We're back in Martin tonight after the long trek. It is a full 57 degrees colder here today than it was this time two days ago in Atlanta, hovering at 11 degrees Fahrenheit with ice and snow all around. Right now we're holed up in the bedroom with the heater turned up trying to get the apartment warm enough to consider sleep.
Our attempt at celebration last night taught us important lessons about city ordinances and determined revelers. I may opt for a continuation of the festivities now that we're home safe. The rest of the crew should arrive tomorrow.
The final day of the conference was largely uneventful. I attended the first session this morning titled "Visual Thinking" by Rick Crotts, a designer from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He had some great points about packaging stories for the short attention-span readers. Lord knows we've got some of them among us.
The second session was "A Day in the Life of a PR Agency" by Mitch Head, managing director for Golin Harris's Atlanta agency. The presentation was mostly about internships and how to get them. I had to duck out early for the Resume Doctor session.
Speaking of that, it was not Friday as I had first expected. The appointment went much like the last time around, finding a few silly errors in the typography, and advising I cut or condense most of the vitals down to a single page. I agree, but we are in a constant argument with our department head on what is acceptable and what isn't in a resume or portfolio. Elsen even told one participant (in rough paraphrase), "Do whatever it takes to graduate, then trash that portfolio. Twenty clips and all that other stuff is worthless to a prospective employer." He's all about condensing everything down to just the vital information.
We picked up on-site awards for page design, a public relations project and infographics. My page design contribution garnered a third place finish, which leaves me wondering how we came up short in the "Best of the South" competition. I probably need to look back over the clips we sent for the answer.
That wraps up the SEJC notes. I'm going to go huddle under a blanket and try to stay warm.