UPEI students present ideas for PEI 2014 celebrations

PEI 2014 Inc. is tapping into a valuable resource in an effort to engage young Islanders. On Friday, March 1st, UPEI students presented integrated marketing campaigns designed to engage Prince Edward Island residents aged 19-25 in the PEI 2014 celebrations.

'What better way to understand how to engage this age group than by working with people who are part of this particular demographic,' says PEI 2014 Inc. Executive Director, Penny Walsh McGuire. 'We're thrilled with the creative and innovative ideas these students have presented.'

UPEI Assistant Professor, Susan Graham assigned the marketing campaign as a project for her fourth-year business course, Integrated Cases in Marketing. The marketing campaigns were presented to an expert panel of judges including PEI 2014 Inc. Executive Director, Penny Walsh McGuire; PEI 2014 Inc. Marketing Director, Karl Bruenjes; and UPEI Dean of Business, Alan Duncan.

First place was awarded to students Corey Dougay, Allison MacLeod, Glynn Jenkins, and Nathan Ward. Second place was given to Sarah Dunphy, Matthew MacInnis, Kelcy McNally, and Justin Lank, while third place went to James MacArthur, TJ Courtney, Matthew Lane, and Cody Arsenault. The students were challenged to increase social media engagement by the target demographic by incorporating video and audio elements in their marketing campaigns.

'Students benefit from partnerships with organizations in the community because it allows them to put their learning into action,' says Graham. 'I find students work harder and are more creative with their marketing solutions when they work with real companies and work on real problems. It's a win-win for everyone involved.'

In 2014, Canadians will mark the 150th anniversary (Sesquicentennial) of the 1864 Charlottetown Conference, which paved the way to Confederation. PEI 2014 Inc. is facilitating the planning, promotion and implementation of the Sesquicentennial. PEI 2014 events and activities will honour the past, celebrate the present, and plan a bold tomorrow.

Patricia Devine

Communications Director

(902) 628-9175 pdevine@pei2014.ca

Sheila Kerry

Media Relations and Communications Officer

University of Prince Edward Island

(902) 566-0760 skerry@upei.ca