AdPR Week 2024 set to inspire and elevate

The Grady College Department of Advertising and Public Relations is thrilled to celebrate its 10th annual AdPR Week from Oct. 7-10, 2024. This year’s AdPR Week will feature panel discussions, presentations, networking opportunities and a week-long giving campaign designed to inspire and equip the next generation of communicators.

A highlight of the week is the AdPR Giving Week campaign, which aims to raise $7,500 to support students participating in the PRWeek Outstanding Student Competition. Five students will represent UGA in this prestigious national competition, recognized as one of the highest honors in the mass communications field.

“AdPR Week is a celebration of our students’ incredible potential and a testament to the unwavering support we receive from our alumni and friends” said Dr. Juan Meng, Department Head and UGA Athletic Association Endowed Professor of Public Relations. “Your generosity is instrumental in shaping the future of our field. By investing in our students, you’re helping us cultivate the next generation of communicators.”

Monday, Oct. 7

AdPR Week kicks off on Monday, Oct. 7, with a panel, “Gold Medal Storytelling: How NBC and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee Bring the Games to Life.” Moderated by Ben Deutsch, Professional in Residence and former VP of Corporate Communications at The Coca-Cola Company, the panel will showcase how industry experts craft captivating narratives around the Olympic Games. The panel features:

• Kate Hartman, Chief External Affairs Officer, U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee
• Greg Hughes, Executive Vice President of Communications, NBC Sports

Time: 1:50 – 2:50 p.m.
Location: Peyton Anderson Forum (Room 238)

Tuesday, Oct. 8

On Tuesday, Oct. 8, the Hearst Visiting Professional Series present two thought-provoking sessions. At 11:10 a.m., Dr. Tina McCorkindale, APR, President and CEO of the Institute for Public Relations, will tackle a critical issue in her talk, “Shaping Trust: How Communication Leaders Can Navigate Election Disinformation in Society.”

Time: 11:10 a.m. – 12:25 p.m.
Location: Peyton Anderson Forum (Room 238)

Later that evening, Dina Zolan (ABJ ’15), Associate Creative Director at BBDO New York, will lead a session titled “How to Do Everything: The Strength of Being a Diversified Creative.” Zolan will explore the benefits of a multifaceted career and how adaptability enhances creative leadership. This session will only be available to PRSSA and AdClub members.

Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Studio 100

Wednesday, Oct. 9

The celebration continues on Wednesday, Oct. 9, with the beloved Dawgs with the Dean event, held on the Schnitzer Family Media Lawn. This biannual tradition brings together students, alumni and faculty to celebrate Grady’s close-knit community.

Thursday, Oct. 10

The last session will be on Thursday, Oct. 10, with a forward-thinking presentation by Shazzia Khan, Global Chief Talent & Innovation Officer at Havas Group. In her talk, “How is AI Disrupting Advertising?” Khan will explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the industry and what it means for the future of advertising.

Time: 11:10 a.m. – 12:25 p.m.
Location: Peyton Anderson Forum (Room 238)

“We are incredibly excited about the speaker lineup for this year and appreciate their willingness to visit our campus, our students, and faculty,” said Dr. Michael Cacciatore, Associate Professor and Assistant Department Head.

As one of the nation’s top-ranked advertising and public relations programs, the Grady College Department of Advertising and Public Relations is committed to providing students with the resources, mentorship and opportunities they need to succeed in an evolving industry. AdPR Week exemplifies that mission, connecting students with the insights and innovations shaping the future of communications.

Author: Eli Branzon, eli.branzon@uga.edu