Brand Camp Agenda
Purdue Brand Camp is packed with engaging sessions on a variety of topics. Browse the agenda and view the full list of sessions below.
Agenda
Monday, July 28
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 8-9 a.m. | Check-In/Breakfast Location: Purdue Memorial Union North Ballroom Welcome to Brand Camp! Check in, claim your name tag, collect your free swag and grab breakfast. |
| 9-9:15 a.m. | Welcome/Opening Remarks Location: Purdue Memorial Union North Ballroom Let’s kick off Brand Camp with some excitement and energy! President Mung Chiang will open Brand Camp with some inspiring and insightful remarks. |
| 9:15-10:15 a.m. | Keynote: The Purdue Brand, Five Years Later: What We’ve Built Together Location: Purdue Memorial Union North Ballroom This keynote will celebrate the impact of the shared work in the Purdue communicators and marketers’ community, explore the strength of internal alignment, and look ahead to the next chapter for the Purdue Communicators Council. |
| 10:30-11:15 a.m. | Session 1 Breakout
|
| 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. | Session 2 Breakout
|
| 12:15-1:15 p.m. | Lunch Location: Purdue Memorial Union North Ballroom Join us for networking and lunch, provided by the Purdue Memorial Union! |
| 1:15-2 p.m. | Keynote: AI at Purdue: What You Need To Know Now About the Latest Tools in AI and Purdue’s New Guidelines for Marketers and Communicators Location: Purdue Memorial Union North Ballroom Dive into all the latest on AI from an industry expert and explore Purdue’s new AI guidelines for marketers and communicators — what’s allowed, what’s encouraged and what to watch out for. Learn how to harness emerging tools ethically and effectively to boost creativity, save time and stay aligned with Purdue’s values. |
| 2:15-3 p.m. | Session 3 Breakout
|
| 3:15-4 p.m. | Session 4 Breakout
|
| 4-5 p.m. | Social Hour Location: Purdue Memorial Union South Ballroom Wrap up day one of Brand Camp with a relaxed social hour designed for connection and conversation. Join fellow attendees to unwind, share insights and build new professional relationships. Light refreshments will be provided! |
Tuesday, July 29
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 8-9 a.m. | Breakfast Location: Purdue Memorial Union North Ballroom Let’s begin day two of Brand Camp with a yummy breakfast! |
| 8:30-9 a.m. | Campus Partner Feature: Victories & Heroes: Your Campaign for Purdue Location: Purdue Memorial Union North Ballroom During breakfast, get an inside look at “Victories & Heroes: Your Campaign for Purdue” — a five-year, $4 billion initiative officially launching this October. |
| 9:15-10 a.m. | Session 5 Breakout
|
| 10:15-11 a.m. | Session 6 Breakout
|
| 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. | Closing Keynote: Spotlighting the Small Steps: Telling the Stories of What Matters Most Location: Purdue Memorial Union North Ballroom In this inspiring closing keynote, Purdue Brand Studio leaders will explore how powerful storytelling starts with you — your students, your faculty, your initiatives. Learn what makes a story “so Purdue,” how to make it resonate and how to share the small steps that lead to our next giant leaps. |
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Session Descriptions
Monday, July 28, 9:15-10:15 a.m.
Monday, July 28, 9:15-10:15 a.m.
The Purdue Brand, Five Years Later: What We’ve Built Together
Presenters:
- Kelly Hiller, Chief Marketing Officer, Purdue Brand Studio
- Bailey Leffler, Director of Brand, Purdue Brand Studio
Description:
In just five years, Purdue’s marketing and communications community has done the hard, thoughtful work of understanding, living and sharing the brand every day — and that commitment shows. The results are clear: a brand that resonates because it’s consistently and confidently brought to life from the inside out. This keynote will celebrate the impact of our shared work, explore the strength of internal alignment and look ahead to the next chapter for the Purdue Communicators Council.
Location: North Ballroom
Type: Keynote/Fireside Chat
Who is this for?
Everyone
Monday, July 28, 10:30-11:15 a.m.
Monday, July 28, 10:30-11:15 a.m.
How To Create Engaging, On-Brand Web Experiences: Helpful Resources, Tools, Ideas and More
Presenters:
Brad Beutler, Director, Creative Services, Digital, Purdue Brand Studio
Description:
Ready to redesign your department’s website but not sure where to start? Need a refresher on the latest templates and blocks available on Cascade and WordPress? This session will provide helpful resources, best practices, use cases, examples and ideas to inspire and guide teams on how to delight their audiences and best represent our brand through creative web experiences.
