October 28, 2020

Eclectic BrandU event will highlight successful individual marketing

by Jason Franchuk

CARBONDALE, Ill. — An eclectic panel of marketing and human resources experts, including a national best-selling author, will unpack a lot of self-marketing advice in a free, public, fun and fast-paced virtual conference on Friday, Oct. 30. 

BrandU, hosted by Department of Communication Studies students at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, will give students, alumni and the general public access to successful industry professionals, social media influencers and communication experts. Participants will learn how these individuals use communication to conduct business, and they will gain insights from marketers, human resources professionals and a few inspirational speakers. 

Scott Berkun, a Seattle-based author of eight best-selling books on design, creativity and public speaking, will be the keynote speaker from 11 a.m. to noon. His most recent book, published in May, is "How Design Makes the World." He will encourage the audience to think about how they can build their own professional brand. 

"BrandU is such a fantastic and unique opportunity for students and the public to meet and talk with industry professionals who are on the pulse of what's relevant today," said Sandy Pensoneau-Conway, an associate professor of communications studies and the department chair. 

Associate professor of communication studies Craig Engstrom said BrandU has become a popular recruiting mechanism at SIU by showing students — current and incoming — the value of what they are learning in the classroom. 

"This year’s event is an online conference, which provides us with an opportunity to invite anyone who is interested in learning more about marketing, human resources management, disability support, online teaching and so on,” he said. “We're inviting students who've applied to SIU with an interest in communication to show them the investments we make in our students' futures." 

For more information, go to the BrandU webpage or contact Engstrom at craig.engstrom@siu.edu.