REGISTRATION UPDATE: Online registrations have ended but we will be accepting walk-ins starting at 11 AM at the conference location. Lunches for walk-ins will be available in limited quantity on a first-come, first-served basis. We look forward to seeing you there!

Welcome to CommNEXT, a conference for students and professionals in the fields of design, video, advertising, marketing, PR, and journalism! Presented by the American Advertising Federation of Shreveport-Bossier, CommNEXT is an event where students and professionals have the opportunity to learn more about the communications and digital media fields from industry experts!

The conference includes lunch and will feature keynote speaker Robert Campbell from 808, Inc in Houston, TX; multiple professional breakout sessions; and a panel discussion specifically geared toward young professionals and students who are figuring out their NEXT steps into the advertising industry.

Be sure to follow our event on Facebook for updates and breakout session information.

SCHEDULE:

• 11:00-11:45 AM – Registration and Check-In
• 11:45-12:45 PM – Lunch and Opening Keynote
• 1:00-1:45 PM – Breakout Period #1 - 3 Breakout Sessions
• 2:00-2:45 PM – Breakout Period #2 - 3 Breakout Sessions
• 3:00-4:00 PM – Closing Panel and Remarks
  
  

KEYNOTE SPEAKER // BREAKOUT SESSIONS:

// KEYNOTE: Robert Campbell, Partner and Creative Director, 808, Inc. Live-Action & Animation Studio (www.808inc.com)

Revision 101: Evolving Tactics in the World’s Weirdest Industry
Coming up with a set of rules for advertising is like laying tracks in front of a moving train. Everything keeps changing. New landscapes, new technologies and new audiences have turned yesterday’s revelations into today’s clichés and, if you’re lucky, tomorrow’s kitsch. Nevertheless, Robert Campbell lays down a few of those tracks from the perspective of a writer, producer and director who has gone off the rails more than a few times over his career. He talks tactics for getting a job, selling yourself and, eventually, doing the work. From creative to production, it’s everything you wanted to know, mixed with stuff you wish you didn’t.

// BREAKOUT SESSIONS:

• Brandy Evans, VP of Communications, Shreveport-Bossier Convention & Tourist Bureau, Topic: Social Influence Rapid Takeover
• Tom Futrell, Chair of Graphic Design, LA Tech School of Design, Topic: Designing Experiences - A Collaborative Approach to Design
• Vikki Hrody, Owner - Melonhead Studios, Associate Professor (3D Modeling/Animation) - LSUS Digital Arts Program, Topic: Getting Your Foot in the Door of 3D Industries - Make Your Portfolio Work
• Cameron King, Owner and Creative Director, King's Collab, Topic: Landing Your First Client
• Dustin Lincoln, Marketing Director, Johnny's Pizza, Topic: The Nitty Gritty: Design Tips & Future Marketing Strategies
• Journalism Panel - Jane Rubin (News Director, KSLA), Blain Skiles (Multi-Platform Content Manager, KSLA)

// CLOSING SESSION:

"What's NEXT?": A Panel for New (and Upcoming) Graduates and Young Professionals - Panelists: Brent Latin (President/CEO, Young Professionals Entertainment), Laurie Priftis (Digital Media Specialist, Williams Creative Group), Aly Velasquez (Marketing Associate, Shreveport-Bossier Convention & Tourist Bureau), Dellanee Wade (Creative Director/Partner, Maltshop Marketing)