MARCOMiCON Sessions
Keynotes
View the full schedule of events
Thinking through the if, when, and why of humor use in messaging
| Dr. Christopher Robert Chris Robert is the chair of the Department of Management, the Pinkney C. Walker Professor of Teaching Excellence, former Associate Dean, and former Interim Dean of the Trulaske College of Business. He has studied humor in organizations for about 20 years, and infuses humor regularly in his professional life. He will describe the nuts and bolts of how humor works, its effects, and how a deeper understanding of humor can help navigate decisions about whether, when, and why humor use is a good strategic choice in messaging and communications. |
| Jeff Hunt As higher education navigates its most tempestuous season in memory, communicators have a more vital role to play than ever. In this engaging session, we will discuss the reputation and role of the communications function with an eye on boosting the credibility of our profession and using insightful communications to improve the decision making processes employed by university leadership. |
Breakout Sessions
Data-Informed Storytelling Panel
If you work in MarCom, you’ve likely been told to “use data to drive decisions.” But what data matters most? What tools can help you track it? How much is too much? And how do you make it meaningful for leadership — or use it to shift to best practices?
In this session, four professionals will share how they collect, analyze, and apply data to inform decisions across different fields.
 | Callee Curtis, Customer Category Manager, Lactalis Heritage Dairy |  | Shawn Davis, Director of Social Media, Mizzou |  | Andrew Grinch, Director of Marketing and Communications, College of Engineering |  | Renee Henderson, Data Champion, MU Analytics |
Improving Web Accessibility with DubBot & Editoria11y
 | Shervin Mansouri, This session will highlight key features, practical workflows, and tips for using both tools to enhance content quality, collaboration, and compliance with accessibility standards. Ideal for content managers, editors, and anyone involved in maintaining web content. |
Giving and Receiving Feedback with Radical Candor
Join us for "Giving and Receiving Feedback with Radical Candor” where you'll learn how to communicate with clarity and compassion. Through real-world scenarios and practical exercises, you'll master the balance of challenging directly while caring personally, transforming difficult conversations into opportunities for growth. Leave with the confidence to give feedback that's clear, actionable, respectful, and supportive—building stronger relationships and driving meaningful development in your team.
 | Dan Gomez-Palacio, Associate Director of Learning and Organizational Development, University of Missouri |  | Kristyn Lyon, Sr. Learning and Organizational Development Consultant, University of Missouri |
Quick Access to Tools that Will Transform Digital & Social Media Storytelling
 | Shawn Davis, Director of Mizzou Social Media In this session, you will learn about tools that can turn your budget-friendly project into a high-quality product that will help you stand out from competitors in the digital and social media world. |
Data and Analytics: The Must-Have Resource of a Trusted Advisor
 | Zach Irsik Campus leaders are facing fiercer competition for attention, faster-moving crises, and stakeholder scrutiny across a shifting digital media landscape. Communicators and marketers who can turn noise into clear, strategic counsel have the advantage. This session demystifies digital listening—what it is, what it isn’t—and shows how to convert raw analytics into insight leaders can act on. |
Document Accessibility: Remediating PDFs and Word Documents
| Shervin Mansouri Participants will learn basic best practices, including how to use built-in accessibility tools, add alternative text, structure content properly, and optimize documents for assistive technologies. Whether you're new to accessibility or need a refresher, this session will provide practical, easy-to-follow strategies for creating more user-friendly documents. |
Video Efficiencies: A Startup Workflow for Video Capture to Export
 | Nicholas Andrusisian A walk-through from computer setup to software to capture to export. This session will discuss best practices for video with an emphasis on elevating quality while maintaining higher volume of completed videos. Topics will include the differences in approaching Video vs Photo, mitigating basic IT issues, creating an Adobe Premiere Template, video camera settings 101, and capture style. Prior video editing experience will help but not required. |
Putting Trust First: Building and Maintaining Trusting Relationships at Work
 | Erin Leuschke In this session inspired by Frances Frei’s Trust Triangle, identify your trust wobbles, uncover your core strengths, and build action plans to boost authenticity, logic, and empathy. Walk away ready to lead with greater trust and impact. |
