by Anna Fobair, ADPR student
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Journalism and Mass Communications National Student Advertising Competition team won second place at the District 9 regional competition in Kansas City on April 14.
“Rich Bailey and I are extremely proud of the campaign our 20 students produced,” said Michael Goff, UNL professor of practice. “Webster University of St. Louis won the district this year, edging us in what seems like a photo finish.” The University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, earned third-place in the 2017 judging.
Goff and Bailey, a UNL adjunct professor, led the team as faculty advisors, although both were quick to credit the entire advertising and public relations faculty with the team’s strong record year after year.
“This year's team lived up to the stellar UNL reputation for success in the district,” Bailey said. “I suspect it was a close call for the judges as much as they praised the presentation in comments afterward.”
With Friday’s results, the UNL NSAC team has won six first-place finishes and three second-place finishes in the past nine years at the regional competition. UNL’s 2012 team took first place in the nation, when 153 schools had entered the competition.
This year’s client is the authentic frozen Asian-style cuisine, “Tai Pei.” The team created an integrated marketing campaign directed toward millennials. The work included creative in and out-of-home ads, public relations tactics, four video spots, three print ads and a microsite.
This competition is sponsored by the American Advertising Federation. The District 9 region includes schools from Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri.