AI Issues for Proactive Communicators

Thursday, October 8, 2026
3:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus
Alumni, Community, Faculty, Staff, Students

Today’s communicators are navigating one of the most transformative shifts in professional practice since the advent of social media: the rise of artificial intelligence. AI Issues for Proactive Communicators is an interactive workshop designed to equip marketing and public relations professionals with the insights and tools they need to lead responsibly in an AI-driven landscape. Participants will explore current and emerging issues in AI that directly impact communication strategy, such as ethical use, bias and transparency, intellectual property concerns, and organizational policy development. The session blends practical applications with discussion of industry standards and case studies, helping attendees turn uncertainties about AI into opportunities for strategic innovation. Attendees who complete the workshop will also earn access to a free professional certificate courtesy of GVSU College of Computing in Applied AI Communication Essentials, recognizing their commitment to advancing ethical and effective AI adoption in their organizations, with their clients, and for various audiences.

Panelists/Presenters:

Dr. Imran Mazid, School of Communications - Advertising & Public Relations

Dr. Samah Mansour, Department of Information Sciences & Technologies - Cybersecurity and West Michigan Trustworthy AI Consortium

Lance Beaudry, Avalanche Creative

Moderator: Steph Porter, School of Communications - Advertising & Public Relations and ink&iron PR

This program is a collaboration amongst the following groups: GVSU School of Communications, GVSU College of Computing, GVSU University Communications, GVSU Advertising & Public Relations Major, West Michigan Public Relations Society of America, American Marketing Association of West Michigan, GVSU Public Relations Student Society of America, and GVSU GrandPR.

Tentative Schedule:

3:00 check in/networking;
3:30 panel program + QA;
4:45-5:30 breakout tables for 1:1 assistance/small group discussions

Registration:

WMPRSA and AMAWM Members: $25
Future Members: $35
Students and Un-/Under-employed: Free

Location:

L. William Seidman Center, GVSU

50 Front Ave SW - Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Seidman Forum, 1008B

Please register by October 2 here: https://www.wmprsa.org/local-programs-events/ai-communicators

Light refreshments will be served for the duration.

Location Information

L. William Seidman Center, GVSU

50 Front Ave SW - Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Seidman Forum, 1008B

View on Google Maps

Contact Information

Dr. Adrienne A. Wallace

Associate Director, GVSU School of Communications

[email protected]

616-331-8060

Hosting Department, Organization, or Business

School of Communications and College of Computing

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This event was added to the calendar by Adrienne Wallace (wallacad@gvsu.edu) on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 and was last updated on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 8:26 a.m.