The “Icons and Influence” event brought together Kent State students with live speakers, networking opportunities and friendship bracelets. Kent Public Relations Student Society of America and Kent American Advertising Federation held the event at Franklin Hall on Sept. 18, focusing on teaching students how to connect with an audience.
Marcus Collins, professor and author of “For the Culture,” and Hannah Wing, assistant professor of communications at Wichita State University, spoke with students about their findings and work with celebrities such as Taylor Swift and Beyoncé. Students learned how to connect with an audience to spark movements and cultural trends.
The event was open to all students with the aim for them to walk away with helpful insights regarding working in public relations. Vice president of professional regulations for PRSSA, senior Tanner Poe, spoke at the event as well, asking questions to the speakers and leading the discussion.
“I hope students took away something practical from what either Taylor Swift or Beyoncé do in their brands to create engagement,” Poe said.
Kara Planey, a freshman public relations major, voiced her thoughts on attending the “Icons and Influence” event.
“My biggest takeaway was the relationship that influencers and celebrities have with their fans and the importance of keeping that contact throughout their careers,” Planey said.
Planey also spoke on how PRSSA has helped her network through their events and how that has brought her helpful connections for the future.
“I went to the last PRSSA meeting, and a lot of the speakers offered their LinkedIn and strong advice,” she said.
Students walked away from “Icons and Influence” with knowledge and relationships that will hopefully sprout accomplishments for them in the future.
“Students can take the techniques or tactics that celebrities use and bring it down to whatever they are doing,” Poe said after the event.
She added that PRSSA is always looking for a way to attract and engage with students. Their mission is to enhance students’ public relations and leadership skills, while also exposing students to professional opportunities.
“We are always looking for relative topics and ideas that resonate with students,” Poe said. “The main mission was to expose students to public relations, especially the music area. We have noticed that’s been a big one of interest that students want to go into.”
The music and celebrity topic was definitely a hit for students. Planey shared her favorite piece of insight from the speakers at the event.
“When Dr. Marcus mentioned Beyoncé fans trying to name her fandom and kind of took over, I found that really interesting to see how you might have a plan, but it can change because of the audience itself,” she said.
There will be many more similar events regarding public relations coming up, Poe said.
“Our next meeting is Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. in Franklin Hall,” she said. “We are going to have the president of the Cleveland Film Commission, Bill Garvey, come in and speak about the Superman filming over the summer.”
The “Icons and Influence” event brought together numerous Kent State students to reflect and gain knowledge regarding public relations.
“The speakers were really great; they gave a lot of helpful insight about pop culture,” Planey said. “I would attend another event.”
Savannah Carroll is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected]
