SMSsummit Higher Ed — Day 1
Monday, October 20, 2025
7:55 a.m.–8:00 a.m. PT
Welcome Remarks by Summit Producer
8:00 a.m.–8:45 a.m. PT
From Mundane to a Masterpiece: How to Make Less-Than-Engaging Content Stand Out on Social Media
Not all content starts out exciting, but that doesn’t mean it can’t capture attention. In this session, you’ll learn practical strategies to transform the somewhat dry topics we all HAVE to post about into engaging content that drives interaction and reach. Discover how creativity, storytelling, and smart formatting can turn even the most ordinary content into a masterpiece.
"Ask Us Anything" Speaker Office Hours
8:45 a.m.–9:30 a.m. Pacific
Three speakers will host "Ask Me Anything" sessions on each topic listed below. That's right—you dictate the panel's content in real time! Bring all your burning questions and get answers from unique perspectives.
Three speakers will host "Ask Me Anything" sessions on each topic listed below. That's right—you dictate the panel's content in real time! Bring all your burning questions and get answers from unique perspectives.
Collaborating with Student Content Teams | Customizing You Social Media Strategy for Diverse Audiences |
9:30 a.m.–10:00 a.m. PT
Break
10:00 a.m.–10:45 a.m. PT
Keeping AI Approachable While Expanding Its Role in Social Media
AI is transforming how higher education institutions manage their social media presence. But what are some concrete (and approachable) ways to use it to our advantage?
In this presentation, Brenna will share how she leverages AI in her day-to-day as a social media manager team of one. This will include content creation help, analytics, accessibility, and more.
Attendees will learn to:
- Implement AI tools for enhanced social media analytics and insights.
- Use AI to boost engagement and create more accessible content.
- Develop effective AI prompts for various social media tasks.
- Leverage AI for brainstorming and SEO help.
Whether you're new to AI or already using it, this session will inspire you to rethink how it can foster a more interactive and student-centered online community.
10:45 a.m.–11:30 a.m. PT
Panel
Executive-Ready Reporting: How to Translate Data into Strategic Insights
11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. PT
Break
12:00 p.m.–12:45 p.m. PT
Panel
The Engagement Blueprint: How to Build and Grow Thriving Communities on Social Media
12:45 p.m.–1:30 p.m. PT
Panel
Streamlined and Strategic: Optimizing The Account Creation and Downsizing Processes
1:30 p.m.–2:15 p.m. PT
From Fragmented to Focused: Strategies for Consistent Branding Across Platforms and Accounts
2:15 p.m PT
Day One Concludes
SMSsummit Higher Ed — Day 2
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
7:55 a.m.–8:00 a.m. PT
Welcome Remarks by Summit Producer
8:00 a.m.–8:45 a.m. PT
Proactive Social: Diffusing Issues Before They Become a Crisis
"Ask Us Anything" Speaker Office Hours
8:45 a.m.–9:30 a.m. Pacific
Three speakers will host "Ask Me Anything" sessions on each topic listed below. That's right—you dictate the panel's content in real time! Bring all your burning questions and get answers from unique perspectives.
How to Collaborate with Staff and Faculty Not Familiar with Social Media | How to Decide Whether to Jump on a New Platform |
9:30 a.m.–10:00 a.m. PT
Break
10:00 a.m.–10:45 a.m. PT
Panel
Optimizing Social Media Project Management & Workflows
10:45 a.m.–11:30 a.m. PT
Panel
Creating Social Media Content “Swim Lanes” Across University Departments
11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. PT
Break
12:00 p.m.–12:45 p.m. PT
Panel
The Building Blocks of a Social Media Campaign: From Planning to Results
Director of Marketing & Public Information
Illinois Eastern Community Colleges & Lincoln Trail College
12:45 p.m.–1:30 p.m. PT
Sustainable Social Media Management: Preventing Burnout in Higher Education
Social media in higher education is often described as a chaotic, high-pressure environment: one that feels like fighting an endless dumpster fire. But what if you could take back control, calm the chaos, and transform your social media strategy into something purposeful and impactful? This session is a call to breathe, refocus, and reignite your passion for authentic connection. Together, we’ll explore the unique pressures higher ed communicators face, identify sources of burnout, and learn how to rise above them. You’ll leave with a renewed sense of clarity, practical strategies to bring order to the chaos, and inspiration to build healthier, more sustainable social media practices.
Takeaways:
- Reframe the chaos: Learn how to embrace challenges as opportunities for meaningful change.
- Discover strategies to prioritize what truly matters and connect authentically with your audience.
- Build boundaries and advocate for yourself, creating space for both professional success and personal well-being.
- Walk away with tools and templates you can implement immediately to reduce stress and restore balance.
- Rekindle your passion for social media through community, collaboration, and self-care.
1:30 p.m.–2:15 p.m. PT
Panel
How Higher Ed Institutions Thrive Amid Social Media & Platform Changes in the Face of Uncertainty
2:15 p.m. PT
Day Two Concludes
SMSsummit Higher Ed Workshops
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. PT
Workshop details coming soon!