IUP PRSSA chapter promotes popular CW shows in campaign

 Four students from IUP's Public Relations Student Society of America chapter have taken an opportunity to promote two shows on the CW network.

Michele Luebbers (senior, communications media), Nicole Blessing (senior, journalism), Graham Tripp (senior, journalism) and Barry Wade (senior, communications media) teamed up to put together a campaign for "90210" and "Melrose Place." With the help of journalism professor Michele Papakie's 44 Entertainment PR students, they will be putting on a fashion show and airing the new episodes of the two shows Oct. 13 in the HUB Ohio Room.

From 6:30-8 p.m., guests will be treated to the fashion show; makeovers, facials and tutorials by Mary Kay representatives; memorabilia giveaways; mocktails and snacks; and screenings of past episodes of "90210" and "Melrose Place." "90210"'s new episode will be shown at 8 p.m. and "Melrose Place" at 9.

The campaign team plans to use clothing donated by Rue21 for the show to imitate the fashion styles seen on the shows and to let students know they can duplicate the looks at a price they can afford.

"We're bringing the fashion show to the premiere because fashion is a big part of both series," Luebbers said.

Papakie said the project was a very good way to teach not only the PRSSA members, but her PR students as well, what goes in to developing a public-relations campaign.

"By having this event, it's teaching them the four steps of research, planning, execution and evaluation that are needed in PR," Papakie said. She added that it provides valuable experience for students' portfolios.

"I think it's going to look tremendous in anyone's portfolio, because the CW is huge," Luebbers said. "It's really going to be a big portfolio builder."

"Whether I'm going into entertainment or not, it's great," said Emily Eberhart (sophomore, journalism). "Each piece of this is going to be great information [for my portfolio]."

Luebbers said that she and the rest of her team are really excited about the event.

"I think if we do a good job promoting it, we'll get a really big turnout," she said.

The top three campaigns will be honored at the PRSSA Awards Ceremony by an actor from one of the series during the 2009 National Conference in San Diego, which Eberhart, Tripp, Tiffany Fasig (junior, journalism), Thea Petrigac (sophomore, journalism) and Christina Starr (sophomore, journalism) will be attending. 

The winning team will be awarded a private meet-and-greet with the actor and the opportunity to plan the actor's media tour while in San Diego, according to PRSSA. "I think it would be incredible [if our PRSSA chapter won], especially with it being our first year at IUP and to be able to do something like that and be recognized nationally," Eberhart said. The event can be followed on Twitter by searching "15705 goes 90210," where trivia questions will be presented for a chance to win posters and other memorabilia. You can also search "90210/ Melrose Place Red Carpet Premiere Party" on Facebook for more information or to become a fan.

Volunteers are also needed to participate in the fashion show. Those interested in modeling can contact Luebbers at M.E.Luebbers@iup.edu.