| speakers |
During our conference, students can expect to hear from marketing and communications professionals at some of the top organizations and agencies in the U.S.! More details to come.
2025 keynote speakers
Lynn Calomeni | Brand Director, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit
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As the current Brand Director for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, Lynn Calomeni oversees the brand's strategic direction, including marketing initiatives, event activations, and talent partnerships. Lynn’s career spans key roles at Creative Artists Agency (CAA Sports), where she consulted for high-profile brands such as Bose, Wilson Sporting Goods, Pizza Hut, and SoFi.
She was instrumental in developing multi-million-dollar NFL campaigns, including the launch of SoFi Stadium, and managing major talent partnerships with athletes like Jared Goff, Patrick Mahomes, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Aaron Donald. Before joining Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, Lynn gained valuable experience at the NBA and WNBA, where she focused on global partnerships, event activations, and business development. During her spare time, Lynn enjoys advocating for the Epilepsy Foundation and hitting a new trail with her golden retriever, Lincoln. |
Joey Pfund-Smith | Senior Strategic Communications + PR Leader, Microsoft
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With 10+ years of experience, Joey Pfund-Smith leads communications for Microsoft's Global Diversity & Inclusion organization. In his role he helps drive communications focused on reporting progress against Microsoft's commitments, conveying their accountability for change, and articulating their stance on key issues that impact employees and communities. He is accountable for developing and socializing key messaging, assessing, and addressing employee sentiment, managing communications risk, responding to world events, and positioning our work strategically across audiences.
Joey started his career in the United States Army where he held various leadership roles before taking on communication leadership roles in the public sector. Previously, Joey held roles in executive communications, corporate communications, and issues management and positioning at Microsoft and Dell Technologies. A graduate of Texas Tech University, Joey lives in Austin with his husband Caleb and their blended family of 5 kids (Caleb J, Andrew, Ashton, Shaylee, and Haylee-Grace) and 2 dogs German Shepherd (Kona) and Red Doberman (Moira Reese). Along with sitting on the National Alumni Board, Joey is a member of the Public Relations Society of America and the National Infantry Association. |
2025 speakers & Panelists
Adam Bennett
OSP Construction Management Specialist, Zayo |
Adam Hernandez
Director - Digital & Corporate Communications, EECU Credit Union |
Alissa Nixon
Head of Marketing and Operations, Siemens Digital industries |
Brittany Bagwell
Product Marketing Manager, eGoldFax |
Casey Buscher
Network Content Creator & Sideline Report, ESPN |
Christine Strong
Associate Manager, Location-Based Entertainment, Mattel |
Curt Langford
President & CEO, Texas Tech Alumni Association |
Derik Lattig
Producer, Dr. Phil Primetime, Merit Street Media |
Erica Taylor
Faculty, Communications, Dallas College |
Greg Heitzman
Owner and Publisher - Performing Ads Company, WhatsUpFortWorth.com, WhatsUpBigD.com |
Jeff Klotzman
Former Executive Director Communitcations and Community Relations, Lubbock ISD Former News Director/Anchor, Fox 34 News Lubbock |
Kim Brown
Director of Public Relations, Cook Children's Health Care System |
Kristen Lollar
Chief Marketing Officer, Whitley Penn |
Mateo Rosiles
Breaking News & Special Projects Reporter, Lubbock-Avalanche Journal / USA TODAY Network |
Meredith Dick
Brand Manager, Kendra Scott |
Michelle Bleiberg
Director of Corporate Communications & Public Relations, Mary Kay Global |
Michelle Morris
Senior Associate, Golin |
Robert Giovannetti
Senior Associate Athletic Director External Operations and Strategic Communication, Texas Tech University |
Samantha Serocki
Senior Communications Planner, Expedia Group |
