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All events are in the Virginia Room, second floor of the Student Center, unless otherwise noted.
Monday, March 9
The Only Constant Is Change: A 33-Year View of the Communications Industry
Over the past three decades, the communications industry has transformed dramatically, from traditional media dominance to today’s fast-paced, digital-first environment. In this session, attendees will explore the major shifts that have reshaped public relations, including evolving media landscapes, rising stakeholder expectations, and the growing importance of trust and authenticity.
Participants will gain practical insights on navigating disruption, leading through change, and building resilient communications strategies in an industry where change is the only constant.
10 - 10:50 a.m.
XR for Environmental Storytelling
Spatial computing systems, such as augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), provide audiences with new ways to see their physical reality. The promise
of spatial computing as storytelling is countered by the reality that humans are spending more time engaging with digital rather than physical environments, negatively impacting facets of human and planetary well-being. In this talk, Dr. Danny Pimentel will discuss how spatial computing platforms, from VR headsets to AR smart glasses, can contribute to prosocial and pro environmental outcomes invarious contexts.
11 - 11:50 a.m.
Lunch & Learn with Linda Beltran
Join us for an engaging Lunch & Learn session with Linda Beltran as she shares insights from her professional journey and leadership experience in the communications field. In this interactive conversation, Linda will discuss career growth, navigating challenges, and building meaningful professional relationships in a constantly evolving industry.
Attendees will gain practical takeaways and have the opportunity to ask questions in a relaxed, conversational setting over lunch. *Located in Dhall*
Noon - 1:50 p.m.
Workshop with Danny Pimentel: Creating AR with Lens Studio
Ready to make your imagination come alive through augmented
reality? Join us for a hands-on creative workshop using Lens Studio. Lens Studio is a
free software used by millions of artists, developers, and brands worldwide to design interactive AR experiences, ranging from filters to full 3D worlds. In this 2-hour session, you’ll learn how to use the same tools to create an AR experience. No experience required! *Located in the Presidential Dining Room in the Dhall*
Noon - 1:50 p.m.
Alumni Panel
Join an accomplished group of Flagler alumni working across nonprofit communications, higher education, filmmaking, public relations, and academia. From conservation storytelling and donor engagement to Netflix productions and national media strategy, this panel highlights the diverse career paths a communications degree can lead to.
Panelists will share insights from their professional journeys and offer practical advice for building a successful career in today’s evolving media landscape.
2 - 3:15 p.m.
Does your selfie tell a story?
Personal narrative and social media: This talk examines how Social Media platforms allow users to construct narratives of the self. It considers the role of identity and authenticity in telling personal stories online. Strategies, influencers, outcomes, and concerns will be discussed.
3:30 - 4:45 p.m.
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Add a short title
To customize the text style for all items, click Edit Text. You can change font, size, scale text and more. To show dynamic content from a collection, Connect to Data.
Add a short title
To customize the text style for all items, click Edit Text. You can change font, size, scale text and more. To show dynamic content from a collection, Connect to Data.
Add a short title
To customize the text style for all items, click Edit Text. You can change font, size, scale text and more. To show dynamic content from a collection, Connect to Data.
Add a short title
To customize the text style for all items, click Edit Text. You can change font, size, scale text and more. To show dynamic content from a collection, Connect to Data.
Tuesday, March 10
Cuts and Consequences: The Impact of foreign aid freezes on public health
In this timely and thought-provoking forum, award-winning journalist Molly Knight Raskin examines the far-reaching effects of foreign aid freezes on global public health systems. Drawing from her extensive reporting experience with PBS NewsHour, FRONTLINE, Netflix, National Geographic, CNN, and A&E, Molly will explore how funding disruptions impact vulnerable communities, frontline health workers, and international stability.
9:30 - 10:45 a.m.
Networking Panel: Networking That Works
Connect with industry professionals and gain real-world insight during this engaging networking panel featuring leaders in news production, public relations, agency strategy, and digital marketing. From producing daily broadcasts at Action News Jax to managing high-profile PR accounts, leading a fast-growing public relations firm, and building a boutique digital agency from the ground up, our panelists represent a wide range of career paths in communications. They’ll share how they built their networks, navigated career pivots, and turned opportunities into long-term success.
11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Linkedin Lunch & Learn
Join Flagler alumni Kaia Wright and Taylor Ohntrup for a hands-on Lunch & Learn focused on building your professional presence through LinkedIn and social media. In this interactive workshop, you’ll learn how to optimize your LinkedIn profile, grow meaningful connections, and confidently reach out for networking opportunities using practical prompts and outreach scripts. The session will also cover the importance of social media in today’s job market and how current students can begin building a strong digital presence now. *Located in the Virginia Room*
12:30 - 1:45 p.m.