Location: Anniversary Drawing Room
Type: Presentation
Who is this for?
Everyone, especially those who work in web and digital
Monday, July 28, 10:30-11:15 a.m.
Mastering Instagram Trends: Creating Content That Connects
Presenters:
- Ashlee Shroyer, Director, Social Media, Purdue Brand Studio
- Jon Garcia, Lead Multimedia Producer, Purdue Brand Studio
- Maria Welch, Senior Social Media Specialist, Purdue Brand Studio
- Kolby Lybarger, Social Media Specialist, Purdue Brand Studio
- Lauren Beck, Social Media Associate, Purdue Brand Studio
Description:
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, social media managers must be more agile than ever to stay relevant and effective. This session will explore how to identify, assess and thoughtfully join social trends — while adding a uniquely Purdue element and keeping true to the brand. Attendees will gain insight into finding social trends, develop practical frameworks for trend analysis and learn how to collaborate with student workers.
Location: East Faculty Lounge
Type: Presentation
Who is this for?
Everyone, especially those who work with social media
Monday, July 28, 10:30-11:15 a.m.
Measuring What Matters: Proving the Power of Your Marketing
Presenters:
Malcolm Bonner, Principal Analytical Lead, Google
Description:
Go beyond vanity metrics and prove your impact. This session will help you define what success really looks like, track what matters and translate data into insights that drive decisions. Learn how to connect your efforts to outcomes — and build a stronger case for the value of marketing in your unit.
Location: West Faculty Lounge
Type: Workshop
Who is this for?
Leaders and those dealing with metrics reporting
Monday, July 28, 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Monday, July 28, 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Create On-Brand Videos — Whether You DIY or Hire a Pro
Presenters:
- Jon Garcia, Lead Multimedia Producer, Purdue Brand Studio
- Jonathan Hord, Senior Multimedia Producer, Purdue Brand Studio
- Jason Doty, Senior Manager, Purdue Video Production
Description:
Want to create professional, on-brand videos with ease? Learn how to use Purdue’s new enterprise Vimeo platform — featuring branded templates, cloud storage and easy editing tools. Prefer to leave it to the pros? Meet the full-service Purdue Video Production team, now part of Purdue Brand Studio, and see how they can bring your vision to life with high-impact content — from promos and scripted pieces to animations and more.
Location: East Faculty Lounge
Type: Workshop
Who is this for?
Everyone
Monday, July 28, 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Harnessing the Purdue Brand: A Refresher
Presenters:
- Bailey Leffler, Director of Brand, Purdue Brand Studio
- Greg Simmons, Lead Graphic Designer, Purdue Brand Studio
- Paige Brown, Senior Content Writer, Purdue Brand Studio
- Melissa Hammond, Senior Brand Manager, Purdue Brand Studio
Description:
Five years into Purdue’s brand relaunch, it’s time to reconnect with the platform driving it all: THE PERSISTENT PURSUIT OF THE NEXT GIANT LEAP. This session will reintroduce the strategy and design behind our brand and will help teams show up with purpose, precision and alignment. This session will be particularly beneficial to staff who have joined Purdue in the last five years.
Location: Anniversary Drawing Room
Type: Presentation
Who is this for?
Everyone, especially new staff
Monday, July 28, 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Crafting Connections: Elevating Email Marketing Strategy and Planning
Presenters:
Kelsey Smith, Marketing Cloud Administrator, Mitch Daniels School of Business
Description:
Email is still one of the most powerful ways to connect — when done strategically. This session explores how collaboration, segmentation and brand storytelling can turn your email campaigns into high-impact tools. Learn how to streamline planning, personalize messaging and improve performance through analytics. Whether you write, design or strategize, you’ll leave with practical techniques to enhance your email effectiveness and align with Purdue’s brand.
Location: West Faculty Lounge
Type: Workshop
Who is this for?
Everyone, especially those who work in email marketing
Monday, July 28, 1:15-2 p.m.
Monday, July 28, 1:15-2 p.m.
