By ABBY BRAVO
News Editor
A planned digital media and networking event meant to help students network with area professionals that was to take place on campus was suddenly canceled last week when organizers said scheduling conflicts with the panelists kept them from being able to attend.
The Digital Media Summit, organized by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), was scheduled to happen Oct. 21 and was open to the public. The original plan for the summit was to start with “lunch and networking, followed by a series of panel discussions and presentations focused on podcasting, TikTok/Reels, and working with influencers,” according to PRSA board member Kimmy Venter. Several students planning to attend the event expressed disappointment when hearing the event was canceled.
While there is no rescheduled date for this event, there are talks for parts of the panel, specifically the podcasting segment, to exist as a stand-alone event in early November, perhaps the morning of Nov. 4. “Hopefully many of the students who planned to attend the summit will be able to join us then,” said Venter in an email.
Events like this are very helpful to students as they can network with experienced local professionals while also learning about topics they are interested in. “It does create an opportunity for students to meet with individuals that are working in the field and get a better sense of that specific field,” said Visiting Assistant Professor of Communications Jessica Otitigbe, who was also active in helping organize and promote the event.
She encouraged her students to update their LinkedIn profiles, bring resumes, and business cards in order to make connections with others at the event. “This event is a nice platform for them to be exposed to networking,” Otitigbe said. “You never know what opportunities may happen with you sharing your information.”
Many of Otitigbe’s classes focus on students working with community clients which allows them to get real-world experience working in public relations. Working with people within the community, as well as local organizations such as PRSA, is a very important part of educating students, Otitigbe said.
“I do think tapping into the different organizations that we have in our capital region community is beneficial… there is also the opportunity to rekindle the student chapter [of PRSA] that was on our campus a few years ago.”
Even though the summit is canceled, those who registered will be receiving a survey regarding professional development opportunities within social media at the college. This effort is led by Lori Ana Valentín, director of professional development and continuing education, in order to understand what the Saint Rose community is looking for so future events can best be tailored to participants’ needs.
