Communication Students Collaborate with Hoffman’s

On Thursday, April 21, Communication students in the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts in the Halmos College pitched packaging design and promotion strategies for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day products at Hoffman’s Chocolates. During the pitch, students showcased a documentary film capturing the eight-week experiential learning collaboration with Hoffman’s Chocolates and BBX Capital Foundation and shared their creative process leading up to their final design proposals. 

“The experience I have gained in this course will follow me into all of my future endeavors, and I can’t thank Hoffman’s Chocolates and the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts enough for this opportunity,” said Samantha Langmaack, one of nine communication majors enrolled in the special topics course.

Following the students’ presentation, Hoffman’s leadership announced the selected packaging designs that will be produced and sold at Hoffman’s stores leading up to Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.

“We’ve been doing this program for four years,” said Lois Marino, executive director of BBX Capital Foundation. “And every year, I say this is the best; these students are the best. And every year, the students outdo themselves.”

The special topics communications course kicked off with a site visit to the Hoffman’s Chocolates Plantation location, where students met with the Hoffman’s corporate and store leadership, learned about the chocolate business, sampled chocolates, and discussed project goals.

Following the site visit, students worked in teams to conduct market research and complete in-store observations, surveys and focus groups to curate a selection of specific chocolates, create customer-focused packaging, and develop marketing strategies for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day products. Hoffman’s leadership provided students with feedback that was incorporated into their final design pitches.

“Our students delivered wonderfully innovative packaging ideas that won over the room and showed they are well-poised to enter the corporate communication environment,” said Miriam Ahmed, Ph.D., assistant professor of graphic design for the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts. “I can’t wait to walk into a Hoffman’s store and see our NSU students’ work!”

In 2021, the special topics course partnered with Hoffman’s Chocolates, BBX Capital and the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation.

“Hoffman’s Chocolates and BBX Capital are outstanding partners,” said Shanti Bruce, Ph.D., professor and chair for the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts. “Their support has allowed participating students to work with industry professionals and strive to have their work featured at Hoffman’s stores, and I am so proud that each year the students have come through with designs worthy of store shelves. That says so much about the quality of our students, academic program, and this experiential learning opportunity.”

For more information about the B.A. in Communication program, click here.

Posted 05/08/22