Logo Animation created by Spenser Leise
The Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) is an Iowa State University organization that supports Iowa businesses through consulting, innovation, and strategic growth. During my internship with CIRAS, I contributed to a wide range of multimedia projects, including animation, writing, design, video editing, social media, and podcast production. These responsibilities gave me the opportunity to apply my advertising and communication skills in a real-world setting while developing new technical and professional skills.
Digital Manufacturing Lab Brochure
The CIRAS Digital Manufacturing Lab, Powered by Alliant Energy, is a space where Iowa businesses can test technologies, such as 3D printing and exoskeletons, before investing in them. I designed a brochure to highlight the lab’s offerings. More than 200 copies were printed and distributed to Iowa businesses, with additional restocks already underway due to positive feedback.
Digital Sourcebook Animation
The CIRAS digital sourcebook is a tool to aid researchers seeking assistance from CIRAS. I was tasked with creating a fully animated video about the sourcebook, coordinating a voice actor and voice-over, and following the notes from the other involved parties.
Logo Animation created by Spenser Leise
2025 ILC Annual Conference
The Iowa Lean Consortium’s Annual Conference brings together more than 200 lean practitioners from across the state every year. I was tasked with developing a comprehensive social media marketing campaign, including strategy and media creation. This project allowed me to strengthen my event marketing skills while contributing to a high-profile gathering of Iowa industry leaders.
Comprehensive Social Media Plan
The social media outreach for the ILC Conference took place over LinkedIn. I began by researching past years of the conference. I reviewed the KPIs, post-strategy, and planning for the 2023 & 2024 ILC Conference, identifying three main improvements.
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For the 2024 ILC Conference, the marketing plan focused solely on selling, telling followers about purchase deadlines and sales. However, marketing data does not support this being the best strategy. Instead, posting helpful and engaging content in addition to selling is the best plan of action. So I installed a “60-30-10 Split” for the 2025 ILC Conference
60% engaging content
30% Reposts or sponsored content
10% Hard Selling
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Due to some changes in social media algorithms and user preferences, video content is now heavily incentivised. To take advantage of this trend, I decided to make video content a cornerstone of the marketing for this ILC conference.
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In past years, the ILC conference struggled to maintain a consistent visual and written style. For an event, visual consistency is essential. Without one, it can leave attendees confused, chipping away at an event's credibility, so I installed a style guide for all media about the conference.
ILC Social Media Graphics
Below is a showcase of LinkedIn graphics for the conference, with posts serving three main purposes.
Increase Awareness:
Almost every graphic features the date and location of the event. If attendees don’t know when and where the event is, they can’t attend. Hammering home the general info about the event was integral to the ILC Annual Conference marketing strategy.
Generate Interest:
Some posts feature prominent speakers and exhibitors, so people who follow the ILC LinkedIn know what the event offers. Communicating the value of attending the ILC conference was important for generating more sponsors and attendees.
Sponsorship Commitments:
The ILC Annual Conference attracts a plethora of sponsors and exhibitors, both of which need to be featured on the ILC LinkedIn page a certain number of times. I ensured that we met our requirements and sponsorship deadlines.
The “ILC Conference Highlights” Video Series
In my mission to create engaging video content for the ILC, I turned previous ILC Conference speeches into inspiring, digestible videos.
Conference Stationary
In addition to my work on LinkedIn, I was in charge of crafting the printed agendas and name tags for the event. To keep the print items consistent and eye-catching, I utilized the 2025 ILC Conference style guide.
Conference Day
The 2025 ILC Conference garnered over 300 attendees and 18 sponsors/exhibitors. I was honored to attend and provide live coverage of the event. I interviewed speakers, sat in on sessions, and aided with event needs.
October 23rd
As part of a company-wide messaging refresh, I conducted interviews with 28 Strategic Advisors and Service Area Leads. These sessions required careful listening and strong communication, as some didn’t agree with the proposed changes. I compiled all the feedback into a report that contributed to CIRAS’s updated messaging strategy.
Messaging guide
Updated Messaging Flyer
Industry Iowa Podcast
The Industry Iowa podcast highlights stories from across Iowa’s business landscape. I edited episodes using Adobe Premiere, cleaning audio, adding branded elements, and preparing files for distribution on Wistia. Through this project, I gained hands-on experience in podcast production and post-production workflows.
Click here to listen to Industry Iowa