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Apr 30

UC Student Networking Event: The Inside Track

April 30 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Free

Thursday 30th April 2026 @ 5:30pm-7:00pm

Overview

Have you ever wondered what a day in the life of a Comms Manager actually looks like? Or how Social Media Strategy works at a large company?
The University of Canterbury and the Public Relations Institute of New Zealand (PRINZ) are teaming up to give you The Inside Track.
 
This is a fast-paced, small-group “rotation” event where you get direct access to industry leaders. You will have 10 minutes at each table to hear from the professionals and ask questions. Whether you’re interested in crisis management, social media engagement, PR agency life or what it’s like to make the jump from study to your first role, we have someone for you to speak with!
 
We look forward to seeing you there! Please RSVP as there will be limited seats available.
 
Please note: The opening speech will begin at 5:30pm so please arrive a few minutes early. Additionally, in order to keep this event free for students, we will be unable to provide any food or drink. 

Your panellists are:

Annabel McAleer

Annabel McAleer is a science communicator who runs Shared Science alongside three colleagues. She loves creating clarity from complex information and strongly believes that good science communication can accelerate research adoption, deepen public thinking, and shift mindsets.

Jo Scott

Jo Scott has a strong journalistic background; she started her career as a reporter for The Radio Network before accepting a role as Broadcast Production Officer for ABC News. Since this time, she has continued to share her knowledge and love for journalism as a tutor at both the University of Canterbury and the New Zealand Broadcasting School.

Felicity Price

Winner of several national and one international awards for outstanding communication and marketing strategies and projects, Felicity Price has significant expertise in media (print, radio and television) and digital media, including social media and digital campaigns, as well as business management and change management.

 
Hayley Tate graduated from the University of Canterbury in 2019 with a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism. Hayley then worked within the communications team at Selwyn District Council for over 5 years as a Communications Content Assistant and later as a Communications Advisor. Hayley has recently taken up a role as a Communications and Engagement Advisor for Environment Canterbury.

Jess Sherman

Jessica Sherman is an energetic and determined communications and marketing professional who is passionate about telling stories that matter. She is currently a Go-to-Market Manager at Meridian Energy where she leads the communications and marketing for Zero, Meridian’s national EV charging network. Jessica has experience in marketing communications, stakeholder engagement, media relations, and digital and social media.

Sean Tully

Sean Tully is a corporate communicator with considerable experience engaging with stakeholders. He is currently working as the strategic communications manager at Christchurch International Airport. In this role, he is responsible for engaging with media and the wider Christchurch community, in addition to overseeing the airport’s communications strategy. 

Erin Jamieson

Erin Jamieson is a co-owner of Convergence Communications & Marketing. Established in 2002, Convergence is a multi-award winning boutique communications consultancy based in Christchurch. Through this business, Erin has become a trusted advisor to a diverse range of clients across the country. Her expertise spans crisis management, stakeholder engagement, marketing communications, media relations, and strategic communications.  

Pip Swift

As Principal Advisor Communications at Selwyn District Council, Pip Swift provides strategic communications and media advice to the Mayor, councillors, and Chief Executive. A core part of her role is supporting the Mayor and executive leadership to respond confidently to media enquiries and proactively use the media to explain decisions, manage issues, and build public understanding. Pip works closely with leaders to develop messaging, prepare for interviews, and navigate high‑profile or sensitive situations. The focus is on clear, credible communication that strengthens trust between Council, the media, and the community.

Details

Date:
April 30
Time:
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Cost:
Free

Venue

James Logie Room 613
20 Kirkwood Avenue, Upper Riccarton
Christchurch, 8041 New Zealand
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