Syme is a frequent contributor to CoSIDA.com on topics such as social media, social media education, and crisis communications. The article below was placed on her website, cksyme.org. Follow Syme on Twitter.
The CoSIDA convention is one of my favorite events of the year. Renewing friendships, learning new tricks and tips, attending the Young CoSIDA party and auction, seeing new faces at the FAME get together, and the Capital One Academic All-America® Hall of Fame ceremony are some of my “favorite things.” This year, the sessions highlighting social media are particularly interesting. Here’s what not to miss next week at CoSIDA14—the social media version.
Monday, June 8 (Divisional Day)
9 am – 11 am Location: Grand Cayman, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas & West Indies
NCAA Division I Session: Up to Speed?
On Monday, CoSIDA is offering a number of workshop sessions geared for members of different divisions. I’ve been told that all sessions are open to all divisions, but the content in each session will be aimed at that audience. The first Division I panel on Monday is on handling crisis and negative events. Several DI sports communicators will give case studies of incidents that have happened at their schools and a panel of crisis professionals will help evaluate responses. This session is designed to be an interactive Q&A type session. I am excited to be the panel member that will be addressing how social media plays a part in potential crises in athletic departments. Justin Doherty, Associate Athletics Director for External Relations at the University of Wisconsin will be the moderator.
10:15-11:45 am Location: Harbor Beach
NCAA Division II Session: Effective Social Media Practices
Also on Monday morning will be a Division II session on effective social media practices facilitated by Josh Looney from the NCAA. This session promises to have some great tips that I’m sure schools in any division would benefit from. Looney worked with the Kansas City Chiefs and Orlando Magic before coming to the NCAA.
3:15-4:15 p.m. Location: Key West
NAIA Session: Not Your Average Social Media Panel
Monday also includes a specialized presentation on best social media practices from NAIA SIDs Steve Wilson, Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Communications, Park; and Brad Cygan, Sports Information Director, Missouri Baptist.
3:30-5 p.m. Location: Grand Cayman, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and West Indies
NCAA Division I Session: Balancing New Media with Old Media
This session features two seasoned veteran university media relations pros: Chris Freet of Miami and Craig Pintens of Oregon. Craig is the current president of NACMA. Their session will be on how to incorporate new media with traditional media practices. Both presenters come from schools that do this very well with creativity and innovation. It will be one you won’t want to miss.
3:45-5 p.m. Location: Marco Island
NCAA Division III Session: Interactive Social Media
If you attend this panel, you’ll learn about some of the latest social media tools and how to maximize their use (e.g., infographics, Instagram). The audience will analyze what peers are using and what does and does not work for Division III institutions and conference offices. Emphasis on newer platforms.
8:30 pm – 9:30 pm
New Media Committee Meeting Location: Aruba
If you’re interested in serving on the New Media committee for CoSIDA, make sure to attend this meeting on Monday night. Or, just go to find out what they’re up to.
Tuesday, June 10
2:45 pm – 3:45 pm
Session: A Road Map to Success with Your Social Media Strategy (co-hosted by CoSIDA & NACMA) Location: Salon 8
This panel is a joint session for NACMA and CoSIDA and features presenters from both organizations. The panel will explore some of the new social media applications schools are using including SnapChat, social rewards programs, Pinterest, infographics, and Storify. If you’re looking for innovative and creative ideas, this is your session. The panel stresses “how-to” and will be moderated by Andy McNamara from Oregon and includes examples from Eastern Washington, Kansas State, Western Michigan, and Boston College.
Wednesday, June 11
3:45 pm – 5 pm
Session: Video Editing Location: Harbor Beach/Marco Island
Even though social media is not officially in the title here, I encourage everyone to attend to hear Jamie Gilliam and company talk about how to make the most of your video resources. Since video and social media are hand-in-hand, you’ll pick up some great tips here.
Remember to help out those who can’t be there by tweeting and posting your view of the convention on social media. See you all next week!
Full schedule of CoSIDA events here.