UK SAB’s Purpose Showcased During 2014 NACA Convention

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 3, 2014) — Student Activities Board Director of Public Relations, Jacob Ewing, gave his “Numbers Mean Nothing” presentation at the 2014 National Association of Campus Activities (NACA) convention in Boston, Mass., Feb. 15-19. Ewing presented during the third day of the convention.

Ewing’s presentation focused on how UK SAB utilizes social media platforms and the importance of using these platforms to achieve a purpose, not reaching a profit. His presentation was appropriately titled “Numbers Mean Nothing” because he pointed out that the goal should not be the number of followers or retweets a programming organization receives. Those numbers should not be the reason an organization uses social media.

Ewing informed his audience that social media should be used to develop a meaningful relationship with the organization and its audience. A board should use all of its available platforms collectively for an integrated approach, which will make the largest impact on the audience. The goal should be to further develop the culture and central purpose of the board.

While Ewing spoke to the attendees about focusing on impacting its audience, little did he know that his presentation itself impacted his audience, at NACA and back home in Lexington. The engagement of the presentation was documented through Twitter using the #NACAnumbers hashtag and engagement was substantial. Tweets using the hashtag shared feedback regarding the lessons attendees learned. The amount of feedback Ewing received was so large that it became a national trend for a short period of time.

“It was incredible to see the reach that our presentation had at the conference and on social media,” said Ewing. “UK has become one of the most prevalent higher education institutions on social media and it’s exciting to see UK SAB continue that through student organizations.”

Ewing began his career at the Student Activities Board as a promotions committee chair in 2012. He was selected as associate director of public relations a semester later and then was promoted to director of public relations shortly thereafter. He has held this position for almost a year. Ewing also serves as president-elect and will serve as SAB president during the 2014-2015 academic year.

A NACA national convention is held annually for student programming organizations from across the nation to discuss what they accomplished, experience what others have accomplished and discover new talent that they can bring back to their campuses.

The Student Activities Board brings over 100 entertaining, educational and enriching programs that reflect on contemporary issues to the University of Kentucky campus each year. The programs are designed to enhance the college experience for students, faculty, staff and the greater Lexington community.

Connect with SAB at www.uksab.org, follow them on Twitter at twitter.com/UKSAB or like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/UKSAB. For more information about SAB and events, email contact@uksab.org or text a question beginning with SABQ, followed by your question or comment, to 411-247.

MEDIA CONTACT: Katy Bennett, katy.bennett@uky.edu, 859-257-1909