Innovision Spring 2019

LIQUID INTERACTIVE On April 19, Liquid Interactive representatives Emily Massaro and Alicia Hughart of Blue Ridge Communications judged the work of three contestants looking to become the winner of the third annual Liquid Interactive Digital Marketing Competition. The contestants were seniors Jenn Loaiza, Mayra Rodriguez Ontiveros and sophomore Morgan Santee. Their proposals were selected out of 31 total submissions. Dr. Roger Hibbs, Chair of the Department of Business Administration, made the opening remarks. He thanked both Liquid Interactive and Blue Ridge for giving students an opportunity that will open doors for them. He said, “This is exactly what we need for our students.” Each contestant presented their suggestions on how Blue Ridge could use digital and social media to enhance brand awareness. The finalists spoke about a three-month campaign that would increase Blue Ridge’s total social media followers, social media engagement and website traffic. Each young woman focused on men and women between the ages of 25 and 34 in the Pocono and Central Pennsylvania area for their target audience. In each presentation, this age group was described to be made up of college graduates that are involved in both gaming and streaming. Though the women had similar goals for their proposed three-month campaign, they all differentiated themselves. Jenn advised Blue Ridge to emphasize their services by including icons on Facebook and proposed that Blue Ridge institute a referral rewards program to get customers more involved. Mayra expressed the importance of the use of Blue Ridge’s keywords, such as “fewer lags,” “blazing” and “change the way you game” on all social media platforms. She also mentioned the idea of Blue Ridge implementing a Customer Appreciation day which would give the company a chance to have a more personal connection with their customers. Morgan researched the streaming service Hulu. She argued that Blue Ridge advertise on this streaming service rather than TV because studies show that audience members remember ads fromHulu. She claimed that Blue Ridge should use Twitter to answer the questions and concerns of their customers. After deliberation, Morgan was named the first place winner, Jenn placed second and Mayra placed third. Each winner was awarded a monetary prize. (L to R): John Del Viscio, Mayra Rodriguez Ontiveros, Jenn Laoiza, Morgan Santee and Alicia Hughart. Emily Massaro presenting the first place prize to Morgan Santee. (L to R): Dr. Eun Yeon Kang, Mayra Rodriguez Ontineros, Jenn Loaiza, Morgan Santee and Dr. Therese Maskulka.