Time: April 4, 9:45 am – 10:45 am
Speaker: Kate McGowan
With established search engines such as Google and Bing integrating AI into their algorithms, and entirely new search engines such as Open AI’s Search-GPT new on the scene, the world of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is shifting towards Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). In this session, we’ll examine how AI summaries and chat tools are changing search results and influencing how students look for schools and programs. We’ll explore tactics for adapting your institution’s website and content strategies to stay ahead of the curve and ensure your school stands out in an evolving digital landscape.
Time: April 4, 9:45 am – 10:45 am
Speaker: Christy Moss
Ready to level up your marketing game with generative AI? In this interactive session, we’ll walk you through seven steps to create custom GPTs that speak your brand’s language—and streamline your work. From generating social media posts to crafting web content and more, these GPTs can save you time while keeping your brand’s voice consistent and engaging. You’ll learn how to gather your best work, define your audience, and input all the right details into a custom GPT. We will walk through several different tools to choose the best one for your work. By the end of this session, you’ll have the tools to create custom generative AI that can generate spot-on content for your brand—across social media and beyond!
Time: April 4, 9:45 am – 10:45 am
Speakers: Edward Delaporte, Michelle Pitcel
A brisk tour of risk mitigation resources for Illinois Developers and Web Admins.
Time: April 4, 9:45 am – 10:45 am
Speakers: Carissa Nelson, Sophia Schneider
This session will highlight 4-H’s strategy in building a statewide youth influencers team that has navigated multiple national brand content collaborations as well as consistent high-performing, youth-centered content, using their authentic voices to resonate with our audiences. Attendees will learn how to create mutually beneficial collaborations that focus on both content production and youth workforce readiness. By connecting trend-watching, hands-on content creation, and a commitment to professional development, this session will share best practices of how to build a content creation or collaboration program that not only amplifies your brand but also prepares participants for future success in the workforce.
Time: April 3, 2:45 am – 3:45 pm
Speaker: Johnathan Grant
Hey, web wizards! Ready to uncover the secrets behind a seamless web review process? Join us for an in-depth case study on how a dynamic University of Kansas team revolutionized their web review system by optimizing workflows and forging strong partnerships with their customers. This session will highlight the innovative techniques and collaborative strategies that drove efficiency and excellence. Discover how the team streamlined operations, leveraged cutting-edge tools, and worked hand-in-hand with customers to ensure a smooth, effective review process. Whether you’re a web development pro or just getting started, you’ll gain valuable insights into creating a more efficient and customer-centric web environment. Let’s elevate our web game together!
Time: April 3, 2:45 am – 3:45 pm
Speaker: Marisa Peacock
Explore the potential of AI in social media marketing in this intermediate-level presentation. We’ll dive into how AI can enhance content creation, audience targeting, and campaign optimization, while also discussing the challenges and limitations, such as automation pitfalls and ethical concerns. Gain a balanced understanding of how AI can boost engagement and streamline efforts, along with the potential drawbacks to watch out for in your strategy.
Time: April 3, 2:45 am – 3:45 pm
Speaker: Adam Rahn
As communicators typically we are the liaisons to executives or experts who need to be on-camera OR more likely than not we’re tasked with being on-camera (or interviewed on a podcast, or recorded) ourselves. The workshop will provide crucial skills for effective media engagement and brand communication that marketers and communicators of any kind can implement themselves and take back with them for internal training and educational opportunities within their own organizations. We’ll discuss and navigate traditional and digital media platforms so attendees will have the skills needed to credibly, and professionally, conquer everything from headshots to podcasts to live interviews. Topics covered will include essentials of media literacy, conveying messages, effective presentations, body language, vocal delivery, rhetoric, attire, and managing nervousness, with the aim to empower marketing and communications professionals to convey their message clearly and confidently across media platforms.
Time: April 3, 2:45 am – 3:45 pm
Speaker: Cordelia Geiken
This session will walk folks through the different kinds of questions you should have answers to before you sign with a vendor. We will cover topics like: Design, Accessibility, Search Engine Optimization, Content Imports and Exports, Which CMS to use, Security, Backups and Storage. Come with your own questions and we will endeavor to answer those as well.
Time: April 3, 1:30 am – 2:30 pm
Speakers: Amanda Covher, Priyanka Pradeep
This presentation will cover the importance of device specifications and Best Practices for Android and iOS accessibility testing. It will be a general knowledge share for those new to mobile accessibility and how to test for it.
Time: April 3, 1:30 am – 2:30 pm
Speaker: Nic Morse
This would be a presentation I would give explaining different types of animation and multimedia that one can do on campus and that you can do it with a budget and with free programs that are given to us as Illinois employees. All it takes is a little time and effort!