Higher ed marcomm conference returns to Toronto
After two years of operating virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada’s Annual Marketing & Communications for Post Secondary Conference is returning to an in-person event — and participants are ready for it.
Happening May 30-June 1, 2022 at the Courtyard Toronto Downtown, the 6th edition of this professional development conference for marketers and communicators at universities and colleges has already attracted numerous participants, most of whom will be attending in person. For those unable to attend live due to geographic distance, or who still feel uncomfortable with in-person gatherings, the proceedings will also be shared online.
“We are offering a blended format in order to provide maximum value for all, but we would like to get the balance of people in the room,” says event organizer Renee Summers.
Whether you participate in person or digitally, you’ll be able to learn about the latest trends, issues and opportunities affecting higher ed marcomm operations, and gain practical ideas and techniques to apply to your work at your institution. The event will feature insights from professionals at institutions across the country: Fraser International College, McMaster University, Sheridan College, University of British Columbia, University of Saskatchewan and University of Waterloo.
Among the topics presenters will focus on are: optimizing student communications; remotely engaging with international students; fundraising communications; virtual campus tours; and story-based marketing campaigns. Summers notes that this year’s programming will feature results from studies that can help participants make informed decisions for their institutions.
“Research helps institutions with understanding what matters to their audiences, making data-driven decisions about their marketing and communication approaches and getting buy-in from leadership,” Summers says.
The event will also feature external marcomm consultants discussing pertinent topics such as improving your admissions website, and the essentials of youth advertising. The learning continues on the third and final day with two half-day workshops focused on, respectively, building a meaningful brand experience for stakeholders and writing with the donor in mind.
As the pandemic continues to influence the way we work, Summers says, this conference will help with gauging which changes are here to stay, how our institutions compare to others, and how we can adapt to stay competitive.
“There has been so much change in the way marketers and communicators work in higher ed — this conference is a chance to better understand what to expect going forward, take away new ideas and tools to implement at their jobs, and have face-to-face conversations with their professionals peers,” Summers says.
This year, I’m thrilled to join the conference as chair, and I look forward to seeing you all there. Remember: early bird pricing for the conference is in effect until April 8.