AI at Purdue: What You Need To Know Now About the Latest Tools in AI and Purdue’s New Guidelines for Marketers and Communicators
Presenters:
- Bart Caylor, President/Founder of Caylor Solutions and The Higher Ed Marketer
- Emily Richwine, Executive Director, Creative, Purdue Brand Studio
- Erin Murphy, Senior Director of Media and Public Relations, Purdue Brand Studio
Description:
Hear from one of the nation’s leading experts in AI for higher ed, Bart Caylor, as he kicks off this engaging session with an optimistic look forward on the possibilities that lie ahead with AI. Also in this session, you’ll explore Purdue’s new AI guidelines for marketers and communicators — what’s allowed, what’s encouraged and what to watch out for. Learn how to harness emerging tools ethically and effectively to boost creativity, save time and stay aligned with Purdue’s values.
Location: North Ballroom
Type: Keynote
Who is this for?
Everyone
Monday, July 28, 2:15-3 p.m.
Monday, July 28, 2:15-3 p.m.
Speaking in One Voice: Understanding, Using and Maximizing the Purdue Brand Voice and Tone
Presenters:
- David Ching, Senior Copy Manager, Purdue Brand Studio
- Paige Brown, Senior Content Writer, Purdue Brand Studio
- Ava Kuhn, Senior Content Writer, Purdue Brand Studio
Description:
What makes the Purdue voice resonate across countless stories? This session explores how we unify campus storytelling while allowing space for individuality. Learn to use tools like the Purdue narrative, brand personality and messaging map to adapt the master brand voice for your audience — whether you’re creating a social post, writing a feature story or putting together a video, we’ll help you make it unmistakably Purdue.
Location: West Faculty Lounge
Type: Workshop
Who is this for?
Everyone
Monday, July 28, 2:15-3 p.m.
PurdueALERT: Your Role in Supporting Effective Crisis Communication
Presenters:
- Trevor Peters, Assistant Director of Issues and Reputation/Deputy Spokesperson, National Media, Purdue Brand Studio
- Rebecca Terry, Communications Director, Administrative Operations
- Jefferson Howells, Director, Office of Emergency Preparedness
- Ashlee Shroyer, Director, Social Media, Purdue Brand Studio
Description:
When seconds matter, clarity counts. In this session, you’ll get an inside look at how PurdueALERT works — from its layered notification system to the strategies behind real-time updates. Learn how you can support (not stall) crisis communications and ensure your unit is aligned, responsive and ready when it matters most.
Location: Anniversary Drawing Room
Type: Panel
Who is this for?
Leaders and those who deal with crisis communications
Monday, July 28, 2:15-3 p.m.
Paid Social, Decoded
Presenters:
- Stephanie Fleck, Director, Paid Media Strategy, Purdue Brand Studio
- Megan Hoskins, Senior Marketing Strategist, Purdue Brand Studio
- Hanna Mortazavi, Senior Data Analyst, Purdue Brand Studio
Description:
Get smart — and strategic — about paid social. Whether you’re boosting a post or launching a full campaign, this session will walk you through audience targeting, budget planning and platform strategy. Learn how to amplify your message, reach the right audience and drive real results.
Location: East Faculty Lounge
Type: Workshop
Who is this for?
Everyone, especially those who manage paid campaigns
Monday, July 28, 3:15-4 p.m.
Monday, July 28, 3:15-4 p.m.
Localizing the Purdue Brand: Strategies for Indianapolis
Presenters:
- Derek Schultz, Lead Media and Public Relations Specialist/Deputy Spokesperson, Purdue Brand Studio
- Julie Beckwith, Senior Content Writer, Purdue Brand Studio
- Julie Sadler, Senior Graphic Designer, Purdue Brand Studio
Description:
Join us for an insightful session on how to effectively localize the Purdue brand for Indianapolis. Learn the key nuances of design, photography and copywriting that resonate with Indianapolis-based audiences while maintaining the integrity of the core Purdue identity. We’ll also dive into successful strategies for selecting Indianapolis-centric stories that can make an impact both locally and nationally through earned media. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from experts in the field and get your questions answered during a live Q&A session.
Location: Anniversary Drawing Room
Type: Presentation
Who is this for?
Anyone who has representation in Indianapolis
Monday, July 28, 3:15-4 p.m.
Purdue Web: Help Build What’s Next and Q&A Session
Presenters:
Brad Beutler, Director, Creative Services, Digital, Purdue Brand Studio
Description:
So what’s next for Purdue web experiences and resources for campus partners? Join the Purdue Brand Studio web team as they preview a new web style guide that will be debuting later this year. They also want to hear from you! What would you like to see next that could help your team’s web strategy? Your input will help shape their road map and future new resources.