Lightroom 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Adobe Lightroom Classic
 | Abbie Lankitus Streamline your photo editing process with a step-by-step introduction to Adobe Lightroom Classic. This session will walk through the entire workflow—from importing and organizing images to making basic adjustments and exporting final files—so you can edit with clarity and efficiency. No prior editing experience required. |
Crafting Stories That Stand Out
 | Nick Pasotti In the vast, competitive storytelling landscape encompassing web, social media, email, print, video, and more, how do you give your content the best chance to stand out? This session aims to energize your ideas with inspirational examples while offering practical tips to sharpen your storytelling approach. |
 | Amber Cheek We're at a pivotal turning point in the history of accessibility for those with disabilities, and you can be a part of it. This presentation will discuss the scope of change, the role of accessibility in everyday life, and the real-world ways you can contribute. |
Working With Your Printer: Building A Partnership For Marketing Success
By the end of this session, attendees will:
- Understand the key roles within a commercial printing team and how to leverage them
- Learn how to prepare print-ready artwork to avoid delays and ensure quality
- Know how to request and interpret a quote accurately
- Gain insight into how production specialties and locations can affect timing and cost
- Learn best practices for communicating with printers to avoid missteps and missed expectations
- Leave with actionable tips to improve results, reduce costs, and build a strong printer relationship
 | Cassandra Atchinson, Vice President of Marketing, Modern Litho |  | Emma Leto, Account Executive, Modern Litho |
Building a Content Strategy Framework for Measurable Impact
 | Misty Larkins Learn how to build a robust content strategy by prioritizing efforts that drive measurable conversions and deliver unique information value. This session provides a comprehensive framework for auditing your existing content portfolio and constructing an annual plan that leverages your organization's expert knowledge to create truly differentiated viewpoints. You'll leave equipped with tactical methods to assess content performance, identify high-value opportunities, and allocate resources toward content that transforms your audience from casual observers into loyal advocates. |
Panel facilitated by Christopher Ave, Director for Media Relations & Public Affairs
Understanding how media colleagues work is important for communicators. We chat with active members of the media to learn what they're looking for and why.
 | Mercedes Mackay, Anchor and Reporter, KSDK St. Louis |  | Kurt Erickson, State Government and Politics Reporter, St. Louis Post-Dispatch |  | Alisa Nelson, News Director, Missourinet |
Let’s get creative with Adobe Express, an online tool used to create branded marketing materials, social media posts and other digital assets. We’ll cover using the brand toolkit and provide other tips and tricks to make designing in Express a breeze for beginners and advanced users alike.
 | Jessi Church Brand Manager, Mizzou |  | Veronica Burgess Associate Director for Creative Strategy, Mizzou |
Managing Projects and Organizing a Workgroup
 | Kristyn Lyon Join us to discover how to lead successful projects in the complex world of higher education where academic calendars, committee approvals, and mixed teams create unique challenges. Learn simple yet powerful tools to organize your workgroup and streamline project execution. Leave equipped with actionable techniques to tackle competing priorities and resource limitations with confidence and skill. |
Content Strategy in the Age of AI
 | Justin Pugh As AI tools such as ChatGPT reshape how audiences discover and engage with information, marketers must adapt their content strategies. This session explores how to gain visibility in an AI-driven search environment, what types of content still resonate, and how to use AI to support authentic content creation. |
Photo 101: Getting Started with Your Camera
| Abbie Lankitus Learn the essential functions of your camera and gain the confidence to move beyond automatic mode. This session will cover the basics of photo operation, including file formats like RAW, common camera settings and terminology, and what to consider when purchasing new equipment. Ideal for beginners looking to strengthen their photography skills. |
Integrated and aligned for better outcomes
 | Kelly Wiemann Whether you're a writer, designer, video producer, programmer or director of a multifaceted team, your work shapes the story of Mizzou. When each of our efforts align and we focus on basic tenants to support our work, we amplify institutional impact, enhance student experiences, and strengthen trust and brand awareness among our audiences and our shared mission for the greater good. |