Dr. Christropher Robert
Management Department Chair and Pinkney C. Walker Professor of Teaching Excellence, Trulaske College of Business

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. 

Andrew Barlow
Senior Counselor, Legend Labs

The goal of this talk is to help reignite the spark in communications professionals by exploring:

• Reconnecting with your gifts, talents and passions (aka your “superpower”)
• Mastering and channeling your superpower
• Achieving helpful differentiation and meaningful relevance
• Realizing your highest purpose in the transformation from tactician to strategic visionary

The session will draw parallels between classic superhero journey narratives and the evolution of communications professionals discovering their true calling and greatest impact.

Shervin Mansouri,
Web Accessibility Manager, Mizzou Digital Services

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.

Shawn Davis, Director of Mizzou Social Media

No video crew? No problem. No designers? Holy time crunch!

The MarCom Storytelling Utility Belt will highlight all the gadgets to turn your budget-friendly project into a Dark Knight of the digital world—ready to rise above the noise like the Bat-Signal itself! 🦇

Andrew Barlow
Senior Counsellor, Legend Labs

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.

Shervin Mansouri
Web Accessibility Manager, Mizzou Digital Services

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.

Erin Leuschke
Director of Learning and Organizational Development, University of Missouri

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. Join forces with fellow heroes and walk away ready to lead with greater trust and impact.

Abbie Lankitus
Senior Media Producer, Mizzou Visual Producations

Speed through your photo edits faster than The Flash with this beginner-friendly walkthrough of Adobe Lightroom Classic. From importing and organizing to basic adjustments and exporting, we’ll cover the full workflow to help you edit efficiently and effectively. No speed force required—just a laptop and your creative spark.

Amber Cheek
Director of Accessibility and ADA Coordinator, Mizzou and UM System

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.

Misty Larkins
President, Relevance

Discover how to build an impenetrable defense around your content strategy by prioritizing efforts that drive measurable conversions and deliver unique information value. This session reveals the superhero framework for auditing your existing content universe 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.

Jessi Church
Brand Manager, Mizzou

Unleash your inner design superhero — no cape required! Join forces with your new trusty sidekick, Adobe Express, to save the day with stunning, on-brand print and digital materials. 

Kristyn Lyon
Sr. Learning and Organizational Development Consultant, University of Missouri

Join "The Project Avengers" and 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 like a true project management hero.

Abbie Lankitus
Senior Media Producer, Mizzou Visual Productions

Unleash your inner Peter Parker and master the fundamentals of photography in this crash course. Whether you're wielding a DSLR or mirrorless or shopping for your first camera, we'll break down the basics—RAW vs. JPEG, camera settings, and what gear fits your mission—so you can shoot like a hero, not on auto. No prior photography experience required—just a curiosity and a camera (or a future one).

Kelly Wiemann
Director of Integrated Strategic Communications, Mizzou & UM System

Heroes must join forces—each with their own strengths, perspectives, and superpowers—to overcome projects bigger than themselves. Whether you're a writer, designer, video producer, programmer or director of a multifaceted team, your work shapes the story of Mizzou. But the real power emerges when these efforts align through integrated marketing and communications. Together, we amplify institutional impact, enhance student experiences, and strengthen trust and brand awareness among our audiences and our shared mission for the greater good.