I want (the brand) that way
Bad Backstreet Boys puns, lizard memes, and the unmistakable clink of Plinko chips…no, it’s not a fever dream. It’s Brand Camp 4!
Brand Camp returned on September 10, 2025, welcoming approximately 145 attendees into the ever-evolving world of Miami University branding. The day kicked off with some tough (and hilarious) trivia, setting the stage for a deep dive into this year’s brand, including major updates from Miami Athletics. In fact, there was so much to share, we needed two Main Sessions to cover it all!
Main Session #1: That Makes (Miami) Larger Than Life
Led by John Rizzo, director of Creative Strategy and Brand Experience, this session explored how University Communications and Marketing (UCM) is expanding Miami’s story far beyond traditional storytelling. From news and environmental graphics to digital marketing, sponsorships, licensing, and more, our brand is showing up in more ways than ever.
Recent launches and enhancements included:
- Meet Miami U blog
- New print portal
- Photoshelter updates*
- In The Loop newsletter
Other key features included updates on:
- MiamiTHRIVE
- Canva Enterprise
- Events and activations
- #MoveInMiami fundraising (squirrel naming!)
- Cradle of Coaches documentary
- …and more ads than we can count.
View the slides for Main Session #1 and #2 here.
Breakout Sessions: Strategy Meets Innovation
Attendees chose from breakout sessions covering a range of topics, from marketing to generational audiences, to integrating AI into marketing strategies and optimizing web searches. Each session offered practical takeaways and sparked great conversation.
- AI and Web: Optimizing Digital Content for AI Search Impact
- Content: Beyond the Press Release: Using University Stories to Win in PR and Marketing
- Marketing: Generations: Same Campus, Different Playlists
- Admission: Solving Enrollment Problems Strategically
Main Session #2: Partnerships, Licensing, and Swoop Strikes Again
The second main session provided a closer look at Miami’s strategic partnerships, why they exist, and how they elevate our brand. We also debuted new sport-specific Swoop poses (with more to come!) and took a behind-the-scenes look at UCM’s Licensing strategy and its impact on students and the university at large.
Other highlights included:
- Homecoming 2024 football uniform featured in the College Football Hall of Fame
- New Starbucks mugs
- Major events and activations that put Miami in front of thousands
Brand Camp 4 delivered what it promised: inspiration, education, collaboration, and plenty of swag. The energy, creativity, and enthusiasm from across campus made it clear: Brand Camp (and UCM) is just getting started.
If you have feedback, questions, or want to attend or know someone who would benefit from this event, please email Brand@MiamiOH.edu.
*The improved Photoshelter interface may not show in your view yet. Thank you for your patience as Photoshelter rolls out the new update.