Keynote Speaker:

Title: Public Relations Director at Riggs Partners, PRSSA Champion, Past PRSA National Board Member and PRSSA Liaison

Twitter: @davispr

Kelly Jackson Davis, APR has twenty years of experience in public relations, marketing and communications management. She is the Public Relations Director at Riggs Partners in Columbia, South Carolina, where she manages the integrated marketing firm’s public relations department and focuses on strategic communications planning, brand development, issues management and consumer marketing.

Davis has received more than 40 awards for public relations campaigns and tactics, including the 2006, 2009, 2012 and 2012 Best in Show Awards from the South Carolina Chapter of PRSA. In 2007, the SCPRSA named her the “W. Thomas Duke Distinguished Public Relations Practitioner of the Year,” just ten years after recognizing her as SCPRSA Rookie of the Year.

Why #NASHvantage?

“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to speak at NASHvantage. PRSSA Regional Conferences are a wonderful way for students to connect with one another, to learn about careers in the public relations industry and to develop valuable leadership skills. I look forward to sharing insights from my own career while helping students visualize the many paths that they can explore within this rewarding and fulfilling profession.”

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Breakout Session Speakers:

Title: Corporate Communications Coordinator, Nashville Predators

Twitter: @Ali44 and @PredsNHL

Since high school, Alexis Whitman had dreamed of working in the sports industry and combining her love of communications. As the Corporate Communications Coordinator in the PR department of the Nashville Predators, she assists with the PR efforts surrounding the business-side of the organization, including Bridgestone Arena events, partnerships, marketing, youth hockey, Ford Ice Center and community relations. Additionally, she works to support the hockey PR efforts of the department – writing games notes and running the press box during home games.

Why #NASHvantage?

“I met so many great people in the industry when I was a student that took the time to talk to me about the PR field and answer my questions. I look forward to being able to return the favor and help students in any way that I can now that I’m on the other side.”

Title: Director of Marketing for Nashville’s iconic candy, Goo Goo Cluster.

Twitter: @betheats and @GooGooClusters

Since taking on the role in 2011, Beth has overseen the marketing efforts behind the company’s 100 year anniversary celebration, coordinated sponsorships with the Nashville Sounds and Predators, launched successful retail campaigns at retailers like Walgreens and Kroger, and managed all PR and advertising for the newly opened Goo Goo Shop in downtown Nashville.

In addition to her role at Goo Goo, Beth is the creator of Eat. Drink. Smile., a successful food & drink blog, and a freelance writer who has contributed to The Tennessean, Nashville Lifestyles magazines, The Guardian and Expedia. Last year, Southern Living listed her personal Twitter account (@betheats) as “One of the Nine Southern Twitter Feeds You Should Be Following”.

Title: Director of Communications for Nashville Fashion Week.

Twitter: @CatherinaD and @NashFashWeek

As Nashville Fashion Week’s Director of Communications, Catherina Davidson helps plan a week long, city-wide celebration of Nashville’s thriving fashion community featuring renowned designers and talent.

At her day job, Catherina develops communication strategies for clients in a wide range of industries at DVL Seigenthaler. She has assisted in the planning and execution of multiple special events including the Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl and the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue.

She has experience with local and national media relations for clients including Jack Daniel’s, Bridgestone America’s and Tractor Supply Company. She’s created and executed social media plans for clients including Logan’s Roadhouse, Bridgestone America’s and the National Association of Water Companies.

Title: Marketing & Public Relations Manager for Omni Nashville Hotel

Twitter: @Keyes2MusicCity and @OmniNashville

Kellie Keyes joined Omni Hotels & Resorts in 2013 as part of the opening team for the Omni Nashville. Keyes oversees all marketing and communication operations for the property and works closely with the media and corporate office. Her responsibilities include media buying, media relations, community outreach, digital initiatives and outlet and brand promotions. Keyes also serves as the hotel’s official art curator and gives public tours of the property’s robust art collection.

Why #NASHvantage?

“It’s an honor to be speaking at this year’s NASHvantage. I look forward to sharing my insights on consumer press and lifestyle branding.”

Title: Marketing & Strategic Partnerships Assistant for Country Music Association

Twitter: @CodyLynch2 and @CountryMusic

Cody Lynch, Marketing and Strategic Partnerships Assistant, serves as Assistant to the Senior Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Partnerships, in addition he acts as the department Coordinator to the Strategic Partnership department within The Country Music Association. CMA’s signature events include the top-rated CMA Awards, CMA Music Festival, and CMA Country Christmas, all of which air on ABC TV. With a strong focus on strategic partnership initiatives, Lynch has helped drive CMA to meet and exceed its #1 position in the country music industry.

Prior to CMA, Lynch graduated from The University of Central Florida in the spring of 2014 with a degree in Marketing and a Certification in Entertainment Marketing. While attending The University of Central Florida, he served as Promotions Assistant at Cox Media Group.”