Location: Meeting Room 268
Type: Roundtable
Who is this for?
Everyone, especially those who work in web and digital communications
Monday, July 28, 3:15-4 p.m.
Telling Stories With Impact: Writing and Storytelling for Research News
Presenters:
- Erin Murphy, Senior Director of Media and Public Relations, Purdue Brand Studio
- Amy Patterson Neubert, Director of External Media Strategy, Purdue Brand Studio
- Brittany Steff, Senior Science Writer/Communications Specialist, Purdue Brand Studio
- Kayla Albert, Lead Media Relations Specialist, Purdue Brand Studio
- Michael Robb, Senior Producer, Purdue Brand Studio
Description:
Purdue researchers are solving some of the world’s biggest challenges — and it’s up to us to help the world understand why it matters. This session will sharpen your skills in translating complex research into compelling, audience-ready stories. Whether you’re new to research communications or need a refresher, you’ll learn best practices, tips to get great sound bites and techniques for storytelling that turn discoveries into impact.
Location: West Faculty Lounge
Type: Presentation
Who is this for?
Everyone, especially those who promote research in their units
Monday, July 28, 3:15-4 p.m.
Mastering the Content Shoot: A Step-by-Step Guide for Teams of All Sizes
Presenters:
- Emily Richwine, Executive Director, Creative, Purdue Brand Studio
- Elyse Boutall, Associate Creative Director, Purdue Brand Studio
- Carly Eastman, Senior Brand Strategist, Purdue Brand Studio
Description:
Learn how to plan and execute photo and video shoots that keep your unit “well-fed” with seasonal content for months. In this hands-on workshop, we’ll share our three-step approach to concepting, styling and storytelling — plus tools and tech (including AI!) to boost your workflow. Walk away with confidence and inspiration as well as our go-to planning template to make your next shoot a success.
Location: East Faculty Lounge
Type: Presentation
Who is this for?
Everyone
Tuesday, July 29, 8:30-9 a.m.
Tuesday, July 29, 8:30-9 a.m.
Victories & Heroes: Your Campaign for Purdue
Presenters:
- Steve Schlenk, Vice President, Marketing and Communications, Purdue for Life Foundation
- Kelly Hiller, Chief Marketing Officer, Purdue Brand Studio
Description:
Get an inside look at “Victories & Heroes: Your Campaign for Purdue,” a five-year, $4 billion initiative officially launching this October. This session will share key campaign messages, a preview of the kickoff event and resources to help you promote the campaign with confidence. Learn how communicators across campus can support this bold new chapter in Purdue’s story.
Location: North Ballroom
Type: Presentation
Who is this for?
Everyone
Tuesday, July 29, 9:15-10 a.m.
Tuesday, July 29, 9:15-10 a.m.
Unlocking the Power of AI for Creative, Photo, Video and Project Management
Presenters:
- Emily Richwine, Executive Director, Creative, Purdue Brand Studio
- Kenny Wilson, Director of Artificial Intelligence and Automation, Purdue University
- Jon Garcia, Lead Multimedia Producer, Purdue Brand Studio
- Becky Robiños, Lead Photographer, Purdue Brand Studio
- Chelsea Schwab, Project Manager, Purdue Brand Studio
- Julie Sadler, Senior Graphic Designer, Purdue Brand Studio
Description:
Curious how AI can boost your team’s creativity and efficiency? Join Purdue Brand Studio for a fast-paced demonstration of our favorite tools for ideation, execution and organization. From instant meeting summaries to effortless photo edits and stunning visuals, you’ll leave inspired and equipped with a practical list to explore — plus a few important things to keep in mind when using AI.
Location: West Faculty Lounge
Type: Presentation
Who is this for?
Everyone
Tuesday, July 29, 9:15-10 a.m.
Harnessing Student Voices: Branding From the Inside Out
Presenters:
- Rielle Trent, Brand Manager, Purdue Brand Studio
- Emily Kinsell, Director of Marketing and Communication, College of Science
- Cheryl Pierce, Lead Marketing and Public Relations Specialist, College of Science
- Molly Walker, Marketing and Public Relations Specialist, Computer Science, College of Science
Description:
Discover how to mentor student interns into authentic brand ambassadors who share their Purdue experiences with heart and purpose. This session explores training strategies, messaging alignment and human-centered storytelling — spotlighting Purdue Science’s approach to yield communications. Discover how student voices, digital content and in-person events can build genuine connections with future Boilermakers and their families while maximizing limited budgets.
