How student, Adrienne Siemen is “Rooted in PR” through Family’s Annual Ag Festival
By: Madison Vollmer
Michigan State University public relations major, Adrienne Siemen, discovered her passion for advertising and event planning long before stepping into the classroom. She found it at Ag Venture Day, a community event that celebrated local farmers, business and the agricultural roots of her hometown in Harbor Beach, Michigan.
The annual event transformed the downtown area into a space where families from across the community could connect with agriculture through farm tours, local vendors and activities. Ag Venture Day became a place to gather, where people could learn and celebrate the work that goes into feeding their community.
“It was about showcasing what agriculture really is,” Siemen said. “If you’re not born into it, how would you know? You can only know if you experience it.”
Siemen helped organize her family’s farm tours and coordinate supplies, managing transportation and maintaining a schedule throughout the event. She said she quickly realized how important communication and teamwork are to every successful event.
“If something happened, I was the person who was fixing it,” she said. “Even if it was a small issue, you had to find a way to make it right.”
Traditional media was crucial for promoting an event like Ag Venture Day. Though, social media platforms such as Facebook soon became a key tool for engaging with the community and spreading awareness of the event.
“A lot of the old-style communication is still prevalent in my area, people still listen to the radio and get the newspapers,” Siemen said. “Facebook is also so popular, you have people reposting, commenting, sharing the post.”
Those early lessons in organizations and community outreach now guide her studies and professional goals as a PR major. She draws clear ties to managing events and messages and understanding that connecting with an audience requires adaptability.
Siemen’s path showcases the value of getting involved in real-world opportunities early in a student’s PR journey. For students pursing public relations, gaining hands-on experiences outside of the classroom can build a strong foundation. Learn more about MSU’s PR Field Experience Program online.
