Niagara College students in the Public Relations (PR) graduate certificate program drew professional communicators together from across the Niagara Region for learning and networking.
On March 5, in collaboration with the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) Hamilton, over 50 communicators gathered at the NC Teaching Winery for a panel discussion to explore the trends impacting communications in the region.
The PR student team behind the event. From L-R: David Biggar, Meghann Riley, Tiana Melnychuk & Gordon Lampman.
The inaugural, sold-out event was planned and executed by a team of four PR students – David Biggar, Meghann Riley, Tiana Melnychuk and Gordon Lampman – as part of professor and program coordinator Emily McInerney’s Special Events course.
Panelists included local PR professionals Marc MacDonald with the City of Welland, Franklyn Searle with Big Brothers Big Sisters Niagara, Andrea Kaiser of Kaiser Design & Marketing/Drea Wine, and NC alum Mary Jane Johnson (PR, 2007) from Niagara Health.
“The Communicating in Niagara event was an example of a truly successful applied team project,” said McInerney. “For an inaugural, student-run event to sell out and receive such positive client (CPRS Hamilton) and guest feedback has been really encouraging. It is a testament to the talents of the four PR students who put in the work and applied their learnings from my class into reality.”
“In planning this event, we truly had the opportunity to put theory into practice,” said Melnychuk of St. Catharines. “We implemented our writing techniques in crafting panel questions, our social media best practices in crafting engaging captions for Instagram and LinkedIn posts, and put our graphic design skills to the test in creating promotional signage/graphics.”
Panelists from L to R: Marc MacDonald, City of Welland, Franklyn Searle, Big Brothers Big Sisters Niagara, Andrea Kaiser, Kaiser Design and Marketing/Drea Wine, Mary Jane Johnson, Niagara Health.
The group engaged in thought-provoking discussions on the latest modes of communication, from podcasting to TikTok, to navigating AI technology and more.
“The students, in collaboration with CPRS Hamilton, worked diligently to deliver an outstanding evening of (re)connection, networking, and insightful discussions on the challenges and evolving strategies within communications and public relations,” said MacDonald. “Their hard work and dedication were evident in every detail of the event.”
Melnychuk says that their goal was to design a format that was interactive, and making way for “natural and inspiring conversations” among professionals.
Planning an event for the pros is no small feat, and being detail-oriented was a key to their success.
“What helped me prepare the most was talking through every small detail of the event with my team, well in advance,” explained Melnychuk. “Visualizing the layout and flow of traffic, where guests would stand during the panel discussion, when to pass the microphones etc. Also, making sure that the panelists knew the plan.”
“It was a pleasure working with the students in the Niagara College Public Relations program to bring this event to life,” said Kim Zarzuela, Chair of Memberships and Communications for CPRS Hamilton. “Their professionalism, creativity, and attention to detail were truly impressive, resulting in a seamless and successful evening at NC’s beautiful Teaching Winery. The panel discussion was engaging and insightful, and it was wonderful to see their hard work come together so beautifully. An outstanding job by the next generation of PR professionals.”
Tiana Melnychuk
Public Relations marks a career pivot for Melnychuk who also holds a Bachelor of Science from Brock University. With plans to study physics in grad school, Melnychuk was drawn to NC’s PR program because she enjoyed writing about and simplifying complex scientific concepts.
“I hadn’t taken media or communications classes before, but I wanted to explore how I could use public relations in addition to my physics background for science communication.”
Melnychuk hopes to marry her background in science and public relations into a career in communications in the utilities or energy sector.
“Events are an important aspect of every sector but always seemed so overwhelming to me. Now, after successfully planning and executing this fantastic event with my team, I feel confident for whatever my future holds – even if that includes more event coordination.
On LinkedIn, panelist MacDonald hailed the event a success.
“This PR class is next-level. I’ve had several chances to speak with, work with, and mentor them, and when they start sending out applications, they will be scooped up quickly.”
“A special shout-out to Emily, an all-star educator and a passionate advocate for the PR profession,” said MacDonald. “Her impact is felt not just by her students but by the entire industry, whether directly or through the ripple effect of her teachings.”
