27 Show and (Don’t) Tell: What Happens When You Choose Authenticity Over Perfection
Date: 7/22/2026
Time: 11:05 AM - 12:15 PM
Room: Grand Ballroom A & B (Floor 1)
Gold Mine Roundtable - A live mini-session on a program/best practice topic, with time for Q&A, presented at a table for 8-10 people during three 20-minute rounds. A one- to two-page tip sheet on the presentation topic is required.
ENGAGEMENT–Internal/external stakeholder engagement
Session Description
As school communicators, we often think we know what students will say, but only they can truly speak for themselves.
From features on The Today Show, CNN, ABC World News Tonight and the NBC Nightly News, discover how one small Ohio school district leverages video and unscripted moments to reframe its storytelling philosophy and bring authentic experiences to life, earning trust, engagement and national attention along the way.
In this session, participants will learn how ditching the script can boost morale and retention, amplify community pride, and elevate student voice as a core communications tactic.
We’ll explore simple strategies—from creating collaborative relationships with staff and students to finding inspiration and borrowing ideas from the world around you—so you can confidently show, not tell, your district’s story.
Presenter(s)
Adam Marcum
Public Relations & Communications Coordinator
Monroe Local Schools
Adam Marcum is the director of communications for Monroe Local School District in Ohio. A proud graduate of Miami University, Adam studied strategic communication and entrepreneurship.
He is a graduate of both Leadership Hamilton (Class 29) and the CLIMB Leadership program hosted by the Chamber of Commerce serving Middletown, Monroe and Trenton. Professionally, Adam is a member of the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) and the Ohio School PR Association, where he recently received two Mark of Distinction Awards for his storytelling efforts at Monroe Local Schools.
Adam's commitment to his community extends beyond his day job. He previously served on the board of the Hamilton Central YMCA and currently serves as the president of the Hamilton Rotary Club and Inspiration Studios, a nonprofit organization supporting adults with developmental disabilities. LinkedIn Profile
27 Show and (Don’t) Tell: What Happens When You Choose Authenticity Over Perfection
Category
Gold Mine Roundtable - Mini table session on a program/best practice topic, with time for Q&A. 20 minutes (three rounds).