The Art and Science of Storytelling in Higher Education

The Art and Science of Storytelling
in Higher Education

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Learn tactics and strategies to convey your institution’s powerful stories in the most compelling ways.

Humans are wired for narrative, so stories can act as powerful motivators to those who are touched by them. Institutions are more likely to build connection, engagement, affinity, and inspiration with a story than with more traditional “sales-oriented” forms of marketing. While storytelling is often discussed in the world of higher ed marketing, few schools are doing it in a way that is intentional, strategic, and sustainable. To differentiate yourself in the competitive landscape of higher ed, it is critical to align your messaging with the unique needs of your audiences as demographics shift and generations change.

It takes creativity to know a great story and how to share it in a compelling and authentic way, but there is also a science behind effective storytelling. No matter the medium (written or visual), one must have insight and data about target audiences and a strong brand strategy to provide the roots for growing narratives. During this highly interactive workshop, you will explore storytelling through both artistic and scientific lenses and work with your peers and our expert instructors to hone the skills you need to create high-impact stories for your campus.

 

Who Should Attend

This program has been designed for higher ed marketing and communications professionals who are looking to enhance storytelling strategies. You will learn how to identify the right stories and match them to the most compelling medium in order to most effectively convey your narrative. You’ll leave this event able to build a high-impact strategy across multiple digital channels and platforms.

We encourage you to get everyone on the same page and attend with your team! Tiered pricing is available for teams - see the registration row below for details.

"This was a tight-knit workshop with expert presenters. I'm leaving fired up about the value I can bring to my role and my campus in our storytelling efforts."

- Robyn Kontra Tanner, Storytelling and Marketing Specialist, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

Read what past attendees have said about this event.

"This conference was a convergence of talented presenters, seasoned peers and engaging material, choreographed beautifully by Kate."

- Eric Nobis, Managing Director, Marketing and Communications, UW Foster School of Business

"Have been looking for a conference like this for years. Potentially transformative content for my shop, packed into a quick day and a half."

- Bob Woodside, Executive Director, Duquesne University

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Agenda

Day 1

8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Your registration for the event includes full access to all conference sessions and materials, breakfast, lunch, and the networking reception on Monday, and breakfast on Tuesday, as well as refreshments and snacks throughout the conference.

Registration & Introductions

 


 

Building Your Storytelling Philosophy

A sustainable storytelling strategy must be rooted in a philosophy that is shared across the team, and it should be tied to the greater mission and vision of the institution. What is your current institutional approach to storytelling? During this session, you will see examples of great storytelling, reflect on how storytelling is currently handled at your institution, and begin to think about how you would like to approach it moving forward.

 


 

The Science of Storytelling: Leveraging Data to Understand your Audience (Includes activity)

Before writing a story, you must understand your target audience. What sort of data will help with storytelling? Our expert instructor will discuss how to gather insights on your target audience to help you craft high-impact stories for them. Gathering the right data is also a key piece of gaining buy-in from institutional leadership.

 


 

Finding the Right Stories and Choosing Your Platform (Includes activity)

Once you understand your audience and their preferences, it is time to unearth the stories you want to share and use data to identify and utilize the best medium. Our instructors will provide an overview of best practices for finding and soliciting powerful stories on your campus and how to convey your message on the right platform to effectively reach your targeted audience.

 


 

Practice: The Art of a Compelling Story

During this interactive session, you will learn the core principles of compelling storytelling and hone your own practice through small group activities.

 


 

Networking Reception

 


Day 2

8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

 

Building Storytelling Strategy and Prioritizing Channels for Generation Z

It is critical to have a brand strategy to serve as the beacon for your storytelling efforts. You will learn about brand strategies at various institutions and the stories that were crafted within these frameworks. You will also explore Generation Z, a growing and important cohort to understand. Armed with these examples, you will begin prioritizing the types of communication channels (e.g., social media, print, film, etc.) you want to focus on and start crafting a storytelling strategy for yourself and your area.

 


 

Bringing It Home: Next Steps when You Return to Campus

Your ability to directly impact brand strategy at your institution can vary greatly depending upon your role. This presentation will provide you with steps you can take back to campus to help enhance storytelling practices from both the bottom-up and top-down.

 


 

Conference Wrap-Up and Evaluations

Speakers

MikeBarzacchini-headshot-square
Mike Barzacchini

Director, Marketing Services
Harper College

From community journalism to health care and higher ed, Mike’s 27-year career has been powered by a passion to discover, create and share stories that connect people and advance strategic priorities.

Read Mike's full bio here.

Elizabeth-Scarborough-Johnson
Elizabeth Scarborough Johnson

Chief Executive Officer
SimpsonScarborough

With over 25 years of experience conducting market research studies, she’s an industry leader in providing strategic marketing solutions to colleges and universities.

Read Elizabeth's full bio here.

DavidPeck-150x150
David Peck, Ph.D.

Vice President for University Relations
Azusa Pacific University

Boasting a background in Hollywood, David’s expertise lies in branding, marketing, public relations, social media, and visual storytelling. He’s been responsible for promoting and protecting the brand at APU for 21 years.

Read David's full bio here.

Questions About the Event?

Kate-2

Kate Poisson
Program Manager, Academic Impressions

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