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A recent pan-university conference brought together close to 200 marketing and communications staff from across Queen's for a successful day of skills development, sharing of experiences, and a bit of inspiration.

Organized by University Relations and the Faculty of Arts and Science, the Marketing MUSE Conference is delivered by and for staff and faculty from across Queen’s University and offers professional development for those engaged in marketing and communications activities.

“The theme that inspired us along for this conference was the importance of collaboration and finding new ways to foster it across the university,” says Michael Fraser, Vice-Principal (University Relations). “Whether we are attracting students, recruiting new faculty, promoting research breakthroughs, or talking to governments, we are all supporting and building the Queen’s brand at all times. It’s important work.”

Sessions were divided into three tracks – beginner, intermediate, and advanced – with attendees able to select from a variety of topics throughout the day, from fostering organic social media and branding and design trends to writing a memorable speech or creating integrated communications plans and campaigns, and much more.

The day is also an important networking opportunity for Queen’s community members who may be working in similar jobs but in very different fields.

“The world of marketing and communications is continually transforming as a result of the advances in digital and social communications,” says Helen Vasilevski, Interim Associate Vice-Principal (Communications). “By bringing so many people together the conference participants were able to learn from their colleagues and contribute further to the ongoing effort in telling the Queen’s story.”

Participants represented a broad cross-section of the university, with members of all of Queen’s faculties attending, as well as the majority of departments. 

“We are happy see the Marketing MUSE Conference continue to grow,” says Lindsey Fair, Director, Marketing, Communications, and Recruitment for the Faculty of Arts and Science, and the organizer of the first four conferences. “The ongoing success of the conference shows what can be accomplished when you bring the innovative and creative people here at Queen’s together.”

Two new initiatives were also announced at the conference:

• The development and future launch of Queen’s University Brand Central , an online resource  that will bring together information and links to such things as the Queen’s Visual Identity Guide, AODA guidelines, social media guidelines, Queen’s Style Guide, and web publish resources, to ensure that Queen’s is being represented in a consistent effective, and accurate way across all platforms.
• The launch of a HR Certificate Program in Marketing , comprising seven  courses that can be completed over a two-year period, to enhance Queen’s employees’ knowledge of marketing fundamentals).

More information on both initiatives will be published by the Gazette when available.