PR Starts With R:
An Inside Out Approach to Building Your Brand Image Through Relationship Marketing
Presenter: Dr. Laura Falco, associate professor of marketing, Wesleyan College
1 CEU Credit: Public Relations and Corporate Communication Track

Description: Ask your employees to give you one sentence to describe your brand image. What do they say? What impact does your internal communication plan or lack thereof, have on your external brand image? Does your organization embrace a systems culture whereby every employee fully understands the role that he/she plays in the communication of the brand image? These questions, and more, will be discussed as we explore ways to build brand image by utilizing relationship marketing strategies and tactics that can be effective with both internal and external stakeholders. It’s time to refocus our efforts on our relationship with the internal customer . . . the employee. Let’s decrease the gap between our internal brand image and our external brand image. Confident and satisfied internal customers lead to satisfied external customers.

Dr. Laura Falco currently holds the position of Associate Professor of Marketing at Roberts Wesleyan College. Prior to RWC, Dr. Falco taught at Anderson University where she completed a Doctorate in Business Administration in 2006 with a major in marketing. Her primary experience stems from corporate marketing in both the dairy and the auto parts industries, and she continues to consult for small businesses regarding everything from strategic marketing training to marketing tactics and implementation. Her research interests include consumer behavior, internal marketing, relationship marketing, and the impact of spiritual competence on the workplace.

Description: The media landscape and communication dynamics are dramatically changing. Newspapers are going out of business, social media options are blossoming, mobile communication is taking over information formerly the exclusive domain of traditional broadcast networks. This discussion will center on the implications and creative solutions for communication training in the halls of higher education.

Melchizedek Ponniah is associate professor and coordinator for media studies and internship programs in the Communication Department at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. He joined the faculty in 2003.

Born in Tamil Nadu, India, Ponniah graduated from Spicer Memorial Colege in India with a BLA in Religious Philosophy. He received his MA in Systematic Theology with a emphasis in education in 1978 from Andrews University. He went on to earn his doctoral degree in Religious Education from Andrews in 1986.

Ponniah has been the producer and co-director of the weekly television and radio programs Scriptural Pursuit and Circle of Faith. He has also worked on the production of several documentary films. He has presented several seminars including Intercultural Communication Compentency, Communication at the Workplace, and Intercultural Business Communication.

He is married to Josephine Elizabeth (Joseph) Ponniah and they have two daughters.

Where Law, Technology and Ministry Intersect
Presenters: Kevin Krueger, general manager, Positive Life Radio Network
Donald E. Martin, P.C., Broadcast, Media & Entertainment Law
1 CEU Credit: Journalism Track

Description: Radio, like all broadcast media, is a government regulated industry. There are many rules and regulations – almost more than any individual can keep up with. Do you have a method of making sure you meet them all? What do you do when a regulation makes it difficult to achieve your mission? We’ll look together at some of the most common places where radio programming and operation intersect with government regulations and how to best deal with them. We’ll also explore how to explain these intersecting points with important stakeholders in your ministry – operating boards, donors, staff.

With more than two decades of experience in Christian radio management at KGTS FM based at Walla Walla University, Kevin Krueger has helped grow a small station into an eastern Washington powerhouse network of full power stations with the Positive Life Radio network. Kevin not only functions as general manager of the PLR network, but produces a regular afternoon on-air shift for the network.

He also is well-respected throughout Christian radio circles for his expert work at hosting on-air Sharathons across the country. Kevin has also led in the organization of Adventist stations around North America-Adventist Radio Broadcasters Association (ARBA).

Description: Increasingly, organizations are experimenting with social media platforms and channels like Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn without grasping either the opportunity or the challenges of this new world of collaboration. Discover the possibilities of Social Media! Find out what you're missing if you're not there yet, and how to make a greater impact if you already are. Whether you are just starting out, or trying to keep up, you will walk away ready to take action and start creating a buzz for your organization using available social media tools.

Description: Question and answer panel discussion with Adventist editors and writers. What kinds of books are selling well among Adventists? Which church magazines are increasing their circulations? What topics do Adventists respond to? Are the church publishing houses sustainable into the future? Who are the bestselling Adventist authors? Bring your own questions to our panel of Adventist publishing professionals.

Backpack Journalism
Presenter: Rich Herard, owner, Herard Media Group
1 CEU Credit: Media Production Track

Description: Covering a story on singlehandedly may not be new but the way you cover it is changing.  With budget cutbacks and changing technology, more people are becoming backpack journalists.  It is a trend that is sweeping through mainstream, secular media. In this seminar, you’ll learn how to enhance your reporting skills as a backpack journalist and see what new technology will help you better tell stories.  You’ll also learn how to empower your staff and help them better report stories on their own.

Rich Herard works as a multimedia content producer for the Anne Arundel Police Department. He produces news stories that feature the department’s activities which protect and inform the community. He also manages the department’s Facebook and Twitter pages.  Rich also developed the protocol for Miracle Temple Seventh-day Adventist Church’s weekly streaming and on demand video service.  He is also the technical director for Miracle Temple Networks, the church’s media production department.  Rich is also an event photographer, covering news, concerts and special events.  His work has appeared in multiple print and online publications.

Title: The Joys (and Pains) of Adventist Design
Presenters: Mark Bond, Jeff Dever, Bryan Gray, and Ed Guthro

Description: Working for the church can be very rewarding—and it can be extremely frustrating as well. In this breakout session, you will see work samples and hear war stories from seasoned designers who have been through the denominational trenches and lived to tell about it. Whether you work for the church, or the church is your client; whether you are a veteran or a student hoping to avoid pitfalls; whether you are a designer or just have to work with them, you'll be inspired by time spent with four guys who care a lot about how the Adventist Church presents itself visually.