Why #NASHvantage?

“Take advantage of every opportunity given to you while in college! I wouldn’t be where I am today if not for the things I did at the University of Central Florida.”

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Young Professionals Panel

Title: Community Manager for Media Whisper

Twitter: @DennisV522

Dennis is a music lover and social media nerd who combined these things to find his dream job. Currently working as an Community Manager at Media Whisper, Dennis oversees and manages the online communities of multiple concert and live entertainment venues across the country. His favorite part of post-grad life is always being able to afford guac at Chipotle.

Why #NASHvantage?

“Planning BU’s Regional Conference 3 years ago was incredible! I’m excited to be back as on the young pro panel this time!”

Twitter: @SammyCocks

Title: Director of Corporate Events for Events Nashville LLC

Samantha is a graduate of Belmont University where she studied Music Business and was an active member of Alpha Gamma Delta. She is currently working for Events Nashville LLC at Houston Station where she has been for the past two years. Samantha started as an intern for Events Nashville where she later was promoted to Events Coordinator and is currently Director of Corporate Events. In her free time Samantha adds pins to her secret wedding board on Pinterest, wishes she had a dog and practices for her karaoke debut.

Why #NASHvantage?

“I’m excited to be involved with NASHvantage because I can’t wait for everyone to explore Nashville and see how great of a city it is!”

Title: Account Executive for DVL Seigenthaler, A Finn Partners Company

Twitter: @minhatwork and @DVLSeigenthaler

Minh Le, Account Executive, provides research and media relations support to clients at DVL Seigenthaler, and brings a unique business perspective to integrated marketing campaigns.  His blend of creativity and analytical capacity prove invaluable to client teams.

Minh studied at Middle Tennessee State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing in 2011 and a master’s degree in business administration in 2012. Before completing an internship at SPR, he was a marketing and communications intern for the Tennessee Chapter of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America. He also worked at the Seigenthaler Chair of Excellence in First Amendment Studies at MTSU.

Title: Account Executive for Lovell Communications

Twitter: @Katelynfish and @LovellComm

Katelyn Fish works with agency clients across a wide variety of industries assisting in launching targeted marketing strategies and public relations campaigns. She specializes in the areas of event planning and media relations, generating coverage from well-recognized national and local media outlets. Using her research expertise, she analyzes and interprets data to create meaningful reports and translates information into concise visuals for client interpretation. Fish is the leader of the digital team at Lovell Communications. She is a board member of the Nashville chapter of PRSA and was selected as the 2014 PRSA Mercury Award winner awarded to a PR professional with less than 10 years of experience who has demonstrated accelerated progress in his or her career.

Why #NASHvantage?

“I’m excited to share my experiences at NASHvantage to help students navigate the scary, yet exciting job hunting process.”

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Development Session Speakers

Title: Public Relations Director at Riggs Partners, PRSSA Champion, Past PRSA National Board Member and PRSSA Liaison

Twitter: @davispr

Kelly Jackson Davis, APR has twenty years of experience in public relations, marketing and communications management. She is the Public Relations Director at Riggs Partners in Columbia, South Carolina, where she manages the integrated marketing firm’s public relations department and focuses on strategic communications planning, brand development, issues management and consumer marketing.

Davis has received more than 40 awards for public relations campaigns and tactics, including the 2006, 2009, 2012 and 2012 Best in Show Awards from the South Carolina Chapter of PRSA. In 2007, the SCPRSA named her the “W. Thomas Duke Distinguished Public Relations Practitioner of the Year,” just ten years after recognizing her as SCPRSA Rookie of the Year. (Full bio in Folder)

Why #NASHvantage?

“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to speak at NASHvantage. PRSSA Regional Conferences are a wonderful way for students to connect with one another, to learn about careers in the public relations industry and to develop valuable leadership skills. I look forward to sharing insights from my own career while helping students visualize the many paths that they can explore within this rewarding and fulfilling profession.”

Title: Communications Specialist for Belmont University

Twitter: @hopiedear and @BelmontUniv

A public relations junkie, dedicated writer, avid nonprofit supporter, devoted reader and TLC addict, Hope Buckner is a graduate of Belmont University, with a Bachelor’s Degree in public relations and education. She is a believer in collaboration, lover of people and supporter of empowered storytelling.

Title: Instructor, Department of Media Studies at Belmont University

Twitter: @dorrenr

Dorren Robinson has been an instructor in the Media Studies department at Belmont since 2005. Before coming to Belmont, Robinson was a reporter at The Tennessean for 15 years. She has B.A. in journalism from Western Kentucky University and a M.A. in mass communication from Murray State University. She teaches Mass Media and Society, Basic Newswriting, Magazine Workshop and First Year Seminar courses. She also continues to freelance write and edit.