Past Pre-Conferences

2024 AEJMC Pre-Conference

Philadelphia, PA
August 7, 2024
8 am to 5 pm

AI and Beyond: Synchronizing Timeless Principles in
Today’s Realities in Advertising Education


Upholding timeless principles in the age of artificial intelligence. The fundamentals of advertising remain relevant even as technology opens up more possibilities. How can we integrate new technology, such as generative AI and virtual simulation, with the enduring advertising principles? This full-day workshop will explore how to mesh fundamental principles of advertising we love with the undeniable influence of emerging technology in our field. Leading advertising scholars and practitioners reveal their insights.

2024 Pre-Conference Committee: 

  • Shanshan Lou (Appalachian State University)
  • Robin Spring (Grand Valley State University)
  • Hal Vincent (Elon University)
  • Chang-Dae Ham (University of Illinois)

2023 AEJMC Pre-Conference

Washington, D.C.
August 6, 2023
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Innovating Data Storytelling and Visualization with AI & ChatGPT

The Advertising Division is excited to present an inspiring and thought provoking full day teaching workshop on data storytelling and visualization with AI/ChatGPT. Learn about the latest tools to create interactive data stories and engaging visualizations from both educators and industry leaders. Develop a better understanding of the potential of AI/ChatGPT driven outputs while making valuable connections. Stay for the experiential workshop focusing on syllabus design and class activities for a data storytelling course. 

2023 Pre-Conference Committee: 

  • Shanshan Lou, Co-Chair (Appalachian State University)
  • Robin Spring, Co-Chair (Grand Valley State University)

2022 AEJMC Pre-Conference

Detroit, MI
August 2, 2022
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Leading Our Students into the Future:
Minding the Gap Between the Industry and Academia 

As the world continues to change, employers are looking for new roles and skill sets. What are industry professionals looking for in new hires? What knowledge and skill sets are needed for the array of roles in the advertising industry? How can academia and the industry establish a mutually beneficial partnership and develop a strong workforce? Join the one-day Advertising Division Pre-Conference Teaching Workshop to hear what professionals want in junior talent and what we can do to thoroughly prepare our graduates for the world of advertising. Pre-registration is required.

2022 Pre-Conference Committee: 

  • Shanshan Lou, Chair (Appalachian State University)
  • Jess Collins (Virginia Commonwealth University)

  • Robin Spring (Grand Valley State University)

2021 AEJMC Pre-Conference

Virtual
August 3, 2021
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM CST

Living in a Virtual World:
Learning how to navigate Virtual 2.0 coming out of the Pandemic

Although we are nearing the end of the pandemic, working remotely is here to stay for many companies. At the pre-conference workshop, we will hear from HR representatives from the industry - both agency and client side - on what companies are looking for in newly graduated candidates and what will make our students most desirable in a post-pandemic world. We will hear from industry professionals on the new "norms" in the agency and client side working environment including how to handle fast-paced pitches virtually - so that we may pass those skills onto our students. And we will hear from professors who can offer their own wise tips and tricks on skills we should be teaching our students post-pandemic. 

2021 Pre-Conference Committee: 

  • Jess Collins, Co-Chair (Virginia Commonwealth University)
  • Shanshan Lou, Co-Chair (Appalachian State University)

    2020 AEJMC Pre-Conference

    Virtual
    August 5, 2020
    9:00 AM - 5:00 PM PST

    Embracing Diversity and Inclusion Across the Advertising Curriculum:
    Learning from the Pros

    Diversity comes in many different packages while inclusion embraces a variety of human viewpoints. This teaching workshop will explore diversity and inclusion in its many forms while celebrating the powerfully fresh perspectives it inspires. At the full-day virtual workshop, you will hear from agency experts talking about ways they have worked to diversify their agencies while expanding perspectives that generate better ideas.

    2020 Pre-Conference Committee: 

    • Robin Spring, Chair (Grand Valley State University)
    • Jean Grow (Marquette University)
    • Shanshan Lou(Appalachian State University)