Wharton Center’s Bob Hoffman Shares His Entertainment Public Relations Expertise in New ADV 402 Class
Hoffman provides insight on entertainment public relations and the importance of connections
By: Zoe Schantz
As long-time public relations manager of Michigan State University’s Wharton Center for Performing Arts, Bob Hoffman was thrilled to teach his entertainment expertise to students of ADV 402: Public Relations Topics in Advertising. The class is a six-week program designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge to excel in entertainment public relations.
The Department of Advertising and Public Relations aims to prepare students for a variety of workplaces and niche interests. Administration taps into MSU’s expansive alumni network and industry professional expertise to develop courses and curriculum for students.
This new adventure in Hoffman’s 23-year long career in entertainment public relations has given him the chance to have a different perspective on his career. Hoffman began working in PR after graduating from MSU’s College of Social Science in 1993. He worked at local TV station, WLNS for six years then in 2001, started working for Wharton Center for Performing Arts as the public relations manager. Hoffman also works at Lansing, Michigan’s FOX 47-TV as host of “The Morning Blend” talk show.
Now adding instructor to his list of career accomplishments, Hoffman’s goal for this new class was to educate students not only about entertainment public relations, but how important it is to have relationships with those around you. Students in the class had the opportunity to meet some of Hoffman’s connections in the entertainment PR field, including his former Wharton Center intern, Emily Toppen, who now works as the tour marketing and press coordinator at Allied Global Marketing.
“I care about the students and how much I want them to absolutely succeed in everything they do,” Hoffman said.
On the very first day of class Hoffman introduced what he called an “Inclusivity Project.” The goal of this project was for all 28 students in the class to know each other by the end of the course, as they may work together one day. He emphasized that PR professionals can never have too many connections.
Another key element of the class is how entertainment is involved in people’s everyday lives. Hoffman highlighted the importance of experiencing performing arts as a path for new possibilities and how it makes people feel good. He encourages students to be aware of our culture and entertainment and how important it is to know our own influences.
“The biggest thing I want my students to take away from this course is the main thing I told them in the beginning, relationships are everything and being organized is everything,” said Hoffman. “These two factors combined can help you in your career moving forward.”
For more information on Hoffman’s ADV 402 course, please visit student.msu.edu.