Stephen F. Austin State University students from the School of Art, Department of Management, Marketing and International Business, and Department of Mass Communication attended the American Advertising Federation-Houston Student Conference held Oct. 21 and 22 in Houston. Several SFA students were members of the first-, second- and third- place winning teams.
The federation is an association of advertising professionals encompassing all disciplines in the advertising, marketing and communications industries.
Twenty-three SFA students in the School of Art, Department of Management, Marketing and International Business, and Department of Mass Communication competed during the conference.
Amy Keyser, Kingwood art senior, placed first. Brooke Alverson, Nacogdoches mass communication senior; and Theresa Vinh, Houston marketing senior; placed second. Mackenna Cotten, Wimberly art senior; Jordyn Palluth, Keller mass communication senior; and Caitlin Whittington, Corrigan art senior; placed third.
More than 90 students from 13 universities competed during the competition, which tasked students with developing advertising campaign plans designed to increase registration for the city’s AlertHouston emergency alert program.
“The broader goals of this competition included connecting students to industry professionals and local media organizations,” said Dr. Seth Bradshaw, assistant professor in SFA’s Department of Mass Communication.
During the competition, students were placed in groups and visited local advertising agencies, firms, and publishing and media companies to work toward developing an advertising campaign. Students worked within a deadline to create a campaign for their clients and prepare it for judging.
“It’s a great opportunity for students to connect with local professionals and get their contact information,” said Daniel Anguiano, assistant professor in SFA’s School of Art. “Students learn cooperation and teamwork while developing their creative skills.”
The conference also featured a panel discussion from recent college graduates about how to enter the advertising industry, and professionals offered one-on-one feedback to students regarding portfolios and résumés.
“This conference gives students the opportunity to experience what the industry wants and to prepare them to meet industry needs,” said Dr. Marlene Kahla, professor in SFA’s Department of Management, Marketing and International Business.