Location: East Faculty Lounge
Type: Presentation
Who is this for?
Everyone, especially those who work with students
Tuesday, July 29, 9:15-10 a.m.
Bringing Stories to Life: Engaging the Senses
Presenters:
- Kate Jacobson, Digital Media Specialist, Agricultural Communications, College of Agriculture
- Lindsey Berebitsky, Science Communications Specialist, Agricultural Communications, College of Agriculture
Description:
Great stories don’t just inform — they resonate. This session explores how to use multimedia elements like audio, video and photography to deepen impact and bring Purdue stories to life. Learn how to strategically pair content with medium; see real-world examples; and leave with practical ideas to plan, produce and publish immersive storytelling that connects and aligns with the Purdue brand.
Location: Anniversary Drawing Room
Type: Presentation
Who is this for?
Everyone, especially those who work in social and digital media
Tuesday, July 29, 10:15-11 a.m.
Tuesday, July 29, 10:15-11 a.m.
Post With a Purpose: Because One Caption Doesn’t Fit All
Presenters:
- Ashlee Shroyer, Director, Social Media, Purdue Brand Studio
- David Ching, Senior Copy Manager, Purdue Brand Studio
- Paige Brown, Senior Content Writer, Purdue Brand Studio
- Ava Kuhn, Senior Content Writer, Purdue Brand Studio
Description:
Have you ever “stopped the scroll” for a post that just gets you? That’s the power of platform-specific content. This session will cover how to write, format and design social media posts that feel native to each channel — because what works on Instagram doesn’t always land on LinkedIn. In this session, learn how to meet your audience where they are and make your message matter.
Location: Anniversary Drawing Room
Type: Presentation
Who is this for?
Everyone
Tuesday, July 29, 10:15-11 a.m.
Designers Toolbox: Mastering Marq, PhotoShelter and More
Presenters:
- Elyse Boutall, Associate Creative Director, Purdue Brand Studio
- Cheryl Glotzbach, Senior Graphic Designer, Purdue Brand Studio
- Becky Robiños, Lead Photographer, Purdue Brand Studio
- Jon Garcia, Lead Multimedia Producer, Purdue Brand Studio
Description:
Designers, video creators and anyone who occasionally wears a creative hat — this one’s for you. Learn how to use Marq’s preloaded templates to quickly build polished posters, emails and social graphics. Then explore PhotoShelter’s latest features to find Purdue-branded images and b-roll fast. Our photo and video team will share real-world tips, answer questions and help you get the most from these powerful tools.
Location: East Faculty Lounge
Type: Workshop
Who is this for?
Everyone, especially those who regularly work with design, photo and video
Tuesday, July 29, 10:15-11 a.m.
Multiply Your Impact: Content and Distribution Strategy Tips Marketers Need To Know
Presenters:
Ali McNichols, Director of Brand Content, Purdue Global, Purdue Brand Studio
Description:
Have a great story but don’t know how to deliver it to your audience? During this session you’ll learn how to strategically align your content efforts with audiences, multiply the value of a single piece of content using content atomization and transform your ideas into a multiplatform powerhouse. Stop chasing trends and start creating content that resonates, driving results long after it’s published.
Location: West Faculty Lounge
Type: Presentation
Who is this for?
Everyone, especially those who build content or develop marketing strategies, including social media managers and writers
Tuesday, July 29, 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Tuesday, July 29, 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Spotlighting the Small Steps: Telling the Stories of What Matters Most
Presenters:
- Emily Richwine, Executive Director, Creative, Purdue Brand Studio
- Teresa Walker, Lead Brand Manager, Purdue Brand Studio
Description:
Behind every giant leap are the small steps that make it possible — the everyday moments that exemplify character, persistence and the human truths that unite us all. In this inspiring closing keynote, Purdue Brand Studio leaders will explore how powerful storytelling starts with you — your students, your faculty, your initiatives. Learn what makes a story “so Purdue,” how to make it resonate and how Purdue Brand Studio can help you share your very best stories with the world.
Location: North Ballroom
Type: Keynote
Who is this for?
Everyone