Jón Örn Guðbjartsson is a multiple stellar speaker and the head of marketing and communication of the University of Iceland since 2007. He holds an MA degree in public relations and business communications and an MBA degree from UIBS Barcelona - On top of that an MA degree in Icelandic literature from the University of Iceland. Jón Örn has considerable experience in utilising integrated communications tools as well as PR and crisis management. He was a marketing and PR director in the software and business consultancy business from 1993 to 2005 and is an experienced TV-host and a news reporter as well as a journalist. For the last years, he has been rebranding the University of Iceland with notable results.
The multi winning marketing team Jon Örn leads at the University of Iceland, has received almost uncountable awards, such as the Icelandic ”Science Media Award” in 2012, 2013, 2018, 2019, 2022 and 2023, the EUPRIO Award for the ”Best Science Media Project” in 2012 and a nomination for Gold Award at AFO film festival Olomouc in 2014 for a science film series broadcast in Iceland, Finland and Sweden.
Jón Örn has a long experience in IT-business and was a marketing director within the Landsteinar group when it received the “The President’s of Iceland Export Award” in 2001 as well as when it was nominated the “Most Excellent Marketing Firm of the Year” in Iceland in 1999.
How do you become a serial science media award winner? How can you use self-branding processes to increase the awareness of a university and illustrate the importance of science?
How is it possible to increase applications when the number of university students is frequently going down, and in some places dramatical? How can you increase awareness and be on top in the local media?
In this workshop Jón Örn Guðbjartsson gives insights into how the University of Iceland has through comprehensive studies finetuned new and old marketing and communications tools to raise trust and applications.
Reinventing Continuity: We kick off with the dynamic rebranding of our university in general and our study programs. It's all about reshaping our brand's presence to excel in the vibrant world of social media, ensuring relevance and impact.
The Magic of Imagery and Story Telling: Next, we dive into the enchanting realm of visual storytelling. This segment will spotlight the crucial role of images and footage in the branding of the University of Iceland, revealing the secrets behind our compelling visual narratives.
Voices of the choices: We conclude with an exploration into the powerful influence of students’ voices in our communication strategies. This part aims to transform potential challenges into triumphs in student recruitment, highlighting the students' role as key drivers in our campaigns. Here we as well look at self-branding as a vital part of image building for the whole organisation.
The workshop will unfold from innovative rebranding strategies to the final focus on students’ voices, emphasising their crucial role as the university's most authentic ambassadors.