The Media Academy is a premier annual event of the Webster University School of Communications, co-produced with SmithGeiger and our other industry partners. This year, Media Academy will be a series of speakers throughout March and early April on current issues, trends, and new developments in media industries and communication practice.
Concluding the series is a curated student showcase presenting some of the best work from some of our most accomplished students. Students, alumni, communication professionals, faculty, and staff are invited to join these events, gaining insight from leading experts in the field, networking, and developing career boosting knowledge and skills.
2022 Media Academy Speaker Series
Friday, March 11, 2022
3:00 PM-4:00 PM
Drew Jordan, Motion Design and Graphics for the New York Times
Engage in a live presentation and Q&A session with Pulitzer Prize winning Webster University School of Communications Alum, Drew Jordan.
Motion graphics and animation are having an increasingly varied role in our media landscape. From news video units to documentary features, motion design and data visualization is playing a bigger role than ever in how we understand information driven content. Open-source reporting is just one of many outlets that is taking advantage of these visual tools. Drew will talk about what led him from Webster University (05) to his current role on the New York Times' Visual Investigation Team as their graphics editor where he works with creative visuals to support this newer form of journalism.
Monday, March 28, 2022
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Bayram Annakov, CEO & Founder of App in the Air
Bayram Annakov created App in the Air with one mission – to seamlessly transform travel for frequent fliers everywhere through gamification.
He comes to Webster University's School of Communications to share his experience with current students, alumni, faculty, and staff on his unique take on gamification in app design.
Bayram created App in the Air with one mission – to seamlessly transform travel for frequent fliers everywhere. After watching Up in the Air, the famed 2009 George Clooney film, inspiration struck and Bayram set out to address the issues of a very specific group, the million-miler traveler – hence, App in the Air’s concept (and name) was born.
Thursday, March 31st, 2022
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Student Showcase
The Student Showcase returns to Webster's School of Communications to celebrate the conclusion of this year's Media Academy!
Nominated students in the School of Communications at Webster University will showcase their work and projects including video games, photos, recordings, films, and more. Leading communications professionals and alumni will be in attendance to offer feedback, network with students, and offer career advice. Students will have the opportunity to present their most accomplished work.
Current students, faculty and staff, professionals in the communications field, and the public are welcome to attend.
Professional Reviewers/Alumni
Professionals and Webster University alumni from leading organizations in the St. Louis area will be in attendance. These experienced professionals have been chosen to offer feedback and critiques of the students’ projects in the showcase.