbes 
  • David Zuckerman, President, Easy Edit Video, Inc.

 

1:30 to 2:30 p.m., Bldg. 14D, Room 1016: Advertising Breakout

Conversation and advice from professionals about the advertising field.

  • Michael Barile, Managing Partner, Elvacomm
  • Brendan Cumiskey, President, Dalton Agency
  • Laura Riggs, Account Director, Connect Agency
  • Stacey Steiner, Director of Brand Activation, Prattify    

Moderator: Dee Colvin, Associate Instructor of Advertising and Design

 

1:30 to 2:30 p.m., Bldg. 14D, TV Studio: Digital Production Breakout

Conversation and advice from professionals about the digital production field.

  • Keagan Anfuso, Creative Director, Kennetic Productions
  • Christopher Kennelly, CEO, Kennetic Productions
  • Mike Madden, Digital Media Production Manager, Fanatics, Inc.
  • Tristan Morhous, Videographer and Editor, Gemstone Media, Inc.
  • David Zuckerman, President, Easy Edit Video, Inc.

Moderator: Frank Goodin, Associate Instructor of Digital Video Production

 

1:30 to 2:30 p.m., Bldg. 14D, Room 1011, Multimedia Journalism Breakout  

Conversation and advice from professionals about traditional print, broadcast and digital journalism.

  • Catherine Cavallo, Multimedia Director, Jacksonville Sharks
  • Jamie Rich, Editor, Flamingo Magazine
  • Teresa Spencer, Contributor, Folio Weekly
  • Kelly Youngs, Founder & CEO of She Is Fierce! and former CNN International Senior Producer  

Moderator: Tricia Booker, Instructor of Multimedia Journalism

 

6 to 7 p.m. Bldg. 14D, Room 1016: Dis/Misinformation in Advertising

John Daigle, who runs Daigle Creative, will discuss deep fakes and other disinformation issues in corporate and political advertising, and the implications for the industry and society.

Moderator: Dr. Chunsik Lee, Associate Professor of Public Relations

 

Thursday, November 2

3 to 4 p.m., Spinnaker Media office in the Student Union: Professional Journalists Meet Spinnaker Journalists.

Professionals will tour Spinnaker facilities and visit with Spinnaker staff to offer professional insights and answer questions.

  • Tim Gibbons, Editor, Jacksonville Business Journal
  • Vic Micolucci, News Anchor and Investigative Reporter, WJXT/News4JAX
  • Jamie Rich, Editor, Flamingo Magazine

Moderator: Dr. John Parmelee, Director of the School of Communication

 

4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Bldg. 14D, Room 2014: Alumni Panel

How UNF prepares its graduates for the workforce. Alumni will describe their positions and offer advice on how students should make the most of their UNF experience. Q&A will follow.

  • Catherine Cavallo, Multimedia Director, Jacksonville Sharks
  • Carissa Marques, PR Coordinator, Wingard
  • Derrick Richardson, Realtor at United Real Estate Gallery and Owner of Richardson Management Services
  • Mellisa Soehono, PR Account Manager, Dalton Agency
  • Trevor Walsh, Owner, Cantwell Creative Media

Moderator: Angela Spears, Chair of the School of Communication's Professional Advisory Board

 

6 to 8 p.m. – Alumni reception. Location: Mellow Mushroom-Town Center. 

Reminiscing and networking with alumni, current students, and faculty.     
Location: 9734 Deer Lake Ct., Ste 1, Jacksonville, FL 32246. Map to Mellow Mushroom.

 

Friday, November 3

Social Media Expo Jax
9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Adam W. Herbert University Center 
12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224

The event is designed to promote the exchange of information, ideas, insights, and innovations among professionals in social media, digital marketing, communication, and more. This experience focuses on strategy, skills, and best practices across the social media and digital industries through a series of lectures, workshops, panels, and networking opportunities. 

For more information about speakers and ticket information, go to the Social Media Expo Jax website.