The Mike Warne event is the only student-organised event in the whole of the CIM’s national event programme and it has grown in stature over time, achieving local and national media coverage in recent years, due to the earnest effort of the students.
The 2019 event was on the theme of co-creation and explored how innovative brands use co-creation with consumers, discussing the process where consumers and brands work together to create better ideas, products and services. The inspiration for the idea and theme stemmed from the students experiencing co-creation as consumers and recognising it as an exciting and engaging tool for brands and customers alike. With co-creation in mind, the students came together to organise the event, with Bournemouth University and the CIM for its thirteenth year.
The speakers included, William Roberts from the RNLI, Charlotte Leaver from Global Brands representing VK drinks and Mike Hawkyard from Gamebrain who all presented their unique and insightful takes on what co-creation is, and how they have all used it as part of their strategic marketing campaigns.
The diligent team of Marketing Communications students included: Abbie Sherman, Connor Underwood, Dejeani Cushnie, Hasina Connell, Isabella Sediono, Jack Wallis, Joshua Rhodes, Molly O’Hara and Tara Fothergill.
Collectively, the team said “Organising this event has been a challenging process but a fantastic learning opportunity to arrange an event of this magnitude and leave a legacy that other students can build on.
“As final year students, it’s really nice to leave knowing we worked together with the leading professional body in marketing and hosted an insightful and enjoyable event - this really shows just how powerful co-creation is.”
Pictured here with volunteer student event organisers, BU’s Shenel McLawrence, Lecturer and Programme Leader in Marketing Communications (far left of front row) and Graham Goode, Senior Lecturer in Marketing Communications (far right of front row) acted as a support system for the students and guided the team.
Written by Dejeani Cushnie, Hasina Connell and Molly O’Hara, BA (Hons) Marketing Communications final year students.
