Fred Cook, CEO of GolinHarris, will discuss the company’s innovative new “g4” model on Saturday, June 2, during his keynote address at the West Virginia University P.I. Reed School of Journalism and Integrated Marketing Communications graduate program’s annual INTEGRATE conference. Cook will share his insights on the need for public relations agencies to re-evaluate how they function and deliver multi-platform results in a rapidly evolving communications industry.
“We’re honored to host a public relations professional of Fred Cook’s stature,” said School of Journalism Dean Maryanne Reed. “The work he has done at GolinHarris is truly innovative and a game-changer for the industry. Our students and faculty and all other conference participants will gain from hearing about his experience redefining public relations in the digital age.”
During his 26-year tenure at GolinHarris, Cook has managed strategic planning and brand marketing campaigns for companies such as Nintendo of America, Visa, Southwest Airlines and Amazon.com. In 2011, Cook oversaw GolinHarris’ move to the new “g4” agency model. During the next decade, Cook will continue to lead significant change, providing services not just in earned media but equally distributed across earned, shared, owned and purchased media.
Cook’s address will come at the end of the IMC graduate program’s 2nd annual integrated marketing communications conference – INTEGRATE 2012. The two-day conference will be held on WVU’s downtown campus June 1-2.
The conference is an opportunity for both communications professionals and students to explore cutting-edge strategies and the latest technologies being used in integrated marketing practices. IMC thought leaders from across the country will be present to discuss the latest trends.
In addition to keynote presenter Fred Cook, featured speakers and presenters at this year’s conference include Dave Pavelko, WVU alumnus and Head of Google Travel; Mark Schaefer, WVU alumnus and author of The Tao of Twitter and Return on Influence; and many of the WVU IMC program’s expert faculty members from across the United States.
On Friday, June 1, attendees will participate in workshops including Event Coordination: An IMC Perspective and The New Realities of Power and Marketing on the Internet and How to Help Sales. Participants will also have the opportunity to attend a professional networking reception on Friday evening.
Throughout the day on Saturday, June 2, conference attendees will choose from 16 different breakout sessions led by industry experts on the hottest topics in marketing communications, including social media, branding, PR and crisis communications, and much more. Sessions include Using Social Media Analytical Tools to Improve Marketing Productivity; Principles of Design and Visual Perception; and, Learning to Find the Elusive Creative Concept.
“The INTEGRATE conference has something for every communications professional,” said Chad Mezera, Director of Online Programs for the School of Journalism. “Whether you’re a small business owner looking for marketing ideas or social media tools, or a seasoned IMC professional looking to see what’s next on the horizon, you’ll find content that matches your interests. You can easily customize your experience based on your individual needs, and the skills you gain in one weekend can be put to use on the job immediately.”
The conference and keynote dinner are open to registered conference attendees only. Early bird registration costs start at just $50 for the keynote dinner and go up to $175 for the full-conference plus dinner. Details on how to register and more information about the INTEGRATE 2012 conference are available at www.integrate.wvu.edu. For more information on the IMC program, please visit www.imc.wvu.edu.
Read the official release at WVU Today.