Imagined: COMmunities: Marketing Video Games in Japan and the US
Join Dr. Evan Lauteria, Assistant Instructional Professor of Sociology at the University of Florida, for an exploration into the history of video game marketing in Japan and the US. Through a critical examination of video game advertisements from the 1980s to 2000s and oral history interviews with Japanese industry retirees, we’ll discuss (1) strategies companies used to delineate specific consumer groups; and (2) the concept of "localization" —the process of adapting games for different markets—and how it was used to navigate perceived cultural and linguistic barriers. Across both, this session will emphasize how the Japanese gaming industry largely relied on simplistic assumptions of national and cultural differences between Japan and the US for business, and how these assumptions continue to impact design and marketing, as well as gaming communities, today.
2 - 3:15 p.m.
Speech Competition
Join us for an exciting showcase of student talent as participants take the stage to deliver original speeches highlighting their creativity, passion, and public speaking skills.
At the conclusion of the competition, three outstanding speakers will receive monetary prizes! *Students must register to compete on Events page!*
3:30 - 4:45 p.m.
Flagler Forum
Flagler College's Forum on Government and Public Policy brings nationally recognized journalists, commentators, and speakers to St. Augustine to discuss issues at hand in regional, state, and federal government. For more than 30 years, the forum has promoted intellectual talks about government and public policy. Note that this event is free and open to the public in the Virginia Room.
7 - 9 p.m.
Wednesday, March 11
From Idea to Impact: Brand Strategy Case Studies
In this dynamic session, entrepreneur and brand strategist Brian H. Jeong explores what it truly takes to position a brand for growth in today’s competitive marketplace. Drawing from his experience building and scaling companies-from launching Boreas Gear to leading brand transformations and advising Fortune 100 clients-Brian will break down real-world case studies that highlight the power of strategic positioning.
10:00-10:50 a.m.
Marketing to the New America
In this forward-looking session, Wilson Camelo explores why culturally relevant communication is no longer optional — it is essential for long-term growth and relevance.
Drawing from more than 30 years of experience in multicultural marketing, corporate strategy, and public affairs, Wilson will discuss how brands can authentically engage diverse communities, avoid common missteps, and build trust across cultural lines. Attendees will gain insight into the demographic shifts shaping the marketplace and practical strategies for marketing to the “New America” with purpose and impact.
11:00-11:50 a.m.
Lunch & Learn: Multicultural Marketing with Wilson Camelo
Join Wilson Camelo, President & Chief Marketing Officer of Camelo Communication, for an engaging Lunch & Learn focused on multicultural marketing and culturally relevant communication. *Located in the Dhall*
With more than 30 years of experience serving Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations, Wilson will share practical insights on how brands can authentically connect with diverse audiences and adapt to America’s rapidly changing demographics.
In this conversational setting, attendees will gain real-world strategies, ask questions, and learn how embracing cultural intelligence can drive meaningful engagement and long-term growth.
Noon-1:50 p.m.
AI for Marketing Workshop with Brian Jeong
Discover how artificial intelligence is transforming modern marketing in this hands-on workshop focused on website SEO. Participants will explore how AI-powered tools can streamline keyword research, optimize website content, improve search rankings, and enhance overall digital strategy.
Whether you’re new to SEO or looking to sharpen your skills, this session will provide practical guidance on using AI to boost visibility, increase traffic, and make smarter, data-driven marketing decisions.
Noon-1:50 p.m.
Thursday, March 12
Professional Experience on Campus
Learn from other Flagler College students about the best way to build your professional toolkit while you're still on campus featuring students from the WFCF Radio Station, PRSSA, Strike Magazine and Student Filmmaker Organization!
9:30 - 10:45 a.m.
Student Showcase
Join us for this session of students presenting their work at the invitation of the COM faculty. Featured in the showcase are highlights including PRSSA’s ICON Conference experience, the EOD production team’s work with Sophia Classon, the Bermuda team’s film project, Research on K-pop, and a PR research presentation!
11 - 12:15 p.m.
COM Open House
Discover the creativity and career-ready skills behind our communication programs at the COM Open House & Career Workshop.
Visit the first floor of the Student Center to explore an engaging showcase of student work from a variety of communication classes — from dynamic media projects to strategic campaigns. Meet the creators, see their portfolio-worthy work up close, and get inspired by the ideas shaping the future of communication. *Located in Jay's Place in Student Center*
12:30 - 1:45 p.m.
Career Workshop
Join career coaches from the Career Development Center for workshop on Resumes and LinkedIn in the Virginia Room after you have enjoyed the COM Open House.
12:30 - 1:45 p.m.
One-Minute Film Festival
Filmmakers - ready your pens and your cameras for a filmmaking contest with a cash prize. Respond to this year's prompt with a film of exactly 60 seconds to enter COM Week's One-Minute Film Festival. Join us for a screening of the entries and the award ceremony. Learn more and register as a filmmaker on the Events page.
2 - 3:15 p.m